| Revelation Chapter 2 The Letters to the Churches: We studied in the first chapter how the seven candlesticks represent the seven churches, and how the seven stars represent the ministry of these churches. The Apostle now listens as Jesus address� the churches directly and writes the message that is given to, and about, each of them. Watch closely how each of these messages are directed to the ministry, or star, of each of the seven named churches, and how they accurately describe the various church ages through the time of Christ to our present day. Revelation 2:1-7 �Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things said He that holdeth the seven stars in His right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; (2)I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou can not bear them which are evil: and thou has tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and has found them liars: (3)And has borne, and has patience, and for my name's sake has laboured, and has not fainted. (4)Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou has left thy first love. (5)Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. (6)But this thou has, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate. (7)He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit said unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God." Letter to the Church in Ephesus. Time period represented: 31 AD to 100 AD "Ephesus" means "Desirable or Lovely." The beginning of the Christian era from Jesus to the end of the age of the Apostles. To the Church of Ephesus. We discussed in Chapter 1 the reasons that these messages to the churches are regarded as prophetic, and cover the Christian age. The first letter is to a churched named Ephesus. This church is applied to the time period of the first church age, also called the apostolic age. The word Ephesus is defined as �desirable� which would be a good descriptive term for the character and condition of the church in it�s early state. These early Christians received the doctrine of Christ in it�s pure form and enjoyed the benefits and blessings of the Holy Spirit. These Christians were noted for their works, patience and labor for the message of Christ and they were faithful in keeping the principles of Christ pure. They did not tolorate those that were evil and those that attempted to corrupt God�s truth with their own false apostles. When these dedicated followers of Christ found these teachers to be liars, they called them such and made it clear for all to see. There is no evidence that the literal church at Ephesus was involved with this more than any other church of that time period. This work was carried out by the Christian church as a whole in that age and it was much needed. ( Read in Acts 15:2; 2 Corinthians 11:13) Who is the Angel of the Church? This angel denotes a messenger, or minister, of the church. In the language of the letter there is no indication that these Angels are angelic creatures, but messengers, which can be angelic or human. Each church represents a period of time, and each angel denotes the ministries of these churches as a whole during their time period. The messages are addressed to the ministers of the church but must be understood as applicable to the church itself in the represented period. The Complaint. The complaint comes from Christ, "I have somewhat against thee because thou has left thy first love". What could be worse in the Christian�s life than to loose the light of truth, the loss of fundamental doctrines and the wandering from Scriptural morality. They have lost their zeal for God, and in doing so have drifted from their first love, that love which is in Christ Jesus. Christ does not call them lost but tells them to remember the heights they once knew and to come back to that place where they put Christ back into their life as the first love, the focus of their lives. They are Admonished. And what is to happen if they don�t come back to this place where they once were? "I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." This coming is figurative in that there are churches to come in the later years that are not yet to witness the return of Christ. This removal denotes the taking away of the light of truth and privileges of the gospel. There is no number set on those who drifted from true Christianity in this period but it is clear that there were those who left the safety of Biblical truth in light of a new, more accepting, worldly doctrine. These in the church would embrace apostasy until a new church age began. The Nicolaitanes. The church is praised by Christ for it�s denouncement of this group and it appears that they were a people whose deeds and beliefs were an abomination in the sight of God. Where did this group come from: �Their origin is involved in some doubt. Some say that they sprang from Nicholas of Antioch, one of the seven deacons (Acts 6: 5); some, that they only attribute their origin to him to gain the prestige of his name; and others, that the sect took its name from one Nicholas of later date. The latter theory is probably more nearly correct. Concerning their doctrines and practices, there seems to be a general agreement that they held to a community of wives, regarded adultery and fornication as matters of indifference, and permitted the eating of things offered to idols. (See Clarke, Kitto, and other commentators.) Uriah Smith, Daniel and Revelation, comments on Revelation chapter 2. The Call to Attention. "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit said unto the churches." Our Lord leaves little doubt for the attention that this message is to have as He calls on those who will hear His voice of truth. This same language is used in the messages to each of the seven churches from this and chapter three. Christ used this same language in the other places in the New Testament (Matthew 11:15; Matthew 13:9; Matthew 13:43; Revelation 13:9). The Promise to those that Overcome. For those that stand firm for Christ and do as He asks, the will of His Father which is in heaven, they will eat of the tree of life in Paradise. There is only one �tree of life� mentioned in the Scriptures, and it is mentioned 6 times. Three of those is in Genesis and the other three are in Revelation and it is always used with the article �the� before it. That tree of life in the garden is the same that is placed for His people in Paradise. One Biblical scholar writes about it like this: "The act of God in appointing the cherubim 'to keep the way of the tree of life' (Genesis 3: 24) in the garden of Eden, likewise appears not only in an aspect indicating judicial severity, but also in one which conveys a promise full of consolation. The blessed abode from which man is expelled, is neither annihilated nor even abandoned to desolation and ruin, but withdrawn from the earth and from man, and consigned to the care of the most perfect creatures of God, in order that it may be ultimately restored to man when he is redeemed. (Revelation 22: 2.) The garden, as it existed before God 'planted' or adorned it, came under the curse, like the remainder of the earth, but the celestial and paradisaical addition was exempted, and entrusted to the cherubim. The true (ideal) Paradise is now translated to the invisible world. At least a symbolical copy of it, established in the holy of holies in the tabernacle, is already granted to the people of Israel, after the pattern which Moses saw in the mount (Exodus 25: 9, 40); and the original itself, as the renewed habitation of redeemed man, will hereafter descend to the earth. (Revelation 21: 10.)" John H. Kurtz, Manual of Sacred History, p. 50. So to all that overcome Christ promises to restore not just what Adam lost but more. This message is not merely to those living in that time but to all who overcome as we will see in our continued study into this book. The time period covered by this first church is from the resurrection of Christ to the close of the first century, on or about the time of the last Apostle�s death. With this we bring to an end the age of the Apostles, and the first generation Christians. Revelation 2:8-11 � And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things said the First and the Last, which was dead, and is alive; (9)I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. (10)Fear none of those things which thou shall suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried; and you shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. (11)He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit said unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. Letter to the Church in Smyrna. Time period represented: 100 AD to 313 AD "Smyrna" means "Sweet Fragrance, Myrrh." The Persecuted Church. The Church of Smyrna. In each of the messages to the churches Jesus introduces Himself to them by use of His characteristics. As a comfort to the church at Smyrna, Jesus introduces Himself as one who was dead, but no lives. This church age was entering into a great time period where they were to be persecuted terribly and they were to take comfort that Christ had already taken that path and had overcome. Poverty and Riches. Christ tells them He knows of their poverty but calls them rich. Christ knows that they are truly rich because they are rich in faith making them heirs to the kingdom of God. There is no security in the riches of material thins in this world, but for those who possess and hold to the riches of faith, they will be comforted and rewarded beyond their own imagination. Remember the old saying, �There is many a rich poor man, and many a poor rich man�. Some Say They Are Jews But Are Not. It is obvious here that the term �Jew� is not used in a literal sense, but it does denote a character which is approved of by the gospel standard. To get a better understanding lets let the Apostle Paul explain: Romans 2:28-29 "He is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter, whose praise is not of men, but of God." In the same letter he also writes: Romans 9: 6, 7"For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel; neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children." And to the Galatians Paul expounded on the fact that in Christ there is no distinctions between Jew or Greek: Galatians 3:29 �And if you be Christ�s, then are you Abraham�s seed, and heirs according to the promise.� Some teach that the term �Jews� is never used in relation to Christians, but to take this position contradicts the inspired writings of the Apostle Paul and also the testimony from Christ to the church at Smyrna. There were those who pretended to be Jews, in a Christian sense, but the possessed no characteristics of a Christian and were so identified by Christ as being of the �synagogue of Satan�. You Shall Have Tribulation Ten Days. This message to the church is prophetic, and being such so are these ten days of tribulation. This being the case we look at these ten days as being 10 prophetic days which equals ten literal years (1day = 1 year). If this were to be taken as literal then these 10 days of tribulation would be literally only ten 24 hour days, and there is no mention of any such persecution to be found. It is a historical fact that the most bloody of all the persecutions of the Christian church lasted for just 10 years and took place from AD 303 to 313 under the direction of Diocletian, and it was not limited to any one church but to all who believe in Jesus Christ. Be Faithful Unto Death. With this command we are immediately given a promise that Christ will �give thee a crown of life�. When are we told Christ will give this crown to His people? Paul says: It will be given at the day of Christ�s appearing; 2 Timothy 4:8 At the last trump; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 When the Lord Himself descends from heaven; 1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17 Peter says: When the Chief Shepherd appears; 1 Peter 5:4 Christ says: At the resurrection of the just; Luke 14:14 When He comes back to receive us to Him; John 14: 3 If we are �faithful unto death� we will be deemed faithful on the day when the saints of God are rewarded with a crown of life. The Promise to Those Who Overcome. Christ gives the promise that all long to receive when He promises that those who overcome �shall not be hurt of the second death." Those of the Smyrna church might be put to death here for their faithfulness but remember the teachings of Christ when He told the disciples: Matthew 10:28 "Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell". Man will never be able to take away that which God gives to His people. Christ gives His word of comfort telling them not to fear because God is watching all and with them even unto death. Revelation 2:12-17 �And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things said He which hath the sharp sword with two edges; (13)I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast My name, and has not denied My faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells. (14)But I have a few things against thee, because thou has there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. (15)So has thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. (16)Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. (17) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit said unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows saving he that receiveth it�. Letter to the Church in Pergamos. �Pergamos� means �Height, or Elevation�. Time Period Represented AD 313 to AD 538 The Church during the �conversion� of Constantine to the creation of the Papacy. Rome changes from a Pagan to a Christian empire. The Church of Pergamos. The previous church received no words of condemnation from Christ but now we come to the period of time represented by the Pergamos church when evil influences began to work their way into the church. This period found the true servants of Christ struggling against a worldly spirit which was slowly creeping into the true church and against the workings of the mystery of iniquity which was culminated in the development of the papal �man of sin� system. (2 Thessalonians 2:3) The Commendation. It is no surprise that Satan works hard wherever Christians are to counteract the truth of Christ and the One True God. There are also times in history where we have found Satan working overtime to corrupt the gospel, and this time covered by the church at Pergamos is one of these times. This is the period where the doctrine of Christ was being corrupted, the mystery of iniquity was hard at work, and Satan was laying the foundation for a powerful apostasy to be created; the Papacy. This is also where we find the falling away predicted by the Apostle Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. History records that the city of Pergamos became the center of the ancient worship of the Babylonian sun god. "The Chaldean Magi enjoyed a long period of prosperity at Babylon. A pontiff appointed by the sovereign ruled over a college of seventy-two hierophants. . . . [After the Medo-Persian occupation], the defeated Chaldeans fled to Asia Minor, and fixed their central college at Pergamos, and took the Palladium of Babylon, the cubic stone, with them. Here, independent of state control, they carried on the rites of their religion, and plotted against the peace of the Persian Empire, caballing with the Greeks for that purpose." William B. Barker, Lares and Penates, pp. 232,233. Antipas. This is believed to be representative of a class of people and not a literal individual because there is no authentic information that speaks of this individual in history. Here is a quote from William Miller on this topic: "It is supposed that Antipas was not an individual, but a class of men who opposed the power of the bishops, or popes, in that day, being a combination of two words, 'Anti,' opposed, and 'Papas,' father, or pope; and many of them suffered martyrdom at that time in Constantinople and Rome, where the bishops and popes began to exercise the power which soon after brought into subjection the kings of the earth, and trampled on the rights of the church of Christ. And for myself, I see no reason to reject this explanation of the word 'Antipas' in this text, as the history of those times are [is] perfectly silent respecting such an individual as is here named." William Miller, Evidence from Scripture and History of the Second Coming of Christ, pp.135, 136. Watson's Biblical Dictionary also says: "Ancient ecclesiastical history furnishes no account of this Antipas." Richard Watson, A biblical and Theological Dictionary, p.69, art. �Antipas.� The Complaint. A bad situation is absolutely no excuse for the wrongs committed by the church. It is the duty of the members of Christ�s church to keep themselves true and to turn away from false doctrines and false teachers. This is why they were chastised by Christ for keeping those among them that kept the doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitanes. The doctrine of Balaam is that he taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel (Read the full account in Numbers 22:25-31; 31:13-16). It seems that Balaam wanted to curse Israel because he wanted the large reward that Balak was offering. The Lord did not permit him to curse them so he attempted to accomplish essentially the same thing in another way. He told Balak to seduce them with the women of Moab, attempting to get them to participate in the practice of idiolatry. This plan succeeded and the abomination of idolatry spread through the camp of Israel and the curse of God came down on them for their sins causing twenty four thousand (24,000) people to die. The doctrines of the church of Pergamos were similar in their makeup, and led to spiritual, and physical, idolatry as the church began to blend with the world. Out of this blending of civil and ecclesiastical powers came the formation of the Papacy. The Admonishment. Christ made clear that if they did not repent He would come on them in judgment and that all would be held accountable for the false doctrines taught by these heretics that they allowed to stay among them. By allowing these false teachers to stay they were, by action, condoning these teachings and the heretics which gave them. A Promise to those that Overcome. They will eat of the hidden manna and receive a white stone from the Lord with a new name engraved on it. Like the other promises given to the churches in Revelation these are a future gift that will be handed out when all the saints are rewarded as we read above. "It is generally supposed by commentators that this refers to an ancient judicial custom of dropping a black stone into an urn when it is intended to condemn, and a white stone when the prisoner was acquitted. But this is an act so distinct from that described in the scripture before us, 'I will give him a white stone,' that we are disposed to agree with those who think it refers to a custom of a very different kind, and not unknown to the classical reader, according with beautiful propriety to the case before us. In primitive times, when traveling was rendered difficult from want of places of public entertainment, hospitality was exercised by private individuals to a very great extent, of which indeed we find frequent traces in all history, and in none more than the Old Testament. Persons who partook of this hospitality, and those who practiced it, frequently contracted habits of friendship and regard for each other; and it became well-established custom both among the Greeks and Romans, to provide their guests with some particular mark, which was handed down from father to son, and ensured hospitality and kind treatment whenever it was presented. This mark was usually a small stone or pebble, cut in half, upon the halves of which the host and guest mutually inscribed their names, and then interchanged with each other. The production of this tessera was quite sufficient to insure friendship for themselves or their descendants whenever they traveled again in the same direction; while it is evident that these stones required to be privately kept, and the names written upon them carefully concealed, lest others should obtain the privileges instead of the persons for whom they were intended. How natural, then, is the allusion to this custom in the words of the text, 'I will give him to eat of the hidden manna;' and having done so, having made him partaker of my hospitality, having recognized him as my guest, my friend, I will present him with the 'white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows, save he who receiveth it.' I will give him a pledge of my friendship, sacred and inviolable, known only to himself." Henry Blunt, A Practical Exposition of the Epistles to the Seven Churches of Asia, pp. 116-119. On the topic of the new name given, John Wesley wrote: "Jacob, after his victory, gained the new name of Israel. Wouldst thou know what thy new name will be? The way to this is plain overcome. Till then all they inquires are vain. Thou wilt then read it on the white stone." John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the New Testament, p. 689, comment on Revelation 2:17. Revelation 2:18-29 �And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things said the Son of God, who hath His eyes like unto a flame of fire, and His feet are like fine brass; (19)I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. (20)Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce My servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. (21)And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. (22)Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. (23)And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am He which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. (24)But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. (25)But that which you have already hold fast till I come. (26)And he that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: (27)And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of My Father. (28)And I will give him the morning star. (29)He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit said unto the churches. Letter to the Church in Thyatira. Time period represented: AD 538 to 1500�s �Thyatira� means: �Sweet Savor of Labor� or �Sacrifice of Contrition� The Church that tolerated Jezebel. The Church of Thyatira. Staying consistent with prophecy and its fulfillment in history we will find that this church age represented by the church of Thyatira describes the state of the church during the long years of papal triumph and persecution. The years of tribulation the church suffered here has never been, and never will be, matched as predicted in Matthew 24:21. Their works of charity, service, faith and patience were noted but they came under condemnation because, just as Pergamos� unfavorable circumstances were no apology for false teachings, so this church can do no amount of labor, charity, service, faith or patience that will compensate for it�s sin. No amount of good works will cover the lies that the church is teaching. A rebuke is given because they allow an agent of Satan to remain with them, teaching false doctrines. The Complaint. Just as �Antipas� in the previous letter represented a group or class of persons, so does �that woman Jezebel", represent a group of people and not a literal individual. Watson�s Biblical Dictionary says �the name Jezebel is used proverbially�. William Miller also writes on this topic: "Jezebel is a figurative name, alluding to Ahab's wife, who slew the prophets of the Lord, led her husband into idolatry, and fed the prophets of Baal at her own table. A more striking figure could not have been used to describe the papal abominations. (See 1 Kings 18, 19, and 21.) It is very evident from history, as well as from this verse in Revelation, that the church of Christ did suffer some of the papal monks to preach and teach among them." William Miller, Evidence from Scripture and History of the Second Coming of Christ, pp. 139. The use of �children� confirms the idea that it is referring to a sect or branch off of the main system, and all that are guilty will be held accountable. The promises of judgments against this woman are in harmony with those against the symbol of the corrupt woman (the Roman Catholic Church), the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth (Rev. 17-19). The death which is threatened is doubtless the second death, at the end of the one thousand years of Revelation 20, when the righteous retribution from the Searcher of "the reins and hearts" of all men will be given. Further, the declaration, "I will give unto every one of you according to your works," is proof that the address to this church looks forward prophetically to the final reward or punishment of all accountable beings. All the Churches Shall Know. Some have argued that this expression proves that the letters to the churches could not denote seven successive periods of the gospel age, but that they must exsist at the same time, otherwise all the churches could not know. But we must ask the question, when is it that all the churches are to know this? The only reasonable answer is that they will know when all stand in judgment and these wicked children are punished with death. Being that this is at the time when the second death occurres then it is factual that "all the churches," will know that no secret thing, no evil thought or purpose of the heart has escaped the knowledge of God. A Promise. �I will put upon you none other burden.� This is a promise to the church that says it�s burden under the assault of papal oppression and aggression will not be so heavy that the truth cannot endure. It cannot be applied to the reception of new truths, because the truth is not a burden to any accountable being. Matthew 24:22 �But the days of the tribulation that came upon that church were to be shortened for the elect's sake.� Daniel 11:34 reads "They shall be holpen, with a little help." John records it as: Revelation 12:16 "The earth helped the woman,". Hold fast till I come. These are the words of the "Son of God," and bring to our view an unconditional coming. To the churches of Ephesus and Pergamos, certain comings were threatened on conditions: "Repent, or else I will come unto thee," implying visitations of judgment. But here a coming of a different nature is brought to view. It is not a threat of punishment. There are no conditions put on this coming that will suspend it. It is set before the church as a matter of hope, and can refer to no event other than the future second advent of the Lord in glory, when the Christian's trials will cease, and his efforts in the race for life, and his warfare for a crown of righteousness, will be rewarded with everlasting success. This church brings us down to the time in prophecy when we find more immediate signs of the second coming of Jesus that are to be fulfilled. As we study further into God�s word we will find evidence that in 1780, the predicted signs for the sun and moon were fulfilled. When speaking of these signs in the heavens Jesus said: Luke 21:28 "When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for you redemption draweth nigh." The Promise to those who Overcome. The church is told to hold on to the end, which must represent the end of the Christian age, which ends with the return of our Lord. Again we go to the words of Jesus: Matthew 24:13 "He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." This promise is given to those that are described in the following text, and called Saints: Revelation 14:12,�Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.� They Will Be Given Power Over the Nations. In this wicked world the servants of God hold no high esteem, but the time is coming when the righteous will be raised up and the ungodly will be seen as they truly are. The Scriptures offer many verses that describe this time, open your Bible and read about them in these passages: Psalm 2: 8, 9; Revelation 3: 21; Revelation 20: 4; 1 Corinthians 6: 2-3; Psalm 149:9. The letter to the church of Thyatira ends with a blessing to �He that has an ear�. Those who read and listen to the Spirit of God will be blessed by the truth of prophecy. This brings us to the end of Chapter 2 of Revelation. Click here to go to Chapter 3... |
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