Lesson 1 - Revelation 1-3 (2)

Lessoni 1: The Seven Lampstands and the Seven Stars (Revelation 1-3)

1.0) How can we read the Book of Revelation?

1.0.1) John tells us (Rev 1:1)

A revelation from God to Jesus to be revealed to his servants the believers the things that will soon take place (Rev 1:8; 22:12, 20)

to be “made known symbolically” through his angel

it is a prophecy (Rev 1:3)

Summary: Revelation is the word of God (prophecy) revealed symbolically to believers through Jesus’ angel.

The symbols are to be understood from the rest of the Bible - the OT and the NT.

1.0.2) Revelation as Prophetic Symbols

Like what Daniel tells King Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 2:28):

What King Nebuchadnezzar saw was “mystery” of what must take place in the last days but is revealed by God to Daniel.

Like what Nathan tells King David (2 Sam 12:1-7)

The story Nathan told consists of “symbols” that point to the reality of what David did to Uriah the Hittite.

Like what Ezekiel symbolized to Israel (Ezek 24:15-18)

The prophet’s wife is a symbol of the “temple” and her death points to the “impending destruction of the temple” where Israelites will not be able to mourn because they will be gone into Exile.

Like the Parable of Jesus (Matt 13:24-30, 34-43)

The wheats are the children of God; the tares are the children of the Devil, the harvest is the judgment where they will be burned in Hellfire while the children of God will shine like the sun.

Summary: We must look to the rest of the Bible to understand the symbols used in the Book of Revelation.

1.1) Introduction (1:1-8)

The book is a revelation of Jesus Christ to his people of what must soon take place (Rev 22:6-7,10,20)

It is a word of prophecy which is the word of God spoken about the historical situation but with some implication of future occurences

It is also a “letter” to the “seven churches” which represents the “whole church” during these last days - the time period from the first coming of Jesus to his second coming (Acts 2:17; Heb 1:1-2; 1 Cor 10:11)

God is who was and is and is to come. This is a reference to his name “I AM” (Exod 3:14-15)

The “seven spirit before the throne” is the completeness of the Holy Spirit (seven being the symbol of complete and fullness in Revelation)

From Jesus Christ “ruler of the kings of the earth” (Rev 1:5) that is, even of the kings who are persecuting belivers.

He loves us even during our suffering since through our suffering he is making us to be a kingdom of priests, a reference to Israel in Exod 19:6 which is applied to the church in 1 Pet 2:5.

He is coming on the clouds - a reference to his current status of ruling the world from the right hand of God (Mat 24:30). What must soon take place is that he will appear to be seen by all people and the earth will mourn when they see him they had pierced - a reference to Zec 13:10.

God is the “alpha and the omega” for he rules the universe from its beginning to the end and so even our suffering is under his control.

1.2) The Risen Lord’s Presence in the midst of His Suffering Church (Rev 1:9-20)

John the Apostle is “partner in affliction, kingdom and endurance that are in Jesus”, that is the church is enduring suffering (Rev 1:9)

Three major themes in Revelation:

1) We believers are currently suffering becaus of Christ (Rev 2:9-10, 22; 7:14)

2) We endure looking forward to the coming of Jesus where the kingdom of Satan will be ultimately destroyed (Rev 11:15; 12:10; 16:10; 17:12, 17-18)

3) Therefore, we are summoned to endure till the end so we will share the victory with our coming King (Rev 2:2-3, 19; 3:10; 13:10; 14:12)

John was “in the Spirit on the Lord’s day” - a reference to the Spirit empowering John to see the spiritual reality of the church as they gather for worship on the first day of the week.

The “seven churches” stands for all the churches of God in any age (and not the “seven ages” of the church as some hold) (Rev 1:20)

The “one like a Son of Man dressed in a robe is the risen Jesus dressed in his high priest garment (Ex 28:4; 29:5)

He is standing “among the lampstands” which are the “seven churches” (Rev 1:20) affirms his promise to be with us till the end of the ages (Matt 28:20)

His “hair “white as wool, white as snow” reminds John of Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matt 17:2) but also points to his deity as this is the description of “Ancient of Days” in Dan 7:13-14.

His eyes like “fiery flame” reminds us that his eyes are so pure to look at sin and to tolerate wickedness in the church (Hab 1:13)

His feet “like fine bronze as it is fired on a furnace” indicates strength and stability

His voice “like the sound of cascading waters” referring to the present of the glory of God in the midst of his people (Isa 43:2).

The “seven stars” in his right hand are the “angels of the seven church” which I take them to be church leaders whose responsibility is to the lead people to righteousness (Dan 12:2; cf Ps 103:20)

The “sharp double-edged sword” from his mouth indicates the power of his word to build people and to bring destructive judgment on sinners (Isa 49:2; Heb 4:12)

1.3) Letter to the Seven Churches (Rev 2:1-3:22)

1.3.0) Structure of the Letters:

Characteristics of the risen Jesus drawn from Revelation 1:12–18.

Commendation of the Church

Criticism of the Church

Command for the Church

Commitment to the Church

1.3.1) Letter to the Church in Ephesus: A Church that had the right doctrines but lost its first love (Rev 2:1-7)

From Jesus who “holds the seven stars in his right hand” and “walks among the seven golden lampstands” (Rev 2:1), that is he is near to maintain those leading people to righteousness

Commendations: They labor and endure (Matt 24:9) and they do not tolerate evil people and have tested false apostles (2 Cor 11:13) and found them to be liars (Rev 2:3; 1 John 4:1). So, they had the right beliefs.

Criticisms: They have “abandoned the love they had at first” (Jer 2:2); that is not only the love for Jesus but also the love for the brothers (Rev 2:4 sio kia James 2:14-18)

Command: Repent and do the work at first (Heb 10:32) or their lampstand will be removed (Rev 2:5)

Commitment: To continue hating the “practices of the Nicolaitans” (1 Cor 6:12).

The one who conquers (1 John 5:4-5) will receive the “right to eat from the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God (Rev 2:7) the place where God and his people currently dwell (Lk 23:43; 2 Cor 12:4)

1.3.2) Letter to the Church of Smyrna: A Church that was suffering and continue to suffer (Rev 2:8-11)

Jesus is the “first and last (Isa 44:6-7), the one who was dead and came to life” (Rev 2:8) for he is in control even of the Devil who is test the church with persecution and even if they die they will come to life in Jesus.

Commendations: Their affliction and poverty but rich and slandered by false Jews from the synagogue of Satan (see Rom 2:28-29; John 8:44)

Command: Not to be afraid of what they are about to suffer from the Devil (Matt 4:1) throwing some to prison and afflicting them for “ten days” - a short time (Rev 2:10 see 2 Cor 4:17)

Commitment: To be faithful to the point of death and they will receive the crown of life (2 Tim 4:8)

The one who conquers will never be harmed by second death (Rev 2:11 sio kia Rev 20:10, 14).

1.3.3) Letter to the Church in Pergamum: Church of martyrs who accepted false teachings (Rev 2:12-17)

Jesus: the “one who has the sharp double-edged sword” (Rev 2:13) - whose word can transform the church (Isa 49:2; Heb 4:12).

Commendations: They live “where Satan’s throne is” (John 12:31; 2 Cor 4:4), that is, this world. They are holding on to Jesus’ name and refuse to deny their faith in Jesus even though some have died as martyrs in their midst (Rev 2:13)

Criticisms: Those who “hold the teaching of Balaam” putting stumbling block in front of God’s people (1 Cor 8:8-13). Those who hold the teachings of the Nicolaitans (cf 1 Cor 6:12; 1 Pet 2:13; Rev 2:16)

Command: Repent or Jesus will fight against them (2 Thess 2:8) with the sword in his mouth (Rev 2:16)

Commitment: The victors will receive hidden manna (Exod 16:32-34), a white stone (Jos 24:26-27; Isa 55:13) and a new name no one knows (Isa 44:5; Rev 2:17)

1.3.4) Letter to the Church in Thyatira (Rev 2:18-29). A Church that has grown spiritually but tolerates false teacher.

From Jesus: “the Son of God (Ps 2:7-9), the one whose eyes are like a fiery flame (Hab 1:13, that is, too pure to look on wickedness) and whose feet are like fine bronze (to stand firm in the truth)” (Hab 1:13; Rev 2:18)

Commendations: their works, their love, faithfulness, service and endurance and that their last works are greater than the first (Rev 2:19). that is, they have grown spiritually.

Criticism: tolerating women teachers “Jezebel” (1 Kgs 21:25) who is a prophetess and teaches deceiving Jesus’ servants to commit sexual immorality and eat food sacrificed to idols (Rev 2:20 see also 1 Cor 10:20-21).

Command: Repent Jezebel or great affliction and her children will struck dead (Rev 2:23). To the rest: hold on to what you have (Rev 2:25)

Commitments: The conqueror will receive authority over the nations, that is, he will have royal authority and will be given the morning star (Isa 14:12; 2 Pet 1:19), that is, the sign of the Messiah (Rev 2:27-28 sio kia Num 24:17)

1.3.5) Letter to the Church in Sardis (Rev 3:1-6)

Jesus: “one who has the seven spirits of God (that is the Holy Spirit) and the seven stars (that is, those who lead people to righteousness)”

Commendations: Reputed for “being alive” (because of all the works it is doing) but it is dead (because the works are not produced from faith Rev 3:2 sio kia Rom 14:23).

Command: Remember what they had received (that is, the gospel) and keep it and repent or he will come and caught him unprepared. For the undefiled: they will walk with Jesus in white for they “are worthy” (Rev 3:4; 7:13-14; Zec 3:3-4)

Commitment: The conquerors will be dressed in white (Matt 17:2) and will never erase his name from the Book of life and will be acknowledged before the Father and the angels (Rev 3:5 sio kia Mark 8:38)

1.3.6) Letter to the Church in Philadelphia (Rev 3:7-13)

From Jesus: “the Holy One, the true one (1John 5:20), the one who has the key of David who opens and no one closes and closes and no one opens” (Rev 3:7)

Commendations: Jesus knows their works and has placed open doors before him for she has little power but has kept the word and not denied Jesus’ name (Rev 3:8)

Commendations: Her enemies from the “synagogue of Satan” will come bow down to them and will know that Jesus loved them (Rev 3:9; Rom 2:28-29).

Commitments: Jesus will keep them from the “hour of testing” for they have kept Jesus’ word and endure. They must hold on so that no one takes their crown (Rev 3:10; 1 Cor 9:25)

The conquerors will be made a pillar in the temple (1 Kgs 7:21) and will write on him the name of God and of the city of God and Jesus’ new name (Rev 19:13)

1.3.7) Letter to the Church in Laodicea (Rev 3:14-22)

From Jesus: the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the originator of God’s creation, that is the church needs new creation in Christ.

Commendations: Their works are neither hot or cold so Jesus is going to vomit the church (Rev 3:16)

Criticisms: They boast on their wealth but they are “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked” (Rev 3:17).

Advice: to buy from Jesus “gold refine in the fire” which is faith tested by persecution (1 Pet 1:7); white clothes which has been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb (Rev 7:13-14), and ointment to spread on their eyes to see (2 Pet 1:9) that is, the promises of God (Rev 3:18).

Commitments: God is committed to disciplining them (Heb 12:6) so they are to be zealous and repent (Rev 3:19). Jesus is standing from outside the church and knocks for he wants a personal relationship with believers (Acts 11:3)

‘Oku ne tu’u he matapa ‘o tukituki (Song of Songs 5:2) (‘aia ‘oku ‘itu’a ‘a Sisu ia he Siasi), ka ‘oka tali ‘eha fakafo’ituitui (‘o fakatomala) pea te ne feohi tu’uma’u mo Sisu (Rev 3:20)

Kau Ikuna: nofoma’u mo Sisu ‘i hono taloni ‘o kaungahau mo ia ‘ihe Taloni ‘oe ‘Eiki (Rev 3:21)