THE 7 CHURCHES OF REVELATION
These notes have not yet been put into an "easy to read" format (they are my speaking notes) but, I do believe that they contain a lot of helpful information if you are studying this section of Scripture.
An Overview Of The Churches
Ephesus – The Loveless Church
- Don’t put responsibilities before relationship
Smyrna – The Persecuted Church
- Godly perspective results in perseverance
Pergamum – The Worldly Church
- We can not be condemned but we can be corrupted
Thyatira – The Paganizied Church
- Tolerance leads to tribulation
Sardis – The Good Looking, but Lifeless Church
- Religion leads to lifeless deeds (relationship leads to revival)
Philadelphia– The Missionary Church
- Our big God, does big things with small people
Laodicea – The Lukewarm Church
- Fire is a result of fellowship
REVELATION 1:1-1:20---INTRODUCTION
1:1 Revelation = Apocalype = Revealing/Unveiling
…Of Christ = He’s doing the revealing and being revealed
*It’s all about Him looking forward → Christ ←Looking back
Is this true for you and me? Explain how.
1:4----7= number of completion = although written to actual churches, it is a picture of all churches (notice church 2:1 and churches 2:7)
vs. 5-18 * Read All. Note the glory/Honor given to Christ!
1:19 Have seen = Chapter 1 / which are = Chapter 2&3 / will be + chapter 4-22
1:20 Stars = Angles / Pastors? (LTT. Messengers) – (Pastors? – they are in His care)
Lampstands = churches (note: church is to be a light)
A bit about the Roman Empire at this time-following Augustus there were about 7 corrupt leaders including: Caligula/Nero/Domitian
**Extreme persecution based on the threat to the Roman emperor worship
Domitian signed documents "God and Lord" and coins of the period represent him
enthroned as "father of the gods".
Revelation 2:1-2:7--Ephesus
2:1 = Ephesus = Large commercial / political / rel. center = read Acts 19:23-41
Ephesus churc leaders included…Paul (3 years) •Timothy •John (the church had a good reputation = Eph. 1:15-16)
*Christ in the presence of the churches as in a garden.
2:2 He knows works (deeds) – product / result/ a thing done
- Toil = a beating / beat breast with sorrow / labor / trouble
- Perseverance – endurance / patience / unswerved from deliberate purpose, loyal to faith.
- Endure evil men – Carry / support / bear
- Tried false prophets – test / make a trial / test ones character
APPLICATION=He sees and knows all we go through—He also sees when we
compromise because we think nobody is paying much attention.
*Note: They must have known the Word.
3:3 Perseverance – Same as above
- Endured = LIT. Carried / bourn or “bared”
- Labored = Labor with wearisome effort /work to exhaustion
- Not fainting – Not being sick or weary.
ALL THIS IS FOR HIS NAMES SAKE!!
3:4 But… (Nevertheless) = Despite all that
Christ has something against this church. Despite the good leaders and the good look He had a problem with the church.
Where is your (and mine) confidence?
LEFT-departed from/disregard/let go
LOVE-agape
They left their number one love = *Note – left not lost, they had an opportunity to go back
- How does this happen to us? How do we fail out of love? Discuss!!
- Why is it important to be in love - if everything looks good and things are getting done? How can this warning apply to us?
2:5 How to revive your number one love!!
1. Remember – Think back about the “good ole days – This is a motivation to act
“from where you have fallen”=fall from a position
- (ex: think about an old friend, you call them) (ex: Dating) Prodigal son – Luke 15:17-19)
2. Repent – Change your mind/thinking
- It is easy for us to drift and think different than before (ex: –Look at many marriages = used to be in love, now dead or hateful)
- Ex: think of the priviledge to be a part of Gods work,
- Don’t think it’s so much work walking with God
3. Do the deeds you did at first (Change lifestyle)
- Go back to the basics, spend time together (pray/word) enjoy company- like watching city lights / not just working / programs /duties
*Remove lampstand = some say remove usefulness / judge church / remove light
*He will remove them from His presence (as Adam from Garden)
3:6 Nicolatians = Religious people yet immoral and heretics—Many interpret as “conquering of the people” and compare them to clerical hierarchy-
*Note: Does not hate the sinners but does hate the sin!
3:7 For all to Hear!
- Note on overcomers…some believe it is for all Christians based on
I John 5:5---(I believe it is for the obedient)
- Overcomes – Obedient Christians (in this case, overcoming cold heart)
- Tree of life = Eternal Life / Also the effects of the curse rolled back in our earthly lives so we can experience fellowship with Him that was lost at the Fall. Gen 3:22 and Rev. 22:2
Note: The theme of the garden –in His presence and cast out to work without fellowship or the opposite!
Church of Ephesus—
The end of the city did not come at the hands of invaders, but from the silting action of the Cayster River. Flooding and sedimentation, attributed to the deforestation of the surrounding region, gradually chocked off the great port of Ephesus. Despite damming and dredging it became totally unusable. By the 9th century AD Ephesus was an inland city and the people began relocating to nearby Ayasuluk Hill. With the loss of its waterway and the trade it brought, the city lost its commercial value. Its population declined so that by the time it was captured by the Seljuk Turks in 1090 it was a small village. After a period of revival in the 14th century, Ephesus was completely abandoned. The site of the once proud and prosperous Ephesus is now six miles from the sea, and what was once the harbor entrance is now a wind swept plain overgrown with weeds. Today, you can stand at the mouth of the Cayster River, or Kucuk Menderes, and see miles of flat land that was once part of the Aegean Sea. The city once known as "the Light of Asia" suffered the cruel fate of its harbor. Literally its lampstand was moved out of his place, as Christ threatened to do with the church at Ephesus.
Revelation 2:8-11---Smyrna
*First read: 2:8-11
2:8 Smyrna = named after its main product = myrrh
25 miles north of Ephesus---it is also a large and wealthy city
A center of Emperor worship - started as gratitude – burn a pinch of incense on alter to Caesar – Given Certificate to show they had fulfilled their Emperor worship.
Homer from this city
Known as “crown of Ionia”—coins were marked by a crown
Myrrh = means bitter – although it’s bitter it’s made into a fine perfume.
Ingredient for Machine oil used to anoint priest, also for Bride
Used in embalming to keep smell away from death
o First and Last = Eternal perspective --He can see the FULL picture
o Dead…Life = He has experienced everything they will
2:9 He Knows!
o Tribulation = Pressure / Affliction / Distress
o Poverty = Beggary / Extreme poverty
But … Rich = Romans 10:12 / 2 Cor. 6:10 / 2 Cor. 8:9
↑We need to see it His way (That’s what’s true!) If struggling with it Pray - Eph. 1:18
→Hostility from the “religious” = God saw the “Jews” hearts. He sees things as they ARE not as they SEEM TO BE! Rom 2:27-29
2:10 Do not Fear – this is possible by keeping an eternal perspective.
Note: Some in prison / test /
(10 days) Many thoughts and ideas about this…
10 years under Dioclecian rule
10 evil rulers of Rome
but we do know it is for a specific time--note…it is easier for us to endure when we know there is an end in sight—we see His grace here in giving a time period
/ opportunity for reward
*Tell about Polycarp = burned at stake = leader of this church.
Tested = tried for the purpose of ascertaining quality
***Crown of Life – given at the bema seat of Olympics = Wreath of olive
branches
o Crown = Mark of exalted rank – wreath/garland as a price to a victor ornament to honor
Some ancient Olympic facts = Olympics called “Crowned Games”
o Only one winner, no second place – Bema – orators stand/ raised platform
o Athletes victory = Victory for their god
o No money – but honor, songs, statues, free meals
o Judges known for fairness – one disputed incident in 1,000 years.
o Their crown and Glory /honor would fade (Olives dies) ours will not!
↑reference – Here on earth, One day a ‘winner’, the next day a
‘loser’
o I Cor. 9:25 / I Peter 5:4 / James 1:12 (Life) 2 Tim 4:7-8 = Olympic reference
2:11 Overcomes = to carry off the Victory / to win a court case
o Hurt = wronged / damaged
o *suffer not violence from the second death.
o “Affliction, like (Myrhh) is bitter for the time being, but beneficial; preserving the elect from corruption and seasoning them for immortality.
Keep an eternal perspective!!
Under Turkish rule it was renamed Izmir, and today it is the only one of the seven cities of Asia which retains anything of its ancient standing. It is now Turkey's third largest city (2.7 million) after Istanbul and Ankara. Izmir is the last stronghold of Christianity in Turkey. To this day there is a significant Christian presence in the city. There are about 12 active churches, including the first legal Turkish Protestant church, which was officially recognized just a few years ago.
Revelation 2:12-17---Pergamum
12 Pergamum/Pergamos – One of the largest libraries – origin of Papyrus.
o Capital of Roman Province of Asia / known for education
o *Extremely religious many temples – Zoes / Athena / Dionysus
Also three temples to worship *(Many “spas” for healing / mud baths, massage, relaxation = like our culture)
o Known for worship of asciepois (Scalpel) – Healing and knowledge / snake touch would heal (Medical staff and snake)
NOTE: think about all our influences – we use Greek gods names on a daily basis without thinking twice.
o ** Sword = Rev. 1:16 / Rev. 19:11-16 / Heb. 4:12
*In reference to man’s knowledge (Many books) God’s Word will be final.
*Judgement/separate true from untrue
13
o He knows where we live
o Satan’s throne – under his control / his domain
o Hold fast = to lay hands on in order to get into one’s power / retain / hold
o Antipas = name means “against all” →stood fast against all even to the point of death.
14-15
o Story of Balak and Balam = Numbers 22-READ WHOLE CHAPTER
Chapter 23…through…25:1-5 …then go to…31:1-16 (Skim whole story)
o II Peter 2:15 / Jude 11---IF THERE IS TIME!!
o **Satan could not accomplish his goal (destruction by persecution) so he tried to corrupt from within.
o Couldn’t curse them, but could corrupt them. - Couldn’t condemn them, but contaminate the church
o How are youbeing contaminated by the world around you?
o Nicolations – Name means “to conquer people” – Hierarchy led to papacy?
o Gnostism – Body bad, spirit good = sin in body ok
o Stumbling block = Scandalon – the trigger part of the trap where the bait is laid.
o I COR. 5:1-9—a similar church
o THEY ALLOWED SIN TO BE PRESENT---Rebuked for allowing/ not just participating
16
o Repent – to change one’s mind
o Fight = make war Rev. 19:11-16 / Numbers 22:23 and 31, also 31:8
17
* Overcomes = conquer / be victorious
* Hidden manna – In arc Heb. 9:4 / Ex. 16:32-34 Gone I Kings 8:9
* Sign of provision / food = Jn 6:25-35 / 48-51 = compare to meat sacrifice to idols
Revelation 2:18-29---Thyatira
Beware of Compromise – God expects complete devotion to Himself!
Rev. 2:18
About the church at Thyatira – smallest city out of the seven. Known for it’s fabric (purple dye) – Not involved in emperor worship. Did have one temple to Hielo (Apollo). Non-persecution mentioned.
o Trade Guilds – Like unions – had a patron greek/Roman god. A foundry and also purple cloth------many Christians would compromise themselves for their work.
o The draw to the guilds and their meetings was powerful. “No merchant or trader could hope to prosper or make money unless he was a member of his trade guild.” (Barclay) Nonetheless, Christians were expected to stand in the face of this kind of pressure. One ancient Christian named Tertullian wrote about Christians who made their living in trades connected to pagan idolatry. A painter might find work in pagan temples or a sculptor might be hired to make a statue of a pagan god. They would justify this by saying, “This is my living, and I must live.” Tertullian replied Vivere ergo habes? “Must you live?”
o = Son of God – Having His character
o Daniel 10:6 Eyes, flame of fire = perfect knowledge/sees all/purifying judgment
I Cor. 3:13 = feet of find bronze = purify/steadfast/strong/unmovable.
Rev. 2:19
o Deeds – things ones occupied with
o Love – brotherly love (love that is given from one soul to another)
o Faith – conviction/fidelity (trustworthiness)
o Service – ministering (deacons) serving meals
o Perseverance – character of a man unswerving from his deliberate purpose and constancy- endurance, loyalty to Faith.
o Greater – can be used of both quantity and quality
Rev. 2:20
***Tolerate= allow/permit/do not restrain
o About Jezebel (symbolic name?) – I Kings 16:29-32/I Kings 18:40/19:1-4 21:20-29/ I Kings 9:29-37.
o *Claimed to be a prophetess (something, she’s not) FALSE SPIRITUALITY
o Because of the strong trade guilds in Thyatira, the sexual immorality and the eating of things sacrificed to idols was probably connected with the mandatory social occasions of the guilds. Perhaps a Christian was invited to the monthly meeting of the goldsmith’s guild, and the meeting was held at the temple of Apollo. “Jezebel” would allow or encourage the man to go - perhaps even using a “prophetic” word - and when the man went, he would fall into immorality and idolatry.
If our “works” are not from God then where are they coming from?
o *Even Elijah feared – persecuting God’s people (be careful how you treat God’s people)
o *Associated with false gods and immorality
→→ Notice!! It is bondservants that are led astray – we must all be on guard!
Rev. 2:21
o A time given for repentance = time is limited (When is your last day?)
o Did not want to repent = what is keeping us from repenting? It’s us!!!
o Also, don’t associate with those who wont’ repent.
Rev. 2:22
o Bed of sickness – sickness can be (not always) a form of judgment. Wrath on our physical being (Romans 2:9) If Christ paid for all my sin and took the punishment – why are there still some consequences for me?
--I Cor. 11:30 ***I Cor. 5:1-7 ***Heb. 6:4-8 I John 5:16-17.
o Adultery – people betray the true God and are unfaithful – James 4:4 How do we “hold Hands” with the world / other philosophies?
o I Cor. 5:9-13 – Don’t’ mix and be separate – This could apply to the trade guilds and compromise of the people.
o Tribulation – pressure/distress/affliction (also the result for our adultery with the world)
o Repent!! James 4:7-10 (how)
Rev. 2:23
o Children – possibility literal from adulterous relationships - possible followers of teaching (offspring, imitators)
o Death -= death comprising all the miseries of sin.
o Will know = His judgments reveal himself.
o Searches – thoughts and feelings (kidneys) (refer to vs. 18 eyes of fire)
o Romans 2 – Give…Deeds – He is a fair judge/ does not judge based on church they attend.
Rev. 2:24
o Deep things of Satan –getting involved “so they can battle against it”???
o – What do we consider important knowledge? Scholastics/street smarts/ busines smarts?
o Beware of false teaching and demonic thought – I Tim. 4:1-2 / I John 4:1-6 /
II Tim 3:1-7 **James 3:13-15 **II Peter 2:1-3
o ****Holding these worldly thoughts could also be considered adultery!!
o No other burden – weigh/trouble/heaviness.
Rev. 2:25
o What you have (refer to v. 19)
o Hold fast – don’t let go!! Don’t allow disobedience or discouragement to let you lose hope! Imaging yourself as part of this church it would be easy to give up but just as the remnant of 7000 in I Kings held fast so should we! I Kings 19:14-18
Rev. 2:26
o Overcomes = conquers (here – not to get “carried away” or be unfaithful or get discouraged and give up.)
Rev. 2:27
o Rule=shepherd
o Reward = I Cor. 6:2-3 / II Tim 2:12Ps. 2:8-9
Rev. 2:28
o Morning star = Rev. 22:16 – appears just before dawn = HOPE
Rev. 2:29
o No mater where you fall in the spectrum of this group – He wants us to HEAR!
Revelation 3:1-6---SARDIS
Revelation 3:1
City of Sardis – Sets on high hill / had a reputation for being invincible.
Had a past of wealth / splendor – textile and jewelry (first coins?)
Worship of Cybele / Deanna (very evil and immoral worship) –
*sneak attack and over ran @ night c. 800 and 400 BC as a result of
overconfidence
→Seven spirits = 7 = completeness (full ability) “The seven Spirits of God” is a reference to the Holy Spirit who proceeds from the Father and the Son to the believer (John 7:37-39; 15:16, 26). He is the Son’s gift to enable believers to experience genuine spirituality through the multiple ministries and work of the Spirit symbolized here in the number seven which is a clear allusion to the seven-fold ministries of the Spirit mentioned in Is. 11:2-5
→Seven Stars = angels (leaders) of the church Rev. 1:20-- Deliver the word?_
** Reputation of Life –
• But are dead Dead = Neros = physically or spiritually (destitute of life because given to trespasses and sin/destitute of force or power. Inactive. See Eph. 5:14)
He does not see as we see I Samuel 16:7. Image = Jude 12 / I Timothy 5:6 / II Timothy 3:1-9 / **** Matthew 23:23-28
Revelation 3:2
1. Wake up **Watchful = !Wake up! Be vigilant/strict attention to avoid calamity. See Eph. 5:14. That should suddenly overtake one. Note: What do we know about somebody who is asleep/Dead?… Have no ability – unaware -unconcerned.
2. Strengthen To make stable, set firmly in place / set your face / confirm one’s mind.
3. Things that remain = (one word in Gk) The rest who are not of a specific number or those “good things” that are not yet lost = Heb. 12:12—example of dad
Completed = to make complete in every particular (fulfill) Filled up----not born of
Spirit (also Eph 2:10)
Remember- Be mindful of / call to mind. = Heb. 2:1
Revelation 3:3
• “What” is better read how/in what way = grace/kindness/faith
4. Keep it - Attend carefully /take care of / guard = II Tim. 1:13-14
5. Repent – same word as other letters – (Change mental direction – turn soul) Heb. 6:1-8
→Results of not waking up = will be surprise by judgment. II Peter 3:10-18 →(refers to second coming/Rev. 3:3 does not, but same message applies) also see Rev. 16:15 (Greek prayers – the feet of the avenging defiles are show/wool)
Revelation 3:4
Those who are presently faithful!
→Soiled – = pollute / stain/ contaminate/ defile
→Walk in white = get to walk with Him---a picture of fellowship
reward / practical righteousness – Rev. 7:13-14 (TRIB) / 19:8 / 16:15?? ---Matt 22:11-14
Also James 1:27 (same concept as in John 13 – having feet washed) = my personal application.
→Worthy – Befitting / worth as much / of like value
Revelation 3:5
• White garments – see above
• Will not erase (litotes) figure of speech = will not emphasizes =
Just because it is said one way—does not mean that the opposite is true=
ex: all fathers are men doesn’t mean all men are fathers.
**Talk about eternal security!!
This group may have feared losing citizenship (blotted from the city register) from the city of Sardis, and needed to be reminded of their heavenly citizenship.
• Confess -– profess and acknowledge openly and joyfully/honor, celebrate, give praise to---(II Tim. 2:11-13)—Idea of reign during the millenium
Revelation 3:6
• Listen! Do not disregard!! Read as group and take time to do this. Psalm 139:23-24
Revelation 3:7-13---Philadelphia
About the city…
NAME-The city's founder, King Eumenes II of Pergamum (197-160 BC), named it out of love for his brother and successor Attalus II (159-138 BC), whose trustworthiness and loyalty earned him the nickname, "Philadelphos" (Greek "one who loves his brother"). Eumanes established Philadelphia as a missionary city to spread Greek the language and customs throughout the eastern parts of Lydia and Phrygia. His intent was to promote a unity of spirit and loyalty throughout his realm.
Earthquakes-small population due to them
a prosperous city. “Philadelphia commanded one of the greatest highways in the world, the highway which led from Europe to the East. Philadelphia was the gateway from one continent to another.” (Barclay)
“Philadelphia had been built with the deliberate intention that it might become a missionary city. Beyond Philadelphia lay the wilds of Phrygia and the barbarous tribes; and it was intended that the function of Philadelphia should be to spread the Greek language, the Greek way of life, the Greek civilization, throughout the regions beyond.” (Barclay)
Description the Lord uses for Himself …
He that is holy-- By describing Himself as "HIM WHO IS HOLY", He declares Himself to be God!----------In contrast to "the synagogue of Satan"
“Who is true.” “True” is the Greek word alhqinos. It means “the real, the genuine, the ideal,” and stands opposed to what is false and to what is only a picture or type of the real.
The difference between holy and true== He says that as the "holy One, Christ is right in character; as the "true" One, He is right in conduct.
*****It is the same with us as individuals or we as a church. When our character is found in Christ, our conduct will, as a result be Christ-like!!
His nature answers to His name
TRUE is so nice when we see the Jews who were not being true!! They were not genuine—Our Christ is who He claims to be!!
Keys of David
The final description refers to Jesus as the One with “the key of David” who can open and shut doors. The expressions “the key of David” and “the open door” originate in Isaiah 22:20-23 where God gave Eliakim the key to the house of David. Before Eliakim received this key, an incident occurred that gave Eliakim the rights to the “key of David.” King Hezekiah caught Shebna (the steward or governor in charge of the king’s palace) in a fraud. Apparently Shebna had used his position to allow only those favorable to him and to his ideology into the king’s presence. God sent Shebna in exile to Babylon. God then replaced him with Eliakim, giving him the “key of David.” This gave Eliakim access to all of David’s riches. In the same way, Jesus, as the heir of David’s covenant, has been given all authority to grant entrance into heaven and the New Jerusalem (Rev 3:12, 21-22; cf. 1:18).
Notice that this verse doesn’t say that Jesus has “a” key. Rather, Jesus says that He has “the” key.
In order for you to have victory on earth, you need the resources of heaven
He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens:
Isaiah 22:20-23, Jesus expresses His power and authority, to admit and exclude.
***also see below
VS.8
***Works/deeds—work with which you are occupied/product
***Behold-“pay attention” We need to see the open doors/opportunities before us!
***He put (this word means GIVE) an open door (II COR 2:12/Col 4:3) before them (no one could shut)—
It would make sense that this open door refers to the Messianic kingdom—this would include the open door for ministry (the good deeds/service/ministry) being rewarded by rule in the kingdom.
He is able to commend them because they did what was right with the opportunities He had provided for them. He gave the open doors. It all starts with Him!! Yet we can be blessed. What am I doing with the open doors He has provided??
Greek didwmi which literally means, “I give.” It is used according to context in the sense of “bestow, grant, supply, deliver, commit, and entrust.” While the idea here is clearly that of placing before the Philadelphian believers open doors of ministry, it should be noted that this word is used of entrusting something to someone for some type of … *stewardship: money for investment purposes (Matt. 25:14-15),
*the keys of the kingdom (Matt. 16:19),
*Luke 19:23 used of putting money in the bank to gain interest.
***way of application let us remember this. When men by their arrogance and ecclesiastical or political position and actions would strive to shut out true Bible believing believers from effective service, we need to remember His power and authority. Men may bind us, as they did John and Paul, but God’s Word is not bound (2 Tim. 2:9).=====remember this regarding Honduras/Catholic church or just any resistance to ministry!!!!
No matter how hard we think we have worked to open the doors to this ministry or that one, are gifts from the Savior because without Him, they would not open and provide us the chance to be blessed (rewarded).
The open door could also refer to them not being allowed in the synagogue—but they would have an open door into His kingdom (this would also match the references to the New Jerusalem at the end of the letter)
*Have a little power- little referring to their size?? (II COR 12:9-10)
*Kept His word- JN 14:21-24
Kept, “to watch over, guard, keep, preserve” and “give heed to, pay attention to, observe” especially of the Law, or the Word, or teaching
----Undoubtedly, both ideas are involved. They were committed to preserve His Word
from false ideas and adulterations, but they were also committed to observing its truth
in their lives.
*Have not denied His name—MORE INFO!!!—
His Character/Reputation
In some ways, these features seem “unspectacular.” They should be commonplace among churches. Yet Jesus was completely pleased with this church. He has nothing negative to say to the church at Philadelphia.
VS.9
The group…Synagaue of satan
*More crime, evil and persecution have been perpetrated in the name of religion and by the religious, self-righteous type than almost any other one source of evil.
*Religion is Satan’s trump card, and one of his primary weapons that he uses to both deceive and hurt mankind. This is what we have here.
*Religious persecution by religious Jews operating under Satan’s control whether they realized it or not.
John 8:41-47
Romans 9:6-8. There he makes the clear distinction between racial Israel and regenerate Israel (THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN CHRIST)
They were not children of God regardless of their claims and religiosity. They had rejected God’s Son and revelation of God, they were of their father the Devil, as Christ plainly told them.
Romans 2:28-29
What He will do…
• Make them bow down at(in the presence of) the Philadelpians feet
The promise: Since faithful believers will reign with Jesus Christ and share in His throne, these persecutors will in essence have to fall down at the believer’s
Phil. 2:10-11
HE promises that those who were causing them the most problems, those who desired to be worshipped themselves, would be brought to their knees in worship of the Savior!
The true believers would be witnesses of this! These "pretenders" would witness the Lord's love for the real church in Philadelphia!
• Make them know HE loved them
VS.10
Because…
• They kept the word of HIS perseverance Rev. 14:12
HE will…
*Keep--guard—look over carefully
*from--The debate centers on whether from here denotes out of or through. Is the
promise to keep the church out of the trial or to preserve it through the trial?
*Tribulation/testing-temptation/trial/experiment
Matt 6:13 / II Pet 2:9
****Not the same as used in REV. 2:22
---Speaking of the Great Tribulation?? –I’m not sure?!?!
VS.11
HE is coming quickly so…
Hold fast TO WHAT YOU HAVE—REFER to VS. 8
No one will take your crown-
**It could refer to rewards, which are lost and given to others because we failed to hold
fast.-----The picture is not that of a thief snatching away what is feebly held, but
rather of a competitor receiving a prize which has been forfeited.
1 Corinthians 9:23-24 / Luke 19:24
**It could refer to rewards lost because of the evil influences (theirs were the false Jews)
that we might allow to hinder us in the race of life
Col. 2:18 2 John 8
VS.12
For the overcomer HE will…
• Make him a pillar in the temple of God—that will stay
Since there is no Temple in the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:22+), this promise may be similar to the promise concerning the Millennium made to the Thyatiran overcomer (Rev. 2:27+) and denote participation in the Millennial Temple during the Messianic Age.
• At the close of the Millennial Kingdom, after the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:11-14+), all things are made new and the holy city, the New Jerusalem, comes down out of heaven from God (Rev. 21:1-2+).
• Some view the entire New Jerusalem as a “temple.” (((Here is a city said to be 1,500 miles in measurement, yet with all the measurements equal (Rev. 21:16+, 22+). Since the Holy of Holies in the earthly Temples were built according to this design (cf. 1K. 6:19-20), it has been well recognized that what this depicts is that the entire city is a Sanctuary, or rather, an immense Holy of Holies.)))
• Write upon him the name of God
Another significant phrase to Philadelphia's Christians is the reward promised by Jesus: "I will also write on him my new name." The Philadelphians knew all about new names. In gratitude for the aid given by the emperor Tiberius for rebuilding the city after the earthquake, the citizens changed their city's name to Neoceasarea, new (city of) Caesar. During the reign of Vespasian (69-79 AD), it was called Philadelphia Flavia, after the emperor's family name. In the third century AD, long after the time of John, the city was called "Little Athens" for its remarkable number of temples and religious festivals. The "new name" given by Jesus would not be dictated by changing circumstances ,it would last forever.
• Write on him the name of the city of God (New Jerusalem)
The New Jerusalem—
--comes out of heaven--from God--and from Christ new name
VS.13
HE WHO HAS EARS…
Note: It seems that this group of believers More than likely Gentiles was being told that they were not o.k. in the eyes of God. Christ comforts them and let them know that even though seem to be out numbered—He is the one who holds the key to his kingdom. He will decide who will be there in the New Jerusalem.
The “special” circumstances of this group of Christians allowed them to be a testimony of truth—GENUINE—like their Savior!
Revelation 3:14-22---Laodicia
LAODICIA-“Rule of the People”
• The one drawback to Laodicea's location was its lack of a local water supply. Piped by aqueduct=result was lukewarm water
• Very wealthy/theaters/healing centers=rejected help from Rome to rebuild after an earthquake
• Known for banking
• Known for black glossy cloth
• 13 miles west=school of medicine made Phrygian tablets for eyes sent all over the Mediterranean
TITLES OF CHRIST
The Amen=truly/surely
O.T.=”As I Live, saith Jehovah” N.T.=”Amen, I say unto you”
Jn.1:51/3:3---****UNCHANGEABLE TRUTH OF HIS PROMISES!!!
Faithful and True Witness-
Faithful=trustworthy/ True=perfectly realizing the role of Witness
• Witness-one who sees/a legal sense/historical sense
• Competent to relate it to others
• Willing to relate it to others
****HE sees all, is passing judgment and tells it like it is!!!
The Beginning of the creation of God-Col.1:14/John 1:3-4
****Trust the Creator, not the creation!!!
VS. 15
Cold=frigid
Hot=Boiling (ZESTOS)
Lukewarm=warm
VS. 16
Will=about to/probably=GRACE-time to get right
Spit you out=Vomit=reject with disgust (Heb 6:4-8) (II Tim. 2:12) I believe it refers to fellowship
VS. 17
“Because you say”…referrers to vs. 18—“I’ll advise”
Rich= wealthy, abounding in material resources
Become wealthy=have gotten riches (idea of self-made)
Need of nothing=nobody/anything
Wretched=afflicted/enduring troubles
Miserable=pitied
Poor=to be frightened, cower down in fear/roaming about in
wretchedness/a beggar/ asking for alms (Mexican dog)
Blind=blind/darkened by smoke (maybe partial vision)
Naked=naked/il-clad/wearing only the undergarment
VS. 18
Counsel-give counsel/advise *note-he does not command although He could—He wants
it to be our choice—It’s about relationship!
Buy=be in the market place/lounge there
(IS 55:1-4)—We must realize our thirst and hunger
--water/wine/milk-He is the source for all we
don’t start with Him then end by our own means
**the key is FROM HIM!!!!---WITHOUT our own means
Gold-Mal.3:1-4—I Cor.3:10-15—Only Christ can provide the purity that will result in
the righteousness that will last forever. Store up
treasures. (Matt6:19-20)We need Him to accomplish
this!!! ETERNAL RICHES!!
White Garments-Rev. 3:4-5/7:13/16:15/19:8
ETERNAL CLOTHES!!!
Our “fashion” is not to be measured by the worlds
Standards—Our “how do I look” comments should
Directed toward Him!!!
Eye-salve- (remember they had cloudy vision and thought they could see)
Jn. 9:35-41—II Pet.1:3-11
Mark 8:16-21—Eph.1:18-19
If these people could not see clearly, what
about us??---BE HUMBLE!!!
In ref. to the Spirit=I Cor.2:6-16
VISION FOR THE ETERNAL!!!
VS.19
Love=(not agape-affectionate reverence/set your heart on/be full of good will and to
exhibit the same)---a choice
BUT… (phileo)to delight in/to be friendly with/founded in admiration/esteem
to wish one well-
Love out of emotion, which cannot be commanded, but by choice
To like/ to show signs of love
Reprove=Expose/convict/find fault with/bring to light
Discipline=to correct/mold character/to chastise with blows-scourge/to train a child
Heb.12:5-11/I Cor.11:32
BE ZEALOUS=II Cor.7:2-12
Titus 2:14-3:8=”good deed sandwich” with His work in the middle—
This is a choice based on what He has already done!!! (Rom.12:11)
REPENT=IT IS NOT …what we do before we can come to God—IT IS…turning from our present pursuit and going to HIM
REPENT def’n=to change ones mind-mental direction, to which and from which may be specified—Be specific “I’m turning from _____to______”.
VS.20
Behold=to call attention to—It is a fact that he is knocking! Are we aware? We often are
oblivious to the fact that He is pursuing us! Listen for Him.
Stand=nice to see His patience/not sitting/but anxiously waiting for us-continuous action
Knocks=continuous action
HE does not enter against our will-He patiently waits for us.
Come IN TO not… INTO
Clear up the misconception…Unbelievers are not saved by asking Jesus to come into
their lives. Unbelievers can only invite Christ into their lives as personal Savior by
faith in the person and work of Christ (John 1:12; 3:16, 36).
NOTICE-After telling them to be zealous-He want to sit and eat-It goes against our thinking. It’s not about works apart from Him- it’s about fellowship.
**Compare the essence of this verse with that of John chapter 15
Note--“I will dine with him and he with Me.” Dine is a Greek word, which referred to the main meal of the day—a real feast. This Greek word, deipnew, was used not only of the chief meal of the day—a full course dinner—but of the meal, which was the occasion for hospitality and fellowship. THIS IS THE SAME WORD USED FOR THE MEAL BEFORE CHRIST DEATH—THINK OF THE INTIMACY OF THAT MEAL!
He washed their feet He spoke truth with them (Judas/Peter)—but was also very loving (prayed for them).
Compare to John 21:3-14—even more think of Peter (Jn.13) at the foot washing, then told at the Last Supper (Jn.13:36-38)he would betray Christ—then gets this meal and walk on the beach with Christ! How gracious is our Savior!!
This is the medicine that Christ prescribes! What wonderful medicine! Why would we not want to take it? (Like Spurgeons example of the wine for the sick, who are glad when they get sick.)
If we sup with Him we will not be lukewarm!
VS.21
Christ overcame and because of this was rewarded, and He offers us the same reward He received!—Phil. 2:6-11—John 5:22
One of the best rewards is reserved for one of the most unlikely churches.
**Compare to Rev. 20:4-6—Matt. 19:28
