Revelation 2

The church of Ephesus

Rev 2:1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

Jesus begins to speak to each the messengers in each church, describing each churches good qualities and showing them where they need to improve. Jesus does watch us and he wishes to encourage and correct us, as he keeps us in his hand. He begins with the church at Ephesus. Which church body best represents where you worship? We will see what the seven churches are like.

1 Cor 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
1 Cor 12:5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
1 Cor 12:6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
1 Cor 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

Rev 2:2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

Jesus begins to list what he likes: their works and labor, their patience, their discernment in knowing those who are true apostles and the liars:

We need this very much today. So many claim to be what they are not.

Paul wrote to this same church:

Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Acts 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Acts 20:31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Rev 2:3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

Gal 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

1 Th 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

Gal 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

This sounds like a good church. What were they lacking, what are some of us lacking?

But, there is a danger of just being critical and losing our love for Jesus and others.

Rev 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Nevertheless, in spite of all the good something was lacking. Have you been to a church that taught the word, that was against false ones, who did good works, but something was missing? Perhaps the presence of the love of God? They left that closeness that they once had. The trials of life had hardened them, perhaps. So much sin, so many false ones, so many self seeking deceivers and everyone seeking things that are not of God?

Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Mat 22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Mat 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

1 John 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

Rev 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Are you bored, confused, feeling far from God, seeking things and pleasures more than God?

Repent, stop sinning and do the first works. What are the first works? Remember when you were first truly saved and committed to God? Return to these things:

Great Joy and thanksgiving

Read your Bible

Pray

Enjoy the fellowship of other believers

Be a blessing to others

Witness for Jesus

Love for everyone without compromising the truth

Rev 2:6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.

What is the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes?

Nicolaitanes, meaning "conquering the laity", It has been suggested that the teaching of the Nicolaitans was the division of the clergy from the laity, whereas before no such distinction was formalized in the church. For example priests that lord it over the church, keeping them from truth and living impure lives.

Irenaeus said that, "They are the followers of that Nicolas who was one of the seven first ordained to the diaconate by the apostles." They taught that it was a matter of indifference to commit adultery or eat things sacrificed to idols. It was an exaggeration of the doctrine of Christian liberty which attempted an ethical compromise with heathenism. They committed fornications and adultery. They were not separated from the worlds sinful ways.

Rev 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

He that has an ear to hear, he that is born-again of God, who can understand spiritual things, to him that overcomes the works of evil; those trusting and obeying Jesus. Those who have returned to their first love. I will give to eat of the tree of life; eternal life, in the midst of the paradise of God.

The tree that Adam and Eve ate of, was the tree of the knowledge of sin and evil. The angel protected the garden so that they could not partake of the tree of life in a sinful body.

Gen 3:22 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:
Gen 3:23 Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.
Gen 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

Jesus came with the sword of truth, through him we have access to the tree of life and our sins are forgiven. May we repent as we learn where we need to improve, so that we may please him who has saved us unto his glorious hope.

The Church at Smyrna

Rev 2:8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

Jesus writes to the Church at Smyrna. He was judging the works of the seven churches. Angels are not judged by their works. They are either obedient to God or they follow satan to destruction.

Rev 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.

The city of Smirna was a beautiful Greek City located where Turkey is now. It was a very wealthy city. It was also know for building temples to gods and godesses. They were the first to worship Caesar as God. Because Christians refused to bow to Caesar, they were persecuted and unable to work. They were very poor in one of the most prosperous of cities. Yet, Jesus called them rich. Most seek material wealth, even in the church. Jesus commended those poor in spirit, who were rich in Jesus' eyes. The synagogues of the Jews called themselves the synagogue of the LORD. But they showed that they were of satan, by persecuting the followers of Jesus.

Rev 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.

Do not fear them, even if cast into prison, which usually meant a death sentence. You shall have tribulation ten days. Perhaps ten referring to the fulness, as the ten commandments is the fullness of the law. If death would occur, be faithful to the end, and Jesus will give you a crown of eternal life.

Rev 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

Jesus commended this church saying nothing against them. Listen to Jesus.

Rev 20:6 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.

The church in Pergamos

Rev 2:12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

Jesus, who wields the sword of truth; his word spoken by the Spirit of God. Better listen when Jesus speaks.

Heb 4:12 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.
Heb 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

To the church of Pergamos, to the angel, or spiritual messenger.

Rev 2:13 I know thy works and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

The church was commended for holding fast to the name of Jesus and not denying the faith. Antipas, was described as a faithful martyr. He died for his faith in Jesus. We know nothing more about him.

They dwelled where satan's throne was. Apparently satan was worshipped in this city in many ways. This was the official meeting place for the Roman government and Caesar worship. Other gods were worshipped here. A two hundred foot high altar was built for the god, zeus, who was given worship as all powerful and good, stealing glory from the true God. Satan is a thief. There was another god worshipped, aesclepius, who was worshipped as a healer, his symbol was a serpent. Our God is the true healer. These God's took away from the true god. Idolatry is worshipping a false god, something that takes away from our worship of the Living God.

Rev 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

This church was not doctrinally pure. They were covetous, they ate things sacrificed to idols and they committed fornication, sexual sin.

Rev 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.

They had leadership that were lording over the people. They also lived immorally. They would today be allowing homosexuals in leadership. They were not living according to the truth of God.

John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

Rev 2:16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

Repent now, or face the sword when Jesus returns taking God's wrath on those who do not follow him. He will judge by his word. Repent, study and do his will now.

Rev 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

The hidden manna, the word hidden from those who do not seek him. Repent, dig deeper in his Bible and he will show you new things. He will give you a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, a personal name.

White stones were used in old times in a court, to signify the person not guilty.

The stone may possibly refer to a ministry gift. For it is for that person, and not another. Peter was told his ministry by Jesus, and when Peter inquired about what John was to do? Jesus, said in affect, none of your business.

John 21:17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

John 21:20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?
John 21:21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
John 21:22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
John 21:23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?

Follow Jesus, do not be as the world, sensual, covetous, lovers of pleasures. Nor be idolaters, seeking to worship false idols. Be Christians in word and in deed, not just in name only.

The Church in Thyatira

Rev 2:18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

Thyatira was a small city, where many trade guilds were, each having their own pagan patron deity. Meat was sacrificed to idols with feasts, with much immorality to these various patron deities. There was cotton and wool and Lydia sold her purple dye from here. She became Paul's first Asian convert.

Acts 16:13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.
Acts 16:14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

The dye came from a sea slug. I have seen sea slugs from our west coast ocean that would emit a cloud of purple to protect itself when bothered. There is a color, Lydian purple, from this Biblical name.

Jesus describes himself as the one speaking, showing different views of His glory, as he chooses to be seen by the church. To Thyatira he speaks as the Son of God, with eyes that see with fiery judgment, and feet like fine brass, strong and beautiful.

Rev 2:19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.

Jesus commended them for their works of charity and service, and patience. Some describe this church as being during the time of the dark ages, from 500-1500. Their works towards the last, were greater than the first.

Rev 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

Jesus introduced himself as God the Son, there were to be no others worshipped. Mary is not to be worshipped, she is to be honored but not above Jesus. we are not to pray to patron saints, we are to pray to God the Father through his son. The Jezebel spirit brought harassment and false teachings into the church. Our God is a jealous God and we are to worship him in truth. Those of every church who love Jesus want to please him. Jezebel also claimed to be a prophetess, the spirit of Jezebel brought false words and not truth to the church. There was also sexual fornication.

Rev 2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

The Jezebel spirit, took on the ways of the pagans. No repentance and Jesus was not pleased.

Rev 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

Cast into a bed, perhaps meaning an illness because she did not repent. Paul spoke of those who partook of the Lord's supper unworthily.

1 Cor 11:29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
1 Cor 11:30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
1 Cor 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

Rev 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

Exo 20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
Exo 20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
Exo 20:6 And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

Rev 2:24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.

Do not follow pagan idolatry and fornication and you will not be cursed.

Rev 2:25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.

Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Rev 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Rev 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

Rev 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Rev 2:28 And I will give him the morning star.

Jesus is the bright and morning star. He will give them himself. Why would we want a stupid idol, when Jesus wishes to give himself to us? We, as the church are the bride of Christ.

Rev 22:16 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.

Rev 2:29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Are we listening?

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