MESSAGES TO THE CHURCHES, CHAPTERS 2 AND 3
The first part of Revelation is about "the things which are" (1:19b). We will read carefully the seven messages of the Lord Jesus Christ to the seven churches. Some of the letters have seven parts. They all follow the same plan except there are a few gaps.
Who was speaking?
What was good?
What was bad?
Warning?
Message to the remnant?
Promise to the victor?
EPHESUS, Revelation 2.1-7
Revelation 2:1-7 (KJV) 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; 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: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 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. 6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 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.
Who was speaking?
The Lord, who was holding the seven stars (the seven angels) in His right hand. He was walking among the seven churches, Revelation 1:13,16 (KJV) 13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. This means that all churches are responsible to Him and He has the right to tell them what to do. He is the Chief Shepherd and Bishop, 1 Peter 2:25 (KJV) For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
1. This is like Matthew 28:18-20 (KJV) 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alwa y, even unto the end of the world. Amen, where the Lord said that all authority was His, and then told His disciples what they had to do. First His authority, Revelation 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; then His command, Revelation 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.
What was good?
In the seven letters, the Lord always pointed out what was good in the church and praised the believers for this. The Lord loves us and looks for things He can praise in our lives. It is our privilege to be like Him and look for things to praise in others. Paul by the Holy Spirit did just that: 1 Corinthians 1:4-8 (KJV) 4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 5 That in everything ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: 8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ; Philippians 1:3-6 (KJV) 3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, 5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; 6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ; Colossians 1:3-6 (KJV) 3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, 5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; 6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth; Philemon 1:4-7 (KJV) 4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, 5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; 6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. Here in every letter the Lord said I knew their works, but in two, Sardis and Laodicea, He found nothing in these works for which He could praise them. Revelation Chapter 2 and Chapter 3.
In Ephesus He found seven good things:
(1) Their labour. This meant that they served the Lord until they were tired, Hebrews 6:10 (KJV) For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
(2) Their patience in times of trouble while waiting for Christ to come, Revelation 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.
(3) The Spirit had warned the Ephesian elders, perhaps thirty years before this, that false teachers would come into their assembly, and some of their own members would teach wrong doctrine, Acts 20:29-30 (KJV) 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Paul asked Timothy to stay in Ephesus because some people were trying to bring in false teaching, 1 Timothy 1:3-7 (KJV) 3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. 5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; 7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm; 1 Timothy 1:20 (KJV) Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme; 2 Timothy 1:15 (KJV) This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes; 2 Timothy 2 :17 (KJV) And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus. As Timothy was a young man, this was a heavy responsibility. But he must have been faithful in his work because when John wrote Revelation the assembly at Ephesus had refused to let these false teachers stay in the church. The Lord has use for such faithful young men.
(4) There were even some men who had claimed to be apostles. The church at Ephesus had to decide whether they were true apostles or not. So they judged these men according to the Word of God and found that they were liars. This was a very serious charge but the church was able to prove it.
(5) They could bear and endure trouble from outside.
(6) Their patience is mentioned again, also...
(7) Their labour for His sake. This showed that they continued to serve and be patient without becoming weary.
What was bad - Revelation 2:4 (KJV) Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love?
1. Everything they had done at first had been done because they loved the Lord with their whole heart. But this love had cooled. They still served Him but not only because they loved Him, 1 Thessalonians 1:3 (KJV) Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;. They had their own reasons for serving. They could even judge false apostles for other reasons than loving the Lord. Even before this their love to Paul, the Lord's servant, had changed, Acts 20:37 (KJV) And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him; 2 Timothy 1:15 (KJV) This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. Is this love important? Yes, God is love and most of all He wants our love, Jeremiah 2:2 (KJV) Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals, when thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown; 1 John 4:19 (KJV) We love him, because he first loved us.
What to do - Revelation 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.
2. Then they were on a high level in their love for the Lord. But this love had faded. This is true of all of us, for we lose our appreciation of His love for us. But the Lord told them they could do something to change this. They could repent and go back to their first works and first love. These early works included spreading the Gospel to all parts of the province of Asia, Acts 19:10,20 (KJV) 10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. 20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.
The Lord wanted their reason for service to be their love for Him, for:
Love and service go together.
Mary stands for love to Christ.
Martha stands for service to Christ. Luke 10:38, 42.
(KJV) 38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
We all need both to love and serve the Lord.
Suppose the church at Ephesus refused to obey the Lord's command to repent and to return to their first love? Then they would keep going backwards. There would be no progress in their Christian lives. More than that, the Lord would soon have to remove their lamp stand. What would that mean? They would no longer be a light for the Gospel in a dark, heathen city. This would be very sad, for the Lord wants our lights to shine before men. Our lamps should not be placed under a bed or a basket, Mark 4:21 (KJV) And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?
Let your light shine!
Revelation 2:6 (KJV) But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. The Lord still looked for something to praise and He added another word of approval in verse 6. Here He said the believers in Ephesus hated the works of the Nicolaitans and so did He. Who were the Nicolaitans? The name is made up of two words: to overcome, found 16 times in Revelation; and the people, eight times in Revelation. So it means one or more persons who try to rule over the people. This is something the Lord hates. It is a serious matter when the Lord hates what you are doing. The Pharisees tried to rule over the people of Jerusalem, Matthew 23:4,7,13,15 (KJV) 4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. 13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. 15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. In Peter's days, some elders tried to rule over the church for their own benefit. But the Lord did not want a few people
ruling over the others to please themselves. He gave gifts to the church, teachers, shepherds, so the people could build themselves up in the knowledge of Christ. He hated the works of the Nicolaitans and so did the Ephesians. It was against the order the Lord had set up for His church, as Paul had written to this church years earlier, Ephesians 4:11-12 (KJV) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.
Message to the remnant
In three of the churches, there were some believers who did not go as far into sin as most of the others did. Christ had a special message for this remnant. We will take up these messages with letters to these churches.
Promise To The Overcomer
Revelation 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. In each letter, there is a command to listen to what the Spirit is saying to all the churches; what Christ says, he says. There is also a promise to everyone who gains the victory. Faith is the victory, which overcomes the world, 1 John 5:4 (KJV) For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Our battle is with wicked spirits in heavenly places but we are able to stand with God's armour on, Ephesians 6:11-12 (KJV) 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. The Lord's promise here is to give to the believers the privilege of eating the fruit of the tree of life in God's great garden in heaven. This tree of life was in the garden of Eden and Adam was not allowed to eat its fruit, because he had sinned and had to die, Genesis 2:9 (KJV) And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil; Genesis 3:22 (KJV) And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever. Now it is God's will that we should live forever. John 10:10 (KJV) The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Eating the fruit of the tree of life is a picture of living forever. Revelation 22:2-14 (KJV) 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. It is in Paradise. The dying thief went straight to Paradise and Paul was there for a short time, Luke 23:43 (KJV) And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise; 2 Corinthians 12:4 (KJV) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
SMYRNA, REVELATION 2.8-11
Revelation 2:8-11 (KJV) 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; 9 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. 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.
Ephesus and Laodicea are mentioned in the epistles of Paul the other five churches are not referred to in the New Testament. Smyrna means myrrh, which was used in making the holy ointment for the Tabernacle and the priests, Exodus 30:33 (KJV) Whosoever compoundeth any like it, or whosoever putteth any of it upon a stranger, shall even be cut off from his people. This is found in the New Testament in Matthew 2:11 (KJV) And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh; Mark 15:23 (KJV) And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not; John 19:39 (KJV) And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight, the birth, death and burial of our Lord Jesus Christ. So myrrh speaks of the sorrow, which the second church would, but their faithfulness to Christ would be like a sweet smell to God.
Who was speaking-Revelation 2:8?
Revelation 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. The Lord Jesus described Himself as the First and the Last, the One who had died but now lives, Revelation 1:17-18 (KJV) 17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. This was a remarkable description of Christ for those who might be killed for the faith. All through the ages there have been those who faced death because of their faith. They were stoned to death, they were killed with the sword, and they were thrown to the lions. The saints Smyrna might face death or trials and the Lord told them that He too had done so and He had risen again. He is the eternal God. He Himself had overcome death. So would they.
What was good - Revelation 2:9?
Revelation 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. The eternal Victor knew all about Smyrna, the suffering church. They were having great trouble and poverty. They had been robbed of everything, but really they were rich, Matthew 6:20 (KJV) But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; Hebrews 10:34 (KJV) For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Besides, the Lord Himself had become poor; He knows what it is like, 2 Corinthians 8:9 (KJV) For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. In Revelation 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, there were those who said they were apostles and were liars. Now we have those who said they were Jews but were not. They persecuted the believers and said terrible things about them. This proved that they were servants of Satan. Jews persecuted the early Christians and stirred up the Gentiles to do the same , Acts 13:50 (KJV) But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts; Acts 14:2 (KJV) But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren, Acts 14:19 (KJV) And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead; Acts 17:5 (KJV) But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people, Acts 17:13 (KJV) But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people; Acts 18:2 (KJV) And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them; Acts 20:3 (KJV) And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia; Acts 21:11 (KJV) And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles; Acts 23:12 (KJV) And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul; Acts 25:2-3 (KJV) 2 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him, 3 And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him. Now here were people pretending to be Jews and doing these things.
What to do-Revelation 2:10
Revelation 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 Lord had nothing bad to say about the church in Smyrna, but He told them not to be afraid of the trouble, which they would soon have to face. False Jews from the synagogue of Satan would succeed in putting some of them into prison. This would test their faith to see if they would give up and go back to the Jewish or heathen religion. They would have terrible trouble, but it would not last forever, God would limit the time. They should be ready to die for Christ. He promised to give the faithful ones a crown of life. Our trouble may last for more than ten actual days but God tells us that it will come to an end. Christ had already given them the gift of eternal life ... all true believers have received this, John 17:3 (KJV) And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. But God will also give us wonderful rewards if we serve Christ. Other crowns are mentioned in 1 Corinthians 9:25 (KJV) And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible; 2 Timothy 4:8 (KJV) Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing; James 1:12 (KJV) Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him, 1 Peter 5:4 (KJV) And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Promise to the victor-Revelation 2:11
Revelation 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. The overcomer might lose his life for Christ's sake but he would not be hurt by the second death. The second death is the lake of fire, Revelation 20:14 (KJV) And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death, and no believer will ever go there. Believers who have died will be raised from death at the first resurrection when the Lord Jesus comes back and they will not be hurt by the second death, Revelation 20:6 (KJV) Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. Here in Revelation 20:11 (KJV) And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them, the Lord gives this special promise to His faithful martyrs.
PERGAMUM, REVELATION 2.12-17
Revelation 2:12-17 (KJV) 12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 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. 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. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 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.
The sharp sword with two edges came from the mouth of the Lord, Revelation 1:16 (KJV) And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength, and speaks of the Word of God, Hebrews 4:12 (KJV) 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. The Bible will build up God's people, Acts 20:32 (KJV) And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified., but it can also cut away all evil. Every church and every believer must follow Word of the Lord.
What was good - Revelation 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.
Works are good if they are the result of faith, and they knows if we have faith and love and also if we are working for Him. The church of Pergamum was in a wicked city where the people worshipped idols. The Lord said Satan's throne was there and Satan lived there. Still the believers held fast to the name of Christ and did not deny the doctrine of Christ, even when one of them died rather than give up his faith in the Lord.
What was bad - Revelation 2:14-15 (KJV) 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 stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
But the Christians in Pergamum allowed in the church teachers who strongly held two wrong doctrines: the doctrine of Balaam and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. Balaam taught many things which were true, Numbers 23:9-10 (KJV) 9 For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations. 10 Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!, Numbers 23:19-24 (KJV) 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? 20 Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it. 21 He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them. 22 God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn. 23 Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought! 24 Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain; Numbers 24:5-10 (KJV) 5 How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel! 6 As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters. 7 He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted. 8 God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows. 9 He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee, Numbers 24:16-24 (KJV) 16 He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: 17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. 18 And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly. 19 Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city. 20 And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever. 21 And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable, and said, Strong is thy dwellingplace, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock. 22 Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive. 23 And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this! 24 And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever. But he wanted money so badly that he taught King Balak how to make the people of Israel sin. The Israelites ate food, which had been sacrificed to idols and committed fornication with the women of Moab, Numbers 25:1-2 (KJV) 1 And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. 2 And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods. False teachers love money, 2 Peter 2:15 (KJV) Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; Jude 1:11 (KJV) Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core, and they lead people into false religion to get more money for themselves. Others in Pergamum held the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, the Lord Jesus hated, Revelation 2:6 (KJV) But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. In Ephesus some tried to rule over people of God but the believers hated their deeds. In Pergamum the Nicolaitans taught that these things were right and tried to prove them from Scripture. The believers accepted this but the Lord hated it. In the New Testament there were elders in every church as other leaders or shepherds, but some tried to take the chief. 3 John 1:9 (KJV) I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. In Corinth the believers wanted to follow a leader but Paul told them not to divide the church, 1 Corinthians 1:12 (KJV) Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. He taught to obey the leaders who teach the Scripture, 1 Corinthians 13:7 (KJV) Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things, but not those who cause trouble.
What to do - Revelation 2:16 (KJV) Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. The Lord's only command to Pergamum was to repent, to change their mind about these evil things and to do what was right, that is, reject these false teachers. He also told the churches of Ephesus, Thyatira, Sardis and Laodicea to repent. He did not find anything bad at Smyrna or Philadelphia so there was no need to repent.
Warning
What if they refused to obey? He would quickly come to them and fight against the false teachers with the sword of His mouth. The Lord promised to be with us always and especially when we meet together in His name. The church of Pergamum did not act as if Christ were their Head, and they accepted false teaching which He hated. He would come and fight against these false teachers by using the sword of the Spirit, Ephesians 6:17 (KJV) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. The angel of the Lord opposed Balaam, the false prophet, with the sword, Numbers 22:23 (KJV) And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way. True believers will follow the Word of God and not accept false doctrine.
Promise to the victor - Revelation 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.
Three things were promised to the overcomer in Pergamum:
(1) He would be able to eat the hidden manna. Manna was the food for the people of God in their long journey through the desert, Exodus 16:35 (KJV) And the children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited; they did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan. They put some manna in a gold pot and kept it in the ark or box of the covenant, Hebrews 9:4 (KJV) Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid roundabout with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;, but some in Israel did not think it was good enough, Numbers 11.6. God has given us His Word for our food in this world, Matthew 4:4 (KJV) But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God, but many do not think it is enough, they accept also the teaching of men. So the Lord promises that we may have His Word, and may understand the deeper truths, which are hidden from others, the hidden manna.
(2) The overcomer would also get a white stone. Little stones were used for counting, but this one will be white which speaks of purity. The Lord's head was white and our clothes in Heaven will be white, Revelation 1:14 (KJV) His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; Revelation 7:14 (KJV) And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
(3) This stone also has a new name, which no one else can know except the Lord and the one who receives it. This shows that God knows us each one; we will never be lost in the crowd. There will be many millions in Heaven but the Lord will know each one and call him by his own special name.
THYATIRA, REVELATION 2.18-29
Revelation 2:18-29 (KJV) 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; 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. 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. 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 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. 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. 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. 26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 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. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
This is the longest of the seven letters; the Lord had many things to say about what was wrong in Thyatira.
Who was speaking - Revelation 2:18-19 (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.
The Son of God spoke, His eyes like fire, His feet like bronze, and Revelation 1:14-15 (KJV) 14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. As God He can see and know everything and He must judge and stamp out all that is not according to His will. There was a lot to judge in this church.
What was good - Revelation 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.
The Lord could speak well of their works and love, and service and their faith and patience. In fact their works were greater than before. Some of the early Christians tried to teach that we are saved by good works, but at Thyatira they worked and served because they had both faith and love, like the saints in 1 Thessalonians 1:3 (KJV) Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father. The believers in Ephesus also had patience, they left their first love.
What was bad - Revelation 2:20-23 (KJV) 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. 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 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. 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.
Again the Lord had something against the believers at Thyatira, as at Ephesus, and this time it was very serious. They allowed a woman called Jezebel to teach her evil ways in the church. The Holy Spirit said that women should learn in silence not teach in the church, 1 Timothy 2:11 (KJV) Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection; 1 Corinthians 14:34 (KJV) Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. But this woman called herself a prophetess, as if she had been, God. God called her Jezebel. This was the name of a wicked woman who with 450 false prophets tried to make the people of Israel worship the god Baal, 1 Kings 18:19 (KJV) Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table. She killed Naboth, a man of God, and tried to kill Elijah, a prophet of God, 1 Kings 19:2 (KJV) Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time; 1 Kings 21:10 (KJV) And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die. She used witchcraft and stirred up her husband, King Ahab, to do evil, 1 Kings 21:25 (KJV) But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up; 2 Kings 9:22 (KJV) And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?, and when she died the dogs ate her body, 2 Kings 9:36 (KJV) Wherefore they came again, and told him. And he said, This is the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel. In Thyatira the false prophetess taught the people in the church to commit two sins: sexual immorality and idolatry. God warned her and gave her time to repent, but she would not obey Him. Here again we see the long-suffering of God, for He gave this woman chance to repent. There is nothing good written about Jezebel of the Old Testament or of the woman in this chapter. Yet God still gave her a chance to repent, but she would not. God also warned those who followed her teaching: they soon have great trouble unless they repented. And God we kill her children, those who followed her ways, as a warning to in all the churches. These seven letters were all in one book Revelation 1:11 (KJV) 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, and in all seven there is a message from the Holy Spirit for all the churches. Christ here has eyes like a flame of fire and knows the thoughts of our hearts, as Jehovah, Jeremiah 11:20 (KJV) But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause. God will judge sinners according to their sinful works, and give us rewards according to our good works, Romans 2:6 (KJV) Who will render to every man according to his deeds; Romans 14:12 (KJV) So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God; 1 Peter 1:17 (KJV) And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear; Revelation 20:12-13 (KJV) 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works; Revelation 22:12 (KJV) And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
Message to the remnant - Revelation 2:24-25 (KJV) 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.
In Thyatira there were some believers who did not accept this false teaching. We may call these people the Remnant. In Elijah's time there was a remnant in Israel who would not worship Baal, and today there is a remnant among the Jews, 1 Kings 19:18 (KJV) Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him; Romans 11:4-5 (KJV) 4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. 5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. In Thyatira the remnant rejected the teaching of the false prophetess, and did not go down as far as the others in the deep secrets of Satan, as they call them. The Lord spoke of the synagogue of Satan, Revelation 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; the throne of Satan, Revelation 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; and here of the depths of Satan. So He promised not to put any other burden on them, but told them to hold firmly to the truth, which they had. He also gave them the promise that He would return at His second coming.
Promise to the victor - Revelation 2:26-29 (KJV) 26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 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. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. People in Thyatira were busy with their works, but some of their deeds were very evil. Believers could overcome by keeping on with the Lord's works, not those of the false prophetess. The Lord promised two things to anyone who did:
(1) He would have authority with Christ in His Kingdom. The Lord received authority from His Father to rule over all nations of the world, Psalm 2:8-9 (KJV) 8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. 9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. He will not allow any opposition and will break in pieces all who disobey, Revelation 19:15 (KJV) And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
(2) The overcomer would also have the glad hope of our Lord's return. Christ will rule the nations like the sun shining all over the world, Malachi 4:2 (KJV) But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall, but before that He will come for His Church. The morning star is seen very early, before the day comes, and so is a brilliant light in a dark sky. Those who see it know that the day will soon appear. The Lord called Himself the Bright and Morning Star, Revelation 22:16 (KJV) I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star, for when He appears we know that the night is finished. Here He promised the light of His love for the present, and His return in the future. Christ in us is the hope of glory, Colossians 1:27 (KJV) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. The Lord plainly promised to return, but many Christians do not know or do not believe His promise. It is good to have that "blessed hope", Titus 2:13 (KJV) Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God...(Acts 20:26,27). “Come now, let us reason together...” (Isaiah 1:18).
