The Book of Revelation of Jesus Christ
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:6-9
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:6-9
Ephesus
Local Ephesus Church
T
Church Age Represented
Significance of Jesus Nature
Promises
Local Ephesus Church
T
Church Age Represented
Significance of Jesus Nature
Promises
Ephesus " " ( )
Revelation 2: Description of Jesus Church Type Church Period A.D. |
COMMENDATION
K CONDEMNATION francis chan God is Better (ref Jeremiah scripture) EXHORTATION BY JESUS |
PROMISE
WARNING |
Counsel of Christ (Application:
Smyrna
Local Church of Smyrna
Few specific details are known of the history of the Smyrna church other than the details given in the book of Revelation. Scripture does not give us any information concerning the founding of the church at Smyrna not is it mentioned in the book of Acts. Presumably this church was founded during Paul's ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19:10). It can be safely deduced; however, that it was a faithful church in the face of persecution. Smyrna was a wealthy city and the city itself was founded about three centuries before Christ.
Church Age Represented
The Smyrna period of church history was probably the greatest time of persecution the Church has ever known. A violent attack on the Church was unleashed in an effort to obliterate. The more the Church was persecuted during this period, the more the Church overcame the one condemning characteristic of the apostolic age: that of having left its first love.
Roman law prohibited any religion except emperor worship. Judaism was the only religion granted and exception (see Roman Rule: Jews and Christians). In the 1st Century, Christians were seen to be an offshoot of Judaism and largely enjoyed the same protection as Jews. But by the 2nd Century, the Church was predominantly Gentile leading to a separation in the minds of Romans. Jews themselves persecuted and exposed Christians thus becoming allies with the Romans against the Church.
Significance of 10 days of testing: Verses by Verse Ministry suggests that it was about the time taken for the justice system of the day to bring a verdict and carry out the sentence. Tim Lahaye proposes that this was ten periods of persecution under Roman emperors (page 30).
Amazingly, the Church reached its greatest numbers in proportion to world population during this period of persecution. In addition to the establishment of churches in many parts of the world, this church age distinguished itself by its production of many hand-copied manuscripts of the Scriptures and the translation of Scripture into many languages. The more Scripture was disseminated and used by the people, even in the face of persecution, the more the Church advanced in numbers until it was such a dominant factor in the Roman Empire that Christianity was established as the state church by Emperor Constatine in A.D. 312 (next Church age).
Significance of "blasphemy of those who say they are Jews";synagogue of Satan: The Church was afflicted by false teachers who had claimed to be Jews but really were not. A Jew is defined as one who is circumcised "of the heart, in the spirit and not in the letter" (Romans 2:29). Submission of the heart to God, not adherence to a prescribed set of rules, is His desire for men. Tim Lahaye pg 33 "Any church that preaches a gospel other than the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a synagogue of Satan, regardless of what it is called. Many so-called "Christian" churches today are like the Jews at Smyrna - they are not Christians at all and are condemned by the Savior Himself because they preach a message other than the one laid down in the Word of God. In reality, they are the synagogue of Satan, not the Church of Jesus Christ." [Interesting paradigm use of Church of Jesus Christ in regard to the Mormon beliefs. Video: Jeff Durbin talking with a Mormon who insists that he is a Christian.] Lahaye continues "The heresies included a false doctrine of Christ and second, mixing law and grace.. Practically every false religious system and cult coming out of Christianity can be traced to one of these two heresies. "
Significance of Jesus Represented
The description of Christ is that He is the first born of the dead. This is a reminder that Jesus experienced persecution and death in obedience to the Father but rose again to life....a promise to the Church to look forward to the same hope.
Promises
Local Church of Smyrna
Few specific details are known of the history of the Smyrna church other than the details given in the book of Revelation. Scripture does not give us any information concerning the founding of the church at Smyrna not is it mentioned in the book of Acts. Presumably this church was founded during Paul's ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19:10). It can be safely deduced; however, that it was a faithful church in the face of persecution. Smyrna was a wealthy city and the city itself was founded about three centuries before Christ.
Church Age Represented
The Smyrna period of church history was probably the greatest time of persecution the Church has ever known. A violent attack on the Church was unleashed in an effort to obliterate. The more the Church was persecuted during this period, the more the Church overcame the one condemning characteristic of the apostolic age: that of having left its first love.
Roman law prohibited any religion except emperor worship. Judaism was the only religion granted and exception (see Roman Rule: Jews and Christians). In the 1st Century, Christians were seen to be an offshoot of Judaism and largely enjoyed the same protection as Jews. But by the 2nd Century, the Church was predominantly Gentile leading to a separation in the minds of Romans. Jews themselves persecuted and exposed Christians thus becoming allies with the Romans against the Church.
Significance of 10 days of testing: Verses by Verse Ministry suggests that it was about the time taken for the justice system of the day to bring a verdict and carry out the sentence. Tim Lahaye proposes that this was ten periods of persecution under Roman emperors (page 30).
Amazingly, the Church reached its greatest numbers in proportion to world population during this period of persecution. In addition to the establishment of churches in many parts of the world, this church age distinguished itself by its production of many hand-copied manuscripts of the Scriptures and the translation of Scripture into many languages. The more Scripture was disseminated and used by the people, even in the face of persecution, the more the Church advanced in numbers until it was such a dominant factor in the Roman Empire that Christianity was established as the state church by Emperor Constatine in A.D. 312 (next Church age).
Significance of "blasphemy of those who say they are Jews";synagogue of Satan: The Church was afflicted by false teachers who had claimed to be Jews but really were not. A Jew is defined as one who is circumcised "of the heart, in the spirit and not in the letter" (Romans 2:29). Submission of the heart to God, not adherence to a prescribed set of rules, is His desire for men. Tim Lahaye pg 33 "Any church that preaches a gospel other than the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a synagogue of Satan, regardless of what it is called. Many so-called "Christian" churches today are like the Jews at Smyrna - they are not Christians at all and are condemned by the Savior Himself because they preach a message other than the one laid down in the Word of God. In reality, they are the synagogue of Satan, not the Church of Jesus Christ." [Interesting paradigm use of Church of Jesus Christ in regard to the Mormon beliefs. Video: Jeff Durbin talking with a Mormon who insists that he is a Christian.] Lahaye continues "The heresies included a false doctrine of Christ and second, mixing law and grace.. Practically every false religious system and cult coming out of Christianity can be traced to one of these two heresies. "
Significance of Jesus Represented
The description of Christ is that He is the first born of the dead. This is a reminder that Jesus experienced persecution and death in obedience to the Father but rose again to life....a promise to the Church to look forward to the same hope.
Promises
Smyrna "Myrh (embalming spice)
Revelation 2: 8-11 Description of Jesus Church Type Persecuted Church Church Period A.D. 100 - 312 |
COMMENDATION
Knows your enduring persecution, poverty and suffering CONDEMNATION None EXHORTATION BY JESUS Don't fear; be faithful unto death to receive the crown |
PROMISE
Will not be hurt by the second death WARNING None |
Counsel of Christ (Application:
Jesus knew they were a persecuted Church but doesn't say He will remove the tribulation. He knows of their poverty but doesn't offer to remove their earthly poverty. Jesus' first priority is not to ease our earthly suffering but desires greater things for His children. He reminds them that they are actually rich.
Matthew 5:1-2 "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
2 Corinthian 6:10 "As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things."
The counsel of Christ was the same advice He gives believers of every age when they fall into tribulation: "fear not". The man that has Jesus Christ has enough, regardless of the intensity of his persecution. When grace is needed grace is supplied; when courage is needed, courage is supplied; for we have the divine promise that our God is able to "supply all your need according to His richer in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).
"Be faithful until death and I will give thee a crown of life". suggested further study is 1 Corinthians 3:9-20 and Luke 19:11-27
The Greek word for crown is stephanos and is the crown given to olympic athletes who run a good race...it is an eternal reward for faithfulness in our walk with Christ (2 Timothy 4:7-8; 2 Cor. 9:23-25).
We will not experience the "the second death" which is that state when men who have died in unbelief are resurrected and cast into an eternal state of separation from God in the place called the lake of fire (Rev. 20:15).
Jesus knew they were a persecuted Church but doesn't say He will remove the tribulation. He knows of their poverty but doesn't offer to remove their earthly poverty. Jesus' first priority is not to ease our earthly suffering but desires greater things for His children. He reminds them that they are actually rich.
Matthew 5:1-2 "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
2 Corinthian 6:10 "As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things."
The counsel of Christ was the same advice He gives believers of every age when they fall into tribulation: "fear not". The man that has Jesus Christ has enough, regardless of the intensity of his persecution. When grace is needed grace is supplied; when courage is needed, courage is supplied; for we have the divine promise that our God is able to "supply all your need according to His richer in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).
"Be faithful until death and I will give thee a crown of life". suggested further study is 1 Corinthians 3:9-20 and Luke 19:11-27
The Greek word for crown is stephanos and is the crown given to olympic athletes who run a good race...it is an eternal reward for faithfulness in our walk with Christ (2 Timothy 4:7-8; 2 Cor. 9:23-25).
We will not experience the "the second death" which is that state when men who have died in unbelief are resurrected and cast into an eternal state of separation from God in the place called the lake of fire (Rev. 20:15).
Perganum
Local Perganum Church
This city was given over to the worship of many Greek idols. Local Roman rulership, unable to coope with the multitude of religious differences in the city, demanded cooperation of all groups.
Church Age Represented
As seen in the previous church age, if the persecuted church would flourish an indulged church would fail
When Constantine became emperor of Rome, he became the virtual emperor of the Western world and protector of the Christian faith. He issues an edict of toleration for Christianity and showered many favors on the Christian Church.The government provided money for the operation of the church and many of the pagan temples were taken over by Christians. To please the emperor, these leaders adopted customs that were parallel to pagan practices. During the succeeding three centuries of this period, many anti-Christian practices of pagan origin were adopted, which robbed the church of its fire and its evangelistic fervor.
Although the authenticity of Constantine's faith is questionable, he did many commendable things including the production of fifty copies of the Holy Scriptures to be used by the churches. Some of theses manuscripts comprise our oldest existing copies of God's Word. Another point of interest is the Council of Nicea (A.D. 325) which fought against the the Arian controversy which denied the personal deity of our Jesus. Constantine presided over this council personally. the final outcome was that Jesus Christ was declared to be "God and man in one person.". Because this church held fast to Christ's name, the organized church did not teach anything but the personal deity of Jesus Christ for over a thousand years.
Although the Church was faithful to Christ's name and held the faith, they did not remain separated from the world, they held to the doctrine of Balaam and "married into" pagan practices. The influences of paganism on the Church increased over the years and the Church began to shroud itself in "mystery" and ritualism that had a strong resemblance to Babylonian mysticism. Gradually these changes became more prominent than the original teachings of Christianity. They sinned by taking on the ceremonies of paganism, which later were supported by artificial doctrines of an unscriptural nature that went on to pollute the true doctrines of the Church.
Prior to this period, he Church was an independent collection of local churches working together whenever possible but not dominated by central authority. As the Church became married to governmental authority and elevated to a place of acceptance it declined in spiritual blessing and power. As the Church became rich and powerful, it was suggested that the world was getting better and better, that's Christ's kingdom was already ushered in, and that Hew would come at the end of the thousand-years reign. Not until fourteen hundred years later was the coming of Jesus Christ reemphasized and with it came a return to evangelistic fervor.
This church also received condemnation for holding to the doctrine of the Nicolatians which is the doctrine of a strong ecclesiastical hierarchy ruling over the laity. Laymen were given no voice in church affairs but were required to obey blindly the decrees of the clergy.
Significance of Jesus Nature
To Pergamum, Jesus revealed the "sharp, two-edged sword" which represents the Word of God. Christ used the Word of God to sanctify His Church (John 17:17, to clean it (John 15:3) to bring it joy (John 15:11) and to bring it peace (John 16:33). Had the church of Pergamum and the Pergamum age heeded the Word of God, the evils of the Dark Ages could well have been avoided.
This also relates to Christ's final counsel: repent or be judged by the Word of God.
Promises
Hidden manna typifies the spiritual food provided by God in His Word
White stone, while there is not total agreement on the meaning, it signifies assurance. White in the Bible refers to the righteousness of God. In ancient times a white stone meant acquittal.
Local Perganum Church
This city was given over to the worship of many Greek idols. Local Roman rulership, unable to coope with the multitude of religious differences in the city, demanded cooperation of all groups.
Church Age Represented
As seen in the previous church age, if the persecuted church would flourish an indulged church would fail
When Constantine became emperor of Rome, he became the virtual emperor of the Western world and protector of the Christian faith. He issues an edict of toleration for Christianity and showered many favors on the Christian Church.The government provided money for the operation of the church and many of the pagan temples were taken over by Christians. To please the emperor, these leaders adopted customs that were parallel to pagan practices. During the succeeding three centuries of this period, many anti-Christian practices of pagan origin were adopted, which robbed the church of its fire and its evangelistic fervor.
Although the authenticity of Constantine's faith is questionable, he did many commendable things including the production of fifty copies of the Holy Scriptures to be used by the churches. Some of theses manuscripts comprise our oldest existing copies of God's Word. Another point of interest is the Council of Nicea (A.D. 325) which fought against the the Arian controversy which denied the personal deity of our Jesus. Constantine presided over this council personally. the final outcome was that Jesus Christ was declared to be "God and man in one person.". Because this church held fast to Christ's name, the organized church did not teach anything but the personal deity of Jesus Christ for over a thousand years.
Although the Church was faithful to Christ's name and held the faith, they did not remain separated from the world, they held to the doctrine of Balaam and "married into" pagan practices. The influences of paganism on the Church increased over the years and the Church began to shroud itself in "mystery" and ritualism that had a strong resemblance to Babylonian mysticism. Gradually these changes became more prominent than the original teachings of Christianity. They sinned by taking on the ceremonies of paganism, which later were supported by artificial doctrines of an unscriptural nature that went on to pollute the true doctrines of the Church.
Prior to this period, he Church was an independent collection of local churches working together whenever possible but not dominated by central authority. As the Church became married to governmental authority and elevated to a place of acceptance it declined in spiritual blessing and power. As the Church became rich and powerful, it was suggested that the world was getting better and better, that's Christ's kingdom was already ushered in, and that Hew would come at the end of the thousand-years reign. Not until fourteen hundred years later was the coming of Jesus Christ reemphasized and with it came a return to evangelistic fervor.
This church also received condemnation for holding to the doctrine of the Nicolatians which is the doctrine of a strong ecclesiastical hierarchy ruling over the laity. Laymen were given no voice in church affairs but were required to obey blindly the decrees of the clergy.
Significance of Jesus Nature
To Pergamum, Jesus revealed the "sharp, two-edged sword" which represents the Word of God. Christ used the Word of God to sanctify His Church (John 17:17, to clean it (John 15:3) to bring it joy (John 15:11) and to bring it peace (John 16:33). Had the church of Pergamum and the Pergamum age heeded the Word of God, the evils of the Dark Ages could well have been avoided.
This also relates to Christ's final counsel: repent or be judged by the Word of God.
Promises
Hidden manna typifies the spiritual food provided by God in His Word
White stone, while there is not total agreement on the meaning, it signifies assurance. White in the Bible refers to the righteousness of God. In ancient times a white stone meant acquittal.
Perganum "Thoroughly Married"
Revelation 2:12-17 Description of Jesus Who has the sharp, double-edged sword Church Type State and Church married Church Period Age of Constantine 313 to 600 |
COMMENDATION
Remain true to His Name and did not renounce their faith in Him even under persecution. CONDEMNATION Tolerate teachings of Balaam (heresies that stumble the church) Tolerate Nicolations (seperation of clergy and laity) EXHORTATION BY JESUS Repent of these teachings |
PROMISE
Will given hidden manna and a white stone with new name to those who are victorious WARNING Will fight against the false leaders and teachers with the sword |
Counsel of Christ ( Application)
Thyatira
Local Thyatira Church
Thyatira was a wealthy city in Macedonia and noted in the ancient world for its outstanding color dyes.
It has been suggested that the city was evangelized by the Ephesian church or perhaps by Paul's first convert in Philippi, Lydia (Acts 16:14 "One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message."
Church Age Represented
Produced what is known in history as the Dark Ages. The merging of paganism with Christianity began under the church of Pergamum. This ages increasingly emphasized paganism. The light which Jesus Christ entrusted to His Church all but flickered out during the Dark Ages and was not rekindled until the days of the Reformation. See the list of doctrines instituted during this period of time that were sourced in paganism (page 44 of Lahays book).
"Thyatira" comes from two words meaning "sacrifice" and "continual". The church of Rome denies the finished work of Christ but believes in a continuing sacrifice which produces such things as sacraments and praying for the dead, burning candles, etc.... The emphasis on the "continual sacrifice" and rejection of our Lord's finished work breeds a concept that causes man to try to earn his own salvation by works, penance, indulgences, etc....
Significance of Jesus Nature
Denotes that Christ is looking with piercing judgment on the Church because she has permitted the false teaching to creep into her midst and "seduce my servants".
Promises
Local Thyatira Church
Thyatira was a wealthy city in Macedonia and noted in the ancient world for its outstanding color dyes.
It has been suggested that the city was evangelized by the Ephesian church or perhaps by Paul's first convert in Philippi, Lydia (Acts 16:14 "One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message."
Church Age Represented
Produced what is known in history as the Dark Ages. The merging of paganism with Christianity began under the church of Pergamum. This ages increasingly emphasized paganism. The light which Jesus Christ entrusted to His Church all but flickered out during the Dark Ages and was not rekindled until the days of the Reformation. See the list of doctrines instituted during this period of time that were sourced in paganism (page 44 of Lahays book).
"Thyatira" comes from two words meaning "sacrifice" and "continual". The church of Rome denies the finished work of Christ but believes in a continuing sacrifice which produces such things as sacraments and praying for the dead, burning candles, etc.... The emphasis on the "continual sacrifice" and rejection of our Lord's finished work breeds a concept that causes man to try to earn his own salvation by works, penance, indulgences, etc....
Significance of Jesus Nature
Denotes that Christ is looking with piercing judgment on the Church because she has permitted the false teaching to creep into her midst and "seduce my servants".
Promises
Thyatira "Continual Sacrifice"
Revelation 2:18 - 28 Description of Jesus Whose eyes are like blazing fie and whose feet are like burnished bronze Implies that Christ judges His Church Church Type Dark Ages (Roman Catholic Church) Church Period 600 - 1517 |
COMMENDATION
Knows your works: Love, faith, service, perseverance, doing more than you did at first CONDEMNATION Tolerates Jezebel teaching (who calls herself a prophet); fornication symbolizes idolatry brought in during this period; eating things sacrificed to idols symbolizes the union of the church with the world. During this time Rome sought to bring the kingdom of the world under the dominion of the pope in Rome. (worship of pagan religion/false teaching) False doctrines of Catholicism Didn't repent even with time EXHORTATION BY JESUS Lahay believes that vs 22 is a reference to the tribulation period and states that the Catholic church will be church of the Tribulation (pg 47) True believers who do not follow false teaching have no other burden other than to hold on to what they have until Jesus comes |
PROMISE
To the one that is victorious and does His will to the end, will give power over the nations and the Morning Star (Himself) WARNING Will make Jezebel weak in sickness and will kill the children of Jezebel with pestilence and great suffer (Black Plague) |
Council of Christ (Application)
Lahay indicates that the council of Christ to the church is directed to the faithful individuals within that church who rejected the false doctrines. "Hold fast till I come" refers to the fact that many during the Tribulation will refuse to knuckle under to the false religious system called "the harlot" in Revelation 17. [This also assumes that their will be believers who go through the Tribulation???]
Lahay indicates that the power give to the overcomer is a position of leadership and authority during the millennial age if he is faithful in this age.
Lahay indicates that the council of Christ to the church is directed to the faithful individuals within that church who rejected the false doctrines. "Hold fast till I come" refers to the fact that many during the Tribulation will refuse to knuckle under to the false religious system called "the harlot" in Revelation 17. [This also assumes that their will be believers who go through the Tribulation???]
Lahay indicates that the power give to the overcomer is a position of leadership and authority during the millennial age if he is faithful in this age.
Got Questions: What do the seven churches stand for? https://www.gotquestions.org/seven-churches-Revelation.html
David Jeremiah overview: https://www.davidjeremiah.org/site/articles/seven-churches-of-revelation-bible-study.aspx
Bible Study: https://www.versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/revelation-2011
David Jeremiah overview: https://www.davidjeremiah.org/site/articles/seven-churches-of-revelation-bible-study.aspx
Bible Study: https://www.versebyverseministry.org/bible-studies/revelation-2011