Question

From the book of Revelation, list down 7 churches found in Asia Minor and write their strong and weak sides

Answer 1

Here are the seven churches addressed in Revelation (chapters 2–3), their scriptural references, approximate locations in Asia Minor (modern western Turkey), and a brief summary of their strengths (commendations) and weaknesses (rebukes/concerns).

1. Ephesus (Rev 2:1–7) — near modern Selçuk
- Strengths: hard work, perseverance, tested and exposed false apostles, hate the practices of the Nicolaitans.
- Weaknesses: they have “left their first love” (lost initial devotion/zeal); called to repent and return to first works.

2. Smyrna (Rev 2:8–11) — modern İzmir
- Strengths: enduring suffering and poverty yet spiritually rich; faithful under persecution; encouraged to be faithful unto death.
- Weaknesses: no direct rebuke in the letter; warned about upcoming imprisonment and tribulation.

3. Pergamum (Rev 2:12–17) — modern Bergama
- Strengths: holding fast to Christ’s name even where the throne of Satan is; some remained faithful (e.g., Antipas).
- Weaknesses: some tolerate false teaching (Balaam’s and the Nicolaitans’ practices), compromise with idolatry and sexual immorality; called to repent.

4. Thyatira (Rev 2:18–29) — modern Akhisar
- Strengths: love, faith, service, perseverance, and growing works; patient endurance.
- Weaknesses: toleration of a false prophetess (“Jezebel”) promoting immorality and idolatry; failure to restrain her influence.

5. Sardis (Rev 3:1–6) — modern Sart
- Strengths: a few have kept their garments and remain faithful; some names are alive in the book of life.
- Weaknesses: reputation for being alive though spiritually dead; works are incomplete—called to wake up, strengthen what remains, and repent.

6. Philadelphia (Rev 3:7–13) — modern Alaşehir
- Strengths: kept Jesus’ word and did not deny his name; faithful despite having “little strength”; an open door and protection promised.
- Weaknesses: no explicit rebuke; commended and encouraged to persevere.

7. Laodicea (Rev 3:14–22) — near modern Denizli
- Strengths: none explicitly commended in the letter (materially prosperous).
- Weaknesses: spiritually lukewarm (neither hot nor cold), complacent and self-sufficient—called poor, blind, and naked; urged to repent and accept true riches, white garments, and spiritual insight.

If you’d like, I can provide the exact verses for each letter, short quotations of the commendations/rebukes, or a chart summarizing this information.