| The Seven Churches | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ephesus | Smyrna | Pergamum | Thyatira | Sardis | Philadelphia | Laodicea |
There is a common format to the message given to each church.
Start of verses for Ephesus churchThe first angel to receive a message for a church is the one at the church of Ephesus, Revelation 2:1.
The city of Ephesus is on the Asia Minor (now southwest Turkey) seacoast. At the time of the writing of Revelation, it was a capital of Roman Asia. The harbor at Ephesus is noted for its shifting bottom. This gives added meaning to the expression "...that you have left your first love.",
"Ephesus" itself means "desired". It is the same kind of desire that Paul talks about in Ephesians 5:25-30 that a husband, who loves his wife, has for her. In the same way, Christ "desires" the church at Ephesus and wishes to take care of it.
Ephesus, as a church, was established by Paul on his second
missionary
journey (Acts
19). John, the author of Revelation, was "minister" there
for quite some time. Between Paul and John, there are indications that
Timothy was in charge of the churches in the area. Extrabiblical
sources
indicate that Mary the mother of Jesus died here.
Start of verses for Smyrna churchThe message to the angel for the church at Smyrna starts at Revelation 2:8.
Smyrna, which is derived from the word "myrrh" or sweet perfume, lies 40 miles north of Ephesus. The current city of Izmir, Turkey is on this site.
There were a great number of persecutions in Smyrna. History records at least 10 great persecutions from Nero (96 AD) to Diocletian (313 AD). These persecutions are reflected in this letter to this church's angel.
The city itself was said to be very beautiful with a population around 200,000. A single street, "Golden Street" ran east and west through the city. There were beautiful Greek temples along this street for Apollo, Asclepius, Aphrodite, Cybele and Zeus. Smyrna was selected from 11 other cities to build a temple to Tiberius (23 AD).
Under Domitian (81-96 AD), emperor worship was compulsory for every Roman citizen. Once a year a citizen had to burn incense on the alter to the bust of Caesar, after which he was issued a certificate. This was mostly a political ceremony (not religious) but when burning the incense, you had to say "Caesar is Lord". Most Christians refused to do this.
As a result of refusal, the Christians received heavy persecutions. An early Christian, PolyCarp, was burned alive at age 86 (156 AD) as the "12th martyr" of Smyrna. He is quoted as saying, "Eighty-six years have I served Christ, and He has never done me wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?"
As if the Roman emperor worship requirements weren't enough, there
was
a large hostile faction in the Jewish community which also caused the
Christian
church much trouble.
Start of verses for Pergamum churchThe message to the angel for the church at Pergamum starts at Revelation 2:12.
Pergamum is an inland city about 65 miles north of Smyrna. It had a famous 200,000 volume library. After Ptolemy Epiphanes of Egypt (205-182 BC) cut off the export of papyrus, the researchers of Pergamum developed a paper from animal skins called parchment. This allowed Pergamum to become second only to Alexandria, Egypt in its vast library.
There were many temples in Pergamum. In fact, the great alter to Sater Zeus was considered one of the seven wonders of the world. The people of Pergamum had two main religions:
Dionysys - the god of the royal family symbolized by the bull.
Asclepius - the savior god of healing represented by the snake.
(Note: snake's involvement in healing in the Old
Testament, Numbers 21:6-9).
Start of verses for Thyatira churchThe message to the angel for the church at Thyatira starts at Revelation 2:18.
Thyatira is about 40 miles east of Pergamos. Politically, it was not very important. It did flourish in trade and was known for its trade guilds. In fact, the New Testament in Acts 16:14 records that Lydia was a trader of purple fabrics, and that she came from the city of Thyatira.
We will find another woman also associated with Thyatira -- Jezebel. That name was well known by Jews and we will get to know about her too!
Previous verse Next verse1. "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:
The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand,
the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this:
To the ANGEL of the church in Ephesus write:This is part of the vision John saw in the first chapter (Revelation 1:16). The right hand denotes the hand of power and authority.
* THE ONE who holds the seven STARS in his right HAND,
* THE ONE who walks among the seven GOLDEN LAMPSTANDS, says this:This, too, is where John's vision in chapter 1 opens with "one like a son of Man" in the midst of the lampstands (Revelation 1:11). The fact that "THE ONE" walks among the golden lampstands verifies that these really do exist and may be removed (Revelation 2:5).
Previous verse Next verse2. I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot endure evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false, and
I knowThe Lord is not forgetful of our works - Hebrews 6:9-12. But remember that works is the result of faith and love - James 2:17-18.
(1) your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and
Perseverance results in God's compassion and mercy.
(2) that you cannot endure evil men, andAccording to Proverbs 8:13, if you fear the Lord, then you hate evil. Ephesus did not put up with these evil people.
(3) you put to the test those who call themselves APOSTLES,Earlier in John's life, he wrote that we should test the spirits - 1 John 4:1-3, if they are true or false. What is the test to be an APOSTLE?
and they are not, and you found them to be FALSE, and
Previous verse Next verse3. and you have perseverance and have endured for My name's sake, and have not grown weary.
(4) you have PERSEVERANCE andWhat did the church endure for Christ's sake? Acts 5:37-42 describes the beatings and reprimands to be silent.
(5) have ENDURED for my NAME's sake and
(6) have not grown weary.The church had not grown weary of holding forth the word in Christ's name NOT in the names of "transient apostles".
Previous verse Next verse4. `But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.
On the other hand, the "first love" may have referred to their "inner devotion" to Christ. Again "things" had become more important.
The apostle Paul retained his first love. In fact, it became stronger, broader, richer, deeper, and truer - Philippians 3:7-11.
"FIRST LOVE" isIf you have "lost your first love", He, Jesus Christ, has "somewhat against you." If you never have had that "first love", now is the time to get that first love.
* exclusive - It excludes the world and the flesh and
resists the devil.
* makes Jesus Christ preeminent - Keep seeking the things
above, where Christ is.
Colossians 3:1-4.
* very active - It seeks to please the Lord Jesus Christ
by keeping His words. John 14:21-24.
Previous verse Next verse5. `Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you, and will remove your lampstand out of its place -- unless you repent.
REMEMBER therefore from where you have fallen, andAs with life, past experiences are vitally important to ongoing action. Don't do the things you did before if they were bad and do the things in the past which were good.
There is a parallel incident recorded in the Old Testament in 2 Chronicles 12:1-14 where King Rehoboam "forsook the law of the Lord". As a result, God allowed the King of Egypt to conquer Rehoboam and plunder the treasures of the house of the Lord, the temple.
REPENT andRehoboam humbled himself and bought temporary reprieve. The full anger of the Lord was turned away from him (v. 12).
DO the deeds you did at firstWe do what we do for the Lord not because it is printed in a church bulliten or because "I like that person" - we do those deeds because we LOVE the Lord.
Rehoboam never did the deeds he did at first. In fact, he did evil because he did not set his heart to seek the Lord (v. 14).
or else IThose eyes of fire are coming to you (Revelation 1:14).
1) am coming to you and
2) will remove your LAMPSTAND out of its place.The lampstand is NOT destroyed just removed. Why? Later in Revelation, the pseudo church will need these "removed" lampstands to form its organization. However be aware that Christ does not walk in its midst.
unless you REPENT.What is that FIRST LOVE? 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 tells us exactly what that love is. The question before you then becomes: Do you fake your LOVE or is it the real FIRST LOVE?
Previous verse Next verse6. `Yet this you do have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
`Yet this you do have, that you HATE the DEEDS of the NICOLAITANS,What a negative complement!!! BUT when the love (even first love) is gone, the only thing left is hatred.
which I also HATE.
The meaning of the word Nicolaitans is "consume or conquer the people". The Nicolaitans may have been a devisive sect of that day about whom we have no record. Or it may refer to church leaders who consumed or conquered (controlled) the people. In other words, these probably were false prophets/teachers/apostles.
John, the author, warns about these in 1 John 4:1-3. Furthermore, John indicates that deception is the great trademark of the Devil - 2 John 6-10. The church at Ephesus was aware of these false prophets and had "hated their deeds" but not the people themselves.
Previous verse Next verse7. `He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.'
He who has an ear, let him hear what the SPIRIT says to the CHURCHES.Besides REMEMBER, REPENT, and DO (Revelation 2:5), the people in the church at Ephesus are asked to HEAR. However, this time rather than it being Christ talking (Revelation 2:1), it is the SPIRIT talking to ALL the churches. BUT you must hear first.
To him who overcomesWe, humans, continually fight a spiritual battle to overcome principalities, powers, seen and unseen. For the "overcomer", there is comfort to know Christ has already been there and done that. Christ is not the enemy; He only causes "good things" for the "overcomer". This is described in Romans 8:28, Ephesians 1:18-23, and Colossians 1:15-18.
I will grant to eat of the TREE OF LIFE which is in theThe TREE OF LIFE is first mentioned in Genesis 2:9 and it gives everlasting life. When sin entered this world, we humans were banned from getting to it in Genesis 3:22-23. However, here it is promised to 'overcomers'.
PARADISE OF GOD.
Even at the end, this TREE OF LIFE is shown as straddling the river of life flowing from the throne (Revelation 22:2). Lastly, anyone who takes away from the words of this Revelation prophesy will have their part in the tree of life removed (Revelation 22:18-19).
PARADISEIn Jewish apocalyptic works, it is mentioned that the glorious new age of the Messiah will have Eden restored to its former beauty and lusciousness (including the TREE OF LIFE). Isaiah 51:2-3 sounds alot like the new Jerusalem of Revelation. Everyone knows that it is the Lord who made the desolate wilderness like Eden again as described in Ezekiel 36:33-36. In fact, before the fall of man into the sinful state, we all, in a sense were in this Eden - Ezekiel 28:11-19.
The TREE OF LIFE is symbolically the source of our eternal life. This place of fellowship and sustenance for the 'overcomer' is no longer forbidden or hidden.
Previous verse Next verse8. "To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this:
To the ANGEL of the church in Smyrna write:This is the everlasting God, who is the first and the last. Even as He conquered death and is alive, so, too, those who suffer persecution at Smyrna and may be killed will receive the CROWN OF Life (Revelation 2:10).
The FIRST and LAST (Revelation 1:17)
who * was dead and (Revelation 1:18)
* has come to life
says this
Recalling that Smyrna is derived from "myrrh" or sweet fragrance, Paul uses that expression of fragrance in 2 Corinthians 2:14-16. We as Christians are a fragrance in this world (especially among the stench of death).
Previous verse Next verse9. `I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of satan.
`I knowTribulation can take many forms. Paul in Hebrews 10:32-39 talks about public reproach and seizure of property. Many of us Christians have not experienced tribulation like that -- are we ashamed of the gospel of Christ?
(a) your TRIBULATION and
(b) your POVERTY (but you are rich), andThe world may consider us physically POOR, but we have riches which they cannot understand. As John puts it in 1 John 2:15-17, if we don't love the world, earthly wealth just doesn't matter. Furthermore, Isaiah says that God revives the lowly (poor) in spirit in Isaiah 57:14-15. In fact, this is a condition that God really seeks as explained in Isaiah 66:1-2.
Consider that even while Christ had/has all the riches of heaven, He took on the form of man (what a step down to poverty!) just for us - 2 Corinthians 8:9. That is why he could say in Matthew 10:37-39 that one finds life after they lose it for Christ's sake. You, too, can find your life.
(c) the BLASPHEMY by those who say they are Jews and are not,Ephesus had apostles who weren't apostles, and Smyrna had Jews who really were not.
but are a SYNAGOGUE OF SATAN.
The SYNAGOGUE OF SATAN shows for the first time in Revelation who the real perpertrator of persecution is. There is an equivalence shown here:
False prophets = ministers of SatanThese "Judaizers" believed in salvation by works. That will never do as they find out in the message to the church at Philadelphia.
False Jews = synagogue of Satan.
Previous verse Next verse10. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil will cast some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful unto Death, and I will give you a crown of life.
Do not fear what you are about to suffer.On the human physical level, the Christian is expected to suffer for their beliefs - 1 Peter 1:3-9. Suffering purifies and reveals the true metal of the believer. If that suffering includes death, a special martyr's grace is given at that time.
Behold, the devil will cast some of you into PRISON,It is a mystery that the One with all power and control PERMITS the devil to test some Christians in this way. It is as though God gives the devil his best shot at trying to bring us down.
that you may be tested, and
you will have tribulation ten days.It is interesting that tribulation usually brings about the spread of the Gospel. That is, when Christians suffer trials, they move to get away. Yet God uses them in their new location to witness for Him.
It is not clear what is the signifigance of the ten days. It may be equated to the 10 periods of tribulation or 10 years of trials under Diocletian. Or it may be symbolic to mean a "short time", relatively speaking, to a God to whom time does not have much meaning because He is the great "I AM".
Daniel and his friends requested a different diet than the king's choice food. They wanted vegetables and water as their diet. So a test was run for 10 days to see what effect Daniel's diet would have on him and his friends. The results can be found in Daniel 1:8-16. The testing of the members of the Smyrna church may be a test similar to Daniel's.
Be faithful unto Death, and I will give you a crown of LIFE.What a glorious promise....but we need these crowns to be able to cast them at His feet (Revelation 4:10). Earlier, the members of the church at Philadelphia were told to hold on to what they have so they would not lose their crown (Revelation 3:11). The crown is just one of the rewards (1 Corinthians 3:12-17) the Christian will receive. See Revelation 2:13 for one, Antipas, who received this crown.
Previous verse Next verse11. `He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.'
He who has an ear let him HEAR what the SPIRIT saysThis, again, is the Holy Spirit speaking to all the churches.... If they hear and overcome they will bypass the second death. The first death, our physical death, is the result of Adam's and Eve's sin, Genesis 2:16-17. Likewise the second one is spiritual death. But as one act of sin brought death, so too, one act of grace brings life, Romans 5:12-21.
to the churches, He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the
SECOND DEATH.
What is the second death?
It is the lake of fire. See Revelation 20:14-15 and Revelation 21:8.
While physical death was a real possibility, the second death for the overcomers at Smyrna was not a reality.
Previous verse Next verse12. "To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this:
And to the ANGEL of the church in Pergamum write:Christ is the author of this letter - Revelation 1:16.
the ONE who has the sharp two-edged sword says
this:
The Lord will use His sword to fight the BALAAMites (Revelation 2:14) and the NICOLAITANS (Revelation 2:15).
This verse may allude to the fact that Pergamum under Roman control was given the rare power of capital punishment (ius gladii). This power is symbolized by the sword.
Previous verse Next verse13. `I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith, even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.
I know where you dwell where Satan's throne is;The city of Pergamus was the center of idol and emperor worship. This put the Christian at great risk. The forces of idolatry, learning and celebrity were very strong. So strong that this city was considered to be where Satan's throne was.
Satan, as a created being, does not have the qualities of God. He is NOT
* omniscient - Satan is not all knowing. He does have an
active organization of fallen angels and demons.
They continually capture people who leave them-
selves open to their entrance. Sometimes they
even hinder men of God from receiving answers or
help to their prayers - Daniel 10:10-14, 20-21.
* omnipotent - Satan is not all powerful. He does have a
number of thrones, dominions, principalities,
powers, rulers and wicked spirits in high
places. (Ephesians 6:12, Colossians 1:16, and
Colossians 2:15)
* omnipresent - Satan is limited to being at only one place at
one time. Pergamus, apparently, was the location
of one of his thrones. Job indicates that Satan
roams about the earth - Job 1:6-7. As a
spirit entity, Satan has power in the air too -
Ephesians 2:2. Satan is called the "ruler of
this world" in John 12:27-32. However, he can
only be at one place at a time...he moves fast
though and has many helpers in the form of evil
spirits and demons within humans.
and youPRAISE THE LORD! Even in all this Satanistic realm, Christ complements the members of the church at Pergamum for raising His name and not denying the faith. It is the same complement given to those who do not take the MARK of the beast - Revelation 14:12.
(1) hold fast My name, and
(2) did not deny My faith,
even in the days of Antipas My witness, My faithful one, who wasThe term "faithful witness" is used with Jesus Christ right at the beginning of Revelation in Revelation 1:5. Later in Revelation, there are two witnesses of the Messiah in Revelation 11:3 so that all the Jews may know.
killed among you, where Satan dwells.
The spirit told the Smyrna church that the "faithful until death" would be given the crown of life - Revelation 2:10.
Previous verse Next verse14. `But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit acts of immorality.
BUT I have a few things against you, because you have
some who hold the teaching of BALAAM, who kept teaching
BALAK to put a stumbling block before the SONS of ISRAEL,
(1) to eat things sacrificed to idols, andWhy should this be so bad? If one could eat things sacrificed to idols this may indicate that one tolerates (or even worships) these idols. God is a very jealous God. He will not have ANY god before Him - Exodus 20:3.
The teachings of Balaam was that it was alright to intermarry with heathen and compromise over idolatrous worship. One can see this in Numbers chapters 22 through 25.
(2) to commit acts of immorality.At the time of Revelation's writing, men indulged in sexual intercourse with temple priestesses in cult prostitution. Even if this phrase didn't refer to temple prostitution but rather to spiritual unfaithfulness, this, too, is not right in God's sight. See Ezekiel 23:36-39.
It is so easy to follow the advise of "friends" or because "they are doing it..." makes the immorality OK. Not so. John tells us earlier in his life, 1 John 5:18-21, that we are to guard ourselves from idols.
Previous verse Next verse15. `Thus you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
Thus you also have some who in the same way holdThe Ephesus church (Revelation 2:6) discovered the deeds of the Nicolaitans and didn't tolerate them.
the teachings of the Nicolaitans.
The Pergamum church had them in the congregation expousing their cultic teachings. It is not known who these Nicolaitans were but God certainly hated them.
It is interesting to note that Satan tried to put pressure on the churches of Smyrna and Pergamum from the outside through persecution and martyrdom respectively. He didn't succeed. BUT using internal deception via the Balaamites and Nicolaitans, he made considerable inroads.
How easy it is to criticize "outside" faults of churches when, in fact, the devil may be inside already. Pastors (shepherds) have an awesome responsibility to keep the "wolves out of the sheep".
Previous verse Next verse16. `Repent therefore; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth.
REPENT THEREFORE;This is meant for the whole church. It was meant for those who did not follow Balaamite or Nicolaitan teachings. They need to repent because they permitted these influences in the church.
The Balaamite or Nicolaitan practioners needed to repent and give up their practices.
or else I am coming to you quickly(This is not the second coming of Christ but an individual church cleaning.)
and I will make WAR against them with the SWORD of My mouth.This is the same sword which will one day cut down the nations as told in Revelation 19:15.
Curiously, the Old Testament diviner, Balaam, also died by the sword, Numbers 31:8 and Joshua 13:22. Recalling that the cultic practices involved sex, the only way to eradicate this from the congregation is to use drastic measures - Numbers 31:16-18.
Previous verse Next verse17. `He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.'
He who has an ear, let him HEAR what the SPIRIT saysThis is a personal effort. Only we as individuals have spiritual ears to hear. And according to Romans 10:17, faith comes by hearing and studying the Bible. Hopefully, that is why you are using this study guide.
to the CHURCHES.
To him who overcomes, to himThere were three things the Pergamus church had to overcome:
I will give some of the HIDDEN MANNA andIn the Old Testament, some manna was placed into the ark of the covenant - Exodus 16:31-35. This ark became the focal point of worship for the Jews even before the Ten Commandments were given to them. Thus this manna has been "life" to the Jews for a long time.
We, too, have manna. Even as Paul explains in Hebrews 9:1-28 that Jesus Christ is now entering into the heavenly "holy of holies" (where the ark is) and is performing High Priestly functions on our behalf. Jesus early on in His ministry said He is the bread of life - John 6:48-58.
In apocalyptic Jewish teaching, however, the messianic era will see the restoration of the hidden wilderness manna as written in 2 Baruch 29:8 and Sibylline Oracles 7:149.
For the Pergamum overcomers, it was much better to "eat" of Christ and have eternal life than to eat the food offered to idols. So, too, you can have eternal life.
I will give him a white stone andWhite suggests purity instead of immorality, which is impurity. In the Old Testament the High Priest wore a breastpiece of judgment which contained 12 stones for each of the twelve tribes of Israel - Exodus 28:15-21.
Now the overcomers will each have their own white stone of purity. This may be a side reference to the pagan practice of needing an engraved stone to attend one of their banquets. If this is so, then this phrase would be a striking contrast to the Pergamus member.
a new name written on the STONE which no one knowsThis is God's special name to you, the overcomer. While our earthly name was given to us by our parents, our spiritual name is given to us by God. This same kind of naming was promised to the Philadelphia members (Revelation 3:12) and to the 144,000 witnesses standing on Mount Zion (Revelation 14:1).
but he who receives it.
In the Old Testament, names, such as Abraham, Israel, etc., were chosen according to the character and calling of the person. Likewise, your new name should reflect your calling. You will be identified by your works someday - 1 Corinthians 3:12-17.
Lastly, is your name written in the book of remembrance? See Malachi 3:16-18.
Previous verse Next verse18. "To the angel of the church in Thyatira write:
The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire,
and His feet are like burnished bronze, says this:
"To the angel of the church in THYATIRA write:He saw what was going on in Thyatira. Also see Revelation 1:14.
The SON of GOD
* who has eyes like a Flame of Fire, and
* His feet are like burnished bronze, says this:And he has the power to "stomp" on any offender He wishes. Also see Revelation 1:15.
One of the trades at Thyatira was bronze working. So this view of the speaker may have had a special impact. Furthermore the members at Thyatira are shown that the speaker knows and sees what is going on with Jezebel in their midst.
You can't hide from God!
Previous verse Next verse19. 'I know your deeds and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your deeds of late are greater than at first.
'I KNOWIt is fine to have good works BUT only if sound doctrine and worship come first.
a) your deeds and
b) your LOVE and FAITH andLove manifests itself in service; likewise faithfulness shows up in perseverance.
| |
V V
c) SERVICE and PERSEVERANCE, and that
d) your deeds of late are greater than at first.NEVER, NEVER, NEVER should we be so busy with DOING that we forget to worship Him. Worshiping is the true act of reverence and respect toward God. One only has to look at Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42. Martha was busy in the kitchen with preparations while Mary sat at His feet (worshiping).
How does one truly worship God? John 4:19-24 says in two ways:
Previous verse Next verse20. But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and she teaches and leads my bondservants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.
But I have this against you, that you TOLERATE theThere may or may not have been a real Jezebel in the Thyatira church. But the name clearly points to the one that the Jews knew about in the Old Testament. (1 Kings 16:31-33, 1 Kings 19:1-3, 1 Kings 21:1-16, 2 Kings 9:30-37)
woman JEZEBEL,
The Old Testament Jezebel did a good number on King Ahab and caused terrible trouble for true prophets like Elijah.
who calls herself a prophetess and she teachesIt is one thing to have a false prophet in the midst of a congregation but it is even worse when that false prophet is permitted to teach. Perhaps that is why Paul clearly tells Timothy that as a matter of principle, women are not to teach - 1 Timothy 2:11-15. How many cults today are being lead or were started by a woman?
and leads my bondservants astray so that theyCuriously, there must have been members of the Thyatira church who saw what was going on BUT were content to be quiet and not rebuke the false teachings. How about your fellowship? Is it being lead by a false teacher? Check it out and speak up if it is.
a) commit acts of IMMORALITY and
b) eat things sacrificed to idols.
Previous verse Next verse21. `And I gave her time to repent; and she does not want to repent of her immorality.
And I gave her TIME to REPENT;Jezebel (and those she symbolizes) knew that she was leading the church at Thyatira astray. She (they) mixed pagan beliefs (rituals) into the church, yet she (they) apparently congratulated herself (themselves) on her (their) leadership capabilities. She (they) had to make a choice:
and she does not want to REPENT of her IMMORALITY.That was Jezebel's choice. Sometimes leadership "power" goes to the head and the longsuffering patience of the Lord is interpreted as "It's OK to continue....I haven't stopped you or punished you." BUT Romans 2:1-8 says, Jezebel (and those like her) are storing up wrath until the revelation of God's righteous judgment. We don't have any choice in that day. God does.
Previous verse Next verse22. `Behold, I will cast her upon a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds.
'Behold, I will cast her upon a bed of sickness, andThe same bed "she", Jezebel, used for pleasures/immoralities has turned into a bed of sickness.
Symbolically, "Jezebel" is left among the church members to test if they will be true to the Lord or if they will commit spiritual fornication. You can tell this Jezebelian behavior when the church members are able to flirt with the Devil and enjoy his pleasures and yet remain "pious church members". However, so many of these pleasures soon become evident (even among "pious church members") such as alcoholism, AIDS, drugs, gluttony etc. etc.
those who commit adultery with her into GREAT TRIBULATION unlessIn James 4:4, we are warned that friendship with the world is hostility toward God. And the result of that friendship will be a great tribulation. It is not clear if this refers to the seven years of great tribulation (which such friendship certainly would win) or if this refers to individual tribulations of great magnitude such as family suffering, unresolved arguments, workplace clashes.
The key is
they REPENT of their DEEDS.Even during the time of sickness in the first part of this verse, there still is time to repent. A great tribulation is guaranteed if subversion in the church is not 1) discovered, 2) brought out in the open, and 3) repented.
Repent ..... a recurring theme in Revelation!!!
Previous verse Next verse23. `And I will kill her children with pestilence; and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.
'And I will KILL her CHILDREN with pestilence;While this may mean her real illegitimate children born from the immorality, most likely these are her spiritual children. These children become the members of Satan's imitation church (who later accept the mark of the beast).
and ALL THE CHURCHES will know that I AM HESince all the churches read the composite revelations of John, this specifically is given to all of them (not just Thyatira). This implies that judgment is not only disciplinary but also exemplary. In 1 Timothy 5:19-22, credable witnesses can bring a problem or sin out into the open. Paul indicates in Hebrews 4:10-13 that the "I AM HE" in this verse really is the "word of God" which searches the thoughts and intentions. That is why "dead Christians" are ones who seldom, if ever, read their Bible. Looks like that was happening at Thyatira. Is that happening at our churches too?
who SEARCHES THE MINDS and HEARTS;
and I will give to each one of you ACCORDING to your deeds.ALL mankind will be given their rewards. The judgment against Jezebel (Satan's imitation church) will NOT be kept under wraps. If you are a 'silent follower' of Jezebel, someday you, too, will be exposed. Salvation is the result of faith; judgment always is based on deeds. Read all about judgment in Romans 2:1-8.
Previous verse Next verse24. `But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them -- I place no other burden on you.
But I say to youClearly these words are no longer for all the churches as in the last verse. They are exclusively for Thyatira members.
* who are in Thyatira,
* who do not hold this teaching,Those who did not hold to Jezebel's teachings (but were afraid to do anything about it?).
* who have not known the deep things of Satan,This may be a direct reference to how Jezebel portrayed her cult - as the "deep things" of God. In truth, apostle Paul indicates the "deep things" of God are made known to us by the SPIRIT (1 Corinthians 2:10-16).
as they call them -
Furthermore, our body (sexual favors was a part of Jezebel's teachings) must follow our Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:15-20).
I place NO OTHER BURDEN ON YOU.The true believers at Thyatira are told they must hang on; the Lord does not place any other grievance on their backs. As in 2 Timothy 2:15-19, these believers are to handle accurately the Word of Truth. Jezebel tried with success to mix in her word with the Word of Truth.
Her logic may have gone something like this: The only effective way to confront Satan is to enter his strongholds and experience the real nature of sin. Then when you accept Christ, you will really appreciate the act of grace that His death and resurrection was. Sad to say, like the Thyatirans, many Christians live a life-style in the "deep things" of Satan while expecting God to share His "deep things" with them. It makes no sense at all!!!!
Previous verse Next verse25. Nevertheless what you have, hold fast until I come.
Nevertheless what you have, HOLD FAST UNTIL I COME.The 'you' refers to the three 'who's in the previous verse. Hanging on to your beliefs sometimes is all that you can do.
In this verse, we have the first explicit reference to Christ's second coming. 'Holding fast' is part of the 'watch and wait' we in the Church Age are going through.
Infiltration into the true church by a Jezebelian type of person is a common problem among churches today. Sometimes it is the pastor; sometimes a well respected elder or deacon. On a much larger scale, many "old time" scholars (Walter Scott, H.A. Ironsides, J.A. Seiss, A.C. Gaebelein, and James Gray) have believed Jezebel was equated with the papacy. More recent scholars, equate her to the entire imitation church Satan is setting up. This imitation church (recently called the 'New Age Movement') will be religious only and its adherents will be "Christians" in name only.
The command is still "YOU FOLLOW ME!" - John 21:20-23.
Previous verse Next verse26. And he who overcomes and he who keeps My deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations;
And he who overcomes andThe promised blessing with an added provision (see format).....
he who keeps My deeds UNTIL THE END,This phrase is found in verse 8 of the great Messianic Psalm 2. The people at Thyatira who have staying power until the end will have authority over the nations plus the rest of the promise in the next verse.
* to him I will give AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS;
Previous verse Next verse27. and He shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to pieces, as I also have received authority from My Father;
* and He shall rule them with a rod of IRON as the vessels of theThe strong rule with a rod of iron also comes from the Messianic Psalm 2. The image of a broken pottery is equated to rejection of the word of God several times in the Old Testament. Isaiah uses it in Isaiah 30:12-15. Jeremiah shows this act as a symbol of comdemnation of this rejection in Jeremiah 19:10-13 where not only the rejection is bad but the people worshipped other gods!
potter are BROKEN to PIECES
as I also have received AUTHORITY FROM MY FATHER;So to the overcomers, the coming reign of the Messiah will be shared with true believers under the authority from the Father. See Revelation 1:6, Revelation 3:21, Revelation 20:6, and 1 Corinthians 6:1-3.
Previous verse Next verse28. and I will give to him the morning star.
and I will GIVE to him the MORNING STAR.What is so special or significant about the MORNING STAR?
Previous verse Next verse29. `He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'
These four churches also contain references to the soon return of Christ. Thus these four churches may represent types of churches which will be active at the return of Christ.
If that is the case, then the admonition to "Hear and Heed" may be
more
needed than the promised blessing.