$$$
THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF REVELATION
"I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the
seven candlesticks one like unto the Son
of Man. And he had in his right hand
seven stars. "I am he that
liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive
for evermore. The mystery of the
seven stars which thou sawest in my right
hand, and the seven golden
candlesticks: "The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and
the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches." Rev.
1: 12-20
By the same author:
THE KINGDOM OF GOD, 1961
THE FAITH OF OUR FATHERS, 1963
SACRIFICE IN THE PLAN OF GOD, 1967
A CONFIRMATION OF THE TRUE BIBLE CHRONOLOGY, 1971
FOREGLEAMS OF THE MESSIAH, 1982
THE BIBLICAL PROPHETIC YEAR, 1983
$$$
THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF REVELATION
THEIR PLACEMENT ON THE STREAM OF TIME
Based on: Prophetic Character of the Messages
Identity of the Special Messengers Key Events of Church History Charles F.
Redeker 1989
ZIONS TOWER of the
MORNING TRACT PUBLICATIONS P. 0. Box 28021 Detroit, Michigan 48228
$$$
Acknowledgments
In addition to
those brethren whose views were solicited and incorporated into this project,
the author wishes to thank the following: Michael Koterba, Ed Lame[, and John Trzyna for supplying helpful leads and information; Harold Burkholder for a useful hand-drawn map of part of the ancient world; Michael Nekora
for hours of labor and technical
know-how in converting the tables, chart, and script into an attractive, readable format via the modern computer; and David Doran for his effervescent
enthusiasm which served as the catalyst for this study. Also, my dear wife Elaine deserves special appreciation for
her tireless labors in checking and
typing the manuscript, for
constructive suggestions to improve both
its form and content, and for contributing an appropriate poem, Finally
the publisher, Charles L. Thornton, is
due thanks for his help in bringing the entire project to completion 7
$$$
Introduction
The seven churches of
Revelation, as described in chapters two and three of that Book, have intrigued
Bible expositors down through the age. Were the messages to these churches
intended mainly for the congregations to which they were sent during the
apostolic period? Were they intended to be instructive in a general way to the
church worldwide in every period of its development? Or were they actually
prophetic of Seven Historical Ages of the church, with each successive stage
reflecting the conditions and characteristics ascribed to the original
churches?
Most believers have
concluded that truth is found in all these possibilities: that the messages
were designed for the original congregations, as well as generally throughout
the age, and chronologically through seven major periods of church history.
Nevertheless, the latter view seems to receive particular emphasis from the
widely held belief that the Book of Revelation is a forecast of unfolding
church history, both good and bad, of the false church as well as the true,
from the apostle's day all the way to the end of the age. This conception views
the Book as a panorama of colorful pictures portraying the successive
development of the church through struggles in a hostile world, near extinction
by the rise of apostate elements, gradual recovery to an active role, and a final
triumph after tumultuous end-time experiences
Such an historical
interpretation of the theme of Revelation, which has held almost universal sway
until just recent times, neatly complements the particular view of the seven
churches representing seven distinct stages in the development of the church.
It also serves to heighten the expectation of the Bible student to find
substantiation for such an understanding in a correlation of the pages of
history with the apocalyptic utterances
It has been pointed out
by church historians that many, if not most, of the various expositors of the
prophecies who lived throughout the Christian era, applied the messages of the
seven churches to progressive stages of church history. For example, L. E.
Froom, in The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers,
wrote: "
hundreds of students of prophecy down through
the centuries [taught] that the seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3 represent
the condition of the church during the various periods comprising the Christian
Era-as Ephesus, for the apostolic age; Sardis, in the eighteenth century; and
Laodicea, the 'remnant' church at the end of the age " 1 ____________________________________________
1 L. E. Froom, The
Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, Vol. IV, p. 1144
____________________________________________
He stated further that
in the post-Reformation period, there was " virtual universal
acceptance" by prophetic expositors of “the seven churches, seals, and
trumpets [as] covering the Christian Era [of historical development] " 2 E. B. Elliott,
who is considered to be a leading historicist of the 19th century, could not
himself accept the progressive aspect of the messages. Yet he was quite willing
to acknowledge that such a view was indeed held "by not a few
commentators," both in former ages and in his day. 3 R. E. Streeter,
in his work on Revelation, wrote: "We again emphasize the fact of the very
wide and general application of the [messages of the seven churches] to all the
generations of the Church's history, both individually and collectively.
However, the facts of history themselves have proved beyond any reasonable
doubt that the peculiar characteristics described of each of these Churches,
fit exactly seven distinct, successive epochs of the history of the Church in
the order mentioned, which establishes the prophetic character of the messages
themselves; in the measure that we become familiar with the history of these
seven epochs, we will be able to see a most remarkable fulfilment of the
messages. Their prophetic character has been recognized by many, if not by
nearly all of the expositors who have written on the Revelation for the past
two centuries " 4 From statements such as these, it appears evident that a
sizeable number of students of Revelation through the centuries have recognized
the prophetic and progressive aspect of the messages. Nevertheless, there is no
excitement or satisfaction of intellect that can match individual discovery of
facts. This raised the challenge of finding a way to permit the average interested
reader to scan the pages of church history and test the thesis that there was
indeed a recognizable pattern of events that made up seven distinct eras
The method settled upon
was to construct a table of key events of church history, so organized as to
compare the highlights of sequential events with the character of the messages
to the churches. Thus Table A permits such a ready comparison: The first column
summarizes the message to each church and gives the commonly accepted
definition for its name; the middle column provides a brief biographical sketch
of the individual most generally selected as the messenger ("angel,"
special teacher or overseer) for each period; and the last column summarizes
key events that transpired in the two thousand year history of the church
____________________________________________
2 Froom, op. cit , p.
206
3 E. B. Elliott, Horae
Apocalypticae, p. 76
4 R. E. Streeter, The Revelation
of Jesus Christ, Vol. 1, p. 112
____________________________________________
It should be understood
that the placement of events on each sheet of Table A is not intended to
correspond precisely with the messenger and church of that period. Rather, it
is merely an arrangement that makes it convenient for the reader to exercise
his own judgment in recognizing any possible correlations, as discussed above
In Section Two, Tables B
and C were constructed in a more specific way to show how selected Bible
expositors of the past and present have correlated these events. Table B offers
the condensed views of earlier authorities, while Table C and its supplement
summarize those of contemporary Bible Students. The reader will note various
areas of similarity and concurrence and the emergence of a majority or
traditional view. (Our own comments and views are reserved -for the closing
section ) And finally, a summary table and chart were drawn to approximate the
placement of the seven churches and their messengers on the stream of history
These represent a
composite of the traditional views and provide a quick visual reference for the
reader
We trust that this
arrangement of material will offer new insights and encouragements along these
lines: (a) Highlighting the praises, admonitions and special promises to the
churches
(b) Reviewing the lives
of certain defenders of the faith who were raised up by God during critical
times in the development of the church
(c) Condensing the key
events of church history that occurred over the long span of the Gospel Age to
permit trends and developments to be noted which might otherwise be obscured
(d) Appreciating the
dramatic correlation of Bible time prophecies with specific, datable events of
history
(e) Noting the relative
lengths of the seven stages of the church during the Gospel Age and the placement
of the ministries of the messengers within those periods
(f) And lastly,
underscoring the thrilling reality and significance of our present position in
the seventh and final stage of the church-living at the threshold of the full
establishment of the long-promised Kingdom of God
$$$
Section One -Characteristics of the Seven Churches,
Messengers, and Key Events of Church History Table A: Churches, Messengers, and
Key Events of Church History
$$$
\$Church #1\$
Church Name & Characteristics
Messenger
1. Ephesus Apostle Paul (Rev. 2:1-7) (d. 64 AD) Name means: "First,
desirable ”
Mingled praise and
blame: the believers labored tirelessly in spreading the gospel and did not
grow weary in their truth ac-tivities
They patiently endured
suffering for Christ and opposed wicked men and imposters (those claiming the
authority of the original apostles). They were especially commended for
detesting the Nicolaitanes (those promoting a clergy class, with varying
degrees of honor and lordship, contrary to the divine arrangement)
Nevertheless they were
charged with having lost their first love for the Lord (implying some loss of
energy and zeal for the truth). They were strongly urged to repent and to
recover their enthusiasm and early works (including a spirit of total
dedication to the Lord). Unless repentant, they were warned that their
candlestick (privilege of being light-bearers) would be removed from its place
The overcomer was
promised he would eat of the tree of life, in the midst of the paradise of God
(to partake of life eternal in the glorious estate of close association with
God)
Brilliant converted
Pharisee who became the apostle to the Gentiles, the greatest logician of the
Christian faith and the mainstay of the early church. His birth as a Roman
citizen, knowledge of Greek culture and training in orthodox Judaism afforded a
providential background for his special ministry. He was of keen intellect,
tremendous drive, lofty principle and impeccable integrity
He fiercely persecuted
the earliest Christians until miraculously converted by a glimpse of the risen
Christ (Acts 9:3-7, 26, 27); then was chosen to bear the Lord's name before the
Gentiles (Acts 9:15). Along with Barnabas, he became the first missionary,
beginning in Cyprus and later throughout most of the Mediterranean world. He
preached with boldness and energy and endured much suffering and opposition (2
Cor. 11:23-28)
Employing his skills as orator and teacher with
tact and insight, he won many converts to Christ
Paul became burdened
with the care of all the churches and diligently promoted their unity and
welfare (Eph. 4:1-7, 11-15). He was given special visions by God (2 Cor.
12:1-7) and was recognized as functioning with divine authority (Gal. 2:6-9).
He authored most of the New Testament books, setting forth the basics of
Christian belief and practice. He taught that salvation was by the grace of
God, made possible by faith in Christ and his atoning sacrifice (Rom. 1:16;
5:1,2). His outstanding achievements firmly planted Christianity in the
Greco-Roman world and furnished it with much of its essential biblical
foundation
Table A: Churches, Messengers, and Key Events of Church
History Historical Events
33 AD - Pentecost: Holy Spirit descended upon believers in Jerusalem. 35
- Saul of Tarsus converted on way to Damascus
36 - Gospel first preached to Gentiles (but still spread largely among
Jews)
40 - Antioch Church took lead in spreading Gospel to Gentiles as well as
Jews
44 - Martyrdom of James by King Herod Agrippa 1
47-49 - Paul's first missionary journey. Sent out from Antioch with
Bamabas to Cyprus and Asia Minor
49 - Emperor Claudius expelled Jews from Rome to quell disturbance
arising from disputations about Jesus. Christianity gained foothold in city
50 - Jerusalem conference of Peter, Paul, James, Bamabas and others.
Lifted circumcision and other requirements of Jewish Law from Gentile believers
51-53 - Paul's second journey. With Silas and later Timothy, he
established churches throughout Greece: Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea and
Corinth
53-56 - Paul's third journey. He ministered at length in Ephesus, along
with Aquila and Priscilla. City became leading center of Christian world
58-60 - Paul defended himself before Felix, governor of Judea; then again
before his successor Festus and King Herod Agrippa 11, while prisoner at
Caesarea
61-63 - Paul imprisoned at Rome; house arrest permitted some witnessing
64 - Christians in Rome accused of setting great fire; persecuted by
Nero. Martyrdom of Paul and Peter
66 - Flight of Christians from Jerusalem to Pella at start of Jewish
revolt
67 - Josephus surrendered Jewish forces to Romans; he was protected and
favored by Vespasian, who later became emperor
70 - Jerusalem destroyed by Romans. Temple razed, except "Wailing
Wall"; priesthood and Sanhedrin abolished; Jews scattered
- Early Gospel accounts and epistles of Paul started to circulate in
Syria, Egypt and Asia Minor
75 - Early rise of sects, such as Docetists, Nicolaitans, Nazarenes and
Ebionites
93 - Emperor Domitian's persecution of Christians
95 - Epistle of Clement, Roman presbyter, to Church of Corinth; a plea
for unity and discipline
$$$
\$Church #2\$
Table A: Churches, Messengers, and Key Events of Church
History
Church Name & Characteristics
Messenger
2. Smyrna Apostle John (Rev. 2:8-11) (d. 100 AD) "Bitter ”
Highly praised without
any reproof whatever: the believers suffered much tribulation, some were
imprisoned, all were persecuted for "ten days" (ten years of
especially bitter persecution under Emperor Diocletian). Though severely tried
and tested, they provided some of the most illustrious examples of Christian
faithfulness and endurance of any period of church history
They were also slandered
by false brethren of "the synagogue of Satan" (those ensnared by the
defiling spirit of the Adversary). Through it all, they were counseled not to
fear but to "be faithful unto death" (holding fast the conviction of
their faith in full submission to the will of God to the very end); and thereby
they were ultimately to receive "the crown of life" (life on the
highest plane, immortality, the highest reward held out in the universe)
The overcomer was
promised further that he would not be hurt of the second death (be punished by
everlasting de-struction from which there is no resurrection-the
final'disposition of the incorrigible and willfully disobedient)
One of the original
twelve apostles who, with his brother James and Peter , composed the inner
circle closest to Jesus. A fisherman with impulsive temperament, he was
surnamed "Son of Thunder " His early rash and selfish behavior (he
and his brother desired chief places in the Kingdom) gave way to gentleness and
kindly love
John is depicted in the
Gospels as greatly loved by Jesus and present on many significant occasions:
the Transfiguration scene, at our Lord's Great Prophecy, at his side at the
final Passover and in Gethsemane. Although he fled with others when Jesus was
arrested, he regained courage to attend the trial and stood near Jesus at the
cross. He and Peter were among the first at the empty tomb and are prominent in
post-resurrection scenes
They later actively
spread the faith despite strong opposition (Acts 4)
John is referred to by
Paul as a pillar of the early church (Gal. 2:9). He remained loyal and zealous
in defense of truth and endured much suffering as the last apostle (Rev.
1:2,9). During his exile on Patmos, he received in vision the Book of
Revelation. He also wrote four other books of the New Testament: his gospel,
depicting the close-ness of the Father and the Son (John chapters 1, 5, and 17)
and the vital role of Jesus as the source of life (John 3:14-17; chap. 6); and
his three letters emphasizing righteousness, love, and walking in the light (1
John 1:5-9; 4:7-12)
John's life and writings
were a source of great strength and encouragement to the believers during
periods of intense pagan persecution
Historical Events
96 AD - Book of Revelation completed by John. 100 - Death of John, last
of the twelve apostles
lst century - Truth held in purity and simplicity; conflicts with Jewish
beliefs and false teachers; faith spread zealously into Mediterranean world and
Roman Empire; periodic persecutions by Roman emperors began
67-110 - Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch. Wrote letters to churches detailing
early beliefs and exhorting to faith. Emphasized role of bishop as district
leader of church, worthy of respect and obedience. Martyred in arena at Rome by
Emperor Trajan
69-156 - Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, pupil of John. Resisted efforts of
Roman bishop Anicetus to change observance of Eucharist from 14th day. Martyred
at age 86
100-167 - Justin Martyr. Brilliant orator, writer and defender of early
Christianity against pagan philosophies. Emphasized moral teachings of Jesus.
Slain at Rome
180 - Celsus, powerful early opponent of Christianity. Criticized its
pacifism and lack of support for Empire
130-200 - Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons. Defended apostolic tradition.
Countered inroads of Gnostics and Greeks. The first to systematize beliefs.
Restrained Roman bishop Victor I from enforcing Easter date on Christians at
Antioch, citing validity of ancient custom
2nd century - Faith spread mostly among non-Jews in cities; doctrinal
errors began to a@; Christians began to attract public notice as they deserted
temples, rejected pagan festivals and demonstrated strict moral code; led to
bitter persecution and ostracism
160-220 - Tertullian. Converted lawyer became outstanding theologian and
defender of faith
Rejected all philosophy as heresy. Looked for imminent Second Coming of
Christ, refuted power of priests to forgive sins and preached fasting and
prayer
185-254 - Origen. Most learned man of early church. Quoted two-thirds of
New Testament in vast writings. Defended pacifism. Died after torture
250 - Emperor Decius' widespread persecutions. Attempted to restore
religious customs of ancient Rome
3rd century - Rapid growth of Christianity rivaled that of Empire but
beliefs were corrupted; clergy gained titles and prestige; ceremonies took on
pomp and splendor; sporadic persecutions continued
303-313 - Emperor Diocletian's intense ten-year persecution of Christians
Final attempt to revive the old religion and strengthen the Empire
$$$
\$Church #3\$
3. Pergamos (Rev. 2:12-17)
Church Name & Characteristics
Messenger
2. Pergamos Arius (Rev. 2:12-17) (c. 250-336 AD) "Earthly elevation ”
Mingled praise and
blame: the believers were zealous in their good works and held firmly to Jesus'
name; they did not renounce their faith even in the face of mounting
persecution. They opposed the rise of apostasy, for which they were commended
under the symbol of "my faithful martyr Antipas" (meaning
"against the fathers" or popes), even as the church grew in worldly
prestige
But some succumbed to
the doctrine of Balaam, enticing them to eat food sacrificed to idols (to
accept pagan distor-tions of the truth in the creeds), to spiritual immorality
(improper relation of church to state) and to the teachings of the Nicolaitanes
(lordship in the church)
For allowing these
conditions to develop they were urged to repent, lest the Lord himself come
unto them wielding the sword of his mouth (the sharp cutting edge of doctrinal
truth) against the corrupters of the faith
The overcomer was
promised he would eat of the hidden manna (be rewarded with immortality) and
receive a white stone with a new name on it (a special token of the Lord's
intimate favor)
Presbyter of Alexandria,
Egypt, widely acclaimed for his scholarly, ascetic and morally exemplary life.
He was educated in the renowned theological school of Antioch under the scholar
Lucian
Opposed to lordship in
the church, he humbly declined the offer of becoming bishop of Alexandria
Arius became chief
spokesman for the early church view of the pre-eminence of the Heavenly Father
above all other beings. He resisted the efforts of churchmen such as Alexander
and Athanasius to equate Jesus with God. He believed the Bible taught that
Jesus was to be highly esteemed above men and angels and worshipped as the son
of God, but entirely separate from God the Father. He considered the Son to be
the direct creation of God, not co-etemal, coequal or identical in substance:
"There was a time when the Son was not; he was made, like all creatures,
of a substance that had not previously existed ”
Arius attracted a large
following through his teaching but managed to antagonize opposing clerics. His
principal work, Thalia ("The Banquet"), set out his doctrine in prose
and poetry. He also wrote verse and hymns that popularized his views among the
common people
In 321 he was
excommunicated by a synod convened by Alexander, the ruling patriarch. Yet his
views were endorsed by many in the church, including Eusebius of Nicomedia, the
most influential bishop of the East. As the dispute escalated to threaten the
unity of the Empire, the Emperor Constantine convened the Council of Nicea in
325 to settle the matter
Arius (continued)
At the Council, the
emperor himself took a leading role, although it is doubtful that he could have
comprehended the theological points at issue
Essentially a
politician, he concluded that the Alexandrian view was the most expedient. He
therefore forced its adoption upon the Council and threatened loss of position
to any who disagreed
The Council decreed that
Christ was "begotten, not made," and "of one essence with the
Father ”
"Begotten" was
understood to mean that Christ possessed the very nature and substance of the
Father, and not that he had been created by God from nothing. Only Arius and
two bishops refused to sign the Creed; all three were banished
Undaunted, Arius
composed a rival creed to that of Nicea which so impressed Constantine that he
was recalled. But on the very day of his installation ceremony in
Constantinople, Arius died suddenly under suspicious circumstances, leading his
friends to suspect he had been poisoned
The Arian controversy is
considered to be the most fundamental dispute in the history of the church
It was not officially
resolved until more than 50 years after Arius' death, when the Trinity view
finally emerged as the orthodox position. But his teachings lingered,
particularly in the Germanic tribes that later invaded the Empire
Subsequently, they
continued to find expression in minority groups of the church and have survived
to our day
Historical Events
312 AD - Arius, presbyter of AJexandria, Egypt; defended early church
view of Christ as created Son of God, not coequal or coetemal with the Father
313 - Edict of Milan: decreed religious toleration for all; restored
confiscated property to Christians
321 - Constantine forbade work on the Sabbath day which he endorsed as
being Sunday
325 - Council of Nicea: convened by Constantine to resolve "Arian
controversy " Under pressure from emperor, it concluded that Christ and
God were equal. Arius was condemned and banished
264-340 - Eusebius, Bishop of Caesarea. Father of church history.
Prolific writer. Catalogued New Testament books. Steered middle course at Nicea
(?)-342 - Eusebius of Nicomedia. Strong supporter of Arius. Headed Arian
party of 20 bishops at Nicea Council. Became Patriarch of Constantinople
354 - Capital of Empire moved from Rome to Constantinople. Enhanced
prestige of Roman bishop who became protector of people in place of emperor
375 - Veneration of angels and dead saints introduced
380 - Theodosius decreed Christianity compulsory and destroyed pagan
temples. Magnificent churches built
394 - The Mass as a daily celebration introduced
4th century - Widespread doctrinal controversies. Adoption of
Christianity as state religion opened floodgates of corruption
340-420 - St. Jerome. Learned Catholic scholar. Author of Vulgate
translation of Bible from original tongues into Latin; omitted Apocryphal books
354-430 - St. Augustine, distinguished bishop of N. Africa. Single most
influential theologian who molded doctrines of church. His "City of
God" treatise encouraged rise of hierarchy under papal control
431 - Council of Ephesus. Termed Mary "the Mother of God "
Deposed Nestorius, Bishop of Constantinople
440-461 - Reign of Pope Leo (the Great). Founder of medieval papacy who
forged it into a respected power. Regarded heresy as "crime against
society" punishable by death
445 - Emperor Valentinian III recognized the Roman Bishop as head of
Western Church
476 - Fall of Rome ended the Western Empire (first hom of Daniel 7:8)
Historical Events
5th century - Political events combined to enhance prestige of Bishop of
Rome
500 - Catholic priests began to wear distinctive garb
533 - Emperor Justinian acknowledged the Roman bishop as head of all
churches
539 - Ostrogoths (third horn of Daniel 7:8) defeated at Ravenna. A hollow
victory for the emperor since he could not effectively rule Italy from
Constantinople. Left power vacuum for papacy to fill-the rise of "little
horn" of Dan. 7:8. Start of 1260, 1290, and 1335 days of Daniel 12
554 - Pope's temporal authority confirmed by Justinian
590-604 - Reign of Gregory I (the Great). Considered first real pope,
controlled all of western churches and consolidated power of papacy in Europe.
Systematized its theology and perfected its liturgy; introduced doctrine of
purgatory
6th century - Events continued to favor rise of papal power in secular
and religious areas
732 - Battle of Tours, France. Moslems defeated decisively; Europe saved
from Mohammedanism
754 - Pepin, King of Franks, conquered Lombards. By giving their lands
(much of Italy) to the pope, he elevated the pontiff to an earthly king with
"Papal States," until 1870
786 - Worship of images and the cross authorized
800 - Charlemagne crowned "Roman Emperor" by Pope Leo Ill. His
reign over Roman and Frank realms blessed in return for his recognition of
"Papal States " The emperor's strong rule and mutual ties raised
papacy to world power and began "papal millennium ”
858 - Boastful reign of Pope Nicholas 1. Claimed rulership over civil
govemments as well as the church
870-1050 - "Midnight of Dark Ages " Bribery, corruption,
immorality and bloodshed made it darkest period of papal degradation
1000 - The millennium from supposed birth date of Christ. Raised fear of
judgment and end of world throughout Christian lands
1054 - Split of Eastern and Western Churches over issue of headship.
Patriarch of Constantinople refuted claims of pope in Rome
1073 - Reign of Pope Gregory VII (Hildebrand). Viewed pope as absolute
sovereign of world with all classes subject to him. Attempted reform of clergy,
especially regarding immorality and simony (purchasing of office). Decreed
celibacy of priesthood
1090 - Rosary (praying with beads) introduced
$$$
\$Church #4\$
Church Name & Characteristics
Messenger
4. Thyatira Peter Waldo (Rev. 2:18-29) (d. 1217) "Sweet perfume of sacrifice ”
Mingled praise and
blame: the believers were loving, faithful, active and patient in their
service. They were especially commended for their patient endurance in their
abundant works, "the last more than the first" (a seeming reference
to their loyalty and endurance under the severe stresses of the reign of the
apostate church). They were further encouraged to "hold fast to what you
have until I come ”
But some tolerated
Jezebel and her false and immoral teachings, likened to "the depths of
Satan" (the false church at the height of its power and corruption)
Especially condemned
were encouraging fornication (worldly affiliations) and "eating food
sacrificed to idols" (inculcating pagan concepts introduced into the
church). They were warned that Jezebel (the corrupt mother church), her lovers
(kingdoms of this world) and her children (offshoot churches) all would be
condemned unless repentant
The overcomer was
promised power to rule over the nations "with a rod of iron" and to
receive "the morning star" (be intimately associated with Christ in
glory)
Rich merchant of Lyons,
France, who devoted his life to advancing true piety and Christian knowledge.
In 1160 he had portions of the Bible translated into the common tongue, then
zealously began to preach the newfound truths
In 1173 he began
methodically distributing his wealth to the poor
Noting discrepancies
with the Roman church and excesses of its clergy, he openly criticized them at
the peril of his life. He rejected all nonbiblical elements of worship, such as
purgatory, adoration of saints, images, indulgences and prayers for the dead.
He opposed the entire sacerdotal system on the grounds that priestly functions
were not derived from ordination but from individual faithfulness
Waldo advocated a simple
life-style, unen-cumbered with church organization or hierarchy
In 1179 he formed a lay
order of evangelists composed of propertyless and celibate men, known as
"The Poor Men of Lyons " These traveled in pairs and preached openly
from the Scriptures
They were opposed by the
local archbishop, cen-sured by the Third Lateran Council (1179), and condemned
by Pope Innocent III and the Verona Council (1184)
The Waldensians fled
into Italy and the AJps and eventually spread their faith throughout Europe,
determined "to obey God rather than men " They were the first to make
widely effective use of the vernacular Bible in preaching, shining out as a
beacon on a mountain top during a very dark age
Despite intense
persecution, some of Waldo's followers survived to the time of the Reformation
Historical Events
1096-1291 AD - Crusades. Forceful efforts to free Holy Land from ruthless
Islamic rule. All classes of society conscripted by Pope Urban 11 to join
movement. Successful at first, but could not permanently stem tide of
Mohammedanism that swept over Asia Minor
1122 - Concordat of Worms. Worked out compromise of power between papacy
and civil rulers
1157 - Early beginning of Waidensian movement (France). Called for return
to simple life of the Gospels. Criticized church pomp and wealth and all
non-biblical practices; later opposed entire priestly system
1160 - Waldo produced first translation of Bible in modem language
(French)
1163 - Council of Tours. Decreed that heretics were to be tracked down,
imprisoned and their property confiscated
1179 - Third Lateran Council. Pronounced Anathema against Ajbigensian
heretics; censured Waldo for sending out lay preachers
1184 - Council of Verona. Decreed that both heretics and those protecting
them were to be condemned, exiled and their property confiscated
1198-1216 - Reign of Innocent III, most powerful of all popes. Claimed
title 'Vicar of Christ" and right to depose kings. Outranked all civil
rulers of his day. Defended church dogmas and forbade reading of Bible in
common tongue. Father of Inquisition-church court for detection and punishment
of heretics. Ordered mass extermination of Albigenses
1229 - Council of Toulouse. Commissioned papal Inquisition. Sanctioned
terrorism against Protestants and required Catholics to vigorously persecute
heretics. Gave authority to destroy meeting places, accept anonymous
accusations, use torture to secure confessions, confiscate goods and slay with
sword or fire. Banned possession of Bible by laymen
1231 - Pope Gregory IX decreed that heretics were to be handed over to
the secular power for "the punishment they deserved"-death at the
stake; repentant heretics to be imprisoned for life
1305 - Pope Clement V gave Inquisition powers to King Philip IV of France,
which he used to inflict torture and destruction on the Knights Templar
- Dante, shocked by what he found in a visit to Rome, termed the Vatican
- 'sewer of corruption" and assigned popes of his day to lowest parts of
hell
$$$
\$Church #5\$
Church Name & Characteristics
Messenger
5. Sardis John Wycliffe (Rev. 3:1-6) (1320-1384) "Remnant; that which
remains ”
Strongly condemned: only
a few believers were worthy and deserving, with undefiled garments. The
majority had fallen asleep spiritually, or died; into their works were not
found fulfilled before God
They were urged to
arouse themselves, to be watchful, repentant and to strengthen “the things
which remain, that are ready to die;" otherwise the Lord would come upon
them "as a thief" (by surprise). They were counseled to recall what
they had learned, receive the lessons into obedient hearts, and to "hold
fast ”
The overcomer was
promised to be clothed in white raiment (symbol of purity and righteousness)
and to walk with Jesus (as an intimate companion)
His name would be
confessed (commended) before the Father and the angels, and not be blotted out
of the book of life (the record of the elect whose names are written in heaven)
Brilliant English
scholar, Oxford professor and statesman . In 1366 his early concerns with the
practical abuses of papacy, such as its unjust taxation policies and
interference in secular affairs, brought him into public view. Later, in
discovering the Bible to be the sole guide for Christian faith, he was brought open
conflict with papacy along a broad front
By 1378 he evolved a
system of doctrine that undermined the whole structure of the church. In
pamphlets and lectures he attacked historical papal claims in both religious
and secular spheres. He opposed church hierarchy, the system of priesthood,
indulgences, confession, penance, veneration of images and transubstantiation.
His teachings raised the wrath of the clergy but found popular support across
all classes. He became one of the greatest and boldest of the reformers, highly
admired at home and abroad. Wycliffe was exemplary in his purity of life, his
zeal for biblical truth and his courage in defending it. His continual
reference to the Scriptures earned him the honorary title of, the evangelical
doctor " His translation of the complete Bible into English is of special
note, as it was the only such version available for 150 years. As an early
herald of Reformation, he was widely recognized for his impact on medieval
society, but too far ahead of his time to break the power of Rome. His
followers (Lollards) were cruelly and methodically persecuted almost to
ex-tinction, but miraculously he escaped a martyr's death. Later (in 1428) his
bones were exhumed and burned by decree of the Council of Constance
Historical Events
1366 AD - Wycliffe publicly acclaimed for condemning abuses of papacy and
its interference in secular affairs of state
1377 - Wycliffe charged with heresy by Pope Gregory XI after years of
relentless attacks upon the entire Roman system by tracts and lectures at
Oxford. He was later admiringly called "the morning star of the
Reformation. " 1378 - Start of "Great Schism" that divided
Catholic Church for 39 years. Two rival popes, Urban VI and Clement VII, were
elected and each claimed supreme authority
1388 - Wycliffe's translation of Bible finished by John Purcey; first
complete Bible in English
1401 - England passed its first law against heresy, principally against
Lollardy
1408 - John Huss (Bohemia). Openly preached against indulgences and
priestly abuses. Denounced by church, stripped of authority to preach, but
defended by populace
1409 - Pope Alexander V ordered destruction of all Wycliffe's writings.
Archbishop of Bohemia publicly burned 200 of them
1415 - Council of Constance. Condemned Wycliffe (more than 30 years after
his death)
Consigned John Huss to be burned at the stake
1450 - Pope Nicholas V authorized the Portuguese to "attack,
subject, and reduce to perpetual slavery the Saracens, pagans, and other
enemies of Christ. " 1453 - Fall of Constantinople to Turks. Ended Eastern
Roman Empire and left Roman pope without any serious rival. Europe's second
threat of Moslem control not settled until the Battle of Vienna in 1683
1456 - The Bible published at Mainz by John Gutenberg. One of earliest
books printed in Europe
1476 - Pope Sixtus IV gave Inquisition powers to Ferdinand and Isabella
of Spain. Tomas de Torquemada, a Dominican monk, carried on the work with zeal
and cruelty; named Grand Inquisitor by Pope Innocent VIII in 1487
1491 - Savanarola, friar and statesman of Florence, criticized corruption
of clergy. In 1497 he attacked crimes of Pope Alexander VI and spurned offer of
cardinal's hat. In 1498 he was burned at the stake
$$$
\$CHURCH #6\$
Church Name & Characteristics
Messenger
6. Philadelphia Martin Luther
(Rev. 3:7-13) (1483-1546) “Brotherly
love ”
Highly praised without
any reproof whatever: the believers were faithful to Jesus' name and loyal to
the truth message, despite having but "little strength" or power
compared to the forces of spiritual darkness all around them
"An open door"
(the beginning of a new era, with expanded opportunities for proclaiming the
truth) was set before them by their Lord, which none other could close (neither
the power of Satan, nor the apostate church, nor any other force)
The Lord's followers
were to be kept safe from the hour of testing (probably the special trials in
the time of trouble at the close or harvest of the Gospel Age) coming upon the
entire world (beginning with the church) because "they kept the word of my
patience" (they were persistently faithful through their own severe trials
of faith). They were urged to hold fast to the truth and thereby retain their
crown of life; for they were assured that their Lord would "come
quickly" to receive them unto himself
The overcomer was
promised eventually to be worshipped by the false brethren "of the
synagogue of Satan" (those ensnared by the defiling of the Adversary) and
to be made "a pillar in the Temple of God" (a vital and prominent
part of the true temple - the church of Christ). The names of God and of the
New Jerusalem were to be written on him, as well as a new name given by Jesus
Promising young German
scholar who providentially turned from pursuing a lucrative legal career to
take on the austere life of a monk, a decision destined to alter the course of
world history. As a student and later a priest and doctor of theology, he
became enraptured with the Bible but startled by what he found: the source of divine
authority was the Bible itself, not the church; and salvation was attained by
faith in God through Christ (Rom. 5:1; 1:17), not by rituals, sacraments, or
penances. In 1508 he became a respected teacher at the University of Wittenberg
and began preaching sermons that attracted wide attention. Based upon
encouraging themes of God's love and the assurance of salvation by faith, they
contrasted sharply with the speculative philosophies and infidelity of the
schoolmen
Luther was gifted with
mental genius, reasoning ability, energy, dedication and an eloquent manner,
all of which stood him well in his growing role of reformer. Tetzel's sale of
indulgences in Germany, offering pardon for sins, prompted Luther's break with
Rome in 1517 and the issuance of his 95 theses against papal authority
These created a
sensation throughout the land and shook the very foundation of the church. In
1520 he continued his defiant stance by publicly burning the pope's bull
excommunicating him
This was followed in
1520-21 by three great tracts clarifying his main beliefs
His Open Letter Concerning the State
held that secular power was ordained of God and included overseeing the
church and enforcing reform of its abuses; it thus struck a bold blow against
the papal concept of ruling both church and state. In The Babylonian Captivity of the Church, he attacked the spirit
whole sacramental system, especially the Mass, and asserted that there were but
two valid ordinances, Baptism and the Lord's Supper. He saw no biblical basis
for popes or priests and believed that all members of the body of Christ were
equal before God. He symbolized this "priesthood of believers"
concept by introducing congregational hymn singing and conducting services in
German instead of Latin
In 1521 he was asked to
defend his beliefs before the Diet of Worms, a prestigious gathering of princes
and clerics called by Charles V, emperor of Germany. Luther's presence there
excited widespread interest: papal forces called for his censure but popular
sentiment demanded a fair hearing. When the Diet called upon Luther to recant,
with dignity he replied, "I cannot retract any teaching except it be
disproved by Scripture or by reason " His ensuing banishment by the
pro-Catholic emperor forced him into brief retirement at Wartburg Castle under
the protectorship of Frederick, the elector of Saxony. There, assisted by his
friend Melanchthon, he translated the New Testament into German, later
published in 1534
Luther clearly was the
moving force of the Reformation, whose daring life forever shattered the
medieval church and emphasized the rightful place of the Bible. He stands
foremost among those called to lead God's people out of the darkness of the
middle ages into the light of a purer faith and a clearer understanding of
truth
Historical Events
1514 AD - Lateran Council began reform of church abuses; announced
triumph over all heresies
1517 - Luther posted 95 theses at Wittenberg: "the spark that set
Europe aflame " Followed by powerful sermons and writings that boldly
attacked papacy and led to founding of widespread protest movements
1521 - Diet of Worms condemned Luther as a heretic. Pope Leo X gave title
"Defender of the Faith" to England's Henry VIII for refuting Luther
1534 - King Henry VIII separated from Church of Rome for its refusal to
annul his first marriage
1536 - Anabaptists tortured and slain in Miinster
- William Tyndale, English Bible translator, condemned by papacy and
strangled at the stake
1537 - Menno Simons, Mennonite leader. Forbade taking of oaths or
killing. Rejected non-biblical terms
1541 - John Calvin, banished from Paris, made Geneva focal point of
Protestantism in Europe
1545-1563 - Council of Trent met to reform church under Jesuit guidance.
Adopted revised creed and launched Catholic "counter reformation "
Placed tradition of churchmen equal in authority to that of the Bible and
officially added Apocryphal books
1555 - Peace of Augsburg. Compromise allowed princes to decide religion
of their territories
1556 - Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, burned at stake for
renouncing Church of Rome
1559 - Pope Pius IV urged extermination of Huguenots in France (about
400,000 Protestants who had accepted Luther's teachings)
1563 - Anglican Church adopted "Thirty-Nine Articles " A mix of
Protestant dogma and Catholic liturgy
1572 - French Catholics massacred 70,000 Huguenots in Paris on St.
Bartholomew's Day (Aug
23). Led Pope Gregory XIII to celebrate Mass of thanksgiving, proclaim a
Jubilee, and memorialize the event with a new medal and paintings near Sistine
Chapel
1598 - Edict of Nantes. Granted freedom of worship to Huguenots in France
after 40 years of relentless persecution. (Edict was revoked in 1685, prompting
500,000 Huguenots to flee to Protestant lands ) 16th century - Widespread
Reformation movement crystallized lengthy effort to restore Bible truths. Led
to founding of Protestant churches and first major setback for papacy. Leaders
were Luther, Zwingli, Calvin and Knox. Ended Middle Ages and changed complexion
of Europe
Historical Events
1611 - King James Bible published (London). Work of 47 scholars stood
virtually alone for over 300 years as only Protestant Bible in English-speaking
lands. Single most influential book in history of the world
1641 - Irish Catholics massacred 30,000 Protestants
1648 - Peace of Westphalia: ended 30 Years' War and fixed boundaries of
Catholic and Protestant states
1703-1791 - John Wesley. Preached to masses in fields and streets. Raised
moral tone of England
1775 - Rising tide of public opinion against papacy. Influenced by
Nationalism and Enlightenment in France and England
1789-1799 - French Revolution. Opened era menacing to religion but
especially undermined papacy. Napoleon Bonaparte's humiliations of Pope Pius VI
hastened the pope's death as prisoner in France (1799). Marked low point and
second major setback for papacy (ending of 3-1/2 times of Daniel 12:6,7)
1806 - Napoleon forced an end to the "Holy Roman Empire" that
had existed since 800 A D
1799-1829 - Religious awakening in Europe and America. Spurred renewed int