Youth Study Guide

1. What are the names of the seven churches to whom this book of Revelation is dedicated? Rev. 1:11. Note 1. — Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.

2. What local church was named as representing the first period in this history of the entire church? Rev. 2:1 — Ephesus is the first of the seven churches, and the beginning of church history of Jesus’ first coming.

3. What was there desirable at that period of the church? Note 2 — Ephesus is considered to be the pure church. The meaning of ‘Ephesus’ means “desirable”, and this church was desirable because of it’s purity. Ephesus was during the time of Christ and the disciples, where they had have experience with Christ and had received the Holy Spirit. 4. Who bears this message to the church of Ephesus? Verse 1. — John bore the message to give to the seven churches, which includes church of Ephesus.

5. What assurance is there in the fact that He walks among the candlesticks? Rev. 1:20, last part; Mat. 28:20. — The seven candlesticks represent the entire history of God’s church, and God is in the midst of them — which gives assurance that God is always with His church.

6. For what is this church commended? Rev. 2:2, 3. — This church, referring to the church of Ephesus, is commended for being patient, and does not associate themselves which are evil, and works diligently for Christ’s name sake. 7. What reproof is given? Verse 4. Note 3. — Although the church of Ephesus is known for being the desirable church, in that time were the Nicolaitans, who bring their own human wisdom into the truth, and bringing apostasy, which God hates.

8. What exhortation? What warning? Verse 5. — They are to understand where they had fallen, and repent. If not, their candlestick will be removed.

9. Suggest some examples of “first works.” See John 1:43-46; Luke 8:38-40; 2 Peter 1:5-9. Note 4. — The examples from these verses given show the first works of Jesus when he was here on earth. It shows how Jesus first found his disciples, starting with Philip. We then see the good works that Jesus has done on earth, like casting out devils. And other first works include the Peter’s ladder, which shows that in the beginning you need faith, and it will result to charity.

10. What commendation is given concerning their attitude toward apostasy? Rev. 2:6. Note 5. — They also hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, who bring in apostasy into the church.

11. What is the call, and what the promise of the Lord to the overcomer? Verse 7. Note 6. — The call is to hear the message given unto the seven churches, and those who overcome will be given the rights to the tree of life, and the paradise of God (Eternal life in heaven).

12. What may we say of the time of this first period of the church? —It covers the early church to the time when its apostolic leaders had passed away, say to the closing of the first century and the early days of the second, the natural boundary of the first, or apostolic, era of the church, though no specific year may be given. — This was during the time of the temple of Diana, a temple that was dedicated to the roman goddess Diana, but to the Greeks, they would know her as the goddess as Artemis and would dedicate the temple to her. This temple was located in Ephesus, and in 401 AD, it was destroyed.

13. What church is named for the second period of the history? Verse 8. Note 7. — The second church is the church of Smyrna, which is known as the period of suffering and martyrdom. Smyrna also signifies myrrh, because myrrh is known for releasing a sweet- smelling savor after being crushed and pressed, and the more it is crushed, the sweeter it becomes. This represents how the church of Smyrna, although persecuted, they held on to their faith and became stronger instead.

14. How is the speaker described? Verse 8. Note 8. — The speaker is described as “first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;” and we know that this is Jesus, because He is the Alpha and the Omega, who had died on earth and has risen. 15. What comforting assurance is given? Verse 9. — The comforting assurance given to the church of Smyrna is that although physically they are poor, in poverty, in tribulation, persecuted, but they are rich in the word of God. They are rich with the treasures of heaven, because they have continued in their faith in God.

16. What scenes of tribulation were they to pass through? Verse 2, first part. Note 9. — They went through pagan persecution, where the Roman government is forcing a regulation of a same religion. God’s people were considered those who worshipped “foreign gods”, because the public law did not recognize who they worshipped.

17. What was the cheering promise? Verse 10 (last part), 11. — If they continue to be faithful unto death, they will be given the crown of life. Those who overcome will not receive the second death, but the gift of eternal life.

18. What special period of time is covered by this second stage of church history?—From early in the second century, through the days of pagan persecution, to the time of Constantine, whose professed conversion, in A.D. 323, opened a distinctly third era in church history. — Constantine is the one who introduced paganism into Christianity, where we will see in the next church would be the cause of compromise in the Christian church — where truth will be mixed be error.

19. What picture does Inspiration set over against these descriptions of times of trial? Rev. 7:13-17. — Those who came out of great trials and tribulations will be arrayed in white robes, washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb. They who had been through troubles and persecution on earth for Christ’s name sake will now be before the throne of God, will no longer suffer, nor hunger or thirst. Christ will take care of them, and will wipe away all their tears.

Summary: What I’ve learned this past week is about the messages given to the first two of seven churches. We see about the first church of Ephesus, which is known as the desirable church and the first love. Ephesus is also described as the ‘waning love’ church, because it was bright but will start to dim. Ephesus was commended for being a church that does not associate themselves with evil, nor allow the deeds of the Nicolaitans to corrupt their church. But they were also given reproof, so that they do not continue the doings of the Nicolaitans. Then we see the church of Smyrna, who were persecuted for worshipping God during the time of the Romans, who wanted to force the practice of same religion. But just like myrrh, the more they were crushed and pressed, the more sweet-smelling savor they release, and become stronger in faith. God gives these churches reassurance, that He is always present and is always with them. And as long as they continue in their faith until death, they are promised the gift of eternal life in Heaven.