The Third Church in Revelation: Understanding the Names and Significance
Understanding the names and significance of the churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation is crucial for delving into the deeper meanings of this apocalyptic text. In Revelation, John of Patmos outlines divine messages to seven churches, from Ephesus to Laodicea. This article focuses on the third church as per Revelation 2:12 in the New International Version (NIV) Bible. We will also explore how these names connect to the larger themes and messages of the Bible.Identifying the Third Church
Revelation 2:12 is the fourth letter in the series sent to the churches. While the letter itself does not explicitly state the name of the third church, as per the NIV translation, the name 'Laodicea' is the third in alphabetical order among the seven mentioned. However, the exact church named in Verse 12 is not given.Lament of Thyatira
Revelation 2:12 reads in the NIV: 'Then to the angel of the church in Thyatira write...'. Therefore, Thyatira is the third church mentioned alphabetically, and it is the one to which John writes the third letter in the series of seven.Names of Churches in the New Testament
In the New Testament, the term 'church' is used in various forms. Here are some of the names associated with churches: The church of God Churches of God in Christ Jesus The Churches of the saints The Church in the home of Church or ChurchesThe Greek Word for Church
The Greek word for 'church' is εκκλησια (ekklēsia). This word is a compound of εκ, "out" and κλησι?, "a calling". Strongs Number: G1577 The detailed definition of εκκλησια is as follows: A calling out that is concretely a popular meeting especially a religious congregation A Jewish synagogue or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both An assembly of Christians gathered for worship in a religious meeting A company of Christian or of those who hoping for eternal salvation through Jesus Christ observe their own religious rites hold their own religious meetings and manage their own affairs according to regulations prescribed for the body for orders sake Those who anywhere in a city village constitute such a company and are united into one body The whole body of Christians scattered throughout the earth The assembly of faithful Christians already dead and received into heavenPaul and the Naming of Churches in Corinth
Paul, in his letters, also had to deal with the naming of certain groups of the saints in Corinth. In 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, Paul exhorts the believers to be united in the same mind and judgment. This highlights the importance of ecclesiology and the unity among Christians:Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. [11] For I have been informed, brethren, by Chloe's people, that there are divisions among you. [12] Now I mean that each one of you says, "I belong to Paul," and "I to Apollos," and "I to Cephas," and "I to Christ."
Exhortations from Ecclesiastes
The Book of Ecclesiastes also provides insights into the themes of God, fear, and judgement. Ecclesiastes 7:29 speaks of God's creation and the eventual judgement of all:The concluding verses in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 emphasize the importance of fearing God and keeping His commandments:Behold, I have found only this: That God made mankind upright, but they have sought out many schemes.
The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. [14] For God will bring every act to judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.