These were Real Physical Churches
While some commentaries strive to interpret these churches as symbolic or representative churches only, there is to many references in the New Testament to John and the other Disciples having personal relationships with these real physical churches in modern day Turkey. There is enough evidence in the texts to assert that John had a personal relationship with these churches, which we explore below. Additionally, there is evidence in archeology and historical writings to cover the authenticity of these actual churches, as well.
These Churches are Representative Churches
However Real and Physical these churches were, there is also an aspect to these churches which we will explore that they represent. This comes from the context of the ἀποκάλυψις (revelation of Truth) presented to each of these churches concerning their Success, their Sin, their Suffering and their Promise. We will be discussing these in depth when we get to those passages in Revelation 2 and 3.
The First Church - Ἔφεσον (Ephesos)
This First Church is not an obscure church, but one which Paul, Apollos, Timothy, and John, among others, served. (see Acts 18:19-21, 24; 19:1, 17, 21, 26, 35; 20:16-17; 1 Cor 15:32; 16:8; Eph 1:1; 1 Tim 1:3; 2 Tim 1:18, 4:12)
Ephesus is famed for the temple of Diana, one of the seven wonders of the world. For three years Paul labored there. He subsequently ordained Timothy superintending overseer or bishop there: probably his charge was but of a temporary nature. John, towards the close of his life, took it as the center from which he superintended the province.
The Second Church - Σμύρνα (Smyrna)
Located on the Western coast of Turkey, Smyrna competed with Ephesus and Pergamos for the title of “First City of Asia” during the Roman Empire. Here, John lists them between the two. Known for its export of Myrrh and its desirable port location, this city experienced many tribulations over the centuries preceding John’s reference to them.
Although not well attested in the New Testament, other than in Book of Revelation, the existence of a sizable Jewish community at the time, there are many early writings from the Church Fathers concerning the Church at Smyrna.
The Third Church - Πέργαμον (Pergamos)
Although not a port city, at 16 miles inland, Pergamos was a center for commerce and place of conquest and battle over the trade routes to which it had access. As a result, the local religious beliefs included a wide variety of gods. This city was also the regional assembly or government capital from which Roman control was exercised within the region surrounding Pergamos.
Again, not well attested in the New Testament, many early church writings chronical the perpetual sequences of conquests from the East and North between the Western Rulers and the Muslims. Due to its trade route control, Pergamos was a valuable tactical asset in the region.
The Fourth Church - Θυάτειρα (Thyateira)
The fourth Church is attested to in Acts 16:14, where Lydia, who was a resident of Thyatira, receives the Gospel from Paul. Lydia was a seller of purple. Thyatira was known for its production of purple fabrics and its many syndicates and guilds related to the trade. The value of purple during this period made Thyatira another center of commerce in the region.
Again, although not directly attested to in the New Testament, there is indirect evidence that Paul and Silas were in the area of Thyatira on their second or third mission trip. Paul and Silas also stay with Lydia and she continues to support him after he was released from prison.
The Fifth Church - Σάρδεις (Sardeis)
Sardis was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia, prior to being conquered by the Roman Empire, after which it became the seat of the proconsul who represented Rome in all matters in the region. Known for two products of finery, Refined Gold and Silver of the purest quality ever refined up to that time. Also known for manufacturing and dyeing delicate woolen goods and carpets, Sardis was the source of the high quality Persian Rugs.
In 17 AD, the region was desolated by an earthquake, resulting in a time of tribulation prior to receipt of the Gospel. During the interim years, this region was exempted from Roman taxes to allow it to recover.
The Sixth Church - Φιλαδέλφεια (Philadelpheia)
Like Sardis, Philadelphia was desolated by the earthquake in 17 AD and received the same tax relief as Sardis. Its name means “the city of him who loves his brother.” Situated on the eastern base of Mount Tmolus, Philadelphia was a source of fruits, which they dried to preserve them for shipment and use throughout the region. This region was an early stronghold in the region for the Christian Church, although today, it has become a center for Islam in the region.
The Seventh Church - Λαοδίκεια (laodikeia)
Laodicea means “justice of the people,” was located on a major trade route between the East and the West. As such, it was a wealthy city. In addition to reference to it here in the Book of Revelation, Laodicea is mentioned in Colossians 2:1, 4:13, and 4:15 by Paul with concern for the believers there.
Laodicea also experienced tribulations from earthquakes, one of which in 60 AD destroyed the city. It was rebuilt and became the center for Christianity in the region during the early church.
Summary
Each of these churches existed in the world around them and experienced tribulations, temptations and prosperity, although, not always at the same time. We too experience these aspects of life so we can understand them from our our perspectives as real people dealing with real life, which will help us in applying Jesus ἀποκάλυψις (revelation of Truth) to them to our lives.