How do Jehovah's Witnesses and Latter Day Saints view the seven churches in Revelation and interpret the ten days of tribulation in Revelation 2:10?

Based on this article in the Jehovah’s Witness publication ‘Revelation – Its Grand Climax at Hand’ the number ten symbolises earthly completeness or entirety. Revelation 2:10 is not taken as being a literal ten days, but is a symbolic period of time starting at the end of the 19th century and is still ongoing.

Paragraph 7 suggests that Jehovah’s Witnesses see themselves as God’s own people and they are the modern-day church of Smyrna and have been singled out for persecution since 1879. This was during the life-time of Charles Russell who died in 1916 and was followed by Joseph Rutherford.

The persecution that they received at the instigation of some of Christendom’s leaders came to a head in 1918 and was comparable to what the Christians in Smyrna received from the Jewish community there.

13 Truly, the Christian Witnesses of Jehovah are suffering physical persecution and other testings for a symbolic ten days. Like the Christians back in Smyrna, they have not been afraid; nor do any of us need to be afraid as troubles worsen here on earth. We are prepared to endure under sufferings and take even ‘the plundering of our belongings’ joyfully. (Hebrews 10:32-34) By studying God’s Word and making it our very own, we will be equipped to stand solid in the faith. Be assured that Jehovah can and will guard you in your integrity. “Throw all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you.”—1 Peter 5:6-11.

Whilst it is true that Jehovah’s Witnesses have been the victims of persecution, they are not unique. It is also true that Catholics and Protestants alike have been falsely accused, thrown into prison, tortured and killed because they refuse to deny Christ Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints viewpoint:

• Seven churches:

The first three chapters of the book of Revelation were specifically addressed to seven branches of the Church in Asia Minor (see Revelation 1:4, 11; 2–3). It is unclear why these particular churches were singled out. While other branches of the Church had been established in Asia (such as at Pisidian Antioch), these seven may represent the Church as a whole (the number seven being symbolic of completeness). Historical sources indicate that John lived at Ephesus near the close of the first century, so he would have had close connections with the seven churches before his exile to Patmos, and he would have visited them as he ministered in Asia Minor. They may also have been among only a few branches that were still faithful and had not succumbed to apostasy and persecution.

...

A fulfillment of the Lord’s words can be seen in the life of Polycarp, a bishop of the church in Smyrna, who lived from A.D. 69 to 155. Polycarp was a disciple of John and one of the last surviving Church leaders who had personally heard the teachings of an Apostle and eyewitness of Jesus Christ.¹

• Overarching take away:

One truth we will find in Revelation 2–3 is that because Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know each of us, They can acknowledge our good works and warn us of needed changes.²

...

With all the strength of my soul I testify that our Heavenly Father loves each one of us. He hears the prayers of humble hearts; He hears our cries for help. … His Son, our Savior and Redeemer, speaks to each of us today: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him” [ Revelation 3:20 ].

Will we listen for that knock? Will we hear that voice? Will we open that door to the Lord, that we may receive the help He is so ready to provide? I pray that we will.³

_{1 To whom was Revelation written and why?}

_{2 Seminary: New Testament: Teacher Manual}

_{3 Mrs. Patton—the Story Continues, Oct '07 Pres Thomas S Monson}