Seven Churches of Asia Minor

Introduction

The seven letters of Revelation to seven churches in the provinces of Asia gives us a glimpse into the spiritual condition of the apostolic and post-apostolic church in a large area of ??the Roman world. It has generally been thought that the book of Revelation was written around 100 AD, although some scholars believe the book could have been written much earlier, in the middle of the 60 DC. In any case, the issues of faith found in some of the churches should give us great pause. From the time of the apostles and the next generation the church was besieged by spiritual crises that were described in the book of Revelation 2-3, then we must ask ourselves as Christians by our own faithfulness to the Savoir. On the other hand, some of the congregations exhibited characteristics that were praised by Jesus. This is a fact that causes much encouragement. Thus, if we take to heart warnings about weaknesses both spiritual and commend the strength of these congregations, we can be strong and inspired. Finally, reflecting on the belief in the promise of salvation given to each church by our Savoir, we receive comfort, joy and peace in our lives (John, pp .111).

Discussion

The last verse of the first chapter provides an overview of the messages to the seven churches that were located in the Roman province of Asia (now south-western Turkey) (1:20). Chapter 2 and 3 of Revelation contains seven letters to these congregations. These were not the only churches in the area, but these seven letters give us an idea of ??the spiritual condition of the church in the Roman province of Asia at the time the book was written. The fact is that Revelation is written directly to Christian congregations actual places in the real world of humans (Allom, pp. 54).

Ephesus

This port was home to one of the famous seven wonders of the ancient world, the Temple of Diana, built with a flamboyant wealth. It housed the image of Diana (goddess of fertility that the Greeks once worshiped under the name of Artemis). According to the Ephesians, this picture would come down from heaven (Acts 19:35). A strong focus of witchcraft lived there. Paul worked there for three years with great success: he founded one of the strongest communities of early Christianity. All converted Christians burned their books of sorcery in a public place (Acts 19:19) worth 50,000 drachmas. Knowing that a good day's pay was paid a drachma, imagine the financial parallel in our time: 20 million francs! The city lived richly trade of pagan cult of Diana. Paul's preaching was disturbed by this market to the point that successful merchants of the city raised a tumult against Paul (Acts 19:24). Timothy and John Paul continued the Oeuvre in this city and the cult of Diana consequently diminished. In 262, the Goths permanently destroyed the Temple of the Goddess and the edict of Theodosius came eventually ban this pagan worship. Ephesus was one ...