The answer is: 7

Rev 1:20

In the book of Revelation, John mentions seven churches located in Asia Minor, which map out a beautiful cross-section of early Christian communities. Each church brought its own unique struggles and strengths, and most scholars believe these congregations faced differing levels of persecution and internal conflict. Those church names—Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea—are nearly as catchy as they are monumental, representing real-life challenges in narrowly defined regions.

Interestingly, they are not just a tidy list; they each received a personalized message in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. For example, the Church of Ephesus was commended for its hard work and perseverance but admonished for having "lost the love it first had." Contrast that with Laodicea—famous for being "lukewarm"—which highlights the importance of unwavering faith or fervent commitment.

A fun fact: Laodicea was known for its wealth and luxury, which likely contributed to its lukewarm attitude. Also, the number seven has significant symbolism in the Bible, representing completeness or divine order, which adds another layer of significance to these churches. Historically, Asia Minor served as a crossroads, combining various cultures, and the challenges faced by these seven churches reflect how the spiritual message must often adapt to local contexts—truly relevant in any era!