Throughout the beginning of the Book of Revelations, Christ (through John is commending and condemning seven churches.  Christ begins with the church in Ephesus.  Initially, he commends them for their spiritual fortitude and patience.  He also commends them for testing apostles to see is they are true apostles.  However, Christ goes on to criticize this church for abandoning “the love you had at first” (2:4).  Christ says he will be with those who repent and them may eat from the tree of life, but for those who do not repent Jesus will “remove [their] lampstand from it place” (2:5).  John then turns his attention to the church in Smyrna.  Jesus realizes that they have been afflicted by slanderous groups that do not accept the Jewish identity.  Then, he goes to to say the people of Smyrna will be tested and imprisoned for ten day and must never lose faith.  For if they remain loyal, they will be given the “crown of life” (2:10).  Next, John contacts the church in Pergamum.  Initially, they are commended for being loyal and faithful despite living “where Satan’s throne is” (2:13).  He later criticizes them for listening to teachings of Balaam and indulging in idolatry and worshiping foreign gods.  If they do not repent, they will be engage in war.  Fourth, is the church in Thyatira.  Initially, they are praised for their love, faith, service, and patience; however, they are then criticized for listening to Jezebel who plays herself off as a prophet.  She is “beguiling” the people to practice idolatry and worship foreign Gods.  She was given a chance to repent but she denied it; therefore, anyone that commits “adultery with her I am throwing into great distress unless they repent of her doing” (2:22).  John concludes with saying that those you do not buy into Jezebel’s teachings with give “authority over the nations” (2:26).  Next, John turns to the church in Sardis.  Right away, they are labeled “dead” and criticized for not having strong faith.  They must obey what they “received and heard” and repent (3:3).  John then commends those who have remained faithful and true and they will be rewarded greatly.  Next, is the church of Philadelphia.  They are commended for staying faithful and true.  They have not indulged in idolatry or listened to people of the synagogues of Satan.  John illustrates a strong affinity for the congregation in Philadelphia.  They will be saved during the “trial that is coming” (3:10).  Lastly, is the church of Laodicea.  They are labeled “lukewarm.”  They need to accept the notion that they are beneath Jesus and must accept him as their savior.

It’s evident that all the churches have good qualities; however, some are more attuned to their spirituality and do not listen to temptresses.  John wants the churches to accept Jesus and Christianity fully and completely without any hesitation.  We can see that the themes mentioned in Revelations are congruent with John’s apocalyptic mentality.  John believes that God will judge all humanity  Christians and Gentiles alike and potentially save them.  In these letters to the churches, John wants to give these churches constructive criticism so they can hone their faith and devotion before judgement comes.