Unto The Seven Churches of Asia

Click here for larger map

Anatolia has been the center of Christianity ever since St. Paul, St. Peter, St. John and many other apostles came here to preach the Gospel of the teachings of Jesus Christ. This intensive religious effort bore fruit in the building of Seven Churches of Revelation in seven major cities throughout Western Turkey. ORION TOUR has devised a tour that visits many of these historical and religious sites and allows the traveler full insight into the achievements of these early Christian missionaries.

Seven Churches in Revelation – Literal Locations in Asia Minor
The seven churches in Revelation refer to seven literal churches described in Revelation, Chapters 2 and 3. These early Christian churches were located in Asia Minor during the era of the Roman Empire. Although the actual churches ceased to thrive, the archaeological remains of all seven locations still exist and can be visited.

Seven Messages
Chapters 2-3 of the Revelation had specific messages for each of these seven churches. These follow a common pattern: the Lord of hosts first addresses each church and identifies himself, then defines things that he knows about the church in question. After this a challenge or reproach is given, followed by a promise. In all seven cases the admonition is included, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches", although sometimes this comes before the promise and sometimes after.

Seven Churches in Revelation – Then and Now
The cities were major cultural hubs throughout history. During the first few centuries after Jesus Christ, these Roman-controlled cities were also important in early Christianity. Here are the seven churches of Revelation as described by the writer John in the late first century AD.

Ephesus – The desirable church that left its first love (Revelation 2:1-7).
Ephesus was the influential capital city of Asia Minor on the Aegean Sea. Ephesus is now known for its huge metropolis of ancient streets, arches and ruins.

Ancient Name Modern Name	Revelation Message	The Modern City	Related Sites
Ephesus Ephesus, Efes	Ephesus receives praise for its perseverance, but criticism for forsaking its "first love." (Rev. 2:1-7)	Ephesus is a major tourist destination and main stop for cruise lines due to its extensive archaeological ruins.	Basilica of St. John Church of Virgin Mary Ephesus Museum Great Theater House of Virgin Mary

Smyrna – The persecuted church that suffered poverty and martyrdom (Revelation 2:8-11).
Smyrna was located north of Ephesus in a powerful trading position on the Aegean Sea known for its harbors, commerce, and marketplaces. The primary ruins of Smyrna are located in the modern city of Izmir.

Ancient Name Modern Name	Revelation Message	The Modern City	Related Sites
Smyrna Izmir	Smyrna's message speaks of false Jews and impending persecution, but encourages perseverance which will be rewarded. (Rev. 2:8-11)	Izmir is the 3rd largest city in Turkey, with 2.5 million population. It is known as the " Pearl of the Aegean".	St. Polycarp Church Archaeological Museum Izmir Agora

Pergamum – The worldly church that mixed doctrines and needed to repent (Rev. 2:12-17).
Pergamum is located on the plains and foothills along the Caicus River in Western Turkey. It was considered a major city in Asia Minor since the 3rd century BC, and became an important hub for temple worship.

Ancient Name Modern Name	Revelation Message	The Modern City	Related Sites
Pergamum Bergama	Pergamum, described as having the throne of Satan (the Zeus altar?), is praised for its martyrdom and perseverance but those who hold false teachings are criticized. (Rev. 2:12-17)	Bergama is a small modern village overlooked by many tourists.	Acropolis Asklepion Archaeology Museum Red Basilica Zeus Altar (in Berlin Museum)

Thyatira – The false church that followed a seductive prophetess (Rev. 2:18-29).
Thyatira is located about 42 miles inland from the Aegean Sea. The ancient city was known for its textiles and dyeing trade, and is now known as the city of Akhisar.

Ancient Name Modern Name	Revelation Message	The Modern City	Related Sites
Thyatira Akhisar)	Thyatira is praised for its increasing faith and service, but criticized for its tolerance of Jezebel, an immoral women who calls herself a prophetess. (Rev. 2:18-29)	The ruins of ancient Thyatira are in a fenced-off area in the center of modern Akhisar.	4th-6th cent. public buildings

Sardis – The "dead" church that fell asleep (Revelation 3:1-6).
Sardis is located on the banks of the Pactolus River, 60 miles inland from Ephesus and Smyrna. Popular ruins include the decadent temples and bath house complexes.

Ancient Name Modern Name	Revelation Message	The Modern City	Related Sites
Sardis Sard	The church of Sardis is described as dead, and it must wake up. However, there are some who have not "soiled their clothes." (Rev. 3:1-6)	Sardis is about 50 miles east of Izmir, and is solely an archaeological site. A small village nearby is named Sart.	Sardis Synagogue Temple of Artemis Byzantine Church

Philadelphia – The church of brotherly love that endures patiently (Revelation 3:7-13).
Philadelphia is located on the Cogamis River, about 80 miles east of Smyrna. Philadelphia was known for its variety of temples and worship centers.

Ancient Name Modern Name	Revelation Message	The Modern City	Related Sites
Philadelphia Alasehir	Philadelphia is praised for having little strength but still persevering. Those who falsely claim to be Jews, but are actually of the "synagogue of Satan," will be judged. (Rev. 3:7-13)	Alasehir is a small town of about 40,000 people with narrow winding streets and a Byzantine wall. Few ruins remain at the site of ancient Philadelphia.	Byzantine Basilica

Laodicea – The "lukewarm" church with a faith that’s neither hot nor cold (Rev. 3:14-22).
Laodicea is located in the Lycus River Valley of western Asia Minor, a primary trade route between the cultures of the West and East. Laodicea was known as a primary hub for the Roman aqueduct system.

Ancient Name (Modern Name)	Revelation Message	The Modern City	Related Sites
Laodicea (near Denizli)	The church of Laodicea is sharply criticized for being lukewarm. Its wealth hides its spiritual poverty. (Rev. 3:14-20)	Nearby Denizli is an attractive market town with a population of about 200,000. Laodicea is solely an archaeological site.	Stadium Sarcophagi

Seven Churches in Revelation – Their Ultimate Significance
The seven churches in Revelation are literal churches from the first century AD. However, the seven churches in Revelation also have spiritual significance for churches and believers today. Indeed, the primary purpose for John writing his letters to the seven churches was to deliver Christ’s "report card" for the churches of that time. However, a second purpose for John’s inspired writings was to describe seven types of churches (and individual believers) that would surface time and again throughout history. These short letters to the seven churches of Revelation act as quick and poignant reminders to those who call themselves "followers of Christ."

Angels of the churches
St. John is shown seven candlesticks and in their midst, the Son of Man holding seven stars. The candlesticks represent the seven churches; the stars, the angels of those churches. He is bidden to write to the respective angels of those churches and distribute to each his meed of praise or blame.
Origen explains that these are the guardian angels of the churches, a view upheld by Henry Alford. But Epiphanius explicitly rejects this view, and, in accordance with the imagery of the passage, explains it of the bishops. The comparison of a teacher to a star is scriptural. Augustine of Hippo's reason for interpreting angels of the churches as the prelates of the church is that St. John speaks of them as falling from their first charity which is not true of the angels.

Revelation 1:20 states that "The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches".

Tour Options	Opsiyonların Toplam Fiyatı :
Tour Price	0,00 €

I am interesting this tour »