February 2025

The Seven Church Periods and Their Messengers in Revelation

​

INTRODUCTION

​

Please note: A number of references and dates will be casually

mentioned in his article without accompanying substantiation.

Some substantiation is available in the "DOCTRINAL KERNELS"

section of this website as well as in literature which we offer. If

this poses difficulty for the reader, we apologize. But due to the

complicated nature of this article, time and space has not allowed

for all of the needed documentation.

- - - - -

In Revelation, Chapters 2 and 3, are listed seven "churches." As is often the

case in Revelation, these are not literal congregations in Asia Minor. They are

names given to seven PERIODS OF CHURCH HISTORY in order to symbolize

the conditions that would prevail as Christianity grew and spread world-wide

during the two-thousand years between the two advents of Jesus. Their names

represent prevailing conditions. And it is possible to date the periods

represented by these names.

​

The seven "angels" (the word means MESSENGERS) to these churches are

references to men (noted teachers or reformers) whom the Lord would use to

deliver timely messages as needed during this Christian or Gospel Age in history.

​

While these periods of Church history are specified in Chapters 2 and 3, they

have further elaborations later in Revelation. Thus they are also shown as a

series of seven SEALS and seven TRUMPETS. By coordinating the details in

each of these series, it becomes quite possible to pinpoint the dates and "angels"

of these seven historical periods.

IMPLIED DATES

For reasons which become apparent when studying the Seven Churches, Seals,

and Trumpets, the assumption is here being made that the first Church, first

Seal, and first Trumpet are all contemporary as are all in the series through

number seven. There seems no compelling reason to think otherwise; and there

are strong reasons to think this to be the case.

Students have had and do have varying opinions on the correct dates for

the beginning and ending dates of these seven periods. The suggestion here

presented is much in accord with the prevailing thought on these periods for the

reason that there are compelling arguments for most of these dates. There are, of

course, reasons to question some of the specifics; but the CLUES (historical and

chronological) given in most of the Church, Seal, and Trumpet expositions seem

quite strong in their implications. The point of these pages is to list these clues

and some of their implications. Each period will be listed below with its clues

and (sometimes obvious) facts. Please read the texts in Revelation 2 & 3.

EPHESUS

The beginning of this Church is obvious — PENTECOST (A.D. 33). Its end will

be determined by clues relating to the beginning of Smyrna. The Apostle Paul

is almost certainly its “Angel.” He gave the early Church the great majority of

the New Testament -- the very foundation for Christianity's doctrine. Ephesus,

appropriately, means "first" or "desirable." Its desirability comes from its

camaraderie, the presence of the Apostles, and its infusion of great new truths.

SMYRNA

The word means BITTER. Therefore, all clues must be coupled with the

likelihood that the beginning of this period should be marked by the beginnings

of severe persecutions, while the end of the period should be marked by the end

of severe persecutions — probably from pagan Rome since the Church ALWAYS

has some persecutions from someone.

​

Matthew 13:25 suggests one possible (but not certain) date (c. 100) for the

beginning of Smyrna. If this verse refers to the death of the Apostles, and if

the seven Matthew 13 parables do, indeed, parallel the Seven Church periods,

the date of John's death would be a likely beginning for Smyrna. HOWEVER,

persecutions from Rome do begin earlier, leading some to date the beginning of

Smyrna from Paul's death at the hands of Nero (c. 67). This has the advantage of

having the Apostle John alive at the beginning of Smyrna to act as its "angel" —

which he most likely is. We, for convenience, suggest the fall of Jerusalem (A.D.

70) as a reasonable alternative. Jerusalem was the center of Christianity in the

Ephesus period. Its destruction is a good marker.Return to 2025 Index

Revelation 2:10 predicts the extremely severe 10 "days" (a prophetic day equals

a literal year) of Diocletian’s persecutions which end this Church (303- 313).

This almost certainly marks the end of Smyrna. In 313, the Edict of Milan ends

Roman persecution and, thus, the "bitterness" (Smyrna.)

​

PERGAMOS

This name means EARTHLY ELEVATION. The historical meaning is obvious.

Paul predicted (II Thessalonians 2:6, 7) that pagan Rome prevented the elevation

of the Mystery of Iniquity -- the apostate church. Once pagan Rome gave way

to nominally "Christian" Rome under Constantine, the obstacle, which Paul

recognized, was out of the way, and the elevation to earthly power of the apostate

church began with vigor. This should be kept in mind as the clues are reviewed.

Thus 313 opens Pergamos. A.D. 325 (The Nicene Council) is the next elevating

step. Arius is the “Angel.” He was eloquent at Nicaea. Although he was

considered among the greatest of "heretics" by the official Roman state-church,

he was the great defender of the identity of Jesus as the Son of God. And, while

Constantine banned his teachings, they have prevailed to some degree among

studious Christians ever since.

​

History and Daniel 12:7 & 7:25 point to the SETTING UP (in authority) of the

Abomination (the doctrine of transubstantiation) in 539 -- the date that the

Bishop of Rome was left in charge of the Western Roman Empire as "Chief

Religious Ruler" ("Pontifex Maximus") . This clearly marks one of the many

events (perhaps the PRIME one) in the elevation of the apostasy. From that date

forward the Pope was THE religious authority in the empire.

​

In 754 the Papal States were established and would last until 1870. This clearly

marks a step in the setting up Papacy as a temporal power -- a supportive "horn"

in the Roman "beast." In 800, the Pope crowns Charlemagne — a clear evidence

that the Papacy considers itself above the temporal ruler (thus one more elevating

step).

​

In Revelation 2:21, there is a likely reference to the complicity of church and state

which had its most auspicious ceremony (800) in the crowning of Charlemagne. It

is TRUE that Revelation 2:21 is part of the narrative of THYATIRA, but NOTE ITS

PAST TENSE. It seems to be saying that the Lord might well have begun Thyatira

earlier, but he gave the “space” (chronos = 360 years) for "Jezebel" (the Roman

church) to repent of her union with the state. She did not repent, and 360 years

after 800, in 1160, appears Peter Waldo and his followers to begin Thyatira.

(Many apply this “space” to the period between Waldo and Luther (1160 through

1520). Obviously it works, and the Lord may well have intended this. But the use

of the past tense in 2:21 strongly suggests the former interpretation. It is not

unlike the Lord, however, to have more than one workable interpretation per

prophecy.

​

In 926 the “HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE” was established. This would last (with a

notable change) until its last emperor would abdicate in 1806. Again, Papacy is

exalted higher. In 1054 there appears to be a “fly in the ointment.” The Eastern

Church separates from the Western Church. This would, at least on the surface,

appear NOT to be an earthly elevation and, therefore, a questionable element in

the Pergamos narrative. However, there was a remarkable STRENGTH given to

Papacy by this division. By being cut off from the more liberal and educated

eastern part of the empire, the Pope actually gained power in Europe and did not

have to fight the education of the East which could well threaten his wonderful

"dark ages."

​

THYATIRA

Thyatira means "Sweet Perfume of Sacrifice." It is so-named because true service

to the Lord was so difficult under the established Papal iron-rule that the Lord

considered it a sweet incense. These years were, indeed, the very core of the "Dark

Ages" when all religious freedoms were threatened with death. Its "angel" was

Peter Waldo who (with his followers) clandestinely spread Scripture (translated so

common folk could read it) at their own cost and often with the cost of their lives.

The Waldenses (as they were called) were truly a light in the darkness and were

villainized as enemies of Christ -- all because they believed in and spread Scripture!

​

NOTE:

Because of Revelation 2:21 (which MIGHT

be interpreted to mean that 360 years of

Thyatira passed BEFORE its messenger

came), it is possible to begin Thyatira as

early as 800. But it is a little difficult to

accept a Church’s beginning WITHOUT

its angel. There is simply no messenger

of stature between Arius and Waldo to

warrant any other dates in between.

Indeed, the Seven Angels which are usually

accepted as the seven messengers, are so

very far above all other religious lights as to

make their selections inevitable. It is as if

the Lord made it so that there could be NO

MISTAKE in each age as to which man was

bringing meat in due season to the saints.

​

Revelation 2:21 has been mentioned. This is clearly a chronological key, BUT

it seems evident from its past-tense grammar that it applies to the previous

(Pergamos) Church, NOT to Thyatira. When the Pope bragged about his alliance

with the state by crowning Charlemagne (800), he was openly admitting theReturn to 2025 Index

church’s fornication with the state. He didn’t change; so 360 years later, the Lord

sent a challenger: Peter Waldo (1160).

​

The 1160 date for Waldo is not arbitrary. In this year a Rome synod condemned

the Waldenses as heretics. Similar action was taken in England by Henry the

Second who had them branded on their faces so that all would know not to listen

to their "heresies." History of detail in the dark ages is not always easy to come by;

but 1160 does, indeed, stand out as most prominent in the history of Waldo and

his followers. Add to this its being 360 years ("space") from 800! (Papacy kept

good records of its pronouncements, thus securing some important history.)

Revelation 2:23 seems almost a certain reference to the great "black death" (the

bubonic plague) which killed from one-half to two-thirds of Europe and is one of

the great events of man’s history. The two-decade (1334-54) rampage of this

disease changed the face of society in Europe.

​

With the above evidences, it seems likely the dates of Thyatira are 1160 to the days

of John Wycliffe (1371 — a date which will be explained subsequently -- also

documented in Vatican records).

​

SARDIS

A.D. 1371 is as obvious a date in the history of John Wycliffe as 1160 is in the

history of Waldo. In late 1370 there is a Papal bull against Wycliffe ordering him

to silence. He ignores the bull. Instead he comes out with a tract against the

Pope. This gains him favor with the King of England who is in a running battle

with Papacy against the demands for tribute money. The combination (late 1370

into 1371) of the Papal bull and the favor of the English King, set Wycliffe in a

position of great prominence which he took advantage of to proclaim all kinds of

(temporarily) well-received truths. Among other things, he translates the Bible

into English -- an act which was considered a great heresy!

​

Revelation 9:5 & 10 add to the strength of the above date. If the “five months”

(150 years) be added to 1371, it carries us to 1521 — the date of Luther’s

excommunication. It is interesting to note that in the cases of Waldo, Wycliffe,

and Luther, it is a major event IN THEIR LIVES which seems to mark the

beginnings of their respective Church periods.

​

Previously, a major historic event seems to mark the date. This may simply be

due to the Lord’s foreknowledge that history records before Waldo would be

insufficient in reliability to allow us to find dates by events in the life of an

individual.

​

Revelation 6:11 is another clue from the 5th Seal regarding the length of Sardis.

It requires a little BACKWARDS calculation to be meaningful. The passage seems

to be a question coming (symbolically) from saints who had completed their

courses and are “inquiring from the grave” regarding the date when the Lord

would avenge their blood on them who “dwell on the earth” — a symbolism for

the establishment (Papacy & its civil conspirators). We DON’T KNOW when they

are asking this question — except that it is DURING the 5th Seal and, therefore,

during the 5th Church. But we can calculate the date since:

(1) We know it is a “little season” (micro-chronos) that they

must yet “rest” (sleep). In other words, their awakening

was scheduled for a specific date. [Why “micro” precedes

“chronos” is a valid question which, to our knowledge, has

not yet been answered. We are assuming that 360 years

are still intended. It is possible that “micro” (= little) is

added before “chronos” not as a change of time, but as a

psychological comfort. While the period will, indeed, be 360

years, it will seem “little” in that the sleeping saints will not

experience the passage of time. It is like a mother’s putting

her child to sleep saying, “Morning will be here in just a little

while.” She is not changing time; she is imparting comfort.]

​

(2) We know from studies when the Lord intended his casting off

of "Babylon" (Revelation 14:8) — in answer to their question about

avenging their blood — and of his awakening of the sleeping saints

in 1878.

​

Thus, we can begin with 1878 (the casting off of Babylon and the resurrection

of the sleeping saints), and measure BACKWARDS 360 years. This will bring

us to 1518 — a remarkably important date in Church history when Luther nails

his objections to the church door in Wittenberg. This LITTLE item in Sardis is

of GREAT IMPORT for us in calculating the date of the end of Sardis and the

beginning of Philadelphia. Since this question occurs in the FIFTH Seal —

even though it be on a date remembered for Luther — we must assume that

Philadelphia has not yet begun. It would begin with Luther’s excommunication

at Worms in 1521, which is BOTH 150 years ("five months") from Wycliffe and

360 years from Waldo -- AND a date recorded in stone in the descending passage

of the Great Pyramid -- a treasure trove of Biblical information.

​

The fact that this event of the 5th Seal is at THE CLOSE of the Sardis period, and

the fact that much of the 6th Seal also deals with events TOWARD THE END of

Philadelphia, leads to the conclusion that the Seals represent events TOWARD

THE CLOSE of each Church. This makes sense in that when the “Seal” is taken

off of our personal experiences (i.e., when we begin to understand what has

happened to us), it is AFTER the experience is over or, at least, near its end.

Hence, the Seals SEEM TO REPRESENT a looking back by brethren of a given

period to realize the total meaning of their Church period. This is helpful in

trying to interpret the 7th Seal which gives no clues regarding its timing. The

best explanation is PROBABLY one which puts it at the end of Laodicea.

​

PHILADELPHIA

As explained under Sardis, this period best begins in 1521 with Luther’s

excommunication. The events of Philadelphia are confirmed in other contexts.

These events are IN Philadelphia:

​

The period of 1789-1799 is suggested by Revelation 6:12 and 11:13 which mention

the symbolic earthquake of the French Revolution.

​

The date of 1799 is symbolized in Revelation 10:6 and 11:2-3 in conjunction with

the end of Daniel’s 1260-year prophecy to which they clearly refer (539-1799).

​

Revelation 10:9 & 10, in referring to the Miller Movement, define 1829-44 as yet

being a part of the Philadelphia period.

​

The end of Philadelphia is marked by the return of the Lord in 1874 as will be

discussed under Laodicea.

​

LAODICEA

The RETURN OF THE LORD (the Second Presence — the “Parousia," or

invisible and "thief-like" presence) marks the beginning of Laodicea. The date is

established by the Jewish Law's Jubilees and is confirmed by Daniel 12:12 and the

parallel dates taught by the Jewish “Double.” The date is 1874. Charles T. Russell

is the Laodicean “Angel.” He is, without doubt, one of the loudest religious voices

since Martin Luther -- even though his work and message are now little known

and greatly misrepresented, and often associated with a group with which he had

no connection and would have had no sympathy.

​

Russell, in Volume 4 of his Studies in the Scriptures,

page 601, states, “It [the 7th Trumpet] has been symbolically

sounding since 1874, and will continue.”

​

The connection between the beginning of Laodicea and the Parousia is

strongly shown by Revelation 3:20, 11:15, and most strongly in the passage of

I Thessalonians 4:15, 16 which proclaims the return in the “Trump of God” —

the LAST trumpet of I Corinthians 15, and the seventh of the series.Return to 2025 Index

The name, Laodicea, means "Judgment of the People." It likely refers to the

fact that the final judgment of the Church occurs in this period as well as the

beginning of the 1000-year Judgment Day of II Peter 3.

The END of Laodicea has not yet been found. But it will be slightly before the

Gog & Magog invasion of Ezekiel 38 and 39.

​

SUMMARY

Based on the above evidences, we suggest the best likely dates (and “Angels”) for

the seven Churches are as follows:

(1) Ephesus (Paul), 33 to 70

(2) Smyrna (John), 70 to 313

(3) Pergamos (Arius), 313 to 1160

(4) Thyatira (Waldo), 1160 to 1371

(5) Sardis (Wycliffe), 1371-1521

(6) Philadelphia (Luther), 1521-1874

(7) Laodicea (Russell), 1874 - ?

- - - - -

Dating the Seven Churches

and

Identifying Their Messengers

​

CHARACTERISTICS OF MESSENGERS

​

It is not the best method of identifying the “angels” to the Churches to simply find

people we think are the appropriate choices. We should have a set of standards before

we set out to see who meets those standards. The messengers to the seven Churches

should meet at least these criteria:

(1) Since the messages recorded for the seven Churches are all addressed “TO THE

ANGEL OF…”, it is only reasonable that each of the angels should have in his writings

contents which REFLECT the message given to him in Revelation 3 or 4.

​

(2) Each “angel” should be WIDELY KNOWN. If he is not, the brethren of that Church

period would not have heard the message. This is implied in the word TRUMPET — an

instrument which is heard over a long distance with clarity! These messengers will not

be obscure in history.

​

(3) These men should be PRESENT when their stage of the Church begins. It is their

mission to give information needed for that specific time and its circumstances.

​

(4) If a particular difficulty exists historically, the writings of the angel should reflect

how to overcome it. For example: John (in his epistles) combats Gnosticism (even

though the message to Smyrna does not mention it).

​

(5) All of these angels need not have full clarity of understanding. If each did, we

wouldn’t need seven of them. The first two, being Apostles, would have it. The last,

being the last, would have the most since the Apostles. It should not be expected in

detail in the others.

(6) Symbolically, these men must be "FAT!" They must be zealous and liberal in their

natures. They should all show good degrees

​

- of COURAGE,

- of WILLINGNESS to “BE DIFFERENT,”

- 0f TEACHABLENESS as well as ABILITY TO TEACH,

- of NOT BEING PURELY INTELLECTUAL — i.e., their personal

- relationships with God should be obvious,

- and, as far as possible in fallen men, of EXEMPLARY LIVES.

​

​

(7) These should all have noted relationships to Scripture. For example:

​

PAUL wrote the bulk of its New Testament.

JOHN finished it with Revelation.

ARIUS defended it against newly-developing errors.

WALDO translated parts of it & distributed it in a language of the people.

(FRENCH)

WYCLIFFE translated it all and promoted it. (ENGLISH)

LUTHER defended it against Antichrist & translated it all. (GERMAN)

RUSSELL harmonized and proclaimed it. (INTERNATIONALLY)

​

We have suggested the seven. As we pursue the Church periods themselves, the validity

of these choices should be better established.

​

THE CHRONOLOGIES OF THE SEVEN CHURCHES

INTERNAL DATING EVIDENCES

When attempting to fix accurate dating for each of the seven Churches, it is best

to look into INTERNAL EVIDENCES (Scripturally historical and chronological).

Such evidences can be found not only in the listings of the Churches, but also in the

descriptions given in the corresponding Seals and Trumpets. (The following list will,

in part, be repetitive of some earlier material.)Return to 2025 Index

​

EPHESUS

The beginning of Ephesus cannot be disputed. The Church begins at Pentecost (A.D.

33). Its ending date could be disputed. It will depend upon which date we assign for the

beginning of Smyrna. A.D. 70 (the fall of Jerusalem, and just after Paul's death) is likely

the best choice.

​

SMYRNA

Smyrna = bitter. Its very name suggests a historical beginning for this Church stage.

While the brethren always have had opposition, the bitter persecutions from Pagan

Rome begin about the time of the destruction of Jerusalem (A.D. 70). This would,

therefore, be the logical ending of the Ephesus period.

​

There were, indeed, persecutions earlier. Paul was beheaded by Nero about A.D. 67 —

leaving John to be the messenger to Smyrna. Thus, our end of Ephesus can logically

vary within a few years. But, since the siege of Jerusalem was forecast in Daniel 9, it

seems a logical choice because we have a prophetic mention of the event. Jesus, himself,

echoes the suggestion when he warns: “When you see Jerusalem encompassed with

armies…” Thus A.D. 70 is well-marked not only by history, but also by the Word. Jesus

tells his disciples to abandon Jerusalem at A.D. 70. Jerusalem had, until then, been the

very center of the Church. Not only does the Ephesus period end, its location ends.

​

Revelation 2:10 seems to mark the end of persecutions under Pagan Rome — the end of

the most “bitter” experiences. The Edict of Milan (A.D. 313) officially puts an end to

persecutions of “Christians.” The new Emperor, Constantine, claims to be Christian and

makes Christianity the religion of the empire. The final ten years of terrible persecution

under Diocletian (303 - 313) are the final “ten days” of Smyrna.

​

PERGAMOS

Pergamos means “earthly elevation.” The name cannot be clearer in its intent. When

Constantine makes apostate Christianity the religion of the realm, there is nothing that

could do more to elevate it. II Thessalonians 2:6, 7 makes it clear that when Pagan

Rome is taken out of the way, this “Man of Sin” is let loose! The testimony of Paul plus

the evidence of history make the 313 date nearly incontrovertible for Pergamos to begin.

Pergamos lasts a long time. Elevating this earthly Christianity is a long-term process.

Thus we find many things happening during this period:

(1) History and Daniel 12:7 & 7:25 point to the “Setting Up” (in authority) of the

abomination (the mass) in A.D. 539.

​

(2) In 754 the “Papal States” are established and last until 1870.Return to 2025 Index

​

(3) In 800 the Pope crowns Charlemagne, thus implying the church is ABOVE the state.

It’s truly becoming VERY elevated — and church-state fornication is then undeniable.

​

(4) Revelation 2:21 (a description listed under Thyatira) is in the PAST TENSE —

referring BACK to Pergamos. In other words, the Lord could have begun Thyatira

earlier, but he gave “space” (chronos = 360 years) for Jezebel to repent of her harlotry.

This is certainly a possible chronological clue. From Charlemagne (800), 360 years

bring us to 1160 — the date of the Papal decree condemning the Waldenses (followers of

Waldo) as heretics = the likely beginning of Thyatira.

​

It is interesting to note that the Lord supplies clues to us during times

when history is not easily pinned down. But Papal bulls, excommunications,

etc. are carefully dated and documented while other history is less so.

Thus, the “excommunication” of Waldo & his followers is a logical date for

the beginning of Thyatira when we finally consider that particular Church.

​

(5) In 926, “The Holy Roman Empire” officially comes into existence and lasts until

its final emperor abdicates in 1806 (due to Napoleon’s functional destruction of that

entity).

​

(6) In 1054 the Eastern and Western churches divide. This actually strengthens the

“elevation” of the Western church since the Papacy now rules in the western empire with

more power than ever — not being subject to the contradictions of the more-educated

eastern part of the empire.

Thus, the dates for Pergamos seem comfortably placed from 313 to 1160 when the

Waldenses irritate the Pope to distraction. This is a long period of being “elevated.” But

once it is “elevated,” the Thyatira period can begin — a period of total suppression due

to power gained by the heights to which the Papal apostasy had been elevated.

​

THYATIRA

The beginning is established with the making of Waldo and his followers into “heretics.”

This is firmly established in Papal records at A.D. 1160.

​

Thyatira means “Sweet Perfume of Sacrifice.” The name is appropriate. The world calls

it “The Dark Ages.” It is a period of near-total suppression of truth and liberty. The

“elevated” church need not put up with any opposition — and it doesn’t. The “sacrifice”

of the saints is not easy during this period; and, therefore, it is characterized as being a

sweet savor to the Lord.

​

Among the Scriptural clues that support this dating is Revelation 2:23 — a reference to

the great period of “The Black Death” (the Bubonic Plague — 1334-1354) which killed

somewhere from one-half to two-thirds of Europe.

​

Some resist placing Revelation 2:21 as a reference to Pergamos. So it is interesting to

note an alternative application. If we add 360 to 1160, we are taken to A.D. 1521 — the

excommunication of Martin Luther. Thus this verse would be a prophecy that Papacy

would be tolerated until the Great Reformation — the Philadelphia Church.

​

Thus Thyatira has documentation that substantiates our dating it from 1160 to Sardis —

which seems to begin in 1371 according to information we will soon see.

​

SARDIS

Wycliffe was among the most hated of all persons who have opposed Papacy. This

speaks well for him. Historians call him “The Morning Star of the Reformation,” and

his influence travels from Britain to Eastern Europe rapidly. The Papal bull ordering

Wycliffe to silence (which he obviously ignores) dates from 1371. While this date for the

beginning of Sardis may seem arbitrary, we will see that Scripture (Revelation 9:5 & 10)

marks its accuracy by telling us that this period lasts 150 years. That period of time

takes us to 1521 — the date of Martin Luther’s excommunication -- a date clearly marked

in the Great Pyramid's descending passage. Thus the 1371 date seems considerably

more than speculative.

​

Some have begun Luther’s "Trumpet" at 1518 — autumn of 1517 (the 95 Theses). But the

150-year period PLUS an event in the account of the Seals seem strongly to suggest that

the Lord considers 1521 as being correct.

​

In Revelation 6:11 (during the 5th seal, and, therefore, in Sardis), the saints are told that

they must “rest” (=sleep) a “little season.” The Greek is “microchronos.” We think that

this is yet a reference to 360 years. The “little” doesn’t seem to be a word which makes

the TIME shorter, but a word of comfort. The persecuted saints are being told that their

“rest” (sleep) will end in 360 years, but that it will SEEM like a short time because they

will not be aware. As an example: A mother can put a child to bed saying, “Morning will

be here in just a little while.” She isn’t shortening the night; she’s comforting the child

by correctly assuring it that the next thing he knows, it will be morning.

​

We can calculate backwards. These saints will awaken in 1878. Therefore, 360 years

before that date is 1518 — a period some would put in Philadelphia. But since these

saints are being assured during the 5th Seal (Sardis), we know that 1518 is yet in Sardis

— thus making 1521 the preferred date for Luther’s trumpet. Sardis, then, dates from

1371 to 1521.

​

PHILADELPHIA

The evidences above show this Church to begin in 1521. During its tenure we find the

Scriptures to show:

​

(1) The French Revolution (1789-1799). See Revelation 6:12 and 11:13.

(2) The Time-of-the-End’s arrival at 1799 (Daniel’s 1260 days with Revelation 10:6 &

11:23).

(3) The Miller Movement -- 1829-1845 (Revelation 10:9 & 10).

​

The end of the period is the beginning of Laodicea -- the Lord’s secret ("thief-like")

return of 1874.

​

LAODICEA

Matthew 24 informs us that when the Lord returns he finds the messenger already in

process of feeding the flock. The 7th Messenger, himself, states that his trumpeting

began in 1874. (D. 601: “It [the 7th trumpet] has been symbolically sounding since

1874, and will continue.”)

Revelation 3:20 suggests that Laodicea begins with Jesus’ presence — his being at the

door knocking. (This shows that the Church is yet in the flesh AFTER Jesus returns.)

I Thessalonians 4:15 & 16 confirm that Jesus returns IN THE TRUMP, not before it. In

other words, his return commences the Laodicean Church period -- NOT the peaceable

kingdom.

Thus Laodicea dates from 1874 and ends once there are no longer spirit-begotten ones

in the flesh -- a little before the time of the Psalm 46:10 pronouncement.

- - - - - - -

​

CHRONOLOGICAL CHART

On the following page is a chart which attempts to show visually the relationships of the

Seven Churches (of Revelation 2 & 3), the Seven Seals (of Revelation 6:1 to 8:1), and the

Seven Trumpets (of Revelation 8:2 to 11:19). The pertinent Scriptures affecting each set,

and the historical events and datings which occur during each period are also included.

​

​

​

- - - - - - -