The Book of Revelation
Unit 4

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THE SEVEN CHURCHES  - Chapters 2 & 3

[MAP SHOWING THE 7 CITIES]

Ephesus,  The notes on verse one are relevant to all  seven churches.
Smyrna, Pergamum,Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea,

 These churches were most likely started either directly by Paul, or indirectly as a result of his preaching and teaching in Ephesus. Paul maintained contact with churches in this district by letter so they would be very familiar with his teaching. The letter to the Hebrews would be particularly relevant to the Jewish Christians who would be under pressure to return to Judaism. So where it has been though relevant quotations are given from the rest of the New Testament.

Paul had been executed for the faith in Rome and John is writing to them from exile on the prison island of Patmos.

All major cities had at least one theatre where drama was performed to evoke devotion to their gods. The temple of the city god/goddess would be located near to the theatre and at the annual celebrations to that god the idol would be ceremonially brought to the temple. May be this was so as to be seen to be presiding over the proceedings and adored by the audience. The god was most likely placed in an prominent elevated position centrally in the skene, perhaps flanked by lessor idols as courtiers. An altar was located at the centre of the orchestra, the focal point of the circular auditorium, where orginally sacrifices were offered. [see A Typical Greek Theatre]

John was no doubt familiar with these churches and the Greek culture which dominated the civilian, civic and patriotic life of these cities, which John, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, has utilised to illustrate heavenly concepts in the 7 letters of chapters 2 and 3.  Each city had at least one theatre and god/goddess. Plays would be staged to evoke unflinching devotion to their gods. As well as mythological gods Emperors were deified and worshipped. Even the city of Rome was personified as a god named Roma.

The events held in the city stadiums were held to the honour of the gods with great fervour. Public and civic functions were conducted in honour of the gods. Annual festivities were celebrated in honour of their gods. Being involved was seen as showing respect for the gods. Refusing to be involved in or even persistent absence from these functions would be considered unpatriotic and could result in being tried and punished for treason. The whole city were expeted to attend the theatre for the annula celebration of the city god. The poor were given the mony for the entrance fee. Only sickness or similar inconvenience would excuse them.

The seven letters deal with the situation at that time and prepare the way for appreciating the scenarios envisaged in chapter 4 onwards. They deal with the problems  they were embroiled in illustrate problems that can beset the membership of all the congregations of Christ up to when the Lord appears on the last day. That is why in the concludeing remarks addresses all children of God with the words: "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches"

Chapter 2  [The notes on verse one are relevant to all seven churches]

[1]  EPHESUS  vv. 1-7

The church lacking love

SEE  THE CITY OF EPHESUS

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v.1.

"To the angel of the church" The book was to be sent to the churches but each letter is addressed directly to one person* - the angel. [Chapter 2: verses 8, 12, 18, and chapter 3 verses 1, 7 and 14] Each letter ends with the words:   "He who has an ear, must hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches." In each instance the Spirit is speaking to a church. The word "angel" means "messenger."  The spiritual state of each congregation is personified as an angel to whom compliments and rebukes are rightly directed. See comments on chapter 1 verses 19-20.

* In the accompanying translation  the subscript ₁ indicates that "you_1" and "your_1"  etc. are singular.

All were to read and to take note of the messages to these seven churches:  "He who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the churches" [Chapter 2 verses 7, 11, 17, 29 and chapter 3 verses 6, 13, 22]

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"to the angel" The spiritual disposition of the congregation in Ephesus personified as an angel.

"he who holds the seven stars in his right hand" The personality of every church, his shining stars, is precious to him. It cannot be snatched out of His secure grasp.

No matter what trouble Satan might cause it to endure he is totally unable to wrench it out of the Saviour's secure grasp. Only lapsing into unfaithfullness would endanger its security.

John 10:²⁸ And I give to them eternal life; and they should never perish, neither will any man seize them out of my hand. [apolwntai "should - perish" is in the subjunctive mood.]
kagw zwhn aiwnion didwmi autoiV kai ou mh apolwntai eiV ton aiwna kai ouc arpasei tiV auta ek thV ceiroV mou

Time and again the children of God are warned not to compromise with evil even whilst enduring extreme persecution and those who remain faithful are praised.

"who walks in the midst of the seven golden lamp stands" The Lord Jesus is not remote, detached. He is actively concerned about the spiritual welfare of all his congregations.

"the congregation of Ephesus" The church of Christ in Ephesus was started by the apostle Paul during his second missionary journey [Acts 18:18-21]   He spent more than two years teaching and preaching first in the synagogue then in the school of Tyranus and in houses, as a result of which the gospel spread from there throughout Asia Minor. [Acts 19:8-10, 20:, 31]

Even though Paul had spent so much time with them, doctrinal errors came in. So on his third journey he left Timothy in Ephesus to put things right.

As I requested you (Timothy) to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that you might charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 1.Timothy 1:3

The church became well established with elders in place to shepherd the flock. However at the end of his third missionary journey in his farewell exhortation to the Ephesian elders Paul warned them that problems would arise from within their own oversight.  [Acts 20:17-38]

Acts 20:³⁰Also of your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after themselves.

From imprisonment in Rome Paul wrote an encouraging, informative and instructive letter to the church in Ephesus. Nothing in the letter indicates cause for concern and he closes with a request for their prayers. Because they were anxious for Paul, he sends Tychicus, with the letter, to tell them how he was. [Ephesians 6:19-24]  Now beloved Paul is dead and beloved John the elder is writing from prison on the Isle of Patmos. How is the congregation of Christ faring in Ephesus?

"the angel" The spiritual disposition of the congregation in Pergamum personified as an angel  See the notes on verse 1

v.2

"I know your₁ works - labour - perseverance" Everything about every congregation's spirituality is transparent to the Lord Jesus. He knows every detail, every motive, good, willfully bad or indifferent. He can distinguish genuine loyalty motivated by love from the put on show.

Hebrews 4:¹³Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

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v.3

"for my name's sake" The persevering spirit of the congregation in Ephesus kept a clean church. With the highest of motives. How praiseworthy! What could be said against such a devoted spirit?

v.4 & 5

"you₁ abandon your₁ foremost love" Other priorities now meant more to them than Jesus.

How can the children of God regain how that Jesus was our foremost love above all things? We must fix our eyes upon Jesus.

"Remember therefore from where you₁ are fallen, and , and do the first works" Recall the heights of that love when the Lord Jesus meant more than anything else in this world.

John 4:¹⁰ Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins ...¹⁹ We love him, because he first loved us.

Galatians 2:²⁰ I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me ... 3:¹ O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?  ² This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

Hebrews 12: ² Looking to Jesus the pioneer and accomplisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

"repent". They were facing the wrong way altogether. They had to resolve to do a total about turn.

[Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of action.]

"do the foremost works" Works motivated by love and not just by a sense of obligation.

1.Corinthians 13:¹ Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. ²And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing. ³And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profits me nothing.

"or else I will come to you₁ suddenly, and will remove your₁ lamp stand out of its place, except you¹ repent"  If the disposition of the congregation did not radically change then Lord Jesus would remove that congregation.

v.6

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" All congregations of Christ need ensure that their love for Christ comes before anything else in else lives.

"you¹ hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans" They had one vitally important thing to their credit.

There was a Greek philosophy that a persons soul was independent of the body. So that whatever evil one might do with the body it did not tarnish the soul. Festivities and sporting events were held in honour of the gods. Christians were ostrasized and persecuted for not taking part in public events. It appears a heretical group were compromising with idolatry to avoid persecution, claiming Christians could take part in these events as long as they did not accept it inwardly.

"which I also hate"

The disposition of the church at Ephesus was in harmony with the spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ in detesting such practices.

v.7

"to him who is overcoming" The overcoming one has access to "the tree of life."

"I will give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God"
"this paradise" is in the third heaven.(2.Corinthians 12:2-3.)

[2]  SMYRNA  vv. 8-11

The persecuted church

SEE  THE CITY OF SMYRNA

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v.8

"to the angel" The spiritual disposition of the congregation in Smyrna personified as an angel  See the notes on verse 1
"the first and the last" [Compare the notes on chapter 1 verse 8 "the beginning and the ending"
"who was dead, and is alive" [See the notes on chapter 1 verse 18]

v.9

"I know your₁ works"   See notes on verse 2

Satan = adversary. Devil = Slanderer Rev.12:10 (accuser)

v.10

"ten days" thoroughly.

[3]  PERGAMUM  vv. 12-17

The compromising church]

SEE  THE CITY OF PERGAMUM

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v.12

"to the angel" The spiritual disposition of the congregation in Pergamum personified as an angel  ^{See the notes on verse 1}
"he who has the sharp sword with two edges"  See the notes on chapter 1 verse 16

v.13

"I know your₁ works"   See notes on verse 2
"Satan's seat" better "Satan's throne" God AEscalapias = Preserver/Saviour. The serpent was adored. Balaam

Numbers 31:¹⁶

[4]  THYATIRA  vv. 18-29

The corrupt church

SEE  THE CITY OF THYATIRA

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Thyatira was the home town of Lydia  [Acts 16:12-15].

v.18.

"to the angel" The spiritual disposition of the congregation in Thyatira personified as an angel  See the notes on verse 1
"Son of God" A similar description is made of the one "like the Son of man" in chapter 1 verses 13-15. Declaring the "Son of man" to be the glorified "Son of God" (Romans 1:4ff) having all authority both in heaven and on earth. Matthew 28:18-20
"eyes of flame" verse 23 eyes that search out. Compare chapter 1 verse 14. (1.Chronicles 28:9, Romans 8:27,

v.19.

"I know your₁ works"   See notes on verse 2
"love and service" Hebrews 6:10 "labour of love"
"patience, and your₁ works" Romans 2:7 "persevering goodness"
"more than" progressive.

v.20.

"I have a few things against you₁, because you₁ allow" the sybil, Sambatha.
"Jezebel" 1.Kings 16:31 ff.
"calls herself a prophetess" see verse 24 "the deep things of Satan (the adversary)"
Possibly similar teaching to the Nicoliatanes (verse 15) justifying compromise with idolatrous practices.

v.23.

"searches the reins and hearts" verse 18, "eyes of flame" (The hymn: "Eternal Light Eternal Light")
"I will give" "according to your works" Revelation 20:12-13. Matthew 16:27.

v.24.

"this doctrine" "the depths" "the deep things"   See notes on verse 20
Compare 1.Corinthians 2:10 and Matthew 13:11 with 1.John 2:27."burden"
The same word is used in Acts 15:28.

v.25.

"till I come" Revelation 1:7,8, 22:20 (compare John 14:3-5.)

v.26.

"is overcoming and is keeping my works to the end"   See notes on verse 2
"give him authority over the nations ²⁷ and he will rule" compare 1.Corinthians 4:8, Revelation 5:10 and 1.Timothy 2:12.

v.27.

"rule with a rod of iron" (also in Revelation 12:5, 19:15) Ephesians 2:4, 1.Peter 2:9. Compare with: Revelation 1:7-8, Psalm 2:9-12.
The "law of Christ" is inflexible.There is no room for compromise.

"of my Father" This is the Lord Jesus speaking. These words have the authority of the Son of God

v.28.

"the morning star" This is not the  planet Venus. See Revelation 22:16.  The Lord Jesus, who here claimed to be the Son of God" is giving us Himself. His indwelling heralds a 'new day.' (Both the Father and His Son will dwell in us. John 14:23)

v.29.

"hear what the Spirit says" The Lord Jesus declares His words to be the words of the Spirit.
See the intertwined roles of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in Romans 8:9-11

Chapter 3

[5]  SARDIS  vv. 1-6

The dead church

SEE  THE CITY OF SARDIS

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v.1

"to the angel" The spiritual disposition of the congregation in Sardis personified as an angel  See the notes on chapter 2 verse 1

"he who has" Jesus posseses God's "seven spirits." In chapter 5 verse 6 the "seven spirits" are portrayed the slain Lamb's seven eyes which penetrate every quarter of the inhabited earth. Sardis is being scrutinised with eyes.
"the seven Spirits" represent the varied aspects of the personality of the Holy Spirit of God  See the notes on chapter 1 verse 4.

"the seven stars" are the angels of the seven congregations  See the notes on chapter 1 verses 19-20

"I know your₁ works"   See notes on chapter 2 verse 2

"you₁ have a name that you₁ live, but are₁ dead" The angel (personality) of the church was to all outward appearances - is live, but in reality it was inwardly dead.

v.2.

"Be watchful"  Negligent/slack in things that were vital. "that are ready to die"
"not found your₁ works perfect" nothing was maturing.
"before God" as God sees it not as mankind sees it.

v.3.

"Remember ... how you₁ have received and heard₁"  How [pwV] did we learn Christ ?

Ephesians 4:²⁰ but you have not so learned Christ.

"hold fast₁, and repent ₁"
"If ... you₁ ... not watch" The city was taken twice because they did not watch ...
"as a thief, " Matthew 24:43, 1.Thessalonians 5:2, 2.Peter 3:10, Revelation 16:15

v.4, 5

"defiled  ... garments" Jude 23 , James 1:27.
 "in white" Revelation 19:7-8
"this one" each individual is being addressed here. It is the responsibility of each individual to be overcoming ...

"white garments"
"definitely not "
"blot ... name out of the book of life"  Criminals' names were removed from the civic register of citizenship
Revelation 20:15, 21:27,
"the book of life" Revelation 13:8, 17:8, 20:11-15.
Exodus 32:32-33, Psalm 69:28, Daniel 12:1.

"I will confess his name before my Father"

Matthew 10:³² Who ever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father who is in heaven. ³³But who ever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father who is in heaven.

Luke 12:⁸ Also I say to you, Who ever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: ⁹But he who denies me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

[6]  PHILADELPHIA  vv. 7-13

The faithful church

SEE  THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA

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v.7

"to the angel" The spiritual disposition of the congregation in Philadelphia personified as an angel  See the notes on chapter 2 verse 1
"the key of David" This is an example of how in the book of Revelation, an Old Testament scenario is hinted at to illustrate a spiritual principle.

Jerusalem was under siege. Shebna was faithful king Hezekiah's chief steward, in charge of David's palace. Shebna doubted God's promise that the city of God, Jerusalem, would not be taken. Apparently Shebna doubted. He was was captured and went captivity along with all, who out of fear, fled the city. Faithful Eliakim was promoted to chief steward and received the key of David. [Isaiah 22:22] Eliakim would then have the burden of responsibility of and sole authority over the household, "so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open" [See also Fred Miller's commentary on Isaiah 22.]

v.8

"I know your₁ works"   See notes on chapter 2 verse 2

"an open door" Acts 14:27, 1 Corintians 16:9, 2.Corinthias 2:12, Colossians 4:3

"not denied₁ my name" even torture was used to persuade Christians were to deny "Jesus"

v.9

"the synagogue of Satan" see chapter 2 verse 9.

"worship before your ₁feet" The Greek word refers to outward acts of worship, here indicating prostration before the "angel" of the church.

v.10

"you₁ have kept the word of my patience"  Patience here, as elsewhere in the AV. means perseverance. Familiarity with the  helps to produce perseverance in trials.

Romans 15:³For even Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me. ⁴For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through patience (perseverance) and comfort (?assurance) of the scriptures might have hope. ⁵Now the God of patience(perseverance) and consolation grant you to be like minded toward one another according to Christ Jesus

v.11

"Behold I come suddenly" [Compare with chapter 16 verse 15]

2.Peter 3:¹⁰But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are in it shall be burned up.

It will be unexpected. So we must be prepared.

Matthew 24:⁴²Watch therefore: for you know not what hour your Lord comes. ⁴³But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have allowed his house to be broken up. ⁴⁴Therefore be also ready: for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man comes.

If we are prepared, we will not be caught out. 1.Thessalonians 5:⁴ But you, brothers, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

"crown" 2.Timothy 4:8 1.Corinthians 3:14

v.12

"He who is overcoming I will make" The Lord Jesus is building the temple of God using 'lively stones.' Mattthew 16:18, Acts 2:47, 1.Peter 2:5

"I will make a pillar in the temple of my God" A Sunday School in Chorley in Lancashire has names of benefactors embossed in glazed bricks. Each Greek city had a temple erected in honour of its false god. The donor's name was inscribed on each supporting column.

The Lord Jesus makes those who are "overcoming" into substantial columns, supporting the fabric of the true God's spiritual temple.

"my God's name" The Lord Jesus inscribes their benefactor's name on them - the name of the true God (Hebrew: YHWH - HE WHO IS! - Exodus 3:13-14. Revelation chapter 14 verse1).

"my new name" The Lord Jesus inscribes his new name on them.  Matthew 1:21-22.

"new Jerusalem" The Lord Jesus inscribes on them the name of the spiritual city where the real living God is honoured. Galatians 4:26

"is coming down out of heaven from my God " Revelation 21:2. John 3:3 (reference the Greek word: anothen) Hebrews 12:22.

"my new name"

[7]  LAODICEA  vv. 14-22

The lukewarm church

SEE  THE CITY OF LAODICEA

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 [Colossians 2:1, 4:13-16]  Epaphras Laboured earnestly with this church

v.14

"to the angel" The spiritual disposition of the congregation in Laodicea personified as an angel  See the notes on chapter 2 verse 1

"the Amen"  When the Lord Jesus says something he means it. He does not vacillate.

2.Corinthians 1:¹⁹For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yes and no, but in him was yes. ²⁰For all the promises of God in him are yes, and in him Amen, to the glory of God by us.

"the faithful ... witness" Compare with the notes on chapter 1 verse 5 "Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness."

"the ... true witness"

1 John :5:²⁰And we know that the Son of God is come, and has given us an understanding, that we may know him who is true, and we are in him who is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. ²¹Little children, keep yourselves from idols.  Amen.

"the beginning of the creation of God" [Compare the notes on chapter 1 verse 8 "the beginning and the ending" The Lord Jesus instigator of all God's creation. The church is its culmination. 1.Corinthians 8:6 Colossians 1:16,17, Ephesians 3:8-11, Hebrews 1:3.

vv.15,16

"I know your₁ works"   See notes on chapter 2 verse 2
"you are neither cold nor hot" The cities tepid water supply was unpleasent to drink. The church had a cosy 'luke warm' religious life.. It did not "rock the boat" neither did it exert itself.

"I will spew you₁ out of my mouth" The church was at risk of being rejected by the Lord Jesus.
 WHY ? :-

vv.17

"Because ..." The city was prosperous and apparently the church had a comfortable life style but it was spiritually bereft, transparently fruitless, insipid .

"you₁ do not know that you₁ are ..." The church was totally unaware of its serious dilemna.

v.18

"buy" Apparently Laodicea was an acquisitive society.

Isaiah 55:¹ Ho, every one who thirsts, come you to the waters, and he who has no money; come, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. ²Why do you spend money for that which is not bread and your labor for that which satisfies not? Listen diligently to me, and eat that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. ³Incline your ear, and come to me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. ...
⁶ Seek the LORD while he may be found, call on him while he is near: ⁷Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

"you₁ ... buy from me" Christians must deny themselves and take up thier cross and follow the Lord Jesus. Matthew 16:24

"tried in the fire" Tribulation produces perseverance.

"so that you₁ might be rich" Be adorned with apparent good works.

"your₁ nakedness does not appear" An unfruitful church is embarrassing.

"eye salve" Laodicea was a noted medical centre particularly for ophthalmic diseases. The church needed to see clearly what its priorities were.

v.19

"as many as I love, I rebuke and chasten" He was trying to shake them out of their lethargy.

v.20

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me" This is not a gospel call to none Christians. The persons addressed were real Christians and yet the Lord Jesus was shut out. Listen to His appeal.

The focus and the cure. Hebrews 12:1-2, John 14:23.

v.21

"him who is overcoming" Ongoing perseverance.

"with me on my throne" 2.Timothy 2:12, Revelation 20:6. Compare chapter 2 verses 26,27.

"even as I overcome" We must be yoked together with the Lord Jesus and learn from Him. Matthew 11:29 Hebrews 12:2 Philippians 2:6-11

"with my Father on his throne" Ephesians 1:20-22

v.22

"He who has an ear, must hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches." Imperative.!

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