The seven churches described in Revelation 2-3 are seven literal churches at the time that John the apostle was writing Revelation. These churches were located in Asia Minor, present-day Turkey, and were among a number of early Christian communities in the region. The seven churches are named for their locations: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. The messages to the seven churches were intended to communicate with the literal churches and meet their needs, as well as to reveal seven different types of individuals/churches throughout history and instruct them in God’s truth. The messages also serve as a warning of the judgment to come while extending hope and encouragement to all who will listen. Although the seven letters in Revelation are tailored to the named churches, these churches and their stated deficiencies can symbolize all churches in one respect or another. The instruction given to Revelation’s congregations is therefore valuable to Christian congregations today.