Here’s a new category to add to the previous chart for the seven churches: the false doctrines and/or false teachers that infiltrated the early church.

Ephesus was warned against Nicolaitans, those who would rule the laity, and false apostles.

Smyrna was warned against “those who say they are Jews, and are not.”

Pergamum was warned against Nicolaitans, the “teaching of Balaam” and idols.

Thyatira was warned against the false prophetess Jezebel who was promoting sexual immorality.

Philadelphia was warned against “those who say they are Jews, and they are not.”

Laodicea was warned against their pride in their possessions. (v3:17)  Perhaps this is why they had become lukewarm in their devotion to Christ.

Has anything changed?  How are our churches being spiritually attacked today?

Interestingly, there is no particular mention of a false doctrine to Sardi. Perhaps lying devils need not waste their assaults on a dead church!