Revelation Chapter 2 Explained: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos & Thyatira

Updated 8-18-26

Revelation chapter 2 begins the first of a series of messages to seven specific local churches in Asia. (These messages continue in Revelation chapter 3.) These seven local assemblies of Christian believers were thriving and active during the life of the Apostle John in the Roman province of Asia Minor (modern eastern Turkey). These were actual bodies of believers, which were in the seven communities. But that is just the explanation for these chapters.

The message from Christ to each of these churches was to “the angel” of that church. An angel is God’s messenger. God has His message for the church to the angel in charge of that church. With each of these churches having a particular angel assigned to it, it may be correctly assumed that each church today has its own angel, too.

It is important to study the messages of God in these churches. God had both encouraging things to say and stern warnings to these assemblies that carried His name and were supposed to proclaim His message. These verses about these churches, and the judgment that God gives to each one of them, is related to 1 Peter 4:17: “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (KJV) The Book of Revelation starts with the judgement of these local churches.

These seven churches in Asia were actual churches that served their respective communities. As with all churches, the individuals who composed these local assemblies were either spiritually saved or lost. Just because an individual aligns themselves with a church, even serving faithfully there, does not mean they are a believer in Christ. The assumption was, and still is today, that most people who “name the name of Christ” are part of His Body, they are saved, and they have His Holy Spirit living in them. However, there are some imposters, both in the churches that John wrote to back then and now.

Today, every local church has characteristics of one of these seven churches and can identify with one of them. Once a church knows which of these ancient Asian churches it is most like, it can work to improve itself as an assembly.

Finally, these churches (all seven existed at the time John wrote Revelation) figuratively represents a timeline of the last dispensation, which is called “the Church Age.” All human history is divided into seven dispensations. The last (and present) dispensation is called “the Age of Grace,” or “the Church Age.” This period is further divided into seven, distinct historical divisions, which mirror the general attitude of Christian churches toward God and His message. This is the secondary meaning, and the one that is important to us today in regard to these seven churches.

Revelation Chapter 2: Ephesus — The First Love Church

Revelation 2:1

Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; (KJV)

The time of this church was approximately from 30 to 117 A.D. This period in history began with the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ and His apostles to the end of the expansion of the Roman Empire by the Emperor Hadrian in 117 A.D. The exciting preaching of the risen Christ quickly spread throughout all the world. Christ introduced Himself to this church, referring to Himself who held the seven stars (seven angels) and Who walks among the seven golden candlesticks. He wanted them to know that He knew exactly what was occurring within the walls of the church.

Revelation 2:2

I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: (KJV)

He begins with praise for this church’s labor and patience, including their interrogation of so-called apostles.

Revelation 2:3

And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. (KJV)

He continues to praise them for their strength, patience, and labor for Him.

Revelation 2:4

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. (KJV)

But this church had a problem. They had lost their “first love” — their intense zeal for Christ. The “honeymoon” stage was over and their service to God was more out of duty than love.

Revelation 2:5

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. (KJV)

After identifying the problem, Christ urged them to repent and to return to their first works. He warned them if they would not, then He would end their church, again urging them to repent.

Revelation 2:6

But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. (KJV)

Christ commends this church for hating the deeds of the Nicolaitans. It is unclear exactly what the deeds of the Nicolaitans were. However, some Bible scholars believe the deeds of the Nicolaitans were idolatrous practices. The word Nicolaitan comes from two Greek words, “nikos” and “laos,” which interpreted, means “victory over the people.”

Revelation 2:7

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (KJV)

This closing verse of the address to the church at Ephesus instructs not only the individuals at Ephesus, but also all readers to pay attention to this address by the Holy Spirit of God. It ends with the fantastic promise to the overcomer found in 1 John 5:4 which says: “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (KJV)

The overcomers will have the privilege of eating from the tree of life within the context of living in God’s paradise.

Revelation Chapter 2: Smyrna — The Martyr Church

Revelation 2:8

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; (KJV)

The time represented by Smyrna was from approximately 117 to 313 A.D. This was a time of great persecution for Christians under a succession of Roman emperors. To this church, Christ introduces Himself comfortingly, and in a victorious way. He reminded them that though He was dead, yet He is now very much alive.

Revelation 2:9

I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. (KJV)

Comfortingly, He told them He knew how they were serving Him despite their persecution. He knew they had little in material goods, but He said they were rich. This reference to their richness can be looked at in two ways: 1. They had great riches stored for them in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20) and 2. They were rich in faith (James 2:5). He understood that this church endured the blasphemy of false Jews who were satanic. Just because these people were faithfully serving God did not mean they escaped great trials and tribulations.

Revelation 2:10

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. (KJV)

Christ encouraged them not to be afraid of any future suffering, and that some of them would endure imprisonment. The tribulation of ten days was not ten literal days, but a set time of trials, or under the time period (days) of ten specific Roman emperors. Nevertheless, there would be an end to the trials, and He assured them that if they were faithful to Him to the end, He would give them a crown of life. Obviously, they had to be alive to receive this crown!

To this suffering, but faithful, church, Christ had no rebuke, only encouragement and praise.

Revelation 2:11

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. (KJV)

Christ ended this address by imploring those who could hear to pay attention to His words to this church. The promise to the overcomer was they were not to fear the second death. Death because of persecution was a fact of life for these Christians, yet God gently reminded them that although physical death would happen, and possibly through martyrdom, they would never need to fear spiritual death in hell.

Revelation Chapter 2: Pergamos — The Married Church

Revelation 2:12

And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; (KJV)

The time represented by Pergamos was approximately between 313 to 756 A.D. The term “married” referred to the unequal union by the saints of God with the Roman government. The Christian religion replaced the pagan Roman religion and flourished. From the time that the Emperor Constantine “legalized” Christianity around 313 A.D. until the fraudulent the Donation of Constantine in 756 A.D. where the Roman Catholic Church declared that the long dead Constantine “donated” the Roman Empire to the Church, the Roman Empire and the Roman Catholic Church eventually merged into a single entity in Western Europe.

God had a sharp rebuke to this church, threatening them with the “sharp sword with two edges.”

Revelation 2:13

I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. (KJV)

Christ told the individuals who composed this church that He knew they lived in Satan’s seat — an allusion to the ungodly government. However, He praised this church for individuals in it who did not deny His faith. Christ recorded the name of a faithful believer named Antipas in his eternal word who was martyred in Pergamos.

Revelation 2:14

But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. (KJV)

But despite the good points of this church, they allowed, possibly even promoted, idol worship in their church and accepted, rather than sharply rebuked, the practice of fornication among their members. The doctrine of Balaam is a reference to the false prophet mentioned in the Book of Numbers. Balaam tried to curse Israel, but God did not allow it. Later, Balaam influenced some of the people of Israel to worship idols, and with the spiritual fornication came sexual fornication.

Revelation 2:15

So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. (KJV)

In this church there were some who, unlike the members of the church of Ephesus who hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans, rather, embraced its teachings. Again, God used the strong word “hate” in referring to the deeds and doctrine of the Nicolaitans.

Revelation 2:16

Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. (KJV)

Christ, in His love, urged this church to repent of their sinful deeds. If they refused, He would use His sword to fight against them. Fighting against God is not a good idea. It would have been far better for them if they had repented.

Revelation 2:17

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. (KJV)

Again, He closed His address to the church of Pergamos with the admonition to hear His words, and promised the overcomer they would eat hidden manna and receive a white stone with a new personal name.

Revelation Chapter 2: Thyatira — The Adulteress Church

Revelation 2:18

And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; (KJV)

The time represented by the church of Thyatira was approximately from 756 to 1517 A.D., or an age of time when the Roman Catholic Church dominated Western Europe until the time of the Protestant Reformation under Martin Luther occurred on Oct. 31, 1517, which eventually broke Roman absolute political and spiritual power over Europe.

Revelation 2:19

I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. (KJV)

God began His address of this church, commending them for their good works and service, including their works of charity, and faith, and patience.

Revelation 2:20

Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. (KJV)

But He has an angry rebuke because they allowed (“sufferest” means “allows”) a woman by the name of Jezebel who called herself a prophetess to teach evil doctrine. Part of her “teaching” included seducing some members to commit fornication with her, which also included idol worship. Again, spiritual fornication is always followed by its manifestation in sexual fornication.

Revelation 2:21

And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. (KJV)

God graciously gave her time and conviction for her to repent of her evil deeds, but she did not.

Revelation 2:22

Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. (KJV)

As righteous judgment, God promised to send His punishment on these people, especially Jezebel and her followers, and put them all in a bed of great affliction. The “great tribulation” referred here could be considered in two ways: 1. The seven years of the Great Tribulation after the rapture. and 2. A “great tribulation” of being punished by God for their iniquity.

 However, this punishment could be avoided if they would only repent.

Revelation 2:23

And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. (KJV)

For those who refuse to repent, Christ makes the awful promise that He will kill the children produced by these sinful unions as an example to other churches. These “children” mentioned here could be literal children, or it could mean the results (ideas, traditions, other false churches, practices, etc.) produced by this association.

Revelation 2:24

But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. (KJV)

Yet, God promised for those who were not involved with these sins He would not add any more burden to them. He understood that those who were trying to live for Him among those who were wickedly practicing their sins they had enough to bear.  

Revelation 2:25

But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. (KJV)

Christ encouraged them to hold onto what they had already accomplished until He came for them. This was a reminder that there would be an end to their burden, and that He would come again for them.

Revelation 2:26

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: (KJV)

To the overcomer, the servant who keeps Christ’s commands until He appears, Christ has a special promise. Christ promised to give these overcomers an exalted position — power over nations.

Revelation 2:27

And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. (KJV)

This believer will have eminent authority and power over the nations, just like He will have.

Revelation 2:28

And I will give him the morning star. (KJV)

Exactly what the morning star is in this instance is not known. But the phrase “morning star” is a reference to Jesus Christ, according to Revelation 22:16. Christ may be promising the overcomer a position next to Him in His coming kingdom.

Revelation 2:29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (KJV)

Christ ends this chapter with the now familiar exhortation to hear what He has to say to these churches.

Seven Churches in Revelation Chapter 2 Chart

Church	Time Period	Commendation	Rebuke	Promise to the Overcomer
Ephesus	c. 30–117 A.D.	Hard work, patience, and discernment of false apostles.	Left their first love for Christ.	To eat from the tree of life.
Smyrna	c. 117–313 A.D.	Faithful despite poverty and persecution.	None — only encouragement.	A crown of life; no harm from the second death.
Pergamos	c. 313–756 A.D.	Held fast to Christ’s name amid persecution.	Tolerated the doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaitans.	Hidden manna and a white stone with a new name.
Thyatira	c. 756–1517 A.D.	Charity, service, faith, and growing works.	Tolerated the false prophetess Jezebel.	Power over the nations and the morning star.

Click here to download a printable PDF of a chart showing all of the 7 churches of Revelation.

Revelation Chapter 2-FAQ Study/Review Questions

Revelation Chapter 2 – Personal Reflection Question

How does what Christ said to the church at Smyrna encourage you today?

Revelation Chapter 2 – Behind the Scenes Stuff

I was taught the Bible from my grandfather and my parents. In some ways, I had a strange childhood. In other ways it was wonderful. But regardless, from an early age God saw I was firmly rooted in Bible doctrine. From the time I was a child, I grew in both faith and knowledge of God’s Word. What I learned about the Bible as a child I continue to use today, especially when I write Bible studies.

My grandfather would talk about Bible doctrine every Sunday morning on our 45-minute drive to and from the Sunday school I attended as a child. From him, I first learned how to think about the Bible. I learned far more about Bible doctrine from my godly grandfather and from my godly father than I did going to that Christian assembly. Also, my mother would lead family devotions (since my father second shift and was not home in the evenings) and read the Bible to us every evening.

Pin Me For Later!

From a very early age, I understood both the symbolism of these actual churches mentioned in Revelation from my grandfather, and that they represented the chronological breakdown of the church age. Later in life, it became quite a surprise to me that many church-attending Christians did not know about the symbolism surrounding these seven churches. I am thrilled to share this knowledge with you!

The Complete Revelation Bible Study

Chapter	Summary
Revelation Chapter 1: John’s Vision of Jesus Christ	John’s vision of the risen Christ standing among seven golden candlesticks on the island of Patmos; Christ identifies Himself as the Alpha and Omega.
Revelation Chapter 2: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos & Thyatira	Christ’s messages to four of the seven churches of Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira.
Revelation Chapter 3: Sardis, Philadelphia & Laodicea	Christ’s messages to the remaining three churches: Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
Revelation Chapter 4: John’s Vision of God’s Throne in Heaven	John is caught up to heaven and sees God’s throne room, the twenty-four elders, and the four living creatures.
Revelation Chapter 5: The Lion of Judah and the Lamb Who Was Slain	God holds a seven sealed book; but only Jesus Christ, Who is both the Lion of Judah and the Lamb Who was slain, is worthy to open it.
Revelation Chapter 6: The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse	The Lamb opens six of the seven seals, releasing the Four Horsemen, the cry of martyrs, and cosmic disturbances.
Revelation Chapter 7: The 144,000 and the Great Multitude	An interlude: 144,000 are sealed from the twelve tribes of Israel, and a great multitude in white robes stands before God’s throne.
Revelation Chapter 8: Meaning of the Seven Trumpets	The seventh seal is opened, bringing silence in heaven, followed by the first four trumpet judgments.
Revelation Chapter 9: The Locusts of Abaddon and the 200 Million	The fifth and sixth trumpets release demonic locusts led by Abaddon and an army of 200 million horsemen.
Revelation Chapter 10: The Little Book and the Seven Thunders	A mighty angel gives John a little book; the words of seven thunders are sealed; the book is sweet, then bitter.
Revelation Chapter 11: Who Are the Two Witnesses of the Apocalypse?	The ministry, death, and resurrection of the two witnesses; the seventh trumpet sounds.
Revelation Chapter 12: The Woman, the Dragon, the Angel Michael and War in Heaven	A woman, a great red dragon, and a man child; war breaks out in heaven as Michael defeats Satan.
Revelation Chapter 13: The Mark of the Beast and 666 Explained	Two beasts rise — one from the sea, one from the land — introducing the mark of the beast, 666.
Revelation Chapter 14: The 144,000, the Three Angels, and the Harvest of Wrath	The 144,000 stand victorious on Mount Zion; three angels proclaim their messages; the wheat and grape harvests.
Revelation Chapter 15: The Sea of Glass and Song of Moses	Seven angels prepare the seven last plagues; the redeemed sing the song of Moses and the Lamb beside a sea of glass.
Revelation Chapter 16: The Seven Vial Judgments and the Battle of Armageddon	The seven vial (bowl) judgments are poured out; the Euphrates dries up, gathering the nations to Armageddon.
Revelation Chapter 17: The Woman on the Beast	A vision of “Mystery, Babylon the Great,” a woman riding a scarlet, seven-headed beast.
Revelation Chapter 18: The Fall of Babylon the Great	The sudden fall of Babylon the Great; kings and merchants mourn her destruction while heaven rejoices.
Revelation Chapter 19: The Marriage Supper of the Lamb and Christ’s Return	The Marriage Supper of the Lamb; Christ returns as King of Kings and defeats the beast and false prophet.
Revelation Chapter 20: The Millennium, Satan’s Doom, and the Great White Throne	Satan is bound for a thousand years; the Millennium; Satan’s final rebellion; the Great White Throne judgment.
Revelation Chapter 21: The New Jerusalem Described	A new heaven and a new earth; the heavenly city of New Jerusalem descends from God, adorned like a bride.
Revelation Chapter 22: The River of Life and the Bible’s Final Invitation	The river and tree of life; the Bible’s final invitation and the promise and warning; “Surely I come quickly.”

Download a printer-friendly PDF of this Revelation Bible study chapter by chapter guide here.

About the Author

Sharing is caring!