Does the Revelation of John suggest there are to be seven consecutive historical eras from the apostolic church in Ephesus to the apostate church in Laodicea?

Answer 1

Jesus, as the Revelator of the Father to mankind via John's writing it down in Revelation, begins by sending a different message to each of the seven churches in the Roman province of Asia (Asia Minor, part of Turkey today). Many believe this to be a mail route during the 1st century AD.

In any event, the seven messages accurately reflect conditions in the Church as it existed in the first century. But they are also prophetic; they reveal some of the reasons for divisions in later centuries. It has been said that we humans repeat ourselves and that is why the wise read history so to avoid the same mistakes of the past. It appears Christ was proving this axiom right. Jesus does remind these churches to look ahead to the Coming Kingdom of God, when those who remain strong to the end, will help Christ rule during the Millennial time.

Revelation 1 describes these seven congregations as seven candlesticks. Taken together, the Church of God is to be a light to the world (Matthew 5:14) for all time - then, now, and the future.

Some have done the historical work of tracing these "church-eras" from Apostolic times to the end times. The characteristics Jesus described of each of the 7 Asian churches appear to be consistent to this work done. But that is up to the individual to decide. However, each of the church eras spoken of here are those who received the call of God (John 6:44) and to some degree have not fully remained strong to the end. The Laodicean or last church era are the worse of the lot and will go through the Tribulation of the end time - with some coming back to the fold (being martyred but keeping eternity), while others will lose it all (keeping their physical life but facing the 2nd death).

One of the most important things to see in these first 2 chapters of Revelation was the growing trend of dissenters noted in Revelation 2:20. The portrait of the Church by the end of the Apostolic Era had Satan successfully infiltrating congregations which the Apostles raised up. Satan lures people away from the faith of Christ using false prophets to introduce his attitudes and teachings contrary to God (Revelation 12:9).

Now we can see the beginning of two distinct classes of Christians: one group faithful and having the truth; the other losing their faith and moving away from the truth. The Apostle John spoke of those who would eventually lose their faith in 1 John 2:19.

Thus we see the beginnings of the varied sects of Christianity developing - some have calculated this to be in the thousands, if not tens of thousands.