Revelation 2:21-22

“And I have 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.

·         Believers are sometimes made sick and even die in context to God’s discipline (judgment) on immorality. God’s discipline includes Satan being permitted to make the unrepentant sick (1 Cor. 5:1-5; 11:30-32).

·         Her bed of sin would become a bed of sickness, and her partners and her children would go down with her (DP)

Revelation 2:20

“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.

·         Jesus’ correction is not rejection. He corrected three churches in the seven letters.

·         She taught “liberty in grace” in context to attending idol feasts which involved immorality. Immorality is at the top of almost every list of sins in the NT and is emphasized in Revelation as one of Satan’s primary strategies in the end times (Rev. 9:21; 14:8; 17:1-4; 18:2-4, 9-10; 19:2; 21:8).

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.

·         This church was affirmed for their ministry and endurance in persecution. This is the only church in Revelation commended for both love and service.

      ·         They increased in their work of ministry. Their deeds were more in number and quality than in their earlier days of ministry.

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:

·         His eyes speak of His attentiveness to His people and to what they do. Fire symbolizes the impartation of holy love and the release of judgment. He releases either the “fire of grace” or the “fire of judgment” depending on how we respond to Him. In our war against the spirit of Jezebel, Jesus will impart His fiery passion to us (Lk. 24:32; Acts 2:3).

·         Brass is a symbol of judgment against sin. Jesus’ feet of bronze speak of His commitment as a mighty warrior to confront and triumph over persistent immorality with judgment. Jesus promises to tread down as His enemy all that is identified with Jezebel.

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.”

·        It was hidden only after it was put in the golden pot in the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies (Ex. 16:32-36; Heb. 9:1-5). This speaks of having increased capacity to be fed by the revelation of the Word in this age and in the age-to-come.  Hidden manna suggests the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Only the high priest could see this hidden manna once a year, on the Day of Atonement, as he entered the Holy of Holies.

·         It reflects our unique relationship with Jesus. The new name denotes the victor's new state in the age-to-come. It also reveals one’s personality (Gen. 32:28; Isa. 62:2; 65:15).  This is an aspect of our intimacy with God.

Revelation 2:16

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

·        We must turn away from personal compromise and tolerance of it in the Church.

·         Jesus will release the sword of His mouth in judgment against this toleration in the church. Jesus will cleanse His Church. This is not a reference to the Second Coming but a coming related to this church’s failure to repent.

 

Revelation 2:15

 “Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.”

·       This refers to followers of Nicolas, the Jerusalem deacon who fell into error (Acts 6:5). This was the common view among the early church Fathers. For example, Irenaeus in the second century taught that the Nicolaitans were without restraint in their indulgence of the flesh, especially with immorality. This distortion of “liberty in grace” that allows for compromise with a sinful culture is prevalent in the church today.

·         Their standards of belief and behavior were going down steadily.  The Nicolaitans belief could be summed up in that they did not want to be narrow-minded, not puritanical, not catch the disease of religious mania or scruples  They did not want to lose their relationships with the world or reputation because they want to win them; they held mental reservations but the thing is to go as far as we can in a worldly direction to win the world for Christ.  The result was that Christians talked about Jesus, became mixed up with idol worship and lower moral standards. (DP)

·         If Satan does not get us by martyring us he could get us with mixture, by Christians anxious to keep as near to the world as possible and therefore gradually lowering their standards (DP)

Revelation 2:14

“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.

·      The two groups (Balaamites and Nicolaitans) were similar yet distinct. They both taught a perversion of the doctrine of liberty. They taught that it was okay to participate in the “partying and immorality” of that day under the pretense of Christian liberty.

·         A stumbling block is a trap that when trigged, shuts on its prey. This refers to anything which causes a person to fall into sin.

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.

·         The throne of Satan refers to the multitude of altars of false worship (Zeus, Athena, Dionysos, Asclepius, Emperor worship and Magians) along with the demonic spirit of persecution plus the teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans that were strong in that church. The combination of these made Pergamos an oppressive satanic city.

·         As Rome was the center of Satan's activity in the West so Pergamos was his "throne" in the East. Satan’s throne or center of manifest power and activity is also in other cities.

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 sword comes from Jesus’ mouth to release judgment on His enemies (Rev. 1:16; 19:15, 21).

·         Jesus uses the sword of His mouth to withstand the threats of evil governments such as ancient Rome and especially the Antichrist government at the end-of-the-age. He uses the sword of His mouth to war against sin and darkness anywhere that it is persisted in.

Revelation 2:11

“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.”’

·         the second death is separation from God in the lake of fire forever (Rev. 20:1, 14).

·         The Judgment Seat of Christ and then the second death show forth the “great reversal” in history when righteousness is seen as wise and valuable and sin is seen as a terrible waste of life.

Revelation 2:10

“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.

·         Jesus wanted them to know that some would face prison and even death. Jesus said it would happen to prepare them.  They were imprisoned for refusing to worship the Emperor as God. History tells us that Jews reported Christians to the Roman authorities as being criminals of Rome.

·        Crown of life - this is not the same as the gift of eternal life that all born again believers receive by faith. This is a special reward specifically for enduring persecution that results in enabling one to experience more of God’s glory (2 Cor. 4:16-18).

Revelation 2:8-9

“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:  “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.

·         He is the “First” source of all blessing and is the “Last” to stand. This assures us that all His promises will come to pass.  The beginning and end of the His plan for our life are in His loving powerful hands.

·         Jesus saw their labors in ministry in the midst of on-going tribulation or persecution especially by the Jews.

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.”’

·         I will give to him to eat from the tree of life – In the midst of the Paradise of God –

 

 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits…The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations….14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life… (Rev. 22:2-14)

 

Revelation 2:6

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

·         The "Nicolaitans" is a transliteration of two Greek words "Nico” (to rule) and "Laos" (the people). Therefore, “one who rules over the laity.” This view refers to any teaching that exalts the clergy over the laity or to any church system that exalts leaders over people.

 

Revelation 2:5

 

“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.

·         Jesus gave this church a three-step process to restore their love: remember, repent and act.

·         They were to remember how they used to feel about Jesus.

Revelation 2:4

 

“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

·         They put labor and growing their ministry reaching into all Asia before cultivating a heart of love for Jesus. The first and great commandment is to love God with all our heart.

·         Service and doctrinal purity are very important but they can never replace our love for Jesus.

Revelation 2:2-3

“I know your works, your labor, 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 labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.

·         Jesus knew they were a hard working church.  Patience means perseverance. They were steady and faithful under pressure for decades.

·         They were zealous to establish a true biblical message and to maintain diligent outreach to others.

Revelation 2:1

·         The 7 letters given to 7 churches referred to by name in Rev. 2-3 were actually given to the “citywide church” made up of all believers.

·         Jesus is preparing His Church to “dwell in unhindered face-to-face communion with the Father in paradise upon the earth forever” (Rev. 22:4).

 

“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:

·         He who holds the seven stars in His right hand – emphasizes His tender care and commitment to help the messengers (angels) or apostolic leaders over the church.

·         He who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands – Jesus is deeply involved with His churches in protecting those who walk holy before Him.

Revelation 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.

·         He clearly states what the symbols of the seven stars and seven lampstands are:  The seven stars are the angels (leaders) of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches (a complete representation of the church).

Revelation 1:19

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

·         He states His will and pleasure:  to write and make known about Him

Revelation 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.

·         He then states His sufferings and His resurrection and life – He has conquered death and a partaker of an endless life (MH)

·         Keys of Hades and of Death – in His office and authority He has sovereign dominion in and over the invisible world (MH)

Revelation 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.

·         The goodness of the Lord Jesus to His disciple:  He raised him up; he put strength into him, and He spoke kind words to him. (MH)

·         He first states His divine nature:  First and Last (MH)

Revelation 1:14-16

His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.

·         This is a view of Jesus as divine as well as human (DP)

Revelation 1:12-13

Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me.  And having turned I saw seven gold lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.

·         John hears a “Voice, as of a trumpet”, then having “turned to see the Voice that spoke” Scripture declares that John “saw”. What if John wouldn’t have turned? What if Moses wouldn’t have “turned” to see the burning bush? Many times God chooses to approach us with an unfamiliar presentation from an unusual vantage point in an offensive manner (Jn. 20:14-16; 21:4, 12). He does this as an “invitation” to turn from the mundane into the supernatural! He looks to see if we have our “ear to the wind” so to speak, being attentive to His voice. As we “turn” toward Him, He is found by us (Zech. 1:3).  In many cases, those who continue on in the familiar without turning, miss out on what God is saying and doing. God only called to Moses after He “saw that he turned aside to look”.

·         The revelation of Jesus Christ, as the glorious “Son of Man” (Rev. 1:13; 14:14) is central throughout the book of Revelation, founded upon the core reality of the Messiah, who is both fully God and fully man.

 

Revelation 1:10-11

I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” 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.”

·         In the Spirit is to be supernaturally controlled in your faculties:  your eyes see things that otherwise they never would see, that your ears hear voices that otherwise you would never hear; that your mouth says things that otherwise you would never have said.  (DP)

Revelation 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.

·         John is a persecuted man, banished, imprisoned, for his adherence to Christ (MH)

·         He did not suffer as an evil-doer, but that it was for the testimony of Jesus (MH)

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.”

·         He is the beginning and the end; all things are from Him and for Him; He is the Almighty; He is the same eternal and unchangeable One (MH)

Revelation 1:7

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.

·         The main theme of the book of Revelation is the return of Jesus Christ to rule all nations on the “Day of the Lord” (Rev. 1:7). As the “Son of Man”, He will take legal, comprehensive and everlasting leadership of the earth in partnership with His Bride, physically confronting and ultimately destroying everything that rages against this (Rev. 11:15-19).

·         John declares that Jesus is “coming with clouds” immediately before the “Son of Man” designation in v. 13, clearly revealing Jesus as the coming Messiah of Daniel’s prophecy (Dan 7:13-14).

Revelation 1:4-6

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

·         Three things are said about Jesus:  He is reliable, He always tells the truth; He has been raised from the dead; and He reigns over all the kings of the earth (DP)

·         He is the Faithful Witness – upon His testimony we may safely depend for He cannot be deceived and cannot deceive us (MH)

·         As kings, they overcome the world.  He has made them priests, given them access to God (MH)