�The Seven Eras of the Church

in the Wilderness�

There are amazing similarities between the historical periods of the nation of Israel and of the Seven Churches of the book of Revelation (chapters 2 and 3.) This chart demonstrates how these divisions are similar.

FIRST ERA
40 YEARS IN THE WILDERNESS	THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS
Korah, Balaam; false prophets	tested false prophets
said "yes" and then rebelled	left their first love
golden calf; idolators died	hated deeds of Nicolaitans

SECOND ERA
PERIOD OF THE JUDGES	THE CHURCH AT SMYRNA
attacked by neighboring nations	tribulation 10 days
economically stifled	their poverty

THIRD ERA
REIGN OF THE KINGS	THE CHURCH AT PERGAMOS
period of religious compromise	the compromising church
national idolatry and Balaam worship	false doctrine

FOURTH ERA
70 YEARS IN BABYLON	THE CHURCH AT THYATIRA
captivity because of national idolatry	the corrupt church
the works of Mordecai & Esther	latter works greater than the first
the few did not worship the image	"the rest" who did not have this doctrine

FIFTH ERA
SECOND TEMPLE PERIOD	THE CHURCH AT SARDIS
ark of covenant not present?	the dead church
some did not have foreign wives	some not defiled
did not keep Jubilee Year	strengthen remaining truths

SIXTH ERA
MACCABEAN PERIOD	THE CHURCH AT PHILADELPHIA
zealous for God	the faithful church
Samaritans claimed to replace Israel	who say they are Jews
prevailed over enemies	a little strength

SEVENTH ERA
HERODIAN TEMPLE PERIOD	THE CHURCH AT LAODICEA
Pharisees did not need God; they had Abraham	the lukewarm church: spiritually blind and naked
Jews martyred (70 A.D.)	"refined in fire"
John the Baptist: the work of Elijah	two witnesses: work of Elijah
Christ appears on the scene: goes up into the heavens	Return of Christ: from the heavens
sky darkened; earthquake	darkened sky; great earthquake
veil rent: Holy of Holies visible in Jerusalem's temple	Holy of Holies visible in Heaven (Rev. 11:19)