Revelation 2

Ministry Alert: Compassion International, Inc.

Accorning to the Ministry Watch Website - (MinistryWatch.Com), the ministry states, “We are a child-advocacy ministry pairing compassionate people with children living in extreme poverty to release the children from spiritual, economic, social, and physical poverty. WE ARE "SUFFERING WITH" CHILDREN IN NEED.”

Their Donor Confidence Score is 53 and tranparency rating is a C, Donors are advised to exersice caution in giving. They do not file an I990 with the IRS, disclosing their finances.  The reason being “for over a decade, Compassion has been classified by the IRS as an association of churches, due to our organizational structure that includes program delivery through a network of now over 8,500 churches around the world. Because of this classification, Compassion is not required to file a form 990 with the IRS. However, our commitment to financial integrity and transparency has not wavered.”

Compensation of top 4 executives (posted in 2019) - ministering to “chilldren living in extreme poverty” is: Santiago H Mellado, President & CEO $476,818, Ken Calwell Senior VP/CMO $404,566, Ed Anderson Former SVP/CFO $375,701, Cassandra Shepard until 42018Senior VP $369,371

John’s Letter to 7 Churches in Asia Minor

I. The Apostle John’s First Letter Sent to the Church in Ephesus - (v 1-7) Revelation 2 :1--7 “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 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. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith 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.”

A. The Recipient/Recipients of It: (v 1) Revelation 2:1 “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;”

The “Angel of the chruch of Ephesus,” who was Timothy, and its “members” - sent to the “angel;” the “messenger,” or pastor of the church located in Ephesus. It was sent to the pastor who would read it to the church and teach them what John’s words from Jesus Christ meant to and for them.

a. Background concerning the City and church in Ephesus:

(1). The Church was Founded by the Apostle Paul as a result of his preaching ministry there. See Acts 19:1–5 “And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

NOTE: The Apostle Paul’s final words to the Ephesian Church elders as he was going to Rome to appeal to Caesar concerning the false charges the Jewish people put against him...(before John wrote Revelation) Acts 20:17–38 “And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to…”

It was The most important city of the Roman province of Asia, located on the western shore of Asia Minor (modern Turkey). Ephesus was built on a natural harbor whose waves, according to the Roman writer Pliny the Elder, “used to wash up to the temple of Diana.” Ephesus was described by Strabo, an early Greek geographer, as the largest commercial center west of the Taurus mountains. It was also well known as the “guardian” of the temple of Artemis or, as the Romans called her, Diana (Acts 19:35). Christianity’s threat to that pagan temple and to the commerce it produced for the makers of idols almost cost the apostle Paul his life (Acts 19:24, 30, 31). Priscilla and Aquila were associated with the early preaching in Ephesus (Acts 18:18, 19), as were Timothy (1 Tm 1:3) and Erastus (Acts 19:22). According to Irenaeus, an early Christian writer, the apostle John, after his exile on the island of Patmos (Rv 1:9), returned to live in Ephesus until the time of the emperor Trajan (ad 98–117). The commendable practices of the Christian community described in the letter to the Ephesians had been largely abandoned by the time John wrote the Book of Revelation (Rv 2:4). Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible

B. Jesus Christ himself speaks to the church at Ephesus through the writing of John.

Christ Communicates Who He is to Them - (v 1) Revelation 2:1 “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;”

2. Christ ‘s Commendation of Them: - (v 2-3, 6) Revelation 2:2–3“I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. “ Revelation 2:6 “But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”

3. Christ’s Criticism of Them: (v 4) Revelation 2:4 “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.”

4. Christ’s Charge To Them: (v 5-) Revelation 2:5 “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.”

5. Christ’s and the Spirit’s Challenge to Them: (v 7-9) Revelation 2:7–9 “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, See Genesis 2:9 “And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.” And Revelation 22:2 “In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Revelation 22:14 “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city,” which is in the midst of the paradise of God. See Luke 23:43 “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

2. The Apostle John’s Second Letter Sent to the Church in Smyrna: (v 8-11) Revelation 2:8–11 “And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; 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. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.”

A. The Recipient/Recipients of It: (v 8) Revelation 2:8 “And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;”

The “Angel of the chruch of Smyrna,” who was Polycarp and its “members” - sent to the “angel;” the “messenger,” or pastor of the church located in Smyrna. His is a great historical name that you must remember. History has left us the details of the death of Polycarp. Polycarp worked with John in the churches of Asia Minor, and he was the pastor of the church at Smyrna. And Polycarp was murdered in 155 AD at the age of about 86 for his faith.

a. Background Concerning the City and the Church in Smyrna: Smyrna. One of the seven churches of the Book of Revelation (Rv 1:11; 2:8–11). It is the modern Izmir, located in Turkey. Smyrna was inhabited at least 3000 years before Christ. The Aeolian Greeks were replaced by the Ionians. The city, along with Miletus and Ephesus to the south, flourished under Ionian dominance. The city was conquered by the Lydians whose capital was Sardis. The site was left in ruins for nearly three centuries until its refounding by Alexander the Great in 334 BC. at a site further south along the gulf. Although built through the energy of the Seleucids the city recognized the coming dominance of Pergamum and entered into an alliance with its king. Later, with remarkable foresight, she transferred her allegiance to Rome and in 195 BC. built a temple in which Rome was worshiped as a deity. As a reward for Smyrna’s early commitment to the rising Roman influence the city prospered under Roman rule, partly as a rival to Pergamum and partly as a rival to the prosperous island of Rhodes. Because they had been an ally of the Romans, both on land and sea, the people of Smyrna thought it would be to their credit to build in AD 26 another temple in which the Roman emperor would be honored. This city became the seat of the caesar-cult which afflicted the church so seriously during the latter half of the first century. Revelation 2:8 speaks of the city as being “dead and then alive,” a possible reference to the period of 300 years when it lay devastated until revived by Alexander and the Macedonians. Ancient writers, including Appollonius and Aristides, spoke of Smyrna as having the “crown of life” (v 10), a reference to the hilltop behind the city which symbolized a statue with its crown on top and its feet at the seashore. At the time the Apocalypse was written the infant church was undergoing persecution. The reference to the “synagogue of Satan” (v 9) and to the devil putting them in prison reflects (v 10) the tribulation probably experienced under the Roman emperor Domitian (c. AD 95). It became a crime punishable by death to refuse to worship the image of the Roman emperor as “lord.” Many Christians were compelled to choose between “Caesar is Lord” (and life) or “Jesus is Lord” (and physical death). See REVELATION, BOOK OF. Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible

B. Jesus Christ himself speaks to the church at Smyrna through the writing of John.

Christ Communicates Who He is to Them - (v 8) Revelation 2:8 “And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;”

2. Christ ‘s Commendation of Them: - (v 9) Revelation 2:9 “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.” They were an intensely suffering church for Jesus Christ and the sake of the purity of the Gospel.

NOTE: Christ has no criticism of the Smyrnan Church

3. Christ’s Comforting Words Spoken to Them - (v 10) Revelation 2:10 “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer...”

4. Christ’s Challenge to Them: (v 10) Revelation 2:10 “...behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death...”

a. The reference to their experiencing tribulation for 10 days refers to the fact it will be short in duration.

5. Christ’s Commintment To Them For Their Being Faithful Unto Death - Giving Them a Crown of Life (v10) Revelation 2:10 “...be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”

a. The “crown of life” is not an actual crown; but rather, it i another way of Jesus’ saying he will give them the reward which is eternal life for their being faithful. James 1:12 “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” The word refers to the wreath winning athletes would receive for winning in an event. 1 Thessalonians 2:19 “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?” And see 2 Timothy 4:8 “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

6. Christ’s and The Spirit’s Challenge to the Saints In the Smyrnan Church: (v11) Revelation 2:11 “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” See Matthew 10:28 “And 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.” And, Revelation 20:6 “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” Finally, Revelation 20:14 “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.”

3. The Apostle John’s Third Letter Sent to the Church in Pergamos (v12) Revelation 2:12–17 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith 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…”

A. The Recipient/Recipients of It: (v 12) Revelation 2:12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;”

The “Angel of the chruch of Pergamos” and its “members” - sent to the “angel;” the “messenger,” or pastor of the church located in Pergamos. It was sent to the pastor who would read it to the church and teach them what John’s words from Jesus Christ meant to and for them.

a. Background concerning The City and Church in Pergamos:

(1). This third letter is to the believers in Pergamum (or Pergamos), which was a beautiful and art-filled city in the province of Asia built along two tributaries of the Caicus River. Pergamum was a center for the worship of Dionysus, Zeus, and other pagan gods. This was not John’s message to the believers at Pergamum; it was a message from Jesus Christ. The depiction of Jesus holding a sharp, two-edged sword refers to the Lord’s readiness to bring judgment (cf.  Revelation 1:16 “And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.”

One Christian in Pergamum named Antipas is mentioned as a “faithful witness.” Church tradition says that Antipas was a physician suspected of secretly propagating Christianity. The Aesculapians (members of the medical guild) accused Antipas of disloyalty to Caesar. Upon being condemned to death, Antipas was placed inside a copper bull, which was then heated over a fire until it was red-hot.

The “teaching of Balaam” is explained in the context, as Christians were eating food that had been sacrificed to idols (religious compromise) and committing sexual immorality (moral compromise). The original Balaam’s deceitful work is described in Numbers 25:1–3 “And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods. And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel.” and Numbers 31:15–16 “And Moses said unto them, Have ye saved all the women alive? Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.”

And, The Nicolaitans are mentioned only in this letter, Revelation 2:15 and in the letter to the Ephesian church. Revelation 2:6 “But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.” They were likely a group similar to those who held the teachings of Balaam, though the exact nature of their doctrine and practice is unknown

2. Christ’s Commendation To Them (v 13) Revelation 2:13 “I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.”

3. Christ’s Criticism of Them: (v 14-15) Revelation 2:14–15 “But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.”

4. Christ’s Charge To Them: (v 16) Revelation 2:16 “Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.”

5. Christ’s and the Spirit’s Challenge to Them: (v17) Revelation 2:17 “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, ( Dr. John MacArthur wrote, “Just as israel received manna (Ex 16), God promises to give the true believer the spiritual bread the unbelieving world cannot see: Jesus Christ, (cf.John 6:51 - see John 6:51 “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” ), and will give him a white stone, (history records when an athlete won in the Roman games, he was given the white stone to enter into and partake in the celebration of/with the winners afterwards), and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”

Pray for our Persecuted brothers and sisters in Saudi Arabia. It’s a restricted nation according to Voice of the Martyrs.

Major Religion:: Nearly all Saudi nationals are Sunni Muslims, with a small population of Shiites. Because of the many foreign workers in the country, 4 percent of the population is Christian.

Persecutor: Families, communities and the overnment severely persecute Christian converts from Islam and work to restrict evangelism and Bible distribution.

What It Means To Follow Christ In Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s most restricted and difficult environments for Christians, especially those who convert from Islam. One church has been allowed for foreign Christian workers, but no other churches are permitted. Conversions from Islam are considered apostasy by law and are punishable by death. But Saudis who convert are more likely to be killed by family members than to be imprisoned or otherwise punished by the government. Many Saudis are creatively accessing Scripture through the internet and other digital media.