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    • Fig Tree >
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  • Faith Lessons
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    • Mystical Gospel of John (1-12)
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    • Mystical Gospel of John Cont...
    • Bible 101: Good News
    • Bible 101: Redemption & Covenant
    • The Great Commission?
    • God's Appointed Feasts
    • The Book of Judges - A Descent into Chaos
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      • Laodicea (Asia Minor)
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      • Seven Churches of Revelation
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Seven Churches of Revelation


Discover the profound depths of the Book of Revelation, penned by John, one of Jesus' devoted disciples. Departing from his homeland in Israel, John settled in Ephesus, a bustling hub in Asia Minor's heart. John shepherded six other vibrant churches from this location, strategically positioned along the ancient world's trade routes.

Join us as we travel back in time, envisioning ourselves as residents of those ancient cities and rediscovering the seven poignant letters addressed to these historic churches through the lens of their first-century cultural context. As we immerse ourselves in the text, we seek to grasp the subtle nuances, the cultural references, and the echoes of a bygone era that resonate throughout John's writing.

Imagine the past whispers echoing through those ancient cities' corridors. What hidden truths embedded in their history and culture did John intend for his contemporaries to grasp? The Book of Revelation resounds with significance, a symphony of messages that reverberated deeply within the hearts of its original audience.

Yet, for modern ears, much remains veiled in obscurity. Our quest in this study is to unravel the layers of meaning to unearth the gems of wisdom buried within the text. Prepare to be astounded as we uncover the rich tapestry of symbolism, prophecy, and divine revelation woven into the fabric of this apocalyptic book.

Through this journey, I aim to revive John's message's essence, reclaiming its relevance for our spiritual pilgrimage today.
​
Join me as we embark on a transformative expedition, rediscovering the timeless truths illuminating our path toward a deeper communion with God.
Photo: ruins of the Zeus Altar in ancient Pergamum (see Zeus Altar here) 

Introduction: When Kingdoms Collide
​Seven Churches - pt. 1 of 16

Lesson 1 Handout - Click Here
Full Letter to Sardis with notes -
Click Here

Church of Sardis - Alive or Dead?
Seven Churches - pt. 2 of 16

Lesson 2 Handout - Click Here

Sardis (2) - Goddess Cybele
​Seven Churches - pt. 3 of 16

Lesson 3 Handout - Click Here

Pergamum 1 - Asclepius
​Seven Churches - pt. 4 of 16

Lesson 4 Handout - Click Here
Pergamum Full Text with Notes -
Click Here

Pergamum 2 - Satan's Throne?
​Seven Churches - pt. 5 of 16

Lesson 5 Handout - Click Here

Pergamum 3 - Dionysus
​Seven Churches - pt. 6 of 16

Lesson 6 Handout - Click Here

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The Imperial Cult - Worship of Caesar
​Seven Churches - pt. 7 of 16

Lesson 7 Handout - Click Here
Download List of Emperors - Click Here

Thyatira - The Son of God
​Seven Churches - pt. 8 of 16

Lesson 8 Handout - Click Here

Laodicea 1 - Rule over God's Creation
​Seven Churches - pt. 9 of 16

Lesson 9 Handout - Click Here

Laodicea 2 - Hot or Cold!
​Seven Churches - pt. 10 of 16

Lesson 10 Handout - Click Here

Ephesus 1 - Introduction
​Seven Churches - pt. 11 of 16

Lesson 11 Handout - Click Here

Ephesus 2 - Artemis of the Ephesians
​Seven Churches - pt. 12 of 16

Lesson 12 Handout - Click Here

Who is the Beast from the Sea?
​Seven Churches - pt. 13 of 16

Lesson 13 Handout - Click Here

Philadelphia 1 - A New Name
​Seven Churches - pt. 14 of 16

Lesson 14 Handout - Click Here
Philadelphia Letter Outline with Notes - Click Here

Philadelphia 2 - New Jerusalem
​Seven Churches - pt. 15 of 16

Lesson 15 Handout - Click Here

Smyrna - City of Resurrection

Lesson 16 Handout - Click Here
Picture

PDF - List of Emperors with Jesus' Disciples & Apostles

Download Handout - Click Here

Text to Context Example

The New Testament writers such as John, speak the words of the Bible (text) directly into the cultural and historical context of their day. 

The result is that the Old Testament and the story of God's redemption is brought to bear on a modern world. 
Bibliography:
Hemer, Colin J. The Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia in Their Local Setting. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2001.
​https://amzn.to/49fMFey
Worth, Roland H. The Seven Cities of the Apocalypse and Greco-Asian Culture. Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2019 ​https://amzn.to/3OGtbHu
Worth, Ronald H. The Seven Cities of the Apocalypse and Roman Culture. ​https://amzn.to/49fMwb0
N.T. Wright, ​How God Became King: The Forgotten Story of the Bible ​https://amzn.to/49zGu4O
Ramsay, William Mitchell. The Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia https://amzn.to/49yp4Wc​
Crossan, John Dominic, and Jonathan L. Reed. In Search of Paul: How Jesus Apostle Opposed Rome’s Empire with God’s Kingdom. Harper Collins, 2009. ​https://amzn.to/3OJkYm6

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​​Fig Tree Ministries is a 501(c)(3) CA nonprofit dedicated to increasing Biblical education within the body of Christ.  

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