Lesson 23: The Churches of Asia -1
Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira

Introduction:  In the next two lessons, we will study seven churches 
of Asia.  These churches received instruction from the Lord in the 
book of Revelation.  By studying the letters written to these churches, 
we can learn about problems that troubled Christians in the first 
century.  We can learn the attributes of local congregations that 
please and displease the Lord, then and now. "He who has an ear, 
let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" (Rev. 2:7,11,17,29).

I. Ephesus (Acts 18:19-26; 19; 20:16-38; 21:29;  1 Cor. 15:32; 16:8;  
   1 Tim. 1:3;  2 Tim. 1:18; 4:12;  Rev. 2:1-7)

   A. Background
      1. Paul came to Ephesus at the end of his 2nd journey 
	 (Acts 18:19-26). He did not stay long.
      2. Paul returned to Ephesus on his 3rd journey and remained for 
	 over three years (Acts 19).  He left and traveled in Macedonia, 
	 bypassing Ephesus on his return to Jerusalem.  He called the 
	 elders of Ephesus to Miletus before he left for Jerusalem 
	 (Acts 20: 16-38).
      3. Timothy labored with the church in Ephesus (1 Tim.; 2 Tim.).
   B. Commendation (Rev. 2:1-7)
		1. Labored without becoming weary
		2. Patience and perseverance
		3. They would not bear those who were evil, hating 
		   deeds of Nicolaitans.
   C. Condemnation: They had left their "first love."
   D. Exhortation
      1. "Remember from where you have fallen."
      2. "Repent and do the first works."
   E. Promise to those who overcome: To eat from the tree of life in 
      the midst of the paradise of God


II. Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-11)
   A. Commendation: Faithfulness in tribulation, poverty, persecution 
      by Jews
   B. Exhortation
      1. "Do not fear any of the things you are about to suffer."
      2. "Be faithful until death."
   C. Promise to those who overcome
      1. The crown of life
      2. Not be hurt by the second death


III. Pergamos (Rev. 2:12-17)
   A. Commendation: They held fast His name, not denying the Lord even 
      in persecution.
   B. Condemnation: Some among them held to the false doctrines of 
      Balaam and the Nicolaitans.
   C. Exhortation:"Repent, or else I will come quickly and will fight 
      against them with the sword of my mouth."
   D. Promise to those who overcome
      1. The hidden manna to eat
      2. A white stone
      3. On the stone a new name written 


IV. Thyatira (Rev. 2:18-29)
   A. Commendation
      1. Last works more than the first works
      2. For their love, service, faith, and patience
   B. Condemnation: Allowed the woman "Jezebel" to teach and beguile 
      His servants
   C. Exhortation  
      1. Repent
      2. Hold fast
   D. Promise to those who overcome
      1. Power over the nations
      2. Given the morning star 

Principles:
1. Churches are required to be working.
2. Churches must persevere, not becoming weary.
3. Churches cannot allow false teachings to continue.
4. Churches may suffer persecution because of their stand for the 
   truth.
5. Churches that do not repent will lose their fellowship with the 
   Lord.
6. If we overcome temptations and trials, we will receive great 
   reward.
		 
		

Questions:

1. Read Acts 19 and describe what happened to Paul while he was in 
   Ephesus.
2. What warning did he give the elders of the church in Ephesus 
   (Acts 20:16-38)?
3. The church at Ephesus left their "first love."  What does that 
   mean?
4. What was the false teaching of Balaam, the Nicolaitans, and 
   Jezebel (Rev. 2:6,14,15,20)?
5. Discuss the "tree of life" as it is spoken of in the Bible 
   (Gen. 2:9; 3:22; Rev. 2:7; 22:2,14).
6. How can one not be afraid of suffering (Rev. 2:10)?
7. What is the "crown of life" and who will receive it 
   (Rev. 2:10; Js. 1:12)?
8. What is the "second death" (Rev. 2:11)?
9. What is the work of the church?
10. Those who did not repent were told that the Lord would "remove 
    your lampstand from its place."  What does that mean?