Biddulph JAN-FEB 2006 REVELATION 1-3.

PLACE: Biddulph AOG.      DATE: Pm Thursday, 26th Jan. 2006.

                                                             Pm Thursday, 2nd Feb. 2006.

                                                             Pm Thursday, 9th Feb. 2006.

TEXT: REVELATION 1:1.  THEME: REVELATION.

INTRODUCTION:                READING: REVELATION 1-3.

          “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants, things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John.”

1ST POINT: JESUS SPEAKS TO JOHN ON PATMOS.

Revelation 1:1-7

1. The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants, things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John.

2. Who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw.

3. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.

4. John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne.

5. And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.

6. And has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

7. Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

Jesus’ words to John are here for us in the Book of Revelation. It is fascinating to note that, what Jesus says in this setting is also intended to guide rather than to teach. That is, Jesus is not providing new teachings, as for instance in the Sermon on the Mount or in the Last Supper.

Instead Jesus is intent on encouraging and guiding those to whom His words are addressed.

For many years John had lived in Asia Minor and guided the churches there. Then around a.d. 90 the churches there experienced an outbreak of government persecution, and John was exiled to the Isle of Patmos. While John was praying one the Lord’s Day (Sunday), Christ appeared to John.

After identifying Himself, Jesus directed John to record Christ’s message to the churches in the seven major cities of Asia Minor. The account of the appearance of Jesus, and His words to the seven churches, are recorded in the first three chapters of Revelation.

Jesus does not directly address the readers of Revelation again until the last chapter of the book, and then again His words are exhortation and encouragement rather than instruction.

While we cannot treat Jesus’ words in Revelation as “teachings,” they are instructive and have valid application to our lives as well as to the lives of those to whom they were addressed originally.

2ND POINT: JOHN SEES THE GLORIFIED JESUS.

REVELATION 1:8-11.

1:8. “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

1:9. I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

1:10. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet.

1:11. Saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

The Jesus who appeared to John looked very different than the Jesus the apostle had known. This time John saw Jesus glorified, in His splendour and majesty. John had to struggle for words to describe the bright and brilliant vision of Christ fully unveiled as God the Son.

The best that John could do was to note that the figure seemed human, with white head and hair that glow, eyes “like a flame of fire,” and a face “like the sun shining in its strength.” Even the feet of the figure glowed like brass being refined in a furnace.

John was stunned at the sight, and “fell at His feet as dead.” There was no way that John, who had had the closest relationship of any to Jesus during His time on earth, could bear to gaze on the Son of God revealed in all His glory.

Jesus then identified Himself, and told John to record what he saw and to send his writings to the seven Asia Minor churches.

A. Jesus’ reveals His true identity, Revelation 1:8.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

John had known Jesus during His incarnation. Now the figure that John sees announces His true identity. The one whose glory was both revealed and concealed during His time on earth now announces:

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, says the Lord, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

These titles leave nothing to the imagination. Now and from eternity to eternity, the glorified Jesus is God, the Almighty.

B. Jesus commissions John, Revelation 1:11; 17-20.

1:11. “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

1:17. “And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.

1:18. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

1:19. Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.

1:20. The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.”

Jesus tells John to write what he sees to “the seven churches which are in Asia” (verse 11). The announcement of Christ’s identity and the commission to write are repeated (verse 18). The next two verses are important for interpreting Revelation.

The structure of the book (verse 19). Jesus tells John to “write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.” Many commentators see this verse as the key to understand Revelation.

1.     The “things which you have seen” are in Revelation 1:1-17.

2.     The “things which are” are the subject of Revelation 2 and 3.

3.     And the rest of the book, Revelation 4-22, concerns “the things which will take place after this.” If this is correct we must treat the Book of Revelation as prophecy rather than as mere Second Coming literature.

The symbols are explained (Revelation 1:20). When Jesus appeared to John He was standing in the midst of seven golden lampstands holding seven stars. Jesus explained,

“The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.”

The seven churches have already been named. They are the Asia Minor churches in the cities of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadephia, and Laodicea. There is some question about the “angels” of the seven churches. While some take these as literal guardian angels watching over the churches, it is more likely that the word should be translated “messenger.” A Heavenly angel and the earthly leader!

The basic meaning of both mal’ak in Hebrew and Angelos in Greek is “messenger,” with angels being “heavenly messengers.” If the text should read “messenger” rather than “angel,” Jesus would be referring to the person in each church responsible to read aloud Jesus’ message to the congregation.

3RD POINT: JESUS DICTATES LETTERS TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES.
REVELATION 2:1-3:22.

The seven letters are contained in two chapters of Revelation. Each letter shares a common structure with the others. The church is selected and described, and an aspect of Jesus’ description is provided along with the statement of a desired response to Jesus as He has just revealed Himself.

Some have taken these churches of Asia Minor as symbols marking the course of church history. Such an interpretation is forced, however. We know that these seven churches did exist in the first century, and there is reason to believe that each is characterized accurately in the seven letters.

At the same time, we can find points of comparison with churches today. Certainly the words of Jesus to the seven churches of Asia contain many insights which we can and are to apply to ourselves today.

1ST CHURCH: TO THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS.
REVELATION 2:17.

          “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”

Ephesus was one of the churches founded by the apostle Paul. Politically, Ephesus was the seat of the provincial Roman governor and bore the title of the “Supreme Capital of Asia.” Ephesus was also the centre of the cult of the goddess Artemis (Diana). Pilgrims from all over the Mediterranean world undertake a journey there to see the magnificent temple, which served as a bank and often financed the projects of kings.

Under Paul’s ministry, multitudes of citizens turned to the Lord (Acts 19). The Christians publicly burned occult books, and the revival was so great that it threatened the income of those who made their living selling religious idols. A strong and energetic church had been established, and from the Revelation letter to Ephesus it is clear that the church remained strong and vital.

For thirty to forty years the Christians in Ephesus had persevered and remained patient, labouring for the sake of Jesus’ name and had not become weary Revelation 2:3 “And you have persevered and have patience, and have laboured for My name's sake and have not become weary.”

“These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: “I know your works, your labour, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil.

And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have laboured for My name’s sake and have not become weary.

Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have lost your first love. Remember therefore where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. But this you have that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”

A. “He who holds the seven stars in His right hand,” Revelation 2:1.

          “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, these things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands.”

In this letter Jesus presents Himself as sovereign over the seven churches (stars). Jesus is Lord over the church, a theme Paul developed in his epistle to the Ephesians. Christ as Head of the church not only directs and guides, but He also protects and empowers. His authority is something that this church and every church must acknowledge, and to which it must submit.

B. “I know your works,” Revelation 2:2-3.

“I know your works, your labour, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have laboured for My name's sake and have not become weary.”

The church has remained faithful and active since its founding. Jesus notes especially that the believers “cannot bear those who are evil” and that they have “tested those who say they are apostles and are not.” Most believe that “those who are evil” are the false apostles mentioned immediately afterward.

It is unlikely that the evil men claimed to be apostles in the sense that the Twelve or Paul were apostles. The New Testament also applies the title “apostle” to travelling teachers and missionaries who travelled from church to church, Romans 16:7 “Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.”

And it is this sense in which those who troubled the Ephesians presented themselves as apostles. But Ephesians were not deceived and remained doctrinally pure. Interestingly, some fifteen years after John’s death, the church father Ignatius wrote to the church at Ephesus and commended them for refusing to provide a “home” to heresy!

C. You have left your first love, Revelation 2:4-5.

“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.”

While an outstanding church in many ways Jesus had “this against” the church at Ephesus.

Commentators differ on what that first love was, whether love for the brethren within the community (Ephesians 1:15; 3:17-18) or love for the Lord. Either may be correct, or both may be in view. The solution the problem of lost love, however, is clearly stated in three vital points:

1.     Remember.

2.     Repent.

3.     Go.

This pattern is helpful for us to use in self-examination.

Do we remember what it was like when we first came to know Christ?

Do we recall the excitement and glow of discovery?

And does our heart beat with the same passion now?

Repent is a simple word, like the military command “about face.” It does not mean be sorry for past sins or for our present spiritual state. It does mean change! Reverse course. Then we will do our former works, and our present works, motivated by pure love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

The threat to remove the Ephesians lampstand is a serious one. Without love, a church is doomed to fall into dead accepted belief or purposeless activity. No such church will last long.

D. “This you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans,” Revelation 2:6.

          “But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”

The identity, beliefs, and practices of the Nicolaitans remain a mystery. Eusebius in his Ecclesiastical History indicates that this group existed for only a short time.

E. “What the Spirit says to the churches,” Revelation 2:7.

          “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”

The promise made to “him who overcomes” is for all the churches, not just the Ephesians. This and the promises to the other churches are addressed to end times, having to do with the eternal state as described in Revelation 21 and 22. Thus eating from “the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God” is parallels to eating from “the tree of life” in Revelation 22:2.

There is a future for the people of God. And that future is not limited to this tiny planet or by an individual’s brief span of years here. That future is unlimited, to be lived and enjoyed in the Paradise of God.

2ND CHURCH: TO THE CHURCH IN SMYRNA.
REVELATION 2:8-11.

The city of Smyrna, about forty miles north of Ephesus, was noted as the birthplace of the epic poet Homer. It was also a centre of emperor worship, and had been given the favour by the Roman Senate of building the first temple to honour the Emperor Tiberius.

Under the Emperor Domitian (a.d. 81–96), who exiled John to Patmos, emperor worship became compulsory. Once each year a citizen had to appear before representatives of the emperor and burn incense on the altar to the god Caesar, after which the citizen received a certificate.

Some sixty years after Revelation was written, the church father Polycarp was burned alive for refusing to make this offering. Eusebius quotes the martyr 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?”

The active persecution of Christians in this city of some 200,000 is reflected in Jesus’ words to the angel of the church of Sardis. This is the one church about which Christ has no criticism.

“These things say the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

“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.”

A. “The First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life,” Revelation 2:8.

“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, “These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life.”

Death was the penalty for those who refused to worship the emperor. But Christ was dead and came to life. He conquered death, and has a word for those who are in danger of dying for His sake.

B. “Those who say they are Jews,” Revelation 2:9.

          “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.”

Apparently the Jewish population of Smyrna earnestly betrayed to the authorities Christians who did not have their certificates. The Jews had many human rights in the Roman Empire, and one of those would have been exemption from offering sacrifices to the emperor. But the Jewish faith was a recognized religion, and Christianity was classified as an unlawful faith. There was no freedom for Christians.

The Jewish lack of sympathy toward Christians follows a pattern seen often in Acts. Those Jews who did not welcome the gospel message became increasingly hostile to Christians and started persecutions (see for example Acts 13:45, 50 and 14:19).

In writing that the Jews in Smyrna “say they are Jews and are not,” Christ reminds us that those who were the blood line seed of Abraham were not necessarily His spiritual descendants,

Romans 2:28 “For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh.”

Romans 9:6 “But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel.”

Rather than following in the path of Abraham they follow in the footsteps of Satan, who was behind the persecution in Smyrna, John 8:44 “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.”

C. “Be faithful unto death,” Revelation 2:10-11.

          “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

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.”

Jesus warns the church at Smyrna of coming persecution. The reference to “ten days” seems best understood as an Aramaic expression indicating an undetermined but relatively short period of time. During this burst of persecution some Christians were to be imprisoned and others would suffer.

But Christ holds out a hope on which they can depend. Although death may claim some of the faithful, Christ will give them “the crown of life.”

While believers are subject to biological death, they “shall not be hurt by the second death.”

A phrase used in Revelation to indicate an eternity of separation from God in hell:

Revelation 20:14 “Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.”

Revelation 21:8 “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

3RD CHURCH: TO THE ANGEL OF THE CHURCH IN PERGAMOS.
REVELATION 2:12-17.

Pergamos was a prominent city in the first century, a contender to Ephesus and Smyrna. It boasted a library of some 200,000 volumes and a number of famous temples. One of its major religions was the worship of Asclepius, the god of healing, and many came to that city in hopes of being restored to health.

These things say He who has the sharp two-edged sword: “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”

A. “He who has the sharp two-edged sword,” Revelation 2:12.   

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write,

          These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword.”

The title here goes back to a messianic passage in Isaiah, specifically Isaiah 49:2

    “And He has made My mouth like a sharp sword;

    In the shadow of His hand He has hidden Me,

    And made Me a polished shaft;

    In His quiver He has hidden Me.”

 There and here the sword is the Word of God, Ephesians 6:17

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

There is another interesting historical note here. Pergamos possessed a rare power, seldom granted to cities: the power of capital punishment, which was represented by the sword.

How much greater the power of the Word of God and Him who utters it, for His sword is doubled-edged, able to create as well as to destroy!

B. Where you dwell; where Satan’s throne is, Revelation 2:13.   

“I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.”

As a centre for pagan worship and a stronghold of Satan, Pergamos was a difficult place for Christians to live. Yet the believers had been faithful “even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr.” We know nothing of Antipas beyond this reference. But how good to know that God knows our name even when we have been forgotten by others.

C. “I have a few things against you,” Revelation 2:14-15.

          “But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.”

Jesus specially mentions the “doctrine of Balaam” and also the “doctrine of the Nicolaitans.” While the Christians in Pergamos had stood up against external pressures, their doctrine was being corrupted from within. Interestingly, the name Balaam can mean “conquer the people,” as does the title Nicolaitans.

The seer Balaam had been hired by King Balak to curse the Israelites during the Exodus period. When he failed and learned of God’s intention to bless them, Balaam advised the pagan king to set a “honey trap.”

Young women should set up tents outside the Israelite camp, to seduce Israelite men and then lead them into idolatry. The plot succeeded, and God punished His people with a plague, but did not destroy them as Balak had hoped.

As many first-century pagan rites involved immorality as well as the worship of idols, the reference undoubtedly fit the situation in Pergamos. It is likely that some of the Christians in Pergamos were deeply involved in pagan worship and sexual immorality.

D. “Repent, or else I will come to you quickly,” Revelation 2:16.

          “Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.”

Jesus called for a radical change in the permissive attitude that the church seems to have adopted toward the sinning Christians. Thus the whole church is called on to repent. If the believers there fail to purify the church, Jesus “will fight against them (those sinning) with the sword of My mouth.”

Discipline of brothers and sisters who sin openly and by habit is the responsibility of the local congregation. If the church fails to discipline, Christ will intervene, and the result will be much more painful, Revelation 2:21-22

“And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.”

E. “To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat,” Revelation 2:17.

          “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”

Jesus mentions two gifts that are to be given to those who remain faithful to Him.

1. The hidden manna.

The festival foods provided at feasts held to honour pagan gods were tempting. Their presentation and their aroma, as well as their taste, appealed to the senses. But the spiritual food on which believers are to feast is hidden; it cannot be seen or savoured by the senses. Yet that manna sustains us spiritually.

2. The white stone.

The meaning of the white stone is uncertain. Different coloured stones sometimes served as tickets to events, and in the criminal trials white stones were often cast as “innocent” votes, while black stones were votes of “guilty.” Whatever the reference, the white stone here was an indication of innocence and an invitation to enter God’s presence.

A new name. Commentators suggest that the new name written on the white stone is a name of Christ. In the ancient world the names of demons or deities were thought to give the person who knew them occult power.

If the gift Jesus offers the overcomers of Pergamos is a name of His “which no one knows except him who receives it,” the white stone not only symbolizes access to God but also a promise by Christ to be available to those who are faithful. Through His power they can overcome every challenge.

4TH CHRUCH: TO THE ANGEL OF THE CHURCH IN THYATIRA.
REVELATION 2:18-24.

Thyatira was a working city, specializing in trade in wool, linen, clothing, leatherwork, and bronzes. As was typical in the first century, each occupation had its guild (labour union), which honoured its own patron deity.

The guilds sponsored feasts and festivals, paid for the burial of members, and in general served as the centre of a member’s social life as well as a source of political influence.

The letter to the Christians at Thyatira is the longest of the seven letters to churches.

“These things say the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.

Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.

Indeed, I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searched the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.

“Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who has not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. But hold fast to what you have till I come. And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations:

“He shall rule them with a rod of iron,

They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels,” as I also have received from My Father; and I will give him the morning star.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

A. “The Son of God,” Revelation 2:18.

          “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, “These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass.”

The image presented here of eyes like blazing fire and feet like burnished bronze emphasize judgment, which is a dominant theme in this fourth letter.

B. “I know your works,” Revelation 2:19.

          “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.”

The commendation section in this letter is very brief. It’s clear that the Christians have grown in loving service and patience. But there are serious problems at Thyatira.

C. “Nevertheless I have a few things against you,” Revelation 2:20-23.

          Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.

And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.”

The problems in the church grow from the influence of a false prophetess symbolically identified as “Jezebel.”

The Old Testament Jezebel was the pagan wife of King Ahab of Israel. She was committed to stamping out the worship of Yahweh and replacing Israel’s ancient faith with the worship of her own deity.

Like her namesake, the Jezebel of Revelation promoted false teaching and a wicked lifestyle, and had gained great local influence. Commentators disagree whether this Jezebel is a literal woman or if she stands for a clique of false prophets in the church. Her “children” are her followers.

Jezebel’s characteristic sins (verse 20). Like the Nicolaitans whose influence was felt in other churches, Jezebel’s teaching involved both sexual immorality and sharing in feasts dedicated to idols.

Her refusal to repent (verse 21). Christ had patiently given Jezebel time to repent of her sexual immorality, but His grace was rejected. This suggests that Jezebel may have been a believer who had wilfully gone her own way and influenced others to follow her.

The refusal to repent and change is as serious an offence now as it was then, and is sure to be followed by severe discipline.

I will cast her into a sickbed (verse 23). This language suggests that Jezebel actually is an individual rather than a group. Christ also says that he will bring great tribulation on those who “commit adultery with her” (follow her ways and teaching).

The phrase “unless they repent” again suggests those who have turned aside after Jezebel are believers who have either foolishly or wilfully lost their bearings. However, a failure to repent now will lead to swift and severe judgment.

I will kill her children with death (verse 23). The judgment that will strike members of the Jezebel party will be so startling that “all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts.”

What happened after the letter to Thyatira was delivered? Did the followers of Jezebel repent? Or did some devastating judgment sweep away those who followed her, filling the other churches in Asia with awe?

Church history does not record the answer. But the image of Christ with penetrating, burning eyes and glowing bronze feet reminds us that when God rebukes us, it is not only right to repent. It is safer.

A. “Now to you . . . who do not have this doctrine,” Revelation 2:24.

Christ’s sole command in this letter is directed to those who have not been led astray by Jezebel. The only command Jesus gives them is to “hold fast what you have till I come.”

There are times when it takes all our energy simply to hold fast to what we have. This is true for individuals as well as for the little group of faithful Christians at Thyatira. When this happens, looking forward to Christ’s return provides hope and strength.

B. “I will give him power over the nations,” Revelation 2:26-27.

“And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations. He shall rule them with a rod of iron; they shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels, as I also have received from My Father.”

There is a fascinating contrast here between the present weakened condition of Christians who have only enough strength to “hold on” and the reward of power over the nations.

This promise is to be fulfilled after Jesus returns, as indicated by the quote from Psalm 2.

Where the Messiah is portrayed as ruling earth with a rod of iron. One day the persecuted will rule, and the persecutors will be humbled. What an encouragement for those who suffer unjustly now!

C. “I will give him the morning star,” Revelation 2:28-29.   

“And I will give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Jesus identifies a second reward for the overcomers in Thyatira. The nature of this promise is also debated. Some see it as symbolic of resurrection. Others link it with Peter’s likeness of Christ’s return to the rising of the morning star, 2 Peter 1:19

“And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”

In any case, the return of Christ marks the beginning of blessings for the faithful who have been so hard pressed.

5TH CHRUCH: TO THE ANGEL OF THE CHURCH IN SARDIS.
REVELATION 3:1-6.

Sardis was a prosperous commercial centre and a military stronghold. It had often been attacked, but only twice in recorded history had its walls been breached.

Sardis was also famous for its great “thousand hills” cemetery marked by hundreds of burial mounds. Although Sardis no longer was of political importance it remained wealthy for two hundred years into the Christian era.

“These things say He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.

Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.

You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

A. “He who holds the seven Spirits of God,” Revelation 3:1.   

“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, “These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.”

The reference here is to the Holy Spirit who gives life and strengthens believers. While there is a small minority in the church who are strengthen by the Spirit, most are spiritually dead. There is a functioning organization there called a Christian church, a “name that you are alive” but in fact the majority are not believers at all!

How often today also there are groups who assemble in “churches,” but who have never known the Spirit’s strengthen touch and whose members have never trusted Christ for salvation. These are dead churches, corpses propped up on the High Street.

B. “Strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die,” Revelation 3:2.

          “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.”

The first Greek word in this verse is not “be watchful” but “Wake up!” The congregation is dying and the believers there do not even realize what has happened. There is no room for self-righteousness; the true believers must act quickly to recover what remains.

The phrase “I have not found your works perfect” indicates failure to come close to meeting Christ’s expectations. Praise found in letters to other churches for such works as love, faithfulness, and persistence are utterly absent here.

1. “Hold fast and repent,” Revelation 3:3.

Repentance and a return to the teaching of the apostles is the only hope for Sardis. If the people fail to repent, Jesus will act to judge them when they least expect it.

2. “A few names even in Sardis,” Revelation 3:4-5.

The emphasis on a few makes it all too clear that the majority had departed from the faith. The contrast between “defiled garments” and “white garments” marks a distinction between those who depend on their own righteousness for acceptance by God and those who by faith have been clothed in the righteousness of Christ.

Only those who wear the white garments are secure, for their names will never be blotted out of the Book of Life. Christ will acknowledge them before God, and their acceptance in heaven is assured.

6TH CHRUCH: TO THE ANGEL OF THE CHURCH IN PHILADELPHIA.
REVELATION 3:7-13.

A main highway and imperial post road ran through Philadelphia, an important commercial and fortress city that had played a role in spreading Greek culture and language in what is now Turkey. Notably a Christian presence persisted in Philadelphia up until a.d. 1392.

“These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.

Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie, indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.

“Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

“Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.

“He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

A. “He who is holy, He who is true,” Revelation 3:7.   

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, “These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens.”

Christ presents Himself as the Messiah, who holds the key to the kingdom promised in Old and New Testaments alike. The reference to the “synagogue of Satan” suggests that the Jews in Philadelphia claimed to be the genuine heirs of the Old Testament promises.

But the Christ who Christians worship is the holy and true one who “has the key of David,” and who alone can open or shut the door to heaven.

B. “I know your works,” Revelation 3:8-9.

          “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.

Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie, indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.”

The Christians of Philadelphia had been faithful to the gospel and had never denied Christ’s name. The door that Christ set before them would remain open, and they are assured of a place in His kingdom.

As for their Jewish opponents the day will come when they will be forced to acknowledge that those they had persecuted were right. As Isaiah predicted, “The sons of those who afflicted you shall come bowing to you, and all those who despised you shall fall prostrate at the soles of your feet” Isaiah 60:14.

C. “I will keep you from the hour of trial,” Revelation 3:10.

          “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.”

This special promise to the church at Philadelphia, like other distinctive promises to individual churches, is generally taken as a promise to all believers. Christ had commanded the Philadelphians to persevere, and they had done so.

The phrase the “hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world” recalls the Old Testament prophets’ vision of a Great Tribulation, about which Christ Himself taught (Matthew 24:15-22). While this end time interpretation is rejected by some writers, it seems least strained to interpret it in the context of Christ’s own and Old Testament prophecy. This makes it a reference to the terrifying judgments God will bring on the earth at history’s end.

Those who believe the Bible teaches Christians will be ruptured (caught up to be with Christ, 1 Thessalonians 4) see support in the reference to being “kept from the hour of trial.” This is a wonderful promise. Whatever comes, Christ Himself will protect those who have been faithful.

D. “Hold fast,” Revelation 3:11.

          “Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.”

Jesus encourages current as well as first-century Christians by promising that “I am coming quickly.” God’s plan is racing toward His intended conclusion. Although the pace may seem slow to us, everything is on schedule. We are to hold fast to this hope, lest we be robbed of our crown.

Here as elsewhere the “crown” symbolizes the reward God graciously intends to give to those who have been enabled by grace to serve Him well.

E. “I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God,” Revelation 3:12.

          “He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.”

Two additional promises are given to overcomers.

1. A pillar in the temple.

The district around Philadelphia was subject to earthquakes. When a quake struck, often only the pillars of one of the pagan temples in the area would be left standing. In Christ we are not just building blocks in God’s temple, but pillars who stand firm and secure.

2. I will write on him the name of My God.

This promise seems to reflect a first-century custom of honouring an individual by having a special pillar added to a local temple that is inscribed with his name. Yet Christ may be speaking of an even more special inscription, one with His own name, indicating that the believer is identified with God and God’s own special possession.

7TH CHUCH: TO THE ANGEL OF THE CHURCH OF THE LAODICEANS.
REVELATION 3:14-22.

Laodicea lay in the fertile Lycus valley, and a major Roman road ran through the city. As well as being a commercial and communications centre, Laodicea was known for its black wool and banking facilities. It also boasted a medical school famous for ointments that were used to treat eyes and ears.

Despite its wealth the water supply was poor, drawn from hot or cold springs that became lukewarm as it flowed through a six-mile long channel.

“These things say the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of thing’ and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked, I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hear my voice and opens the door; I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

A. “The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness,” Revelation 3:14. 

“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, “These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God.”

Christ is the one who established the pattern; He is the faithful and true witness who never in any way failed to reveal and glorify God. In this identification Christ stands in stark contrast to the Laodicean church, which has failed God in every way.

B. “You are neither cold nor hot,” Revelation 3:15-16.

          I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”

Like the water from the channel, the church in Laodicea was lukewarm, indifferent to God. This is revolting to the Lord, who will “vomit you out of My mouth.”

C. “You do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked,” Revelation 3:17.

          “Because you say, “I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.”

In terms of material possessions this was a wealthy church. In terms of spiritual assets, the church was stripped of every true blessing. It is always tragic when a believer is deceived into assuming that earthly riches are symbols of God’s blessing, when the true blessings are not material at all. When estimated by eternity’s values, the Laodiceans were wretched and pitiful, for they were spiritually poor, blind, and naked.

What a contrast with the church at Smyrna, which was outwardly poor, but inwardly rich (Revelation 2:9)!

D. “I counsel you,” Revelation 3:18.

          “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.”

God’s solution is to turn from all those things in which the Laodiceans took such pride and focus on that which is true and faithful.

“Buy from Me gold refined in the fire.” Peter explains the image when he speaks of the testing of faith by various trials as “more precious than gold that perishes.” When faith is tested by fire it will be “found to praise, honour, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” 1 Peter 1:7.

The lukewarm Laodiceans were so content and ready to compromise that they offended no one, and challenged no cultural sin. They got along, and were satisfied to do so. Yet while Christ does not tell us to seek trials or persecution, we are to stand for something. If we stand for something, we are sure to spark the very trials which will purify our faith.

1. “Buy from Me . . . white garments, that you may be clothed.”

White garments represent righteousness, here not an imputed righteousness but an experiential righteousness. The Laodicean Christians were settled into their culture so comfortably that they saw nothing wrong with its sins, and had adopted the loose ways of their fellow-citizens. In fact their behaviour was shameful, a compromise with the world.

2. “Anoint your eyes with eye salve that you may see.”

The remedy for eye problems that the city produced was useless in curing spiritual blindness. And it was spiritual blindness that was the problem in Laodicea.

All three images point to the dire need of the members of this church, many for salvation, and others for renewal.

E. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten,” Revelation 3:19.   

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.”

The harsh words spoken to the Laodicean church were evidence of Christ’s love for them. He spoke harshly to awaken them from their spiritual slumber, and says to them, “Therefore be zealous and repent.”

F. “I stand at the door and knock,” Revelation 3:20.

          “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”

The image presented in this verse is a familiar one. A visitor stands outside and knocks at mealtime. The porter or the owner of the house listens carefully to see if he recognizes the voice. Because the cord that is attached to the latch has been pulled inside, the door can only be opened from within. Yet the visitor is eager to come in and dine, symbolizing in the first century intimate fellowship.

Christ, who stands at the door, will not force His way in. The door must be opened from within. But once the door is opened and the invitation extended, Jesus will enter the life of any individual, for God is eager for an intimate relationship with men.

This particular image suggests that most in the church in Laodicea were professing Christians without a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. And the image is one that speaks to the unsaved to this day. Christ is eager to enter every life, and He waits, just outside, for us to open our hearts to Him.

G. “I will grant to sit with Me on My throne,” Revelation 3:21.   

“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”

Christ saves, raises, and rewards believers. Now we learn that we are also to share His own exalted position. Paul says it in his second letter to Timothy:

“This is a faithful saying:

For if we died with Him,

We shall also live with Him.

If we endure,

We shall also reign with Him.”

And Revelation 20:6 portrays the fulfilment of the promise: “Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.”

Common themes that run throughout these letters challenge Christians today. We are called to be overcomers: people who struggle with the world, the flesh, and the devil, and through the Spirit’s power remain committed to Jesus Christ.

That commitment shows itself in the qualities commended in these letters, qualities of service, faith, patience, and perseverance, all motivated by love. While these qualities arouse the hostility of the world and lead to tribulations here, they will bring untold blessings to us when Jesus comes.

And until He comes, we must reject corrupt teaching and immorality, and guard against complacency and compromise with the values of this world.

CONCLUDING PROMISES: REVELATION 22.

The last chapter of the Book of Revelation features a promise of Jesus that is repeated three times.

“Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book” Revelation 22:7.

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last” Revelation 22:12-13.

“Surely I am coming quickly” Revelation 22:20.

Generations of Christians have heard these promises of Jesus, and looked eagerly for His appearance.

Does it matter that nearly 2,000 years have passed since these promises were given? Not at all! Christ is coming! He is on the way. And that, not when, makes all the difference.

As the apostle Peter wrote so long ago,

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.

Therefore since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?

Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless” 2 Peter 3:9-13.