The Seven Churches of Asia Minor

contributed by Asia Minor Travel & Tours

The “Seven Churches of Asia Minor” – Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Smyrna, Ephesus, Philadelphia, and Laodicea – are addressed by John in the Book of Revelation. John chose these cities, located in modern western Turkey, probably because, being among the first established, they had sizeable Christian communities.

The spread of Christianity in Asia Minor started from Antioch ad Orontes (modern Antakya) in southern Turkey, where Christians were first given that name. It was from here that the missionaries Paul, Peter, John, Barnabas, and their companions set out for western Turkey in the 1^st century A.D. In spite of persecution from the Roman Empire, which declared it illegal, Christianity continued to grow. John, one of the most important figures in early Christianity, wrote the Book of Revelation while in exile on the Patmos during the end of the 1^st century A.D. His message, although addressed to the Seven Churches, was meant for the entire Christian population, since he believed that challenges he described applied to all. Nevertheless, the location of the seven churches and the intensity of his message give a special meaning to these seven.

Pergamum, the city where parchment was invented, was a cultural center that can be compared to Alexandria during the Hellenistic Period. The city’s 200,000-volume library was known to rival in importance that of Alexandria. The famous physician Galen was born here and practiced medicine in the 2^nd century A.D. John characterized Pergamum as the place where Satan was enthroned. This may be a reference to the Temple of Zeus on the acropolis. John saw a group he called the Nicolatians as a threat to the believers. He condemned them for adultery and for eating food that had been sacrificed to pagan gods.

Thyatira was an important city of the past. Today the modern town is built directly over the ancient site. A section of a colonnaded street and the remains of a temple can be seen. John saw a moral decay among members, which Thyatira represented, as one challenge to Christians.

Sardis was an important religious center, as seen by the partially restored synagogue and the ruins of temples and churches. As the capital of Lydia, it was the commercial center of the western Mediterranean. John stated that the people of Sardis needed to “wake up.” He complained that their acts did not live up to their reputation.

Smyrna, was the home of the martyred Polycarp. The earliest settlements go back to about 2000 B.C.  The ancient city was considered the most beautiful of the cities of the Roman Province of Asia. Today, the modern city of Izmir on its site is the third largest city in Turkey. In John’s Book of Revelation, the city is mentioned as the place of the synagogue of Satan. The Christians are told that they are about to suffer for their faith, but he also says that those who are faithful unto death will gain the crown of life. 

Ephesus, representing many cultures of bygone eras, is the most famous of the cities of Asia Minor. John preached and lived there. It is recorded that he brought the Virgin Mary to Ephesos after the crucifixion of Christ and that she spent her last days in the small house that was built for her on Mt. Koressos (Bulbuldagi), now a popular place of pilgrimage for Christians.

Philadelphia is the least distinguished among the seven churches. The city was the only one that John did not have any real criticisms about. He characterized the city as having been given an “open door.” He told the Christians not to let anyone take away their crowns and promised that those who were victorious would become pillars in God’s temple.

Laodicea was another important commercial center. The city called itself “the metropolis of Asia.” For John, the Christians of Laodicea were neither “hot nor cold,” meaning indifferent. His promise to the citizens of this city was that whoever responded to his lesson would join the Spirit in the great feast.