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Revelation Study

Chapter 2

The Loveless Church

(Rev 2:1 KJV) 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 feel it is of importance to look at the fact the letters or addressed to the angel (Angel is in Greek a messenger) and not to a pastor or elder of the churches. As I study, here are few things that seem evident to me. 1. The letter was not sent to the church as a single document but the whole book, which contains all the letters. Rev 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. 2. The reason he sent it to an angel is it was to be a letter that passed through the ages, not just for a single place in time. It was to the messenger of God, who is what an angel is; thus that messenger can carry what we need in our church or the message to the various ministers in night visions, or through whatever tool necessary. The angels are the seven stars and they are held in the hand of Christ. So Jesus then has control over the messengers and the message. He is in the midst of the candlesticks, which means he is in the midst of his churches and knows what state we are in and what messenger we need to hear.
• 2:1 REVELATION, Angels--Each church had an angel. This was either a heavenly representative before God's throne or the pastor of the church viewed as God's messenger to the church.
• 2:1--3:22 LAST THINGS, Church Age--Dispensationalists hold that the letters have a message for all churches of all ages, but they interpret the letters of the seven churches as dividing the "church age'' into seven periods. The letters would represent God's message to the church age, while ch 4 would begin His message to those on earth after the rapture. See note on 1:7. In this view Revelation primarily describes the time of tribulation. All other interpreters, whether amillennialists, postmillennialists, or historical premillennialists, insist that nothing in the text indicates such an interpretation and accept the two chapters on face value.
• Rev 2:1: The Seven Churches of the Apocalypse (see map). The churches of seven cities were recipients of an apocalyptic letter from the Lord through John. By commendation, rebuke, and warning, the people of God were exhorted to remain faithful in adversity. These churches held significant roles in the Christian experience of Asia Minor as a result of their location within a transportation network linking different parts of the region.
• (vv. 2:1-3:22) The seven churches addressed in chs. 2 and 3 were seven historical assemblies in Asia Minor. However, a universal application is discernible: (1) characteristics of the seven congregations are remarkably typical of those prominently displayed by local congregations in every era; (2) the number seven suggests that the message, though historically conditioned, is remarkably applicable to every age; and (3) some interpreters believe that the seven churches reflect seven epochs of church history, as well as the seven specific historical assemblies. Each letter follows a similar pattern. Each letter begins with a characterization of Christ, usually drawn from ch. 1. Each letter closes with a challenge to the "over comers" within the local churches. The challenge is taken in each case from the last four chapters of the book (19-22), which commence with the marriage supper of the Lamb and the return of Christ, and conclude with the eternal state of the new heaven, new earth, and New Jerusalem The city of Ephesus is located a few miles inland from the Aegean Sea on the Cayster River. Its harbor has long since filled with silt. The city boasted one of the seven wonders of the world, the temple of Artemis. Pausanias and others considered it to be by far the most amazing of the seven. The excavations at ancient Ephesus are among the most extensive in the earth. Archaeologist J.T. Wood labored for six years before discovering the ruins of the great temple of Artemis (called Diana by the Romans). The magnificent 24,000-seat amphitheater has also been excavated. The worship of Artemis included shameless and vile practices, e.g., the use of prostitution and mutilation in the rituals. Heraclitus, the weeping philosopher of Ephesus, lamented the vileness of the city. In A.D. 252 the Goths reduced the temple and city to rubble.
• Verses 1-7. These churches were in such different states as to purity of doctrine and the power of godliness, that the words of Christ to them will always suit the cases of other churches, and professors. Christ knows and observes their state; though in heaven, yet he walks in the midst of his churches on earth, observing what is wrong in them, and what they want. The church of Ephesus is commended for diligence in duty. Christ keeps an account of every hour's work his servants do for him, and their labor shall not be in vain in the Lord. But it is not enough that we are diligent; there must be bearing patience, and there must be waiting patience. And though we must show all meekness to all men, yet we must show just zeal against their sins. The sin Christ charged this church with, is, not the having left and forsaken the object of love, but having lost the fervent degree of it that at first appeared. Christ is displeased with his people, when he sees them grow remiss and cold toward him. Surely this mention in Scripture, of Christians forsaking their first love, reproves those who speak of it with carelessness, and thus try to excuse indifference and sloth in themselves and others; our Saviour considers this indifference as sinful. They must repent: they must be grieved and ashamed for their sinful declining, and humbly confess it in the sight of God. They must endeavor to recover their first zeal, tenderness, and seriousness, and must pray as earnestly, and watch as diligently, as when they first set out in the ways of God. If the presence of Christ's grace and Spirit is slighted, we may expect the presence of his displeasure. Encouraging mention is made of what was good among them. Indifference as to truth and error, good and evil, may be called charity and meekness, but it is not so; and it is displeasing to Christ. The Christian life is a warfare against sin, Satan, the world, and the flesh. We must never yield to our spiritual enemies, and then we shall have a glorious triumph and reward. All who persevere, shall derive from Christ, as the Tree of life, perfection and confirmation in holiness and happiness, not in the earthly paradise, but in the heavenly. This is a figurative expression, taken from the account of the garden of Eden, denoting the pure, satisfactory, and eternal joys of heaven; and the looking forward to them in this world, by faith, communion with Christ, and the consolations of the Holy Spirit. Believers, take your wrestling life here, and expect and look for a quiet life hereafter; but not till then: the word of God never promises quietness and complete freedom from conflict here.

(Rev 2:2 KJV) 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:

• Jesus knows our work and the quality of that work; he knows how much labor we place into that work. Preachers and teachers, he knows how much study and prayer you have put into the preparation of the task at hand, to save the lost. He knows the frustrations we experience and how we have endured, has it been with patience? Luke 21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls. We are not called upon to accept them that are evil, all to often today we hear a kind of preaching that sounds as if we should except just anyone and anything. Look at what he says here. He is not finding fault, he is saying I know you have fought the fight. Someone once said they did not believe in examining those professing to be called into the ministry. I do we are to look at their doctrine and rather they teach the Word. Not every one that steps behind the pulpit is of God, regardless of the size of the church.
• (Rev 2:3 KJV) And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast labored, and hast not fainted.
• Thou hast borne is to say you have held in there you are caring the load. We are to do this not for our sake but for the name of Jesus. 1 Tim 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 2 Tim 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
• (Rev 2:4 KJV) Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
• Even when we fight a good fight if we forget the reason for the fight, the fight is useless. When we forget the reason of our journey here is to serve the Lord, and we lose that relationship, our love affair with God and his son, they are not pleased and all our life become in vain. Not long ago I went to get a tool to do a job that had come to my mind. While getting the tool one of the kids came to get me to take care of some problem that they faced, time I had gotten done I forgot what I had went to get the tool for. We do this in serving God; we go to church and really forget what we go for. I go to worship God, but I also go for the other people and I want to see them. I hope that just my presence there will uplift them as their presence uplifts me. Why because these are friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, and I enjoy worshipping with them. I just don't want to read the Bible; I want to experience the Bible, which is a love relationship with Jesus.
• Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
• Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
• Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
• (Rev 2:5 KJV) 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.
• You say that once you are born again you are saved and cannot be lost. Wake up church (body of believers in Jesus). Fallen doesn't mean that you are with out hope now, because you can repent. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. But what if we do not repent (which is to completely change direction)?
• Jonah 3:9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?
• Jonah 3:10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
• Luke 13:1 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
• Luke 13:2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
• Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
• Luke 13:4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
• Luke 13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
• Can God lie? When he promised that except you repent he shall remove the church (candlestick)? The problem isn't the falling that closes the door to his kingdom but the failure to get up and fight on. Return to God reestablishes your Love affair.
• Num 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
• Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
• Titus 1:3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
• Heb 6:18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
• (Rev 2:6 KJV) But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.
• He wanted the church to know that he is walking in our midst he knows the things that we really believe and hate. God wants us to follow him and not a doctrine of man and that is what is implied here.
• Rev 2:6: Nicolaitanism probably represents a movement present in the churches at Ephesus and at Pergamos to subject the people of God to one or more powerful leaders. The term is derived from nikao (Gk.), "to conquer," and laos (Gk.), "people," hence, "people conquerors." Very plausibly, the Nicolaitan movement marks the beginning of a form of priesthood in the church. On the other hand, this group has also been viewed as representing those who have compromised with the world through the practices of immorality and idolatry. Though some tradition has identified them as followers of the Nicolas of Acts 6:5, one of the first seven deacons in the early church at Jerusalem, evidence for this identification is not extensive.

(Rev 2:7 KJV) 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.

• We are to listen to what Jesus is saying to us. Notice it is by his Spirit that he speaks. So if you are not being lead by the Spirit or do not accept the belief of the Spirits leading you won't know what he is saying to the church. The world does not know what is being said to the church because it is not of the Spirit. 1 Cor 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
• 2:7 HOLY SPIRIT, Revelation--An important activity of the Spirit is to reveal God and His purposes to God's people. He did this through prophets and other inspired persons in Israel, and He does it in the church as well (1 Co 2:9-12). He also does it through Scripture (2 Pe 1:21). Here and elsewhere in Revelation He revealed God's will by giving prophetic oracles to the churches through John. See Rev 2:11,17,29; 3:6,13,22.
• 2:7 REVELATION, Spirit--The Spirit of God was at work revealing the future of specific churches. Everyone should listen carefully to the Spirit's disclosure of God's plan for the future and His expectations of the people. Compare 2:11,17,29; 3:6,13,22.
• Rev 2:7: John defines an "overcomer" in 1 John 5:4, 5 as "one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." Thus every Christian is an "overcomer" as the apostle uses the word, though the particular promises to the seven churches are appropriate for their unique circumstances and situations.
• 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
• 1 John 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
• I have put the commentary here even through I do not believe all that is said, it is his opinion not mine. I think that as you study the word of God you will find that a true Believer is one that keeps the commandments of Jesus and is not just a hearer. Also look again at the preceding verse's (Rev 2:5 KJV) 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. He has told the church except they come back to the right way of the Lord they will lose the candlestick.
• Josh 22:5 But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.
• Mark 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
• Mark 7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
• Exo 20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
• Exo 20:6 And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
• Deu 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;
• Deu 7:10 And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.
• Deu 7:11 Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them.
• Deu 11:1 Therefore thou shalt love the LORD thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, alway.
• Deu 11:2 And know ye this day: for I speak not with your children which have not known, and which have not seen the chastisement of the LORD your God, his greatness, his mighty hand, and his stretched out arm,
• Deu 11:22 For if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave unto him;
• Deu 11:23 Then will the LORD drive out all these nations from before you, and ye shall possess greater nations and mightier than yourselves.
• Deu 11:24 Every place whereon the soles of your feet shall tread shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the river Euphrates, even unto the uttermost sea shall your coast be.
• Deu 11:25 There shall no man be able to stand before you: for the LORD your God shall lay the fear of you and the dread of you upon all the land that ye shall tread upon, as he hath said unto you.
• Deu 11:26 Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse;
• Deu 11:27 A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day:
• Deu 11:28 And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.
• John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
• John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
• John 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
• John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
• John 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
• 1 John 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
• 1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
• 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
• 1 John 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
• Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
• Mal 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
• James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
• God is the same God of old time and Jesus is always the same. When we look at all of the word of God we can quickly see that there is more to believing then saying a few words to a preacher, there is more than a feel good experience but it is the heart that is changed and love enters. I used these verses in John because the writer [of the commentary] left out the ones proceeding: which is what we often do when we want to make a point. That is OK if you do not lose the full picturing of what is said. We are only Gods children when we love him and one another. So who is he that Believeth but he that loveth. I can't help but feel it is Love that makes us overcomers, Love for God and each other. What do you think?
• (Rev 2:8 KJV) And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
• Look at note on 2:1 Remember the notes from Chapter one and that Jesus overcame death and he lives for evermore.
• 2:8-29 ELECTION, Testing--God punishes the disobedient. The faithful often face tests such as persecution and immorality. God promises a crown of life to persecuted believers who are faithful unto death.
• Verses 8-11. Our Lord Jesus is the First, for by him were all things made; he was before all things, with God, and is God himself. He is the Last, for he will be the Judge of all. As this First and Last, who was dead and is alive, is the believer's Brother and Friend, he must be rich in the deepest poverty, honourable amidst the lowest abasement, and happy under the heaviest tribulation, like the church of Smyrna. Many who are rich as to this world, are poor as to the next; and some who are poor outwardly, are inwardly rich; rich in faith, in good works, rich in privileges, rich in gifts, rich in hope. Where there is spiritual plenty, outward poverty may be well borne; and when God's people are made poor as to this life, for the sake of Christ and a good conscience, he makes all up to them in spiritual riches. Christ arms against coming troubles. Fear none of these things; not only forbid slavish fear, but subdue it, furnishing the soul with strength and courage. It should be to try them, not to destroy them. Observe, the sureness of the reward; "I will give thee:" they shall have the reward from Christ's own hand. Also, how suitable it is; "a crown of life:" the life worn out in his service, or laid down in his cause, shall be rewarded with a much better life, which shall be eternal. The second death is unspeakably worse than the first death, both in the agonies of it, and as it is eternal death: it is indeed awful to die, and to be always dying. If a man is kept from the second death and wrath to come, he may patiently endure whatever he meets with in this world.
• Rev 2:8: Smyrna (modern Izmir) was the probable birthplace of Homer and possibly the most beautiful city in Asia. The famous golden street which began at the seaside ran upward, culminating on Mount Pagos. Along the way, one passed an imposing array of pagan temples to Cybele, Apollo, Aesculapius, Aphrodite, and Zeus. Smyrna was the center of Caesar-worship for Asia.

(Rev 2:9 KJV) 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.

• Jesus knows our hearts, some folks thinks that tribulation is a period of time to come, and that is all, I think we go through and are presently in tribulation. I will address this issue later on in other chapters.
• tribulation (trbye-lshen) noun 1. Great affliction, trial, or distress; suffering: the tribulations of the persecuted. See synonyms at trial. 2. An experience that tests one's endurance, patience, or faith. See synonyms at burden1. [Middle English tribulacioun, from Old French tribulacion, from Latin trbultio, trbultion-, from trbultus, past participle of trbulre, to oppress, from Latin trbulum, threshing-sledge.]
• I believe the family that loses a loved one goes through great suffering, I believe that the devil puts Christian through trials that try our faith on our jobs and at home. I believe we are living in the time of tribulation. You will see that the bible provides us with a good deal of scripture that says the disciples and us are going through this time of suffering.
• Deu 4:30 When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;
• Deu 4:31 (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.
• Mat 13:20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
• Mat 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
• (Mat 24:15 KJV) When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (who so readeth, let him understand:)
• The terminology "abomination of desolation" is found in Dan. 9:27; 11:31; 12:11.
• Mat 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
• Mat 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
• Mat 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
• John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
• Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
• Rom 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
• Rom 5:4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
• Rom 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
• 2 Cor 1:3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
• 2 Cor 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
• 2 Cor 1:5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
• Rev 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
• He knows our poverty, yet he says that those of us that love the Lord are rich. We are because we have what is important; we care for him and each other. He says he know them that say they are Christians and are not. (The word used is Jew.) To really grasp this we need to know what a Jew is according to the Word.
• Rom 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh :
• Rom 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
• Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
• Gal 3:29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
• Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
• Rom 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
• Col 3:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
• The first man called a Jew was in the book of Ester. This word means the same principle thing that the word Christian does. Jew meant one of Gods chosen, a follower of God, it referred to any of the twelve tribes of Israel. Christian means a follower of Christ or to be Christ like and refers to all believers in Christ. Thus no difference we are accepted of the same promise that God gave Abraham because Gal. 3: 29 says so. So he knows what we really are.
• 2:9-10 EVIL AND SUFFERING, Satan--The Christians at Smyrna knew their real opposition was inspired by Satan. If they were faithful, they would be rewarded. Those who opposed them in the name of religion were actually serving Satan though they said they were worshiping God. Religious zeal must always be tested by the ethical teachings of Scripture to ensure it is not Satan's instrument.
• 2:9 CHRISTIAN ETHICS, Property Rights--Wealth cannot be measured in material terms. People under persecution and poverty are rich if they hold fast to faith in Christ.

(Rev 2:10 KJV) 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.

• The Devil try's his best to defeat God's people, he has some of us locked in prisons for a season, he has many of us in spiritual prisons. But if we remain faithful even until the time of physical death, (notice the words be thou faithful unto death a condition is again placed here) we will receive the crown of life. I believe that you will either receive all of the things or none of them, the tree of life, the crown of life, hidden manna, the white stone, a new name, power over the nations, morning star, white raiment and the confession before God, a pillar in the temple, sat with Jesus at his throne. Some of these things are mentioned more than once like the new name. And look at what the word teaches us about the oneness in serving God.
• Mat 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
• Mat 20:1 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
• Mat 20:2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
• Mat 20:3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
• Mat 20:4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.
• Mat 20:5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
• Mat 20:6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
• Mat 20:7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
• Mat 20:8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
• Mat 20:9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
• Mat 20:10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
• Mat 20:11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
• Mat 20:12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
• Mat 20:13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
• Mat 20:14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
• Mat 20:15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
• Mat 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
• Mat 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
• Mat 19:29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundred fold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
• Mat 19:30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.
• (Rev 2:11 KJV) 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.
• There is the physical death then there is the Spiritual death, which is an eternity of suffering.
• Mat 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.
• THE CHURCH, Local Body- Churches are local, autonomous bodies which determine individual directions. All, however, come under the lordship of Christ. Each congregation must obey the word of the Spirit and the teaching of Scripture.

The Compromising Church

(Rev 2:12 KJV) And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

• See note on 2:1 and look at who has the sword, Christ.
• Psa 149:6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand;
• Psa 149:7 To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people;
• Psa 149:8 To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;
• Psa 149:9 To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.
• This could be talking to us ministers and the Christians of today, let us have praise of God coming out of our mouths, Let us fight the battles of life with the sword of his word.
• Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
• We need to began using the Word of God to win souls and reprove the church instead of so much junk that comes from writers that are often not even Christian men.
• Verses 12-17. The word of God is a sword, able to slay both sin and sinners. It turns and cuts every way; but the believer need not fear this sword; yet this confidence cannot be supported without steady obedience. As our Lord notices all the advantages and opportunities we have for duty in the places where we dwell, so he notices our temptations and discouragement's from the same causes. In a situation of trials, the church of Pergamos had not denied the faith, either by open apostasy, or by giving way so as to avoid the cross. Christ commends their steadfastness, but reproves their sinful failures. A wrong view of gospel doctrine and Christian liberty, was a root of bitterness from which evil practices grew. Repentance is the duty of churches and bodies of men, as well as of particular persons; those who sin together, should repent together. Here is the promise of favour to those that overcome. The influences and comforts of the Spirit of Christ, come down from heaven into the soul, for its support. This is hidden from the rest of the world. The new name is the name of adoption; when the Holy Spirit shows his own work in the believer's soul, this new name and its real import are understood by him.
• Rev 2:12: Pergamos (modern Bergama), the capital city of the province of Asia, was also the site of the famous temple to Aesculapius, the Greek god of healing. Thousands of harmless snakes inhabited the area around the temple. From the ends of the empire, people came to seek healing in this temple. It was at Pergamos that parchment was first used as a writing material and here that the Attalid kings built a magnificent library of 200,000 volumes.

(Rev 2:13 KJV) 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.

• God knows when we are under attack and how well we stand the fight.
• 2:13 EVIL AND SUFFERING, Satan-. Satan can work through political rulers who oppose God and His people. Living in such circumstances calls for total devotion and faith.
• 2:13 EVANGELISM, Persecution--The church at Pergamum remained true despite severe persecution. The phrase "where Satan has his throne'' could refer to the huge pagan temple given to the worship of Asclepius. More likely the reference was to Pergamum's reputation as a center where the Roman emperor was worshipped as a god. God's people were under pressure, but they kept their testimony alive and thus won many to Christ. Real evangelism always sparks pressure and problems, but the Lord will always sustain His faithful ones.

(Rev 2:14 KJV) 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.

• How many false teaching do we allow in the church to go on unchallenged? We may not win every battle but we must fight every fight. I would indeed rather offend men than to offend God. There are some things we must not allow at all in our homes or our churches. Allowing of fornication and the holding of idol worship. The church to day is guilty of both. There are many men who fill the office of pastor, which are having affairs with members of the church; there are many of church that the building is more important than the people in it are or their needs are.
• 2:14 SIN, Depravity--The plague that struck Israel while in Shittim (Nu 25:1-8) was blamed on Balaam, who lured the Midianite women to entice the Israelite men (Nu 31:16). In a similar manner, Christians can also be enticed to accept local standards of religiosity that contradict the gospel. Religion that encourages immorality and lawlessness is sin.
• Rev 2:14: The doctrine of Balaam links a philosophy which was rampant in the church at Pergamos with one of the most shameful incidents in the history of Israel. Recorded in Num. 22; 23 and 31:15, 16, the tragic story of Balaam's counsel to Balak to employ Moabite women to seduce the men of Israel culminated in disaster for God's people. A sinister philosophy of sensuality and antinomianism (opposition to all law) was being propagated and tolerated at Pergamos.

(Rev 2:15 KJV) So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.

(Rev 2:16 KJV) Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

• The word of God is indeed powerful and has caused great many of fights in the church because some one would take the word and make a stand. God's word will condemn many churches and their religions to day. They will not stand in the Day of Judgment, will yours?
• Repent = 3340. metanoeo, met-an-o-eh'-o; from G3326 and G3539; to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (mor. feel compunction):--repent.
• 2:16,21,22 SALVATION, Repentance--The church in Pergamum and Thyatira were called to repent. Neither churches nor Christians are exempt from repentance.

(Rev 2:17 KJV) 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 man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

• Not all the spiritual food I receive is easily found but comes as I grow closer to the Lord. I picture a time that when you walk down the streets of that heavenly city you will come pass my place and in the front lawn there is a white stone with my new name. I believe the spiritual implications is when we serve God as we should he lets people see us as a Christian, and we are indeed a part of the stones that make the church. Lively stones and we eat on the bread of life that is not found in a text book or even at a little gathering but comes through prayer and fasting and remaining clean.
• The Corrupt Church

(Rev 2:18 KJV) And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

• Jesus has eyes that burn right into us and sees the hidden things of the heart, he can trod right over all our obstacles that we try to put in place to keep him out and make excuse for our lack of living right.
• 2:18,27-29 GOD, Trinity--Divine revelation has a trinitarian basis. Jesus the Son of God gave God's revelation to the church at Thyatira. He assumed the role of Judge of the church. He promised authority to His faithful servants, authority He received from the Father. All of this is what the Spirit says to the churches. Again we see one of the three Persons of the Trinity does not work apart from the others.
• Rev 2:18: Thyatira (modern Akhisar), an outpost town of little significance by comparison to the other six cities, had commercial importance as a fabric-dyeing center. It was here that a female oracle called the Sambathe presided over a lucrative fortune-telling business. This preoccupation with female-centered religion may have been unwitting preparation in the church for the corrupt ministry of Jezebel (v. 20).
• Verses 18-29. Even when the Lord knows the works of his people to be wrought in love, faith, zeal, and patience; yet if his eyes, which are as a flame of fire, observe them committing or allowing what is evil, he will rebuke, correct, or punish them. Here is praise of the ministry and people of Thyatira, by One who knew the principles from which they acted. They grew wiser and better. All Christians should earnestly desire that their last works may be their best works. Yet this church connived at some wicked seducers. God is known by the judgments he executes; and by this upon seducers, he shows his certain knowledge of the hearts of men, of their principles, designs, frame, and temper. Encouragement is given to those who kept themselves pure and undefiled. It is dangerous to despise the mystery of God, and as dangerous to receive the mysteries of Satan. Let us beware of the depths of Satan, of which those who know the least are the most happy. How tender Christ is of his faithful servants! He lays nothing upon his servants but what is for their good. There is promise of an ample reward to the persevering, victorious believer; also knowledge and wisdom, suitable to their power and dominion. Christ brings day with him into the soul, the light of grace and of glory, in the presence and enjoyment of him their Lord and Saviour. After every victory let us follow up our advantage against the enemy, that we may overcome and keep the works of Christ to the end.

(Rev 2:19 KJV) 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.

• Some churches and Christians are trying to make it to heaven by works; works do follow the man of God. But Charity, service (ministering to each other's needs) and patience should be the real work.
• Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
• Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
• Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
• Rom 9:32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
• Rom 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
• Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
• James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
• James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.
• James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
• James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
• James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
• (Rev 2:20 KJV) 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.
• Again God doesn't want us to be fooled because the devil wears a skirt. We are not to allow the teachings that do not line up with the word go unchallenged.
• 2:20 SIN, Depravity--Jezebel was one of the most notorious queens in Israel, who led the nation into the immoral practices of Baal worship. The Christians in Thyatira had a similar problem with a woman in the congregation who led God's people to sin. Religious office does not protect from sin. Often it tempts one to misuse power.
• 2:20 EDUCATION, False Teachers--The woman called Jezebel stands as a reminder of the insidious influence of false teachers tolerated by the members of a church. Through her seductive teaching, she had somehow convinced Christians at Thyatira that idolatry and fornication were acceptable. Heresy flourishes where sound Christian teaching lags. See 2:14-15.
• Rev 2:20: The Thyatiran believers were involved in the work but incautious about inner developments. They tolerated and provided a platform for an evil female teacher who involved her hearers in either overt licentiousness or spiritual fornication, i.e., unfaithfulness to the doctrines of Christ and the apostles. Perhaps both infractions were involved. "Jezebel" is probably an assigned name, a metaphor, indicative of her character (cf. 1 Kin. 21:5-29).

(Rev 2:21 KJV) And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

• I like it that Jesus comes and gives us a chance to repent and it is up to us to do so.
• (Rev 2:22 KJV) Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

2:22 EVIL AND SUFFERING, Punishment--The New Testament clearly warns people who do not repent of evil that they will be punished. Physical and emotional suffering are means God uses to punish such people.

(Rev 2:23 KJV) 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.

• God will give unto us according to our works. If we live righteous life, if we live as a hypocrite, death in the second death and we could lead our children there with us.

2:23 GOD, Judge--God the Son is pictured here as the Judge who acts out of His perfect wisdom and pure righteousness. His righteousness is expressed as wrath against evil. He knows persons and activities which threaten His church, and He acts to protect His church.

(Rev 2:24 KJV) 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.

• Jesus knows just how much load we can carry and will not put more on us then we can bear.
• 2:24 EVIL AND SUFFERING, Satan- A wicked woman in the church can appear brilliant by teaching secret knowledge others have never heard. Such teaching must be tested by the doctrinal and ethical teachings of Scripture. Too often enticing secrets come from Satan, not God. God's people never become holy enough to be able to participate in Satan's activities without harm.

(Rev 2:25 KJV) But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.

(Rev 2:26 KJV) And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

• The condition of holding fast tills the end and then payday comes.
• overcometh = 3528. nikao, nik-ah'-o; from G3529; to subdue (lit. or fig.):--conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory.
• 2:26 CHRISTIAN ETHICS, Character--Apocalyptic literature centers on last things with the intention of encouraging readers to do God's will steadfastly.

(Rev 2:27 KJV) 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.

(Rev 2:28 KJV) And I will give him the morning star.

• I think this show how that Jesus is with us every day. He never leaves us if we remain faithful to him.
• Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
• Psa 37:28 For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
• (Rev 2:29 KJV) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.