Before we study the seven letters, we must first understand what is the church Jesus was truly speaking to.
Bible Study Guide
Introduction: Setting the Stage for Revelation 2
Before we step into the heart of Revelation chapter 2, there’s one essential question we must answer — what is the church?
This isn’t just a theological exercise; it’s the foundation for understanding every word Jesus spoke to the seven churches of Revelation.
Let’s pause and clarify what Jesus didn’t mean when He addressed these churches:
He was speaking to people — living, breathing believers united by faith in Him.
And He wasn’t speaking to a building made of stone or wood.
He wasn’t writing to a denomination like Catholic, Baptist, or Methodist.
He wasn’t referring to religious systems built by men.
The True Meaning of “Church”
When Jesus spoke to the seven churches, He was addressing His people — those who had received Him as Savior and Lord.
The word “church” (from the Greek ekklesia) means “the called-out ones.” It refers not to a place, but to a people set apart — those who belong to Christ and are called to reflect His light in a dark world.
The true Church is not confined by walls or defined by labels.
It is made up of men and women who:
- Have placed their faith in Christ alone.
- Have repented of sin and turned to Him in surrender.
- Are sealed by the Holy Spirit and living as His witnesses.
That’s the Church Jesus died for.
That’s the Church He loves.
And that’s the Church He’s still walking among today, just as He did when He addressed the seven churches in Revelation.
What Isn’t the Church?
Also, The church is not a reference to Jews or to Christians in general. There are many so-called Christian churches that are not based on biblical truths. Thus, not truly Christian. Watch not to be deceived.
Both of these groups have a very distinct role in Bible and World history.
As Amir Tsarfati, founder of Behold Israel often points out, Jesus was not a Christian and God is not a Jew. As the world likes to focus on outward appearances, God looks at the heart. No one can examine the heart of mankind like God.
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
When we accept Jesus and put our full faith and trust in Him as our Lord and Savior, we all become one in Christ. Our outward identities don’t define us as part of the Church of Christ. It’s our heart that is justified by God which defines us. This is what gives us inclusion as the children of God and the church of Christ.
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
A Word of Caution and Clarity
Now, it’s important to be clear — this is not to be confused with the religious organization that calls itself “The Church of Christ.” The true Church of Christ is not a denomination or a doctrinal movement. Rather, it is a spiritual body of believers united in Him by faith and love.
The difference is critical — one is built by human hands, the other by the Spirit of God.
Only one will stand in the day of testing and be found faithful when Christ returns.
Where Is the Church During the Tribulation?
As we begin this journey exploring the book of Revelation, take notice of something interesting that relates to the church. The next several chapters will be aimed directly at the church. After the last letter is written to the church of Laodicea, the church disappears. Well, actually it doesn’t really disappear, but it’s no longer mentioned.
We will not see the church reappear (mentioned) again until we get toward the end of the book. This will align with the end of the tribulation and the Second Coming of Christ. You see, the book of Revelation is about the events of the wrath of God upon those who chose to reject God and His Son. The church is not a part of that story except in the end.
Christ will explain why this is so in Ch. 3 in His letter to the faultless church of Philadelphia. No, not the one in Pennsylvania.
“Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.” (Revelation 3:10)
This quote by Jesus will confirm the teachings on the rapture that we read in John 14, 1 Thessalonians 4, and 1 Corinthians 15. They teach that the church, the church of Christ, the children of God will be removed (raptured) from the world prior to the beginning of the tribulation. We’ll get into this a bit more later.
Rapture vs. Second Coming of Christ (Comparison Chart)
Watch Not To Be Deceived by the Church
The week leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus, He gave His Olivet Discourse from the Mount of Olives. It was to be His last publicly recorded teaching before His arrest. It was a lesson given about the last days and the events of the tribulation.
His message was addressed to the Jews of that day. He could’ve begun this message with almost any important topic. But instead He focused on the most serious subject to impact the Jews. He began simply with these words.
Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you.”
Matthew 24:4
Jesus knew that deception would increase in the last days. He also knew that this deception would grow quickly as the last days approach, just as we see today. But this is not the deception that He was trying to bring their attention to.
The deception that Jesus wanted them to be strongly cognizant of was spiritual deception. This is the most dangerous deception that existed in the world then. It is quite prevalent and growing rapidly in our world today.
A person may face some loss if someone cheats them out money or personal property, or even lies to them. However, if someone or some church takes your focus away from Christ and points it somewhere else, this threatens your relationship with Christ and your eternal future. This can lead to deadly spiritual consequences.
This is what Jesus meant as recorded in Ch. 10 of Matthews gospel.
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)
Reflection: Becoming Part of the True Church
If you’re reading this and wondering whether you are part of that true Church — the body of Christ — know this: Jesus is still calling people out of religion and into relationship. He’s not asking for membership in a building, but surrender in the heart.
Time is running short. The signs of His return are converging quickly, just as He said they would. The window of grace is still open — but it won’t stay open forever.
To become part of His true Church, it’s not about joining an institution; it’s about responding to His invitation.
Right where you are, you can turn your heart to Him and say:
“Lord Jesus, I know I’ve fallen short. I believe You are the Son of God who died for my sins and rose again. I surrender my life to You. Make me part of Your Church — Your body — and fill me with Your Spirit.”
If you prayed that from the heart, you’ve stepped into the only Church that truly matters — the one Jesus Himself is building.
And He promised that the gates of hell will not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18)
Now, find a solid Bible based church so the you can continue to allow the Holy Spirit to bring you along your Christian journey.
🙏 Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for revealing the truth of what Your Church truly is—not built by hands, but by hearts surrendered to You. Lord, search us and show us where we’ve replaced relationship with religion. Awaken every soul that has fallen into comfort or tradition. Stir our spirits to repentance and renewal.
Jesus, we long to be counted among Your true body—those washed by Your blood, filled with Your Spirit, and found faithful when You return. As the world grows darker and the hour grows late, help us to shine brighter as Your Church, united in love, truth, and hope.
Seal our hearts in You, Lord. Keep us steadfast until the day You call Your Church home.
In Your holy and matchless Name, we pray—Amen.
Personal Reflection
Friend, if you’ve never truly become part of the body of Christ, today is the day to change that. The church Jesus sees is not a denomination, a building, or a weekly routine—it’s a living family of believers who know Him personally. He’s not asking for perfection; He’s asking for your heart.
If you hear His voice calling, don’t ignore it. Surrender your life to Him today. Confess your sins. Believe that Jesus Christ died for you, rose again, and is coming soon for His Church. He’s inviting you into a relationship that will outlast this world and carry you into eternity.
The door to the true Church is still open—but it won’t remain open forever. Step inside while there’s still time.
<< Rev. 1:17-20 “Glorified Body of Jesus” | “Letter to the Church in Ephesus” Rev. 2:1-7 >>