The Seven Churches In Revelation In The Bible

Many years ago, I was reading the Revelation and came across the seven churches and thought where were they then and now for civilizations and some countries changed. I didn’t have a clue and didn’t bother to do any research. Fast forward, I booked for thirteen days Greece and Turkey tour knowing it would cover the Greek Islands and then few days in Turkey and paid it in full, but in getting the itinerary a week before our travel we would be in Turkey for nine days. Although I was appalled, dismayed and skeptical, I went without minding the itinerary for getting away was more important to me, so we flew to Istanbul and driven from Istanbul to Canakkale. We left Canakkale the next day for the Seven Churches Tour. As Turk, our Turkish guide asked if somebody knew the Seven Churches in Revelation, it dawned on me what I read and was so astonished that the seven churches in Asia existed in Turkey and my dismay turned into anticipation, eagerness to learn more. We reached Bergama and saw the ruins of Pergamon, wherein, the foundation of the altar is visible and learned the Gods were Zeus and Athena. In the Revelation, the sacrificial altar was used for things sacrificed unto idols and where Satan sat and dwelled. Our next visit was the ancient ruins of church of Thyatira, which was led by a woman, who called herself a prophetess, Jezebel. An adulteress, who seduced and taught adultery and fornication. We went and saw Smyrna, but did not go in due to heavy downpour. The next day, we were at Ephesus, the first church of the Seven Churches named in the Revelation, The church with apostles, who were spreading the deeds of Nicolaitanes, which were idolatry and immorality. They were liars for they were not really apostles. The well preserved ancient ruins with impressive structures of historical significance and marble walk ways, house the tomb of St. John, the Divine of the Revelation or the writer of the book of Revelation. He died of natural causes at Ephesus. The following day, we were at Sardis, wherein, the works were not perfect before God or “the church livest and art dead”, so to strengthen thy work. The ruins include ancient Temple of Artemis and the best restored Roman buildings in the world. We proceeded to Philadelphia, the church that had a little strength, but kept His word and did not deny His name. A remnant of the Basilica of St. John or the church, few pillars and a wall of Byzantine Times are among the ruins. Our last stop, the Church of Laodicea was neither hot or cold, lukewarm being rich, needing nothing with no shame and blinded. The church remains, the oldest and important sacred structure, include the Baptizing Pool. Turkey was known as Anatolia before the seven churches were established. During the year they were established, probably from 261 BC to 64 AD, it was named Byzantion in Greek, Byzantium in Latin and changed to Constantinople. The churches were established during the Hellenistic period to the Roman Empire, the period ruled by the Romans. Thus, the ruins show the Greek architecture in forms of temples and columns and Roman architecture in arches. St. John, the Divine went to Ephesus with Virgin Mary after the crucifixion of Jesus and lived there between 38 AD to 47 AD. He was exiled by the Roman Emperor to Patmos, Greece, where he wrote the book of Revelation.