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SERVANTS' MINISTRY, Inc.
www.godcannotlie.org
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Book of Revelation
CHAPTER
2
TO THE CHURCH AT
EPHESUS REV. 2:1-7
Rev. 2:1 Unto
the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he
that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in
the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; [KJV] Write a letter to the angel of the church in Ephesus. This
is the message from the One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven gold
lampstands:
Ephesus was the capital of Asia Minor, a center of land and sea
trade. The road by the harbor was white marble. A theater seated
20,000 people, and a great amphitheater seated over 100,000. The
city was formed around the temple of Diana, the largest Greek
temple ever built, and one of the most beautiful. Diana was the
goddess of fertility, and was the most sacred idol of heathenism.
Her temple was four times larger than the Parthenon at Athens.
Around the temple were performed the most gross forms of immorality.
Worship of Diana included the most degrading religious rites of
sensuality and wild drunken orgies. Ephesus was one of the three
most influential cities in the eastern part of the Roman empire.
Paul was pastor in Ephesus for three years and warned the Ephesians
that false teachers would come and try to draw people away from
the faith (Acts 20:29-31).
Jesus presents Himself as “He
that holdeth the seven stars in His right hand, who walketh in
the midst of the seven golden candlesticks”
indicating His power and authority over the churches and their
leaders. Ephesus had become a large, proud church, and Jesus’
message would remind them that He alone is the head of the body
of believers. Just as Jesus cared for each of these churches,
He cares for yours and wants to be the Head!
Rev. 2:2 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:
[2:3] And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake
hast laboured, and hast not fainted. [KJV]
Jesus said: I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard
work and your patient endurance. I know you don't tolerate evil
people. You have checked out the claims of those who say they
are apostles but are not. You know they are liars. You have patiently
suffered for me without quitting.
Jesus has 7 words of praise for the church of Ephesus.
- “I
know thy works.” He is speaking to
BELIEVERS! Our faith makes us righteous (Rom.4:5; Eph.2:8-10;
Tit.3:5). Jesus is telling this church to be filled with the
Holy Spirit (Eph.5:18).He will not ask an unbeliever for good
works (Tit.1:16).
- “I
know thy labor.” Labor carries the
thought of weariness. This church was diligent in their good
works to the point of weariness. Works can NEVER save us, but after we are saved, we WANT to do good and
serve our risen Lord.
- “I
know thy patience.” Patience is a
‘fruit of the Spirit’ (Gal.5:22). We CANNOT
produce this ‘fruit’ without Him!
- “I
know you cannot tolerate evil.” They
distanced themselves from evil men (2 Cor.6:17; Isa.52:11).
- “Thou
hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and
hast found them liars.” They tested
everyone who claimed to be an apostle; and
if they were not, they asked them to leave (1 Jn.4:1-2; Acts
17:11).
- “Thou
hast borne, for my Name’s sake hast labored.”
They believed in the virgin birth of Jesus, His deity, His sacrificial
death, His resurrection, and they preached it boldly, and many
paid a price for their belief and obedience.
- “Thou
hast not fainted.” D.L. Moody once
said “I grow weary in the work, but not of the work.”
We all can get weary IN our labor and service for Christ; but
when we become tired OF the work for our Lord, it is very sad
and tragic! Christ keeps an account of the work His servants
do for Him, and their service and labor shall not be in vain.
Rev. 2:4 Nevertheless
I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first
love. [KJV] Jesus said: but I have one thing
against you. You don't love me or each other as you did at first!
Now, Jesus states His condemnation against this church. “Thou
hast left thy first love.” Paul had
once praised the church at Ephesus for its love for God and others
(Eph. 1:15), but many of the church founders had died, and many
of the second-generation believers had lost their zeal for God.
They were a busy church—the members did much to benefit
themselves and the community—but what they were doing was
for the wrong reason. Any and all work we do for God must be motivated
by love for God or it will not last. The sin Christ charged this
church with is having lost the fervent love it once had. Christ
is greatly displeased with His people, when He sees them grow
sluggish and cold toward Him. We must not speak of it with carelessness,
nor try to excuse indifference and laziness. Indifference is a
sin. We must repent, we must be grieved and ashamed for our sin.
If we disgrace or slight the Presence of Christ’s glorious
grace and Spirit, we must be willing to expect His displeasure.
Rev. 2:5 Remember
therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the
first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove
thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
[KJV] Look how far you have fallen from your first love, Jesus
tells them. Turn back to me again and work as you did at first.
If you don't, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place
among the churches.
When believers lose sight of the seriousness of sin, they lose
the thrill of forgiveness. When you first became a Christian,
you may have had enthusiasm without knowledge. Do you now have
knowledge without enthusiasm? Both are necessary if we are to
keep our love for God intense and unstained. Do you love God with
the same fervor as when you were a baby Christian? To “remove
your lampstand from its place” means the church would
cease to be an effective church. Churches are to give light to
the surrounding communities. Remember, the “church”
is PEOPLE (believers). We are to shine, illuminate the Light of
Jesus, no matter who you are, or where you are! Jesus warned the
church at Ephesus that their lights could go out. In fact, Jesus
Himself would extinguish any light that did not fulfill its purpose,
both then and now! The church had to repent of its sins, then,
and now!
Rev. 2:6 But
this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes,
which I also hate. [KJV] Jeus goes on: but
there is this about you that is good: You hate the deeds of the
immoral Nicolaitans, just as I do.
The Nicolaitans were believers who compromised their faith in
order to enjoy some of the sinful practices of Ephesian society.
They wanted to introduce into the church a false freedom, licentiousness,
immorality. When we want to take part in an activity, and we know
it is wrong, we make excuses to justify our behavior, saying that
it isn’t all that bad, or it won’t hurt our faith.
Christ has strong words for those who look for excuses to sin.
Rev. 2:7 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. [KJV]
Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and
understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Everyone
who is victorious will eat from the tree of life in the paradise
of God.
“He that hath an ear,
let him hear” means to pay
attention! To overcome is to be victorious by
believing in Christ (1 Jn.5:4-5), persevering, remaining faithful,
and living as one who follows and obeys Christ. Such a life brings
great rewards (Rev. 21:7). Eventually, all evil will be destroyed
and believers will be brought into a restored paradise. In the
new earth, everyone will eat from the tree of life and will live
forever. The church at Ephesus represents the apostolic church.
To the Church in
Smyrna - Revelation 2:8-11
Rev. 2:8 And
unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith
the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; [KJV] John was to write a letter to the angel of the church in
Smyrna. This is the message from the one who is the First and
the Last, who died and is alive.
Smyrna is the Martyr Church. The city of Smyrna was about 25
miles north of Ephesus. It was one of the most beautiful cities
in Asia back then. It had an excellent harbor on the Aegean Sea.
It also had many temples to idols: Zeus, Diana, Aphradite, Apollo,
and Asclepius, and besides this, the church had a constant struggle
with two hostile forces: the Jewish population was strongly against
Christianity, and the non-Jewish population was loyal to Rome
and supported emperor worship. Persecution and suffering was never
ending in these circumstances.
Jesus presents Himself to this church as “The
first and the last, which was dead, and is alive.”
His experience with suffering and death identified Him with them,
and the five million martyred during this era. Christ is our only
hope in enduring suffering and persecution, and even death, if
it were to come to that.
Rev. 2:9-10 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.[10] 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. [KJV] Jesus well knew about
this church's suffering and poverty, but He told them: you are
rich! I know the slander of those opposing you. They say they
are Jews, but they really aren't because theirs is a synagogue
of Satan. Don't be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The
Devil will throw some of you into prison and put you to the test.
You will be persecuted for 'ten days.' Remain faithful even when
facing death, and I will give you the crown of life.
In this church also, Jesus praises 7 things.
- “Thy
tribulation” meaning their suffering
and persecution for His sake.
- “Thy
poverty” meaning these were mostly
poor people.
- “But thou
art rich” means they had enormous
spiritual wealth! In today’s world, most people do not
even consider spiritual wealth, only earthly riches (Mt.6:19-21).
- “Blasphemy
of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but of the synagogue
of Satan” these were Jews who were
serving Satan’s purposes, not God’s.
- “Fear
none of these things which thou shalt suffer”?
Jesus did not say He would take the suffering away; but He never
abandons His own in any circumstance. His Presence
is always there to comfort and sustain us. History tells us
that millions went to their deaths singing praises to God! What
tremendous faith!
- “The
devil shall cast some of you into prison”
Jesus says that Satan is responsible for the suffering in Smyrna
(too, today). We may blame a person or incident on our problems,
but these are just Satan’s tools. “Ye
shall have tribulation ten days”
means the persecution and suffering will be intense and severe,
but will not last long. There were ten terrible persecution
eras: Nero 64-68 A.D., Domitian 95-96, Trajan 104-117, Marcus
Aurelius 161-180, Severus 200-211, Maximinus 235-237, Decius
250-253, Valerian 257-275, Aurelian 257-260, Diocletian 303-313,
who was the worst of them all.
- “Be
thou faithful unto death” and they
were! Jesus encouraged the believers that they need not fear
the future if they remained faithful to Him. Any time you experience
difficult times, it will do one of two things: turn you away
from God — OR draw you closer to Him. Let them draw you
toward greater faithfulness. Trust God and remember the heavenly
reward He has promised: “I
will give thee a crown of life.”
YOU shall have the reward from Christ’s own Hand IF you
stand by Him, as He so graciously stands by you!
Rev. 2:11 He
that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the
churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
[KJV] Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit
and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Whoever
is victorious will not be hurt by the second death.
ALL people, believers and unbelievers, will experience physical
death unless Christ comes at the Rapture and takes believers Home.
ALL people will be resurrected. Believers will be resurrected
to eternal life with God, while unbelievers will be resurrected
to be punished (because of their rejection of Christ Jesus) with
a second death, eternal separation from God (2 Thes.1:8-9; Rev.
20:14; Rev. 21:8, 27; Rev. 22:15). The second death is MUCH worse
than the first (physical) death, for it is eternal death. “He
that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death”.
Our faith in Jesus “overcomes” the world
(1 Jn.5:4-5). If we KNOW Christ can keep us from the second death
and wrath to come, we may patiently endure, with His help, whatever
we encounter in this world.
To the Church in
Pergamum - Revelation 2:12-17
Rev. 2:12 And
to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith
he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; [KJV] Write this letter to the angel of the church in Pergamum.
This is the message from the One who has a sharp two-edged sword.
The city of Pergamum was built on a hill 1,000 feet above the
surrounding countryside, creating a natural fortress. It was a
city of Greek culture and education, with a 200,000-volume library,
but also the center of four cults, and it, like Ephesus, worshiped
idols. The city’s chief god was Asclepius, whose symbol
was a serpent, and who was considered the god of healing. People
came from all over to seek healing from this god.
Jesus presents Himself as “He
which hath the sharp sword with two edges.”
This city was known for its ‘religion’ (false religion).
Only God’s Word has the answer to man’s needs, and
the sin that plagues him. The sword symbolizes God’s Word
(Isa.11:4; Heb 4:12). It represents God’s ultimate authority
and judgment, and it also represent God’s future separation
of believers from unbelievers. Unbelievers will NEVER experience
the eternal rewards of living in God’s Kingdom.
Rev. 2:13 I
know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat
is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith,
even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who
was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. [KJV] Jesus knew that they lived in the city where that great
throne of Satan was located, and yet they had remained loyal to
Him. They refused to deny Him even when Antipas, Jesus' faithful
witness, was martyred by Satan's followers.
Pergamum was called the city “where
Satan’s seat is.” It was the
center for four idolatrous cults (Zeus, Dionysius, Asclepius,
and Athene). It was surrounded by worship of Satan and the Roman
emperor as god, but the church at Pergamum refused to renounce
their faith, even when Satan’s worshipers martyred one of
their members. The church of Pergamos had not denied the faith,
not by apostacy, or by compromising so as to avoid suffering for
Christ.
Christ commends Pergamum for their steadfastness for 3 reasons:
- (1) He knew they were in a difficult place.
- (2) They refused to deny Christ.
- (3) “Hast
not denied my faith” the majority
continued to believe and teach the true doctrine.
Rev. 2:14 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. [KJV] Yet Jesus
had a few complaints against them. They tolerate some among you
who are like Balaam, who showed Balak how to trip up the people
of Israel. He taught them to worship idols by eating food offered
to idols and by committing sexual sin.
We all cannot agree on all things in the Bible; but we MUST NOT
tolerate heresy and moral impurity. Your town might not participate
in idol feasts, but it probably has pornography, adultery, fornication,
sexual sin, cheating, gossiping, and lying. If we don’t
stand up against it, we are condoning it!
Jesus now condemns this church for two things:
- Some were following the ‘doctrine
of Balaam’ which was teaching Israel moral corruption,
intermarriage to Moabite women which led to idolatry and fornication.
- Professing Christians, who were seeking to introduce
into the church a false freedom or licentiousness
Rev. 2:15 So
hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes,
which thing I hate. [KJV] You have some Nicolaitans
among you people who follow the same teaching and commit the same
sins.
The church at Ephesus (Rev. 2:6) is praised for hating the “deeds”
of the Nicolaitanes, and the church of Pergamos is blamed for
having within their church some who went along with these “doctrines”
(2 Pet.2:15-16,19).
Rev. 2:16 Repent;
or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against
them with the sword of my mouth. [KJV] Repent,
or I will come to you suddenly and fight against them with the
sword of my mouth.
Christ rebuked the church for tolerating those who, like Balaam,
lead people away from God. He warns that repentance is needed.
“The sword of my mouth”
is God's judgment against rebellious nations (Rev. 19:15, 21), all
who sin against God. “You’d better change!”
Jesus says! His words of judgment are as sharp as swords. . . . http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_hell_would_god_send_me_to.htm . . . http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_judgment_great_white_throne.htm
Rev. 2:17 He
that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the
churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden
manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new
name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. [KJV] Listen to Me, Jesus says! Anyone who
is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand
what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Everyone who is victorious
will eat of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And
I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be
engraved a new name that no one knows except the one who receives
it.
“Hidden manna”
symbolizes spiritual nourishment (Jesus, Jn.6:51) that the faithful
believers will receive. Jesus can satisfy our deepest hunger.
As Israel traveled toward the promised land, God provided manna
from heaven for their physical nourishment (Ex. 16:13-18)..
The “white stone”
will have a “new name
written.” In those times, there was
a custom in Asia, to give to intimate friends a stone or piece
of ivory with words or symbols on it. It was a private, secret
possession to those who received it. White is the symbol for purity.
The new name — will it be OUR new name? Or will
it be the a Name for Christ? It is highly possible that the new
Name belongs to Him! And in that case, it will be different for
each of us — for Jesus means something different to each
of us. Pergamos was the church with bad surroundings.
To the Church in
Thyatira - Revelation 2:18-29
Rev. 2:18 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; [KJV] Write
this letter to the angel of the church in Thyatira. This is the
message from the Son of God, whose eyes are bright like flames
of fire, whose feet are like fine polished bronze.
Thyatira was a working man’s town, with many trades and
crafts: cloth making, dyeing, tannery, weavers, robe making and
pottery. Lydia was from Thyatira (Acts 16:14). The city was located
inland, in a long valley. The Lord presents Himself to this church
as the God of judgment. Even when the Lord knows the works of
his people to be filled with love, faith, zeal, and patience;
yet his eyes, which are “as
a flame of fire”, should see them committing
or allowing what is evil, He will certainly rebuke, correct, and/or
punish them.
Rev. 2:19 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. [KJV] I know all the things you do; your love, your faith, your
service, and your patient endurance. And I see constant improvement
in all these things.
Our Lord praises this church for their good works, love, service,
faith and patience; and that they were growing in these things.
All Christians should earnestly desire that their last works may
be better than their first.
Rev. 2:20 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. [KJV] But I have this
complaint against you. You are permitting that woman, Jezebel,
who calls herself a prophet to lead my servants astray. She is
encouraging them to worship idols, eat food offered to idols,
and commit sexual sin.
Now, Jesus condemns the church. A woman in the church in Thyatira
was teaching that immorality was not really all that bad. Her
name may have been Jezebel, or John may have used the name Jezebel
to symbolize the kind of evil she was promoting. Seduce means
to lead astray. Jezebel was a pagan queen of Israel, and was considered
the most evil woman who ever lived (1 K. 19:1-2; 21:1-15; 2 K.
9:7-10, 30-37). This church compromised with wicked seducers.
We, as Christians should not condone such behavior, but keep ourselves
pure and undefiled. It was not wrong to eat meat sacrificed to
idols, but if it caused your brother to stumble, don’t do
it (1 Cor. 8:9-10).
Rev. 2:21 And
I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented
not. [KJV] I gave her plenty of time to repent,
but she would not turn away from her immorality.
“Space”
is time. The Lord has patiently dealt with false religion for
centuries. One day His patience will end.
Rev. 2:22 Behold,
I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with
her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. [KJV] Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit
adultery with her will have great tribulation, except they repent
of their deeds.
Anyone who goes along with Jezebel (then or now) will receive
the same condemnation she will receive — the eternal agony
of Hell. It is quite dangerous to despise
the Truth of God, and just as dangerous to receive the falsehoods
and deceptions of Satan. Be warned: beware
of Satan! http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_hell_is_real.htm
Rev. 2:23 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. [KJV] I will kill her children. And all the churches will know
that I am the One who searches out the thoughts and motives of
every person. And I will give to each of you whatever you deserve.
“Children” are those brought up under these
conditions. “Death” is the second death (Hell).
All the churches are the churches of all ages. Christ knows our
very innermost thoughts and desires, and He shall “Give
to everyone according to their works.”
Believers will receive rewards OR loss of rewards for their works
(Jn.3;15-16; 1 Cor.3:11-15). Unbelievers, not being saved by Jesus,
will be judged for everything they have ever
done (Jn.3;18, 36; Rev.20:11-12)
Rev. 2:24 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.[25] But
that which ye have already hold fast till I come. [KJV] But I also have a message for the rest of you in Thyatira
who have not followed this false teaching ('deeper truths,' as
they call them depths of Satan, really). I will ask nothing more
of you except that you hold tightly to what you have until I come.
The “depths of Satan”
was false teaching by heretics, or insights ‘guaranteed’
to promote deeper spiritual life. We should hold tightly to our
Christian faith and view with caution any so-called ‘new
teaching’ that turns us from the Bible, or our basic confession
of faith. We should hold tightly to our faith in Christ Jesus.
Rev. 2:26 And
he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him
will I give power over the nations: [KJV]
To all who are victorious, who obey me to the very end, I will
give power over all the nations.
The works of Christ are completely opposite of Jezebel’s
works! We “overcome” by our faith, NOT our
works.
Rev. 2:27 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. [KJV] He will rule the nations with an iron rod and smash them
like clay pots.
Christ is referring to His 'millenial'
reign in which believers will share. The “rod of iron”
is mentioned in Ps.2:9, here and Rev.12:5 and 19:15. Christ will
be in total control, have total authority of all! http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_millennial_kingdom.htm
Rev. 2:28 And
I will give him the morning star. [KJV] They
will have the same authority I received from my Father, and I
will also give them the morning star!
Christ is called the morning star in Rev. 2:28, Rev.
22:16, and 2 Peter 1:19. A morning star appears just before dawn,
when the night is coldest and darkest. When the world is at its
bleakest point, Christ will burst onto the scene, exposing evil
with His light of truth and bringing His promised reward.
Rev. 2:29 He
that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the
churches. [KJV] Anyone who is willing to
hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit
is saying to the churches.
Children of Satan (Jezebel) will NOT hear — but God’s
TRUE children will hear, and listen when God speaks!
There is great promise of an ample reward to the believer who
perseveres and is victorious; also vast knowledge and wisdom and
power. Christ brings light into the soul, the light of grace and
glory. Let us overcome, by our faith, and His power, and keep
the works of Christ to the end.
Book of Revelation
Ch.1. . Ch.2 . . Ch.3 . . Ch.4 . . Ch.5. . Ch.6 . . Ch.7 . . Ch.8 . . Ch.9 . . Ch.10 . . Ch.11 . . Ch.12 . . Ch.13 . . Ch.14 . . Ch.15 . . Ch.16 . . Ch.`17 . . Ch.18 . . Ch.19 . . Ch.20 . . Ch.21 . . Ch.22 . . Special Comments
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