Revelation Chapter Two Revelation 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;”
Each message to the seven churches will follow the same pattern: · Message begins with Jesus · Message then describes their works · Message then gives a penalty · Message then gives a reward · Smyrna and Philadelphia are not rebuked
“angel” · Means messenger: probably refers to the leader or overseer of the church at Ephesus “Ephesus” · Word means “desirable” · Leading city of Roman province of Asia in John’s day · Major seaport on Agean · Paul preached in Ephesus in A.D. 52, A.D. 54, A.D. 64 · Paul lived here from A.D. 54- A.D. 57 · John probably was church leader here after A.D. 70 · Represents the “apostolic period church”: church “desirable” to God; A. D. 31- A.D.100 “holdeth” · Means “to hold fast” · Jesus is holding His leaders, protecting them “seven stars” · These are the “angels” of the seven churches (Rev. 1:20) · These angels are the leaders of the seven churches which God is protecting “walketh” · Jesus is seen walking with His seven churches throughout history · Jesus will be with them until the end (Matt. 28:20) “seven golden candlesticks” · This represents the seven churches (Rev. 1:12)
Revelation 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:”
“I know thy works” · Each message begins with this phrase · Jesus knows everything about His church · “thy” is singular since message is addressed to the church leader but also includes the whole church as a unit · refers to moral deeds or actions “labour” · Greek “kopos” means toil or strenuous work “patience” · Means perseverance with strenuous work or endurance, or “remaining under” “canst not bear” · Firm stand against error and for truth · Church commended for defending truth “them which are evil” · Refers to false apostles and teachers “thou hast tried them” · Greek “to test or to try” · This church was known for investigating the claims of false teachers (Ignatius, 2nd century) “apostles” · Refers here to the false apostles “hast found them liars” · Two early errors taught in the first century were Docetism and Gnosticism · Gnosticism taught that God was only spiritual with no corporeal essence, that light and darkness fought, that a spirit fell creating matter (which was evil), and that another spirit saved the evil world “hast found them liars” · Docetism was taught by Gnostics who thought that Christ was spirit only and did not have a physical body since matter was evil · Docetism denied the humanity of Christ
Revelation 2:3 “And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.”
“hast borne” · Ephesus rejected false teachings and endured the conflicts over those teachings “patience” · Patiently endured “for my name’s sake” · They were known by Jesus Christ’s name: Christians “hast laboured” · Repeats the “hast borne” concept “fainted” · Greek “kopiao” means become weary or become tired
Revelation 2:4 “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” · Jesus has one concern with the Ephesus church · The church had “left thy first love” · This was the wholehearted love for God and man that had been eroded by conflicts · Conflict and error displace God’s Spirit in its control of the church
Revelation 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.”
· Jesus tells the church to remember what it had done in the past “repent” · here means to turn around and “do the first works” · If the church does not listen it will be lost “will remove thy candlestick out of his place” · The candlestick represents the church “will remove thy candlestick out of his place” · If the church did not repent it would lose its position as God’s church “except thou repent” · God’s mercy was allowing the church another chance · Historian Ignatius (2nd century) reported that the Ephesus church did repent and return to its first love
Revelation 2:6 “But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.”
· Jesus did approve of Ephesus’ hatred of the Nicolaitanes “Nicolaitanes” · A Gnostic sect which taught that the deeds of the flesh did not affect the purity of the soul · Therefore your deeds have no bearing on salvation · Faith without works · This was opposite to Jewish Legalism teaching that you are saved by your works (works without faith) · This teaching was similar to once saved always saved
Revelation 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.” “He that hath an ear” · Said to each of the seven churches · Means to heed the council given “hear” · Greek implies action · Means not just listening but doing “what the Spirit saith unto the churches” · Refers to all the Apostolic churches · Also refers to all believers in all ages “to him that overcometh” · Victory over false teachings · Greek word implies “continues to overcome” or keeps on winning “will I give to eat of the tree of life” · If you eat of the tree of human knowledge and accept its false teachings you will be overcome · If you reject the false teachings of man you will eat of God’s tree of life (Rev. 22:2) “ in the midst of paradise” The new tree of life is in the midst of the New Jerusalem (Rev. 22:2)
Revelation 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;”
“And unto the angel of the church” · Messenger (celestial or human) · Leader of the church “Smyrna” · This name may have come from the goddess Samorna which was worshiped in this city · Historically, the time period associated with this church extends from 100 A.D. to 313 A.D. (When Constantine became “Christian”) · The prophecies of the 7 churches are not true time prophecies but correlate with certain time periods in history “These things saith the first and the last” · Jesus Christ is the first and the last (Rev. 1:8,17) “was dead, and is alive” · Jesus was dead but is now alive · John is reminding them of their hope of future life even when being persecuted
Revelation 2:9 “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.”
“thy works” · Refers to the church’s actions as a whole or to an individual’s actions “tribulation” · Distress, trouble, or afflictions · Sporadic persecution from 98 A.D. to 180 A.D. · General systematic persecution from 250 A.D. to 313 A.D. · Known as the “age of martyrdom” “poverty” · Smyrna was not as rich in material wealth as Ephesus but was spiritually rich (endured persecution) “blasphemy” · Means “evil speaking” or slander “them which say they are Jews, and are not” · Figuratively speaking: Christians are spiritual Israel · Some Christians were serving Satan · These Christians were hypocrites · Also literal Jews were attacking the Christians “are the synagogue of Satan” · The synagogue was the Jewish center of religion which became the source of persecution to the saints · Satan: the accuser or adversary
Revelation 2:10 “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.”
“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer” · Do not fear the suffering which you are about to suffer “tried” · Means “tested” · Roman Emperor Trajan ( 98 A.D. – 117 A.D.) enacted the “ninety seventh” letter which required the execution of Christians if they were discovered (it did not require discovery) · Constantine in 313 A.D. issued an “edict of toleration” which ended the permissive persecution of the 97th letter · Under the permissive persecution policy Christians were persecuted based on local issues (famine would be blamed on them etc.) “and ye shall have tribulation ten days” · Ten days = ten years (one day = one year) · 303 A.D. to 313 A. D. · In 303 A.D. Christianity was banned throughout the Roman Empire by Diocletian and generalized executions began · In 313 A.D. Constantine’s edict gave Christians full liberty to practice their religion “and ye shall have tribulation ten days” · “ten days “ can also be considered a “round” number (ie. Dan. 1:20) which could mean “a brief period” of persecution for local church “be thou faithful unto death” · Implies continuing to be faithful even unto death “crown” · Greek means a “garland of victory” · Wreaths given to victors in the Greek games · Not a crown of rulership “of life” · Better “the crown that is life” · The crown is life, the reward is life
Revelation 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.”
“He that hath an ear” · Means heed the council given “let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” · Hearing means doing · Let him do what God says to do “He that overcometh” · Overcoming in spite of tribulation “shall not be hurt of the second death” · The first death ends life temporarily and all will be resurrected · The second death is the death for sin and there is no resurrection (Rev.20:14, 21:8)
Revelation 2:12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;”
“angel” · Messenger (celestial or human) · Overseer of the church “Pergamos” · Pergamos was the capital city of the Roman province of Asia before Ephesus took over · The historical time period represented by Pergamos was 313 A.D. – 538 A.D. · This time period was known for exaltation, popularity and power (age of popularity) · This time period began with Constantine’s edict “saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges” · Jesus is the One with the two edged sword (Rev. 1:16)
Revelation 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.”
“I know thy works” · Thy is singular: refers to a member of the church or to the church as a unit “where Satan's seat is” · Pergamos was the site of the first cult worship of a living emperor (Augustus) · When John wrote this message the Christians were being forced to worship Dominitan (81 A.D.- 96 A.D.) “where Satan's seat is” · The time period of the Pergamos church was when the Papacy consolidated its position as religious and political leader of Western Europe “thou holdest fast my name” · Refers to Christ’ name (Christians) (Rev. 2:3) “hast not denied my faith” · That is “faith in me” “Antipas was my faithful martyr” · Probably a faithful Christian witness who died for his faith refusing to worship the emporer “martyr” · Greek martus which means witness, one whose death testifies to his faith
Revelation 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.”
“thee” · Refers to the leader or the church “that hold the doctrine of Balaam” · Balaam refers to Numbers 22-24 · Balaam represents those who want to divide and ruin the church by encouraging forbidden practices (compromise principles) · Balaam compromised for money “stumblingblock” · Means “to trip him up” “to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication” · Balaam influenced Israel to sacrifice to Moab and eat it and commit fornication with Moab’s daughters · Constantine encouraged a union of Paganism and Christianity
Revelation 2:15 “So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.”
“hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes” · The Nicolaitanes taught that the deeds of the flesh do not affect the purity of the soul · Gnostic sect (see comments on Rev. 2:6) “which thing I hate” · Jesus hates falsehood, especially lies that lead to the loss of our souls
Revelation 2 :16 “Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.”
“Repent” · Repent now “fight against them with the sword of my mouth” · This refers to the sword Jesus described in Revelation 1:16 and 2:12 · This same sword is described in Rev. 19:16 which will “smite the nations” at the end of time “fight against them with the sword of my mouth” · Jesus is warning of the punishment that will come if they do not repent
Revelation 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.”
“He that hath an ear” · Heed the council given “To him that overcometh” · He that continues to overcome, keeps on winning “will I give to eat of the hidden manna” · Manna sustains life and this may refer to spiritual life in Christ now and eternal life hereafter “will I give to eat of the hidden manna” · This may also refer to the manna in the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus16:33) which was hidden and will be revealed “will give him a white stone” · A special gift with a special name in it “a new name written, which no man knoweth” · Names reflected characters in the Old Testament · This new name would reflect a new character after God’s character · This was a personal experience, a personal rebirth · Overcomers will also receive 3 other names (Rev. 3:12)
Revelation 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;”
“angel” · Messenger (human or celestial), overseer “Thyatira” · May mean “sweet savor of labor” · City noted for many trades and crafts · Historical time period 538 A.D. – 1517 · Called “ the Age of Adversity” (Dark Ages) · The longest period of the 7 churches · Scriptures were taken away, a false priesthood was set up, the gospel was replaced with works “These things saith the Son of God” · The article “the” shows this is God’s Son “who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass” · This is the same description of Jesus found earlier in Revelation 1:14,15
Revelation 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.”
“thy works” · Singular – refers to each member or the entire church’s deeds or actions “charity” · Greek agape means love (unconditional love) · This was one of the works of the church “service” · Greek diakonia service or ministry · This was one of the works of the church “faith, and thy patience” · Love and faith lead to service and patience “and the last to be more than the first” · This is the only church of the seven churches that is recognized for improvement and spiritual growth · This church got better with time · Ephesus was the opposite
Revelation 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.”
“Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee” · Probably better translated “I have it against thee” “sufferest” · Means to permit or to allow to operate · They permitted open apostasy and did not stop evil “that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess” · Jezebel in the Old Testament sponsored false worship (Baal) · Apparently a false prophetess was leading people astray in John’s day · When applied to Christian history it refers to the great apostasy of the Dark Ages “to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols” · The local application applies to the false prophetess bringing in error to the church · The historical application applies to the mixture of Paganism and Christianity during the Dark Ages “fornication” · applies to the illicit relationship between the church and the world (see Rev. 14:8, 17:2)
Revelation 2:21 “And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.”
“And I gave her space to repent” · This means “time” to repent “she repented not” · This means she chose not to repent, she was not willing to repent
Revelation 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.”
“I will cast her into a bed” · This phrase means “falling ill” or throw her on a sick bed · Make her pay for her sins “them that commit adultery with her” · These people are not identified · They will be punished “except they repent of their deeds” God still gives them another chance
Revelation 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.”
“And I will kill her children” · Jezebel’s apostasy has created other children “with death’ · This may mean “plague” or “pestilence” (see Ezekiel 33:27) “reins” · Means “kidneys” which were thought to be the seat of the will and affections (emotions) “hearts” · Means “minds”, “intellect”, or “thoughts” · Jesus judges based on the secrets of the heart (Psalms 7:9, Jeremiah 11:20, Ecclesiastes 12:14)
Revelation 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.”
“the rest” · That is the loyal believers in Thyatira in John’s day · Historically, those who held fast to truth during the Dark Ages (Waldenses, Wycliff’s followers, etc.) “as many as have not this doctrine” · As many as rejected the teachings of Jezebel (see Rev. 2:20) “the depths of Satan” · Means “the deep things of Satan” · Gnostics claimed to be the only ones who knew the “deep things” of God which is here alluded to “I will put upon you none other burden” · God would not add any further light · Rejecting Jezebel’s lies was enough · Faithfulness to the light they had was enough
Revelation 2:25 “But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.”
“hold fast till I come” Hold onto the truths you already have until Jesus comes Do not be misled by Satan
Revelation 2:26 “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:” “he that overcometh” · Continues to overcome, keeps on winning “keepeth my works unto the end” · Does Christ’s works (works that reflect Jesus’ character) · Opposite to the deeds of Jezebel’s followers “to him will I give power over the nations” · They will rule with Christ · Revelation 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.”
“Rule” · The overcomers will rule with Christ · This is taken from Psalms 2:9, a prophecy about Jesus “rod of iron” · Symbol of rulership and of punishment “as the vessels of a potter” · God will destroy those who do not do His will · See Jeremiah 19:1, 10, 11 “broken to shivers” · The wicked will be broken to “pieces” “as I received of my Father” · Jesus has received His power from the Father · See Matthew 11:27, 28:18; John 3:35, 5:22,27)
Revelation 2:28 “And I will give him the morning star.” “the morning star” · The “morning star” is Jesus (Rev.22:16, II Peter 1:19) · Jesus will uniquely be in the hearts of all who are saved
Revelation 2:29 “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”
“let him hear” · Let him hear and do what the Spirit says · Hearing means heeding the council given
Summary · Revelation chapter 2 describes the first four of the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira
Ephesus · Ephesus was known for patience, hard work, and rejecting false teachers · The time period covered was 31 A.D. -100 A.D. · Ephesus was known for her first love · Unfortunately, Ephesus lost her first love and was encouraged to repent and regain it Smyrna · Smyrna was known for her works , suffering, and poverty · The time period represented was 100 A.D. – 313 A.D. · This church and the Philadelphia church were not rebuked Pergamos · Pergamos was known for faithfulness · The time period represented was 313 A.D. -538 A.D. · This church contained those who taught falsehoods Thyatira · Thyatira was known for love and faith · The time period was 538 A.D. – 1517 · This is the only church that is commended for spiritual growth · However, this church was guilty of mixing false religion with truth
Jesus is described in this chapter as:
It is important to note that each of Jesus’ names given at the beginning of the seven messages to the churches relates to each of the specific messages to the seven churches
In this chapter Jesus promises His overcomers: · To eat of the tree of life in the midst of God’s paradise · They shall not be hurt with the second death (see Rev. 20:6) · To eat of the hidden manna and receive a white stone with a new name on it · To have power over the nations and to receive the morning star
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