The Revelation of Jesus Christ

The Holy Spirit longs to give us a clear revelation of Jesus Christ as John says...” I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day...” Rev.1:10

On the Lord’s day the Spirit took control of me It was the Lord’s day and I was worshipping in the Spirit Don’t you long to have a more vivid view of who Jesus is?

The primary cause of so many spiritual problems today is not the lack of knowledge or insight. We are living in one of the most information-saturated times in human history. Our famine in not like the one Amos described...”Behold, days are coming," declares the Lord GOD, "When I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine for bread or a thirst for water, But rather for hearing the words of the LORD.”

“Let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD” Jer.9: 24

The revelation that Jesus gave to John, was given to provide us a glimpse of our future, which in turn would provide hope in the present. Let’s remember that John saw Jesus for three years, now however, Jesus appears in His post-resurrection state and you get the distinct sense that Jesus had never looked like this!As we look at this revelation of Jesus Christ, let’s remember that this vision was such a powerful experience that words seemed I’m sure inadequate to describe Him.

John is describing here the flood of visions too immense for the limited possibilities of language!

JESUS IS OUR HIGH PRIEST“and in the middle of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet...” v.13a

The robe represents Jesus’ role as priest Time and time again, under the Levitical priesthood, Hebrews would enter the tabernacle

with a sacrificial animal in tow and would come face to face with a priest. The priest would offer up the sacrifice to God and would proceed to represent them before

God Now we see John in the Spirit entering into a holy place of deep revelation – and he

encounters the Great High Priest

JESUS IS OUR KING“and girded across His breast with a golden girdle.” v.13b

This gold sash was a sign of royalty It is interesting to note the order in which John observed these physical characteristics of

Jesus. The robe, then the sash You could say that he noticed first that Jesus was there to represent him and second to rule

over him The gold around His heart is also a symbol of Jesus’ deep love for His people, His grace

JESUS IS OUR WISDOM“And His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow...” v.14a

JESUS SEES RIGHT THROUGH US“and His eyes were like a flame of fire...” v.14b

The gaze of Jesus into the face of John was one of power and penetration As we read in Hebrews...” Nothing in all creation can hide from him. Everything is naked

and exposed before his eyes. This is the God to whom we must explain all that we have done.”

The Jesus John saw has eyes that burn through the veneer of our lies and deep into the substance of our souls

Perhaps in this moment John is transfixed not just over his view of the Master, but over the Master’s view of him

This should remind us of the importance of not just seeking what God can do for us but seeking Him, His heart, His will...

JESUS BRINGS US THROUGH THE FLAMES“and His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been caused to glow in a furnace...”v.15

Two powerful pictures here: All of the instruments used in the outer court of the tabernacle were made of brass

or bronze The altar where fire burned The laver where the priests washed The tongs and all the instruments This image represents the judgment of God upon human sin

The second is that Jesus’ feet are possibly revealed to be like bronze because of all the times He walks or carries His followers through the flames of trial, struggle, and adversity:

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Ish.43:2

JESUS SPEAKS CLEARLY AND FORCEFULLY TO US“His voice was like the sound of many waters.” v.15

When God spoke to Elijah on top of Mt.Carmel, it was not in the great wind or the earthquake, but rather a gentle whisper...

Now following the death and resurrection of the Lord, that voice has become like the roar of waterfall or a rushing river

Standing at Niagara Falls...the noise is so great you cannot hear the voice of anyone, you are engulfed with the voice of rushing water

That’s how it is when GOD speaks to us

JESUS HOLDS THE CHURCH IN HIS HANDS“And in His right hand He held seven stars...” v.16a

This is not my church or your church it is Christ’s Church

JESUS IS THE TRUE JUDGE“...and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword...” v.16b

John had always been impressed with the Word of God John 1:1-3 Jesus’ mightiest weapon were His words:

Captivated audiences Transformed lives Confounded scholars Opened blind eyes and deaf ears Called the dead to life Stilled storms Forgave prostitutes, tax collectors Turned fishermen into evangelists

His words have two-edges. His words can at the same time convict and comfort, stir and support, rebuke and reconcile. Jesus was a judge to be terribly feared and yet a friend to be dearly embraced.

JESUS IS OUR LIGHT“and His face was like the sun shining in its strength.” v.16c

Spurgeon once said that he thought our bodies were meant to glow when they come into the presence of the Lord

When Moses descended the mountain of the Lord his countenance was glorious, so much so that he had to be veiled

The Holy of Holies was veiled due to the brightness of God’s glory There is a definite brightness and joyous radiance about the person who walks with the

LORD The light at the end of the long dark tunnel of our lives is the face of Jesus!

JESUS IS AWESOME“And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as a dead man.” v.17a

Awesome must be what John viewed when he turned around and saw Jesus standing before him in all His glory.

JESUS ANOINTS AND AUTHORIZES US“And He laid His right hand upon me, saying, "Do not be afraid...” v.17b

How often had Jesus laid His hand on John before We know He did on the mount of transfiguration Perhaps he felt like David who said...”You have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is

too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.” Ps.139:5-6

The 7 Churches of Revelation: Introduction

Over the years we have witnessed a variety of changes, trends, fads, movements, and the like that have sought to shape or influence the some way. In fact, the direction of the church as we look to future is a pre-eminent concern.

There are almost as many ministry models available today as there are churches Some have reduced it to a competing contrast – traditional versus the contemporary However the focus should be is it Scriptural and Christ-honoring You would think that with a 2000 year old history, the church would be settled in her

identity and purpose by now, but this would be a naïve assumption Unless each successive generation returns to Christ’s promise and His letters to the church,

we will wander far from where He desires us to be

The major focus of Revelation focuses on “Christ unveiled.” That’s why the title given to Revelation in some versions of the Bible is: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” Revelation can easily be outlined around the person of Christ:

Christ’s Glory – Rev.1 Christ’s Churches – Rev.2-3 Christ’s Future Plans – Rev.4-22

If we were to summarize the book of Revelation in two words we could say: Jesus Wins! In order for Jesus to complete His work regarding the church He knew that some individual churches needed to be remodeled or even rebuilt So He lovingly and bluntly wrote seven churches in Asia Minor assessing their condition

But before we examine these 7 letters, let’s get a BIG picture overview of the book itself, as this will provide some context to what we will be studying in weeks to come.

“Write therefore the things which you have seen, and the things which are, andthe things which shall take place after these things.” Rev.1:19

Revelation 1 – “the things which you have seen”Revelation 2-3 – “the things which are”Revelation 4-22 – “the things which shall take place”

Revelation Timeline 1 – John on Patmos 2-3 – The church on Earth 4:1 – The church caught up…”After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open

in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.”

4-5 – The church in heaven 6-19 – The tribulation on earth 19:11 – Christ comes to the earth…”Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse.

And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.”

20 – The Millennial Kingdom 21-22 – The New Heaven and the New Earth

Now, as we come to Revelation 2-3, we are looking at “the things which are” and it gives us the greatest insight into what Christ values in His church and what He considers vile and repulsive. These 7 churches provide models to which we can compare our church and answer the question:What does Christ think about the church of which you are a part?

This is one of the most incisive and penetrating exhortations in the entire NT in relation to church doctrine and Christian living.

Church tradition reports that John, the human author of Revelation, ministered at Ephesus in his latter years

It’s not surprising then to see these letters addressed to Ephesus and six other surrounding cities within 140 kilometers of Ephesus – to the north and east

Undoubtedly John who was now in his nineties, ministered to each of these in his travels Each of the churches had existed for about 40 years and would have been made up of

second and third generation believers since its inception All the churches were located on one major highway system This most likely explains how they came into existence and why Christ selected these seven

What do these churches represent?Some believe they prophetically represent seven periods of church history ranging from John’s day until the day Christ comes. While this is possible, a better explanation is that these churches most likely represent seven different kinds of churches that existed both in John’s day and that have existed during any one period of church history, including today.

Here are some reasons for that view:

1. These were 7 real churches that existed in 7 real cities at the same time

2. Each church needed a particular message and the spiritual state of each church corresponded precisely to the exhortation that was given.

3. Revelation never hints that these churches represent stages of church history.

4. A careful analysis of church history does not parallel these seven churches.

5. On eight occasions Revelation reports that these materials are for the churches, not that they picture periods of church history (2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22; 22:16).

6. The selection of each church was also governed by the fact that each church was in some way normative and illustrated conditions common in local churches at that time as well as throughout later history.

7. All seven kinds of churches have existed in each period of church history.

The 7 features in most of the letters:1. The Correspondent

The One speaking is clearly Christ in each of the letters, He is corresponding with His church In each He identifies Himself – in the first five churches He takes phrases from the vision that

John received in Rev.1 He is the Author of the letters – they are His direct word to these local congregations

2. The Church

3. The City

4. The Commendation – two of the churches receive glowing commendations from Christ with instructions to continue on: Smyrna and Philadelphia

Ephesus, Pergamum, and Thyatira had much going for them but needed some remodeling Therefore Christ comments include both commendation and condemnation

5. The Concern or Complaint – five of the churches are told to roll up their sleeves and get to work to restore their original condition.

Two of the five have major spiritual damage and deficiencies so they receive nothing but condemnation: Sardis and Laodecia

6. The Command – which is the Great Physician’s prescription

7. The Counsel – or exhortation and a promise…in fact each letter to the 7 churches end with the words: “He who has an ear to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

The interpretation and application for today:

EPHESUS – 2:1-7 The lost love church or the departing church They left their first love The Apostolic Church – 1st Century people passionately gave their lives The second generations lost its appreciation

SMYRNA – 2:8-11 The suffering church The rich paupers who suffered for righteousness The Suffering Church – 2nd and 3rd Century… experienced the persecution of Rome

PERGAMOS – 2:12-17 The worldly church or the compromising church This was a church that took being ‘unequally yoked’ to a new level The State Church – 4th-5th Century…Rome accepts the church, Constantine in 312 A counterfeit Christianity was made legal

THYATIRA – 2:18-29 The unrepentant church or the tolerating church There’s a rib out of place, as this church is run by a woman “system” The Roman Church – 6th-16th Century…Rome controls the church Dark Ages, as the old Babylonianism is revived An utter denial of Christ’s finished perfect work – Hebrews 10:10-12

SARDIS – 3:1-6 The dying church – a lifeless profession or dead orthodoxy, a name that you live but are

dead The Reformation Church – 16th-17th Century The church pulls out of Rome – Luther, Calvin, and a faithful remnant Protest-ants: justification by faith/grace, priesthood of believers, authority of Scriptures

PHILADELPHIA – 3:7-13 The open door church or the serving church or the obedient church Brotherly love was alive and the church was on fire for God The Missionary Church – 18th-20th Century Birthing of the modern day missionary movement

LAODECIA – 3:14-22 The lukewarm church or the useless church Rich materially but poor spiritually The Apostate Church – 20th-21st Century This church is characterized by the rule of the people Man’s form of religion

Generally speaking, you can see a downward spiral in these churches, which reflects the truth of what Christ said to the church in Ephesus in Revelation 2:5 – “Remember therefore from where you have fallen…”

I would like for us to conclude our introduction to the 7 churches in Revelation by looking at Christ’s promise in Matthew 16:18

“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”

Unless every generation returns to Christ’s promise in this verse and the NT principles for the church:

We will deviate from God’s original plan – both individually and corporately We must return to the Biblical blueprint to understand God’s design for His church

1. A Permanent Foundation – “upon this rock” Christ has a passion for the permanent – fruit that lasts Enduring beyond the fashionable, the fads, the trendy, the temporal – for the eternally

relevant The foundation wasn’t Peter (petros) – ‘moveable rock or stone’ You can’t build a church on a man or a man’s ministry or a pet doctrine ROCK – (petra) – ‘unshakeable immoveable bedrock’ Matthew 7:24-25 Who or what is that rock? For who is God, except the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God? – Ps.18:31 Christ is the foundation – the most important part of any building

2. A Personal Involvement – “I will build my church” We have not been left to the task alone Men can build a lot of things, but only Christ can build His church Christ is in us, with us, and among us We are His co-laborers – what a privilege!

3. A Positive Expectation – “I will build my church” This is no idle dream or goal of what MIGHT be Christ confidently asserts this as an unconditional guaranteee No matter what the future may appear to be – the church will be triumphant What Christ began He will bring to a glorious finish

4. A Powerful Advance – “I will build my church” The church experienced and explosive beginning in Acts with 3000 souls added From this time – to the time of John’s revelation with churches all across the Roman empire The church is not static – it is moving and advancing

5. A Paid-In-Full Ownership – “I will build my church” Christ bought the church with His own blood and therefore owns it exclusively “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made

you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” Acts 20:28

“Christ is the Head of the church and the Savior of the body”…Eph.5:23

6. A People-Centered Priority – “I will build my church” The church is people who have been called out of the world (kingdom of darkenss) and

placed into the kingdom of Christ – Col.1:13

7. A Promised Success – “the gates of hades shall not prevail against it” How is this success to be understood? The gates are not representing the evil forces of Satan attacking – as gates are not

instruments of war Their purpose is not to conquer but to protect those behind them from being conquered Gates in the Scripture represent authority and power Hades (Hebrew: sheol) – refer to the realm of the dead Jesus is saying that death has no authority or power to hold God’s redeemed people captive!

It’s gates cannot imprison the church of God Hebrews 2:14 – “Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—

Jesus also became flesh and blood by being born in human form. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the Devil, who had the power of death.”

So when Christ builds the church these seven features will be prominent: Christ is the permanent foundation Christ is personally involved Christ gives us a positive expectation Christ purposes our powerful advance Christ has paid in full His ownership of us Christ desires a priority on people Christ promises success

We often speak of Christ’s ‘finished work’ on the cross, referring to our redemption. When He cried out on the cross ‘it is finished’ it was clearly a declaration that no additional sacrifice would ever need to be offered again. There is indeed the finished work of Christ.

However, there is more in view for the church than just Christ’s death and resurrection Luke wrote in Acts 1:1 – “all that Jesus began to do and teach” Just before ascending into heaven, Jesus told his disciples to be witnesses of Him Reach the lost and add to the church daily until Christ returns This is the unfinished work of Christ – the building of His Church

The 7 Churches of Revelation – 2 Ephesus: Revelation 2:1-7

What is “first love?” It is a love that precedes all others in time, order, and importance It is love that is preferred above and before any other Jeremiah 2:2…”Go and shout in Jerusalem’s streets: ‘This is what the LORD says: I

remember how eager you were to please me as a young bride long ago, how you loved me and followed me even through the barren wilderness.’

This is a honeymoon love – spontaneous and sparkling Passionate, excited, fervent, uninhibited, openly displayed, and deeply personal

True love matures, but we should never lose the excitement and get to the place where we take one another for granted and see it as common place.

Sad is the day when the sweetest of moments of our love are left to the scrapbook of memories

Maybe the church at Ephesus was like a couple I once knew: They were passionately in love – like a light on a hill for all to see They could not spend enough time together So absorbed with each other – they lost all track of time and of self Like two lovers sailing among tropical islands Their days were filled with little things – expressions of love: “I love you!” They could not do enough for each other – worked hard together They hung in there during the difficult times, which drew them even closer

But in the passage of time: The pressures of life and the real world were heavy Work demands and time constraints seem to steadily increase They no longer had time for the little things The love that was still there – was rarely verbalized or expressed in anyway openly They became like two ships passing in the night – devotion turned to duty

“The radiance of their first love was no longer a blazing fire but a dim flickering of a dying ember.”

1. The Correspondent – “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ¶ ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands” v.1Though the writer is not named, the description makes it is obvious who He is. He is the One depicted as the glorious Lord of the church in Rev.1:9-20 – the exalted Christ.

This description is taken from John’s vision – 1:13,16 The seven stars represent leaders from the seven churches That Christ holds them in His right hand indicates that they are His ministers – He holds

them accountable Under His power as He mediates His sovereign rule in the church through its human leaders

As the One who walks among the seven churches (1:20) this reveals that He is the One who scrutinizes, examines, assesses, and evaluates them

Christ stands in the midst of the churches to strengthen us As He cares enough to confront Christ as the sovereign ruler has the authority to address the church

2. The Church Perhaps no church in history has had as rich a history as the congregation in Ephesus. The gospel was introduced to that city by Paul’s close friends and partners in ministry, Priscilla and Aquila.

Acts 18:18-19 And Paul, having remained many days longer, took leave of the brethren and put out to sea for Syria, and with him were Priscilla and Aquila. In Cenchrea he had his hair cut, for he was keeping a vow. And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there. Now he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.

They were soon joined by the eloquent preacher and powerful debater – Apollos So together, the three of them laid the groundwork for Paul’s ministry in Ephesus Paul stopped briefly in Ephesus near the end of his second missionary journey (18:19-21) But his real ministry in that city took place on his third missionary journey He first encountered a group who had been followers of John the Baptist and after preaching

the gospel to them, he baptized them in the name of the Lord Jesus (19:5) That began his three year ministry of building the church (20:31) Near the end of his time there the taught the Ephesian church the essential principles of

church leadership (20:17-38) The gist of which he later expanded in his pastoral epistles Paul’s protégé Timothy served as pastor of the church at Ephesus (1Tim.1:3) Onesiphorus and Tychicus, two more of Paul’s fellow laborers, also ministered at Ephesus Finally, according to the testimony of the early church, the apostle John spent the last

decades of his life at Ephesus, from which he most likely wrote his three epistles in which he calls himself “the elder.”

He was no doubt leading the Ephesian church when he was arrested and exiled to Patmos

Dramatic and remarkable events accompanied the birth of the Ephesian church. Paul’s ministry profoundly affected not only the city of Ephesus, but also the entire province of Asia (19:10).

The incredible conversions of large numbers in Ephesus posed a severe economic threat to the city’s pagan craftsmen.

Ephesus was the centre of the worship of the goddess Artemis – known to the Romans as Diana, whose ornate temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

Demetrius, a craftsman, led a riot which sent the city into chaos (19:21-43)

By the time of this letter – four decades had passed since the Ephesian church had been born. Paul was gone, as were many of the first generation believers converted under his ministry.

3. The CityThough not the capital of Asia Minor (Pergamum was the capital) – Ephesus was the most important city in the whole region. The population in NT times has been estimated to be between 250,000 to 500,000 people.

The city’s theatre – visible today, held 25,000 people

Ephesus was a ‘free city’ within limits – no Roman troops were garrisoned there The city hosted athletic events, rivaling the Olympic games Ephesus was the primary harbor in the province of Asia The city was located on the Cayster River, about three miles upriver from where it flowed

into the sea Those disembarking at the harbor travelled along a magnificent, wide, column-lined road

called the Arcadian Way that led to the centre of the city

Ephesus was most known for its worship of the goddess Artemis – a point of great civic pride (19:27,35). The temple of Artemis was Ephesus’s most prominent landmark. The temple served as one of the most important banks in the Mediterranean world.

The worship of Artemis was vile – as she was a many-breasted monstrosity believed to have fallen from heaven

Many priests, enuchs, slaves, and temple prostitutes So huddled in the midst of such pagan idolatry was this faithful little church at Ephesus

4. The Commendation – “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.” v.2-3

I “know your deeds” – the word is (oida) refers to a complete and full knowledge. Unlike the word ‘know’ (ginosko) which refers to a progressive acquiring of knowledge The Lord knows everything there is to know about the church – both good and bad

Before rebuking them for their failings, Christ commends the Ephesians for what they were doing right – here are four areas of praise:

1. Performance – He begins by acknowledging their “deeds or works” The things we do – the service we render This is a general term that summarizes all that follows

2. Perspiration – the He commends their “labor or toil” This is labor to the point of sweat and exhaustion This is work that costs something – it exacts a price from the laborer It describes an all out effort that demands all that a person has to give – physically, mentally,

and emotionally The Ephesians were diligent workers for the cause of Christ No spectator mentality in this church

3. Perseverance – now He focuses on their “patience” This is specifically a patience with people in very trying circumstances Keeping on even when the going gets tough Enduring under difficult and painful circumstances – but not a grim “grin and bear it” but a

courageous acceptance of hardship, suffering and loss

4. Particular – finally He mentions they “cannot bear those who are evil…through testing those who say they are apostles and are really liars”

They refused to tolerate evil men – as they held to a high and holy standard of behavior They were distinctive – separate – exacting They exercised a quality control within the church by “testing the claims made” They practiced a keen spiritual discernment

1John 4:1 “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

Heb. 5:14 “But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.”

The Ephesians never forgot the admonition Paul had given to their leaders so many years earlier:Acts 20:28-31 “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears.”

False teachers pose a constant danger to the church Jesus warned of false prophets who come to us in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are

ravenous wolves (Matt.7:15). So the Ephesians persevered – endured for the highest of motives: “for His name’s sake.” They did not grow weary in well doing, even though it cost them much ingratitude and

criticism They remained faithful to the Lord Jesus, loyal to His Word, and to the work which He had

called them.

One final note in Christ’s commendation appears in verse 6 - Rev. 2:6 “Yet this you do have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”

The Nicolaitans cannot be identified positively – they are mentioned also in Pergamum Whatever it was specifically, it led people into immorality and wickedness It involved sensual temptations leading to sexual immorality and eating things sacrificed to

idols without any regard for the offense of such behavior…all in the name of Christian liberty NICO – means victor or victory LAITANS – mean laity or people To conquer the people – two heresies: the creation of a clergy-laity distinction…v. 2 –

“people who say” They separated physical and spiritual in order to give sin a license You can be a Christian and continue to live like the world

So in summary: they were hard workers – they placed a high value on high living – they protected pure doctrine – they were not quitters…so much going for them,

but now Jesus shares:

5. The Concern – “But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” v.4

In spite of all the praiseworthy things going on in the church at Ephesus, the penetrating, omniscient gaze of the Lord Jesus Christ had spotted a fatal flaw.

What is more important that what we DO for Christ? Why we do it.

Though they maintained their doctrinal orthodoxy and continued to serve Christ, their service degenerated into a mechanical orthodoxy – their love had grown COLD. They were maintaining their doctrinal distinctives handed down to them, but they had “left their first love.”

This is similar to the situation that is described in Jeremiah 2, when Israel’s love for God cooled and God through Jeremiah rebukes His people for forsaking Him:

“Go and shout in Jerusalem’s streets: ‘This is what the LORD says: I remember how eager you were to please me as a young bride long ago, how you loved me and followed me even through the barren wilderness. In those days Israel was holy to the LORD, the first of my children. All who harmed my people were considered guilty, and disaster fell upon them. I, the LORD, have spoken!’”

As it had in Israel, the honeymoon had ended in Ephesus The loss of a vital love relationship with Christ opened the door to spiritual apathy and a

diminished love

Performance – the things we did for love, are now just things we do, whether we should or not Work became a mere formality – heartless mechanical doing

Perspiration – what once cost us something, the giving of ourselves Now we just give time, money, and resources When labor is substituted for love, it becomes lifeless, routine, a treadmill existence Maybe that’s why we are encouraged not to grow weary in well doing

Perseverance – difficulties and hardships have a way at diluting or chipping away at our devotion Mere determination will enable us to fulfill our duty or task But it siphons off all joy, inspiration, expectancy – so we have nothing to look forward to

Particular – it is easy to become unloving when dealing with liars and licensed sinners There is a fine line between hating deeds and then hating the doers of them Purity is a lousy substitute for passion Doctrine and love should never be divorced

Notice this in verse 4 – “you have left your first love” The first love was LEFT not LOST Matt. 24:3 And as He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him

privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

Matt. 24:12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.

6. The Command - Rev. 2:5 “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.”

What do you do when you leave your first love? Remember – keep on remembering, never forget your closeness to Christ when you first

experienced His love Repent – this is a thorough mind, will, and emotional turn-about Repeat – return, go back and restore that which was left – abandoned The church that LEAVES its LOVE – will soon LOSE its LIGHT

The continued blessing of God on a given Church is not guaranteed. Unless they return to and continue in their first love attitude and action – they are in danger of darkening Ephesus by the removal of the church (God’s light).

Ephesus is perhaps the largest archaeological excavation in the entire Mediterranean. Austrian archaeologists have been working on the site for over 100 years, and they anticipate another 100 years of work. The reason that Ephesus is such a large excavation is that the site has been abandoned for over 1000 years. This was the fifth largest city in the Roman Empire, a city of 250,000. It is the only city of such size to be totally abandoned.

Jesus warned that he would remove the lampstand from its place in Ephesus. So thoroughly did He do this that there is not only no longer any church There is no longer any Ephesus!

Notice how Jesus confronted the Ephesian church – as this can be a great model for us when we are called to confront others:

1. It was done with love and the goal of restoration – 2:4-52. Encouragement preceded correction – 2:2,3,63. Christ openly and honestly stated the problem – 2:4-5 4. He told them how to be restored – 2:55. He clearly laid out the consequences if they did not obey – 2:56. He had an expectation that they would respond positively – 2:7

What were some of the first works of your first love relationship with Christ? Spent time Talked regularly Got to know Him and desired to please Him You began to even look like Him and think like Him

What LOVE had they left?

Upward Love – John 14:15,21,23 A love that actively seeks to deepen our relationship with the Lord rather than the human

tendency to become more involved in our duties for the Lord

Inward Love – John 13:34-35 The command to love is the most repeated command in the NT at least 55 times Every church congregation thinks they are loving What they usually mean is that they are friendly and loving to the people already there In every church there are some who do not love – those who talk about love but never really

get around to showing it – and those who show love But EVERYONE needs and wants to be loved If our love is only focused inwardly…our fellowship will become so tightly knit that

newcomers will be unable to break into it

Outward Love – John 3:16/20:21 A warm fellowship does not automatically translate into love for unbelievers and visitors Small is not bad, but neither is it a proof of purity It may actually mean that we don’t have the love we ought to for reaching out to the lost A Christ-like church is a loving church – who loves outsiders Love draws people in like a powerful magnet and a lack of it drives them away Long before the worship begins or the word is taught, visitors are deciding if they will return

Do I feel welcome and loved here? Introduce yourself Get their name, write it down, a use it Personally greet unfamiliar faces before and after Warm loving touch Have an attitude that says: “No matter who you are or what you look like or what you have

done, you’re going to be loved in this church and it starts with me.”

7. The Counsel - “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” v.7To the overcomer, Jesus promises “I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”

In the context of this message, the over-comer is the one who maintains his first love The one who is filled with passion for the Lord and for what he has done in Christ. To this one Jesus will grant admission to the paradise of God, where grows the tree of life. Paradise is the Greek translation for the Garden of Eden, where grew the first tree of life. It is through the tree of life that God mediates life to the humans whom he has created as

his image-bearers, the humans whom he has created to dwell in his sanctuary. Ever since humanity was driven out of the garden and away from the tree of life, it has been

on a quest to return to the garden. Access to the tree of life is granted by Jesus to the over-comer The over-comer is the one who holds onto Jesus, who maintains his first love.

As I mature, I am becoming more acutely aware of the danger of losing my first love. I see how many churches there are that share the positive characteristics of Ephesus: busy with good deeds, persevering in the midst of opposition, zealous for identifying error and exposing it…but they are not driven by passion for Christ.

C. S. Lewis distinguishes two types of longing: “one is a spiritual exercise and the other is a disease.” In our movie theaters today is the fantasy, Harry Potter. Some Christian parents are very concerned over whether or not to allow their children to see these movies. But this is not a dangerous fantasy. Few if any of the children who watch Harry Potter really believe that there is a Hogwart’s School of Wizardry. The dangerous fantasies are those fed us by Madison Avenue, Westfield, and the marketing gurus of the day. These fantasies arouse longings that disease our minds and hearts. They have

The overcomer is the one who resists these deceptions He is the one who maintains his first love, who preserves his passion.

Messages bombard us all day, every day. They are seductive, but they are also deceptive. To counteract these fantasies we need regular doses of reality.

That’s what Sunday gatherings ought to be about. We gather for a dose of reality. During the week we have become disoriented, so we gather to reorient ourselves. We join the angels and the saints in heaven gathered around the throne to reorient

ourselves onto God and the Lamb. We remind ourselves that our lives revolve around that throne. We gather as a people, reminding ourselves that we are the people of God. During the week as we get more and more distracted by the deceptions, we go further and

further into exile. On Sundays we gather to consider God, and we come home.

The 7 Churches of Revelation – 3 Smyrna: Revelation 2:8-11

All throughout history, the seemingly paradoxical truth has been that the more the church has been persecuted, the greater has been its purity and strength. This does not mean that we should pray that the church today would be persecuted – but we should earnestly and passionately seek to be pure and holy.

We will let God be God – as He alone knows the path that is best for us to take in forging the character of Christ in us

Scripture always ties together persecution and spiritual strength As the purest Christian graces are forged in the furnace of adversity

James 1:2-4…”When you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

1Pet. 5:10…”And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.”

The church at Smyrna displayed the power and purity that comes from successfully enduring persecution – as trials have a way of refining and highlighting genuine saving faith. They are an inevitable reality in life.

1. The Living Christ – “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this:” v.1

The first and the last – is an OT title for God…Ish.44:6 - “Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel And his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: ‘I am the first and I am the last, And there is no God besides Me.”

It’s application here and in (22:13) to Christ affirms His equality with God Christ is the eternally infinite God, who already existed when all things were created and will

continue to exist after they are destroyed Christ transcends time, space, and the creation. Yet amazingly, the eternal God became man and “was dead and has come to life”

This is a profound mystery! How can the everlastingly available, ever-living One who transcends time, space, and history die?Peter reveals for us the answer: “For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit.” 1Peter 3:18

Christ died in his incarnate humanness as the perfect sacrifice for sin But now ‘has come to life’ by His resurrection and lives forever

This ‘revealing’ of Christ was to bring comfort to the persecuted believers at Smyrna. Remember that I transcend temporal matters – and because of your union with Me, so will you!

I have conquered death and I am with you I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in Me will never die

2. The Suffering Church The scripture does not record for us the founding of the church at Smyrna, nor is the city mentioned in the book of Acts. All that is known about this church is contained in this letter. It is presumed that the church was planted during Paul’s Ephesian ministry, by either himself or new believers.It is interesting to note that the word “myrrh’ – associated symbolically in the NT with weeping, burial, and resurrection, is related to the name of this city: Smyrna.

Myrrh is resinous substance used as a perfume for the living and the dead It can be produced either by scoring the shrub like tree or by crushing the fragrant plant

The church suffered for a few reasons:

1. The city was known for its patriotic loyalty to the empire and emperor worship In 29 AD all of the Asian cities were competing for the coveted favor of erecting a temple in

honor of the Emperor Tiberius – Smyrna won! The Christian refusal to offer the annual sacrifice of incense on the fires which burned before

a bust of the emperor, fanned the fires of persecution It was very dangerous to be a Christian in Smyrna

2. Within the Jewish community at Smyrna, there was a great antagonism toward the church. Their rejection of Christ – as well as the loss of many who came to faith in Christ This is clearly seen in v.9…”those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue

of Satan.” Physical descendants, YES Inwardly and spiritually, NO they are not Jews having rejected Jesus Romans teaches us that, “He is a Jew who is one inwardly and real circumcision is a matter

of the heart, spiritual and not literal.”

3. The Beautiful and Wicked CityAlthough Ephesus and Pergamum equaled or surpassed Smyrna in political and economic importance, Smyrna was said to be the most beautiful city in all of Asia.

It was located on a gulf of the Aegean Sea and unlike Ephesus, was blessed with an excellent harbor.

It’s natural setting was magnificent as it ran through the rich Hermus River valley The city was well designed, wide streets, and majestic temples But its pagan emperor worship and temples to Zeus, Cybele, Apollo, Aphrodite and others Late in the second century, the city was destroyed by an earthquake, but it was rebuilt by

the Emperor Marcus Aurelius In fact, it has survived numerous earthquakes and remains to this day as the Turkish city of

Izmir

4. Christ’s Commendation - “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” v.9

The word – ‘tribulation’ – literally means PRESSURE This church was facing intense pressure because of their faithfulness to Christ

The nature of their suffering or tribulation is at least four-fold:1. They were poor – perhaps because they were from lower ranks of society, economically

Maybe they exceeded their means in giving to others, but this would not explain why their poverty is part of their tribulation

Most likely their poverty was due to their voluntary exclusion from the many trade unions or guilds in Smyrna

They were seedbeds of vice, immorality, and unscrupulous business dealings In addition, they probably could not find employment precisely because they were

Christians But Jesus declares them to be RICH – how do you measure wealth?

How do you measure real wealth? Is the treasure of knowing Christ of sufficient value that you would be willing to regard yourself as incomparably rich, though you own little?

Were you to lose everything but Christ – would you still consider yourself rich and blessed?

2. They were repeatedly slandered – embraced in the word blasphemy…”I know the slander of those opposing you”

3. Some of them would soon suffer from imprisonment – which meant they would be detained until the time of their execution.

‘Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.’ v.10

There are differing views to interpreting the meaning of 10 days of tribulation I think the wisest is that Satan’s major assault on the church would be intense… But it would be a limited period of suffering that would end in judgment and death But this for the Christian was victory and life

4. They were facing martyrdom itself – yet Jesus refrains from intervening. He does not remove the poverty nor vindicate His people in the face of slander He does not overturn the vicious actions of the Devil who will instigate their

imprisonment and death Why? Instead of asking the question, “Why do Christians suffer persecution?” Let’s ask the question: “Why do Christians not suffer persecution?”

Listen to the words of John Stott – “The ugly truth is that we tend to avoid suffering by compromise. Our moral standards are often not noticeably higher than the standards of the world. Our lives do not challenge and rebuke unbelievers by their integrity, purity, or love. The world simply sees in us nothing to hate.”

Polycarp would have been a young man when this letter was written and read to the church in Smyrna and it must have had a profound effect upon him. For 60 years later as the aged elder of the church of Smyrna, he was arrested but the Roman authorities.

“Brought into the arena for execution in front of the cheering crowd, the proconsul pressed him hard and said, ‘Swear and I will release you. Revile Christ.” Polycarp replied, ‘Eighty and six years have I served Him and He never did me wrong – how can I now blaspheme by King that has saved me?”

They were going to fix him with nails to the pile of wood upon which they would burn him He said – “Leave me as I am, for He that gives me strength to endure the fire, will also enable

me without your securing me by nails, to remain without moving in the pile.”

5. The Counsel of Christ – “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” v.10-11

Be faithful unto death – be faithful to what or to whom? Surely this is Jesus! Eternal – the first and the last Victorious – whereas men live and die, Christ died and now lives Omniscient – I know your tribulation Sovereign – I have set a limit to your suffering (10 days) – He alone controls events and

permits Satan to use the civil authorities Gracious – He promises a crown of life, which consists of eternal life itself and the protection

from the ‘second death’ Though they will suffer the first death physically, they shall never die the second death,

spiritually

Jesus calls for our faithfulness in such circumstances, no less than He called for theirs, but it is not automatic. Endurance does not just happen.

Faithfulness is the fruit of faith In other words, there are truths we must embrace if we are to endure Unbelief leads us to bitterness and despair Although Jesus chose not to intervene and deliver the church at Smyrna, He by no means

abandoned them in their hour of need Their tribulation, imprisonment, and death was not a sign of God’s disdain, apathy, or

rejection – but a means by which He refined and purified His people.

I find it incredible that what Satan intended for destruction – God worked for their Christ-likeness. This is what happened 1900 years ago in Smyrna, but it is still happening today. When the church lives Christ in a powerful and public way in a pagan world – the opposition will label us not as misguided souls, but as evil and dangerous.

So tribulation will come and the devil himself will be behind it But remember things are always infinitely better than what they appear to be:

Christ has the last word Christ is alive forevermore Christ knows your pain Your are infinitely wealthy with the riches of Christ You will receive the crown of life Christ will not let you be hurt by the second death

Some things to remember:1Peter 4:12-19…”Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God. For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.”

Usually we are surprised – we can’t believe this is happening to us! Life is the classroom and God is both our Teacher and curriculum. Trials reveals to us what we have learned of Him in our progress towards being like Jesus.

1. Suffering is an opportunity to draw upon God’s infinite strength – v.142. Suffering at times is deserved and brings shame – v.153. Suffering for Christ should never cause us to feel ashamed – v.164. Suffering is timed by God and needed by us – v.17a5. Suffering now cannot be compared to what the ungodly will suffer later – v.17-18

Pergamum: the Cancer of CompromiseRevelation 2:12-17

In northern California, a massive 420 year old redwood tree survived: 14 separate lightening strikes, countless earthquakes, storms, floods, and natural disasters – yet one day without warning this huge towering tree came crashing down to the ground for no apparent reason.

Upon inspection it was discovered that a handful of tiny beetles found their way into the trunk and ate away its life giving fibres, weakening the tree from the inside out

Satan tries to bring Christians down through the same process A handful of seemingly insignificant compromises – that gnaw away at our character and

pursuit of godly disciplines Sprinkled steadily and slowly over time While we fight him in one area, we may be setting up house with him in another People don’t walk with the Lord one day – then completely abandon him the next Little compromises – one after the other – until the inevitable final result

Example of Proverbs 24:3-34…”I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one lacking sense. I saw that it was overgrown with thorns. It was covered with weeds, and its walls were broken down. Then, as I looked and thought about it, I learned this lesson: a little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest and poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.

1. The Saviour Speaks: Wonderful Words of Life and Death – “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this.” v.12

Pergamum was the greatest city in Asia Minor – the name itself means “married” – the participle that forms the first syllable, calls attention to something that is wrong.

It signifies a mixed marriage Due to their unequal yoke, Christ comes as a sharp two-edged sword

The letter to the church at Pergamum literally says, “these things says the one who has the sharp two-edged sword.”

When we hear or read of someone who has a “sharp two-edged sword” we typically envision it in his hand

To be wielded either in defence against an on-coming attack or used offensively to slay his enemies.

But in the case of Jesus, the sword proceeds from his mouth

Although the “mouth” of our Lord isn’t explicitly mentioned in Revelation 2:12, the description of him here is taken from the vision given to John in Revelation 1:16 where we read, “In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength” (1:16).

Similar language is used again in Revelation 19:15 – there we read of Jesus coming at the end of history to bring judgment on his enemies: “From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty” (19:15).

And again in 19:21, “the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh”

This is clearly figurative language, the very real point that the “words” of Jesus are an infinitely powerful force not only in the defence and building up of His people but also in the judgment and destruction of His enemies.The reference to a “sword” in this passage carried special significance for the Christians in Pergamum

Given the fact that the sword was the symbol of the Roman proconsul’s total sovereignty “over every area of life, especially to execute enemies of the state

This tells the church that it is the exalted Christ, not Rome, who is the true judge. The ultimate power belongs to God, and nothing the pagans can do will change that. But the words of Jesus are also designed to strengthen and encourage and edify his people.

This is clear from the seven-fold refrain, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Rev. 2:7; 2:11; 2:17; 2:29; 3:6; 3:13; 3:22).

The voice of Jesus and of the Spirit, to the seven churches, is one - a singular witness designed to commend, rebuke, instruct, and induce repentance.

We mustn’t forget Hebrews 4:12, where the word of God is described as “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb. 4:12).

The Christians in Pergamum and we should take courage from this truth. The Lord Jesus knows where they dwell, he knows the struggles they face and the seductive

appeal of a pagan environment He has words of life and hope for them, words that when heard and heeded will bring

wisdom and endurance and the power to resist the enemy who dwelt so powerfully in their midst.

The sword that proceeds from his mouth is not only “sharp”, it is “two-edged” (v. 13). In other words, it cuts both ways! It is not only an instrument of life, but of judgment and

death as well.

On the one hand, this sword has the power to perform the most delicate of spiritual surgery, to excise the cancer of sin and restore hope to the wounded soul. Its razor’s edge cuts away the disease of error in those who long for truth.

But to those who deny its authority, or acknowledge its presence but mock its power and purity, it is the means by which they will be called to account.

The other side of the two-edged sword cuts away all excuses, identifies all sin, exposes the secrets of the soul, pronounces a just verdict, and issues and enforces an eternal sentence.

The apostle Paul spoke of this dual function of the word of Christ as made known in the gospel itself. When we faithfully preach and embody the truth of the cross, one of two things will happen: “For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life” 2 Cor.2:15-16

Those who hear this message are divided into only two groups: "those who are being saved" and "those who are perishing" (see 1 Cor. 1:18).

The message of Christ that Paul proclaims is itself responsible for dividing the hearers in this way.

Neutrality is not an option. To the one, Paul's message is a pleasing perfume. Like spiritual oxygen, it infuses life into their hearts. To the other, it is a vile stench in their spiritual nostrils, a suffocating and toxic fume that

leads only to death.

Charles Spurgeon reminds us:"The gospel is preached in the ears of all; it only comes with power to some. The power that is in the gospel does not lie in the eloquence of the preacher; otherwise men would be converters of souls. Nor does it lie in the preacher's learning; otherwise it would consist in the wisdom of men. We might preach till our tongues rotted, till we should exhaust our lungs and die, but never a soul would be converted unless there were mysterious power going with it – the Holy Ghost changing the will of man. O Sirs! We might as well preach to stone walls as to preach to humanity unless the Holy Ghost be with the Word, to give it power to convert the soul."

The church in Pergamum was in desperate need of the power of Christ’s words. On the one hand, they were sorely tempted to abandon the faith. Death had already come to one of their number and others no doubt faced a similar fate. Christ’s words were designed to strengthen their resolve and satisfy their souls lest they be

drawn to another lover. For the faint, his words are perfect, reviving the soul (Ps. 19:7a). For the confused, they are sure, bringing wisdom and enlightenment (Ps. 19: 7b; 8b). For the saddened, his words are right, rejoicing the heart (Ps. 19:8a). His words are to be desired more than gold, even much fine gold (Ps. 19:10a). They are sweeter than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb (Ps. 19:10b). By his words we are warned and in keeping them there is great reward (Ps. 19:11). Only in hearing, cherishing, and faithfully keeping Christ’s utterances will our own words,

together with the meditation of our hearts, be acceptable in the sight of our great God, our rock and our redeemer (Ps. 19:14)

2. At Satan’s Seat – “I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith, even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.” v.13

There was in the church at Pergamum a strange and unacceptable paradox, an inconsistency that Jesus simply will not tolerate, then or now. Pergamum was especially vulnerable to Satan’s influence.

In some sense this was his city. Pergamum was the centre of his authority, the place of his throne, the focal point of his

activity and interests. There must have been an almost tangible sense of his presence, a heaviness in the air, an

oppressive spiritual atmosphere that was unmistakable and inescapable.

That the church had refused to yield to such pressures or allowed their witness to fall silent is remarkable indeed. Our Lord’s commendation of them for this comes in two forms.

He first applauds them for continuing to “hold fast” his “name” His identity as God incarnate and his redemptive work at Calvary, in spite of the presence of

Satan’s throne On this point there can be no compromise, not even in the name of love. His use of the present tense of the verb indicates that even then, at the time they received

this letter, they continue to maintain their testimony and were refusing to silence their voice for the sake of personal safety.

How often do we today, in public, speak in a hushed whisper when the name of Jesus is mentioned?

What accounts for this? Could it be shame or embarrassment, or the prospect of “losing face”? I think it more likely that silence is driven by our fear of what might happen should those

around us detect that we are Christians.

Jesus commends them because they “did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells” (Rev. 2:13b).

However, there was something wrong in Pergamum…they had become overly tolerant of others whose immorality threatened to undermine the purity of the church.

If the Ephesian church was guilty of elevating truth above love The church at Pergamum had elevated love above truth. Their commitment to peace and tolerance had apparently degenerated into a weak

sentimentality that now posed both a serious ethical and theological threat.

Whereas they had maintained their own theological convictions they were, at the same time, tolerating in their fellowship certain false prophets who advocated licentious behaviour, all in the name of Christian freedom. This simply will not do.

Although they had not themselves denied the faith They had become inexplicably lax toward falsehood in the assembly and endured the

presence and teaching of ethical error. For this, Jesus severely rebukes them This is a truly remarkable, indeed puzzling, situation. They were devoted to the truth of who Christ is and the essentials of the gospel message. They were even willing to die for it! But they fudged when it came to dealing with those in the church who compromised the

ethical implications of that very gospel.

It’s almost as if they said, “I personally will never back down, even if it means my death. On the other hand, perhaps we need to be less rigid and a bit more tolerant when it comes to those who draw different conclusions about the practical implications of the saving grace of our Lord.”

Pergamum was one of the largest cities in the ancient world, with a population of 190,000 It was situated about 65 miles due north of Smyrna It exceeded its southern neighbour both in love for and loyalty to the emperor.

Pergamum was the capital city of the Roman province of Asia and retained this honour well into the 2nd century.

But it wasn’t primarily for either political or economic achievements that Pergamum was famous, but for religion.

Pergamum was the centre of worship for at least four of the most important pagan cults of the day.

Upon entering the city one couldn’t help but notice the gigantic altar of Zeus erected on a huge platform some 800 ft. above the city, looking down on its inhabitants like a great vulture hovering over its prey.

Many have sought to identify “Satan’s seat” or “throne” (v. 13) with this altar. Amazingly, a reconstructed form of this altar is on display in the Pergamum Museum in

Berlin

Pergamum was also the center for the worship of Athene and Dionysus. However, the most distinctive and celebrated cult of all was dedicated to the worship of Asclepios

Often referred to as “Saviour” in Greek mythology, Asclepios was the son of Apollo and was thought to have been the very first physician.

The symbol of Asclepios was the serpent, which has led some to identify the “throne of Satan” with the shrine erected to his worship.

But above and beyond the worship directed at these pagan deities was the fact that Pergamum was the acknowledged centre in Asia Minor for the imperial cult of Caesar.

In 29 BC this city received permission to build and dedicate a temple to Augustus Three years before Smyrna was granted a similar privilege. Perhaps more than any of the other six cities, the people of Pergamum were devoted to the

worship of Caesar.

Were it not for the fact that “greater” is he who is in us “than he who is in the world”, it would be frightening to hear that Pergamum is “where Satan dwells” (Rev. 2:13b). It’s possible that this is another way of saying that evil was present in Pergamum in a particularly powerful and concentrated way. Could it be that Satan had in some sense made Pergamum the focus of his earthly base of operation?

Needless to say, Jesus knew this. To those believers immersed in an explicitly Satanic atmosphere of idolatry and wickedness,

Jesus says: “I know where you dwell!” To a people struggling by grace to remain faithful when those around them revel in

faithlessness, Jesus says: “I know where you dwell!” To a church that must, at times, have felt abandoned and alone and given over to the

enemy, Jesus says: “I know where you dwell!”

He is not ignorant of the fact that the Christian Church is set in the non-Christian world, and that it feels on all sides the continuous pressure of heathen influence.

Here’s what I want you to understand: Jesus also knows where you dwell! They would often, no doubt, remind themselves that no matter how hard it was to be a

Christian there, no matter how intense the temptation to abandon Christ and serve another god…

Jesus knew where they lived, He knew what they faced on a daily basis He knew every intimate detail of a life pursued in a city that hated God. Jesus knows where you dwell! Meditate on it. Rejoice in it! You haven’t been abandoned, far less ignored. Your life and ministry are as important to Jesus as that of any Christian in any church in any

city in any country. You may feel as if your community is a modern Pergamum, devoted to idolatry and

immorality and the public ridicule of our glorious Saviour. But of this you can rest assured: Jesus has sovereignly and strategically placed you there as

his witness, to hold forth his name and to display his glory

3. The Saints Stumble – “But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit acts of immorality. Thus you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.” v.14-15

We read of Balaam in Numbers 22-24. Balak, King of Moab, had solicited Balaam to curse the children of Israel who were preparing to cross over into the promised land. But God intervened. Every time Balaam spoke, words of blessing came forth. Moved by greed for the reward Balak offered him, Balaam advised Balak that Moabite women should seduce the men of Israel by inviting them to partake in their idolatrous feasts (which invariably led to sexual immorality). Balaam knew that this would provoke the judgment of God against His people, which is precisely what happened.

Balaam’s advice – Num.31:16 Make friends with Israel – invite them to a few pagan parties and feasts If you can’t beat them, join them…Num.25:1-15 Balaam led Israel into sin by telling them that they could mix with the heathen and not be

judged, because of their being a covenant people.

It’s okay to marry the women of Moab, its okay to break down the walls that separate you, its okay to abandon your pilgrim character.

I KNOW WHERE YOU DWELL – ‘to settle down and feel at home’ Vagabonds – have no home Fugitives – running away from home Strangers – away from home Pilgrims – on the way home…we are to be strangers and pilgrims!

Consider the example of Lot in Genesis 13: He abandoned his pilgrim character – tent V.10 – Beheld the plain of Jordan, it was like Egypt V.11 – Journeyed east V.12 – Pitched his tent toward Sodom and moved into Sodom 19:1 – Sat at the gate, city council member 19:8 – Offered his two daughters to a perverted mob

So what Balaam was to the children of Israel in the OT, the Nicolaitans were to the church of Jesus Christ in the NT. Balaam is a prototype of those who promote compromise with the world in idolatry and immorality (see also Jude 11 and 2 Peter 2:15).

The Nicolaitans had dared to insinuate that freedom in Christ meant license to sin The fault of the Pergamum believers was not so much that they had followed this pernicious

teaching but that they had allowed it be vocalized in the congregation. This matter of indifference to the Nicolaitans was of grave concern to the risen Lord.

What is the precise nature of their sin? “To eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit immorality” (v. 14).

The former refers to eating food sacrificed to idols in the context of idolatrous worship. “ In the OT, the idolatry of Israel is frequently condemned through the use of the metaphor of

prostitution and sexual immorality In Revelation, to “fornicate” is usually a metaphor for spiritual apostasy and idol worship

That the Nicolaitans was simply another name for the Balaam sect is evident from v. 15 – “in the same manner” you have some holding the teaching of the Nicolaitans “in the same way”.

4. A Solemn Statement – “Repent therefore; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.” v.16-17

If they do not repent disciplinary judgment is quickly coming. But it isn’t the Pergamum believers only who will feel Christ’s displeasure.

The Nicolaitans will suffer the wrath of a divine warrior who picks up the “sword”. To the overcomers – those who repent and don’t participate with or permit the activities of

the Nicolaitans, there is three-fold reward:

Hidden manna The manna, most assuredly, is Jesus himself (John 6:31-35,48-51). T The manna here promised to God’s people is a heavenly reward, an eternal feasting on all

that God is for us in Jesus. But what is the significance of the adjective “hidden”? (1) It could mean that this manna is “reserved” or “kept” only for those who enter into the

age to come. (2) It may be described as “hidden” because it was placed in a jar in the ark.

A white stone There are at least a dozen interpretations of the meaning of the white stone. For example, white stones signified, as opposed to black ones, acquittal by a jury. In pagan religions people would carry an amulet or stone with the name of their deity

inscribed upon it. It supposedly was used as a source of magical power.

If this is the background to John’s reference, the written name will be that of God or of Christ, as in Rev. 3.12

The point is then an allusion to ancient ideas of the power of divine names. To know the name of a deity was to possess a claim upon his help: here the power of Christ

to save and protect is exalted over that of his pagan rivals

White stones were also used as tokens of membership or tickets for admission to public festivals. It may be that the white stone is a symbol for the believer’s admission to the messianic feast

of Rev. 19. “The white colour of the stone portrays the righteousness of the saints in not compromising and ‘soiling’ themselves for which they are acquitted”

A new name The primary question here is whether this new name given to the overcomer is Christ’s or

the individual’s. I’m inclined to think that the “new name” in 2:17 is one given to each individual believer and

that it symbolizes the individual’s entry into a new life, status or personality The thought may then be compared with that of 2 Cor.5.17 In other words, because those who are in Christ are now “new creations” it is only fitting

that they should each receive a “new name” suitable to their position in and relationship with Jesus.

The fact that “no one knows” this name except for the individual “who receives it” points to the intimate, private nature of one’s life in God.

There is something in my relationship with God, as well as something in yours, that is reserved for the secret depths of our individual souls.

We must also take note that the “new name” of 2:17 is an allusion to the prophecy in Isa. 62:2… “And the nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; and you will be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord will designate” and 65:15…“but My servants will be called by another name” about Israel’s future kingly status and restoration to Yahweh, here now applied to individuals within the church.

To sum up, there is an identity you have in God, reflected in your new name, that transcends whatever shame or regret or disappointment is wrapped up in who you are now. There is a very private and personal place of intimacy with him that brings hope and freedom and joy that none can touch or taint or steal away. Paul said it best when he declared that “your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3b). Peter echoed much the same thing in saying that we have “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven” for us (1 Peter 1:4). It’s not the greatest hymn ever written, but I remember as a child singing: “There’s a new name written down in glory, and it’s mine, O yes, it’s mine!”

I don’t yet know what it is, but I will! Praise God, I will.

Thyatira: the High Cost of ToleranceRevelation 2:18-29

“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, ‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.” v.18-19

1. THE CITY – THE CHURCHThyatira was the least known, least remarkable, and least important of the seven cities to receive a letter from the Lord. Yet the letter addressed to it is the longest and most difficult to interpret. The background information on the history of Thyatira, specifically the cultural conditions and circumstances in the first century, is almost wholly lacking. Its spiritual condition, on the other hand, is similar to that of Pergamum: there is toleration of falsehood and moral compromise in their midst.

Thyatira was a comparatively unimportant city. It had no significant military, political, or administrative responsibilities If known for anything it would be its commercial enterprises – a blue collar town It was a centre for manufacturing and marketing – renown for its dying of cloth and tanning Its most distinguishing characteristic was the large number of trade guilds that flourished

there, the existence of which posed a special problem for Christians Wherever guilds were found – idolatry and immorality were almost always present One thing is clear: by the close of the first century the church in Thyatira was both

prosperous and active It was from Thyatira that Lydia had come (see Acts 16:11-15).

2. CHRIST – THE CORRESPONDENTThe city boasted a special temple to Apollo, the sun god…which explains why the Lord introduced Himself as “the Son of God” – the only time in Revelation the title is used.

The Son of God emphasizes Christ’s diety – as His approach to the church is not as a sympathetic High Priest, but as a divine judge

I know – Christ’s assessment of each church was based on intimate observation/knowledge His piercing, laser like vision sees all; nothing can be disguised, concealed, or hidden from

Him The church may feel satisfied with itself – but the Lord sees it as it really is His feet are like Rev.19:15 – “He treads the winepress of the fierce wrath of God, the

Almighty.”

3. THE COMMENDATIONIt may be that the reference to Jesus as one with “eyes like a flame of fire” and “feet like burnished bronze” is an allusion to the fiery furnace of Daniel 3 into which his three friends were thrown. The added reference to Jesus as “the Son of God” (only here in Revelation, but 46x in the NT) confirms this, for the three Jewish men were delivered by “one like a son of God.”

There is an encouraging word of commendation Among the “deeds” or “works” that Jesus knows are 4: love, faith, service, and perseverance

They were showing love for God and for one another, the first of the 7 so commended

They were faithful, dependable, reliable, consistent

They were expressing their faithful love through meeting the needs of others They steadfastly persevered in the faith

Perhaps the best thing said of them is that their deeds “of late are greater than at first” In other words, the church in Thyatira was growing in Christ-like qualities. They had learned that the Christian life is one of growth, progress, development, and

spiritual increase. Merely maintaining the moral status quo, whether individually or corporately, is inadequate. Whereas Ephesus was sliding backwards, Thyatira was moving forward.

We may therefore add this as another quality of the church that Jesus approves: to the doctrinal orthodoxy of Ephesus, the suffering for righteousness’ sake of Smyrna, the love of Pergamum, we now add the growth and development of Thyatira.

4. THE CONCERN – “Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My bond-servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.” v.20-23

It is tragic after having read of the splendid qualities in Thyatira, to read on and discover that moral compromise was present in the church. No amount of loving and sacrificial works can compensate for tolerance of evil. As John Stott said:“In that fair field a poisonous weed was being allowed to flurish. In that healthy body a malignant cancer had begun to form. An enemy was being harboured in the midst of the fellowship.”

Here we see the similarity between Thyatira and Pergamum and their joint difference with Ephesus.

The Ephesians could not bear the presence of falsehood and took no uncertain steps in ridding the cancerous error from their assembly.

But it was done at the expense of love. Not so with Thyatira…while abounding in love they had lost their sensitivity to error and

had compromised the glorious truths of both doctrinal and moral uprightness. UNLOVING ORTHODOXY – balance – LOVING COMPROMISE…both extremes God hates The exact nature of the heresy in Thyatira was wrapped up in the person and practices of

one whom Jesus calls “Jezebel.” The church was permitting ‘tolerating’ a false prophetess to influence the people and to lead

them into compromise Several suggestions have been made as to her identity.

(1) Those who find in the seven letters a prophetic outline of the history of the church seek to identify the church of Thyatira with the Roman Catholic Church of the Middle Ages…John Walvoord has made this interesting link:

“During this period (the Middle Ages) there began an exaltation of Mary the mother of our Lord which has tended to exalt her to the plane of a female deity through whom intercession to God should be made, and apart from whose favour there can be no salvation. The prominence of a woman prophetess in the church at Thyatira anticipates the prominence of this unscriptural exaltation of Mary.”

(2) Others have suggested that Jezebel is Lydia herself, who, if it were true, had badly fallen from the initial spiritual heights that we read about in Acts 16.

(3) The most likely interpretation is that, in view of the opportunity granted to her for repentance, Jezebel was a female member of the church who was promoting destructive heresies and leading many into moral compromise.

Jesus envisions the possibility of his own “bond-servants” committing these horrific sins. What theological conclusions might one draw from this? She was a real person, but the name “Jezebel” is probably symbolic. Note the parallel in the letter to Pergamum in which the Nicolaitans are identified under the

name of the OT figure: Balaam. The name “Jezebel” had, in fact, become proverbial for wickedness.

So what is meant is that this so-called “prophetess” was as wicked and dangerous an influence in Thyatira as ‘Jezebel’ had been to Israel in the OT.

Note also that she “calls herself a prophetess” (v. 20). Whatever claims she made to being saved and prophetically gifted were false

The sin apparently involved the majority of the Thyatira church and was two-fold in nature. They violated the biblical teaching that women are not to teach men in the church They compounded the problem by allowing her to teach error

According to 1 Kings 16:31, Jezebel was the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, who married Ahab, king of Israel. Largely because of her influence in seeking to combine the worship of Yahweh with the worship of Baal, it is said of her husband that he “did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him” (1 Kings 16:33).

Jezebel was responsible for the killing of Naboth and the confiscation of his vineyard for her husband (1 Kings 21:1-6).

She sought the death of all the prophets of Israel (1 Kings 18:4; 2 Kings 9) She even came close to killing Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-3). Her death came as a result of being thrown from a window – then trampled by a horse. When an attempt was made to recover her body for burial, it was discovered that the only

thing left was her skull, her feet, and the palms of her hands. According to 2 Kings 9:36-37, dogs had eaten her flesh, in fulfilment of a prophetic word

from Elijah:

“And he said, ‘This is the word of the Lord, which He spoke by His servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, “In the property of Jezreel the dogs shall eat the flesh of Jezebel; and the corpse of Jezebel shall be as dung on the face of the field in the property of Jezreel, so they cannot say, ‘This is Jezebel.’

Although the first Jezebel had been dead for over 1,000 years, her spirit had found new life in this woman of Thyatira!

But what did she advocate that led to her being labelled with this horrid name? It is likely that she had exploited the commercial prosperity of Thyatira to justify and to

subsidize her immorality and that of her followers

Leon Morris explains:“The strong trade guilds in this city would have made it very difficult for any Christian to earn his living without belonging to a guild. But membership involved attendance at guild banquets, and this in turn meant eating meat, which had first been sacrificed to an idol…that these meals all too readily degenerated into sexual looseness made matters worse. But we can understand that some Christians would welcome a heresy of this type. It enabled them to maintain a Christian profession while countenancing and even engaging in immoral heathen revels.”

The complaint of the Lord lies in the unhealthy degree of toleration given this woman. When it is said, “you tolerate the woman Jezebel,” the implication is that the church in total

did not accept her teaching nor adopt her lifestyle. But the subsequent mention of her “lovers” and children in v. 22 indicates that a significant

number in the community did so. These would have formed a distinct group within the church – but the church as a whole was

content for them to remain. It is probable that one individual lady is in view Others have suggested that the reference to “the woman” and “her children” sounds

strangely similar to the phrase “the elect lady and her children” in 2 John 1. In 2 John this refers to the church community as a whole and to the individuals who are each

a part of it. Perhaps, then, “Jezebel” is not a single person but a collective reference to a group of false

prophets and prophetesses in Thyatira.

What was the nature of her teaching?One could speculate that she may have promoted the philosophical dualism that was so prevalent in contemporary Greek philosophy.

When brought into the church, that teaching held that the spirit is good and the flesh is evil Since God is only interested in the spirit – it doesn’t matter what you do with your body So immorality and eating things offered to idols is no big deal

She also may have twisted the antinomian view of God’s grace – that it didn’t matter if Christians sinned, since God would graciously forgive them.

Maybe she encouraged Christians to experience the deep things of Satan so they could better witness to the unsaved

Whatever the specific content of her false teaching – it led many away from truth and righteousness

Christians can fall into sexual immorality and idolatry, but to lead other Christians into false doctrine or immoral living is a very serious sin. Listen to what Jesus says in Matthew 18:6-10…

“Whoever causes one of these little ones (spiritual children) who believe in Me to stumble, it is better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck, and that he be drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes! And if your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; it is better for you to enter life crippled or lame, than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out, and throw it from you. It is better for you to enter life with one eye, than having two eyes, to be cast into the fiery hell. See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you, that their angels in heaven continually behold the face of My Father who is in heaven.”

V. 21 – “And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.”These words of Jesus indicate a definite time in the past when through some means, whether a prophetic word or direct encounter or perhaps through John, He issued this woman a warning.

Whatever the case, the culpability of the false prophetess is evident. She was “unwilling” to repent She was aware of what was at issue and chose voluntarily to remain in her sin.

Vv. 22-23The nature and extent of the judgment that will befall her and those who embrace her lifestyle is difficult to determine. Several things are to be noted.

Jezebel herself will be cast “upon a bed of sickness” (v. 22a). This is most likely a reference to personal sickness, disease, or physical affliction of some sort As was the case with the Corinthians who had persistently abused the Lord’s Supper in 1

Cor. 11:30-32. Those “who commit adultery with her” will suffer great tribulation. They must repent of “her” deeds, i.e., since they have joined “with her” in this sin To repent of what she did is to repent of what they, too, did. It would also appear that any possibility of Jezebel “repenting” at this stage is precluded.

The fact that they are called her “children” does not mean they are the actual physical offspring of her supposedly many sexual infidelities. They are, rather, “those who have so unreservedly embraced the false doctrines of their spiritual mother that they are best described as younger members of her family”

In other words, “those who commit adultery with her” (v. 22) and her “children” (v. 23) are the same people.

The precise form of judgment is unstated. The text literally says, “I will kill with death” is a proverbial statement that means “to slay

utterly” This judgment is designed to reveal Jesus as the one from whom no one can hide anything! He not only knows our deeds, He also knows our thoughts, motives, fears, intentions,

reasons This description of Jesus as “He who searches the minds and hearts” is also an allusion back

to his description in v. 18 as the one who “has eyes like a flame of fire.” See esp. Jer. 17:10. The significance of this latter text is that it is Yahweh in view, yet here in Revelation it is

applied to Jesus!

5. THE COMMAND - “Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. But hold fast what you have till I come.” v.24-25Having warned those who were practicing false doctrine, Christ now gives words of advice to the faithful godly remnant – four things are said to them:

1. They are described as those “who do not hold this teaching,” i.e., the teaching of Jezebel. Not only do they not embrace the doctrines she espouses but neither do they practice her

wicked ways.

2. They are described as those “who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them.” There are two options concerning the meaning of this statement. It may be a sarcastic reversal of their claims. They claim to know “deep [spiritual] things” when in fact what they know comes from and

concerns the devil himself. In other words, the phrase “of Satan” is a sarcastic addition by Jesus designed to tell the

faithful in Thyatira the true nature of their ideas and experience. She was plumbing the depths of Satan’s domain and claiming to be spiritually unscathed They believed they could participate in sins of the body without harming the spirit

3. Jesus promises not to place any “other burden” on them. Cf. Acts 15:28.

4. He encourages them to “hold fast” until He comes In a word, persevere in that which you have already received. It is interesting to note that Jesus believed progress in new things (v. 19) is compatible

with perseverance in the old things (v. 25).

6. THE COUNSEL – And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations – He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’ – as I also have received from My Father; and I will give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches…v.26-29

The promise is directed to those who “overcome” and who “keep” the “deeds” of Jesus “until the end.”

Notice three things:1. The person who “overcomes” is also the person who is persecuted, thrown in prison, the person who suffers and even dies!

Clearly, Jesus was operating with an ironical notion of “overcoming”. What appears to the world as defeat and humiliation is for the Christian an entrance into life

and exaltation! 2. This is the only place in Revelation that we find the phrase “my works/deeds.”

How does one keep “works”? One normally keeps or obeys instruction, but not works. Most likely “keeping my works” here refers to the works that have been commanded or

taught by Jesus.

3. The reference to “works”/”deeds” in vv. 19, 23, and 26 is important. The works by which we cannot be justified are nevertheless the works by which we will be

judged. Works are never the means or grounds of our salvation, but they are surely the evidence

thereof, and thus constitute an excellent basis for judgment.

The promise is two-fold.The promise is of co-regency with Christ.

We will be given by Christ authority over nations That promise is taken from Psalm 2:7-9…I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD: He said

to Me, ‘Thou art My Son, Today I have begotten Thee. Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Thine inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as Thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron, Thou shalt shatter them like earthenware.

We will participate with Christ in the millennial kingdom Those who remain faithful to Christ despite being beaten and despised in this life will rule

with Him in His earthly kingdom Those nations who rebel against Christ’s rule and threaten His people will be destroyed

We are not merely those over whom Christ will rule but those with whom Christ will rule. Exactly how we share in his reign is not stated. Who are the “nations” over whom we will rule?

Christ also promised that the overcomer would receive “the morning star” (v. 28). Is this Jesus himself? Possibly see 22:16 But it is also possible that Rev. 1:20 should be seen as parallel with this statement. There the seven stars are a symbol of sovereignty over the world, which Jesus has bestowed

on His churches. The “morning star” is generally regarded as referring to Venus which itself was an ancient

symbol for sovereignty. Believers will reflect Christ’s glory and sovereignty

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”1. This letter reveals the seriousness of practicing and tolerating sin – and that God will judge

continued unrepentant sin in the church.2. A pattern of obedience marks the lives of true followers of Christ.3. God’s gracious promise to His own, is that in spite of struggles with sin and error, they will

experience all the fullness of Christ as they reign with Him in His kingdom.

Sardis Revelation 3:1-6

If the surrounding culture declares that we are alive but Jesus says we are dead, something’s seriously wrong with our standard of success.

Our discernment is seriously flawed. Worse still is when we ourselves think we’re alive but in fact are dead. All too often, the criteria by which we judge success and the criteria employed by God are

vastly at odds. What constitutes good, effective, Christ-exalting ministry is one thing to the world, even the

church, and another thing altogether to God.

A church can be widely known for its activity and influence, all the while dead in the estimation of Christ, this is a frightening sobering reality. Obviously, what impresses men does not necessarily impress God!

“Since our hope is in the God who chooses the smallest seed in the garden to produce the largest tree, chooses a shepherd for His greatest king, chooses fishermen for apostles, and chooses to become a carpenter from Nazareth in His incarnation, we should be encouraged by every advance of the gospel, but very careful about what we judge as impressive or fruitful for long-term.”

The epistle which our Lord addressed to the church in Sardis is one of the most severe of the seven. It is, in point of fact, along with the letter to Laodicea, the only church for which the Lord has no words of commendation.

Simply put, Jesus had nothing good to say about the church in Sardis! This letter stands out in sharp contrast to the previous four Their faults, though reprehensible, do appear to be exceptions to the general spirit of

obedience and growth. But in Sardis there is no word of praise: Obedience and growth, at best, are the exception, not the rule. Only a “few names” in Sardis “have not defiled their garments.” The majority had incurred defilement.

We might also ask why both Jews and Romans apparently left this church untouched when they so vigorously persecuted their neighbours?

The answer may be its lack of aggressive and positive Christianity. Simply put, Sardis was the perfect model of inoffensive Christianity.

Vv. 1,2bThe church in Sardis had acquired a reputation in Asia Minor as a superlative congregation. To all external appearances, as far as what could be seen and heard, Sardis was a progressive church, first among its sister congregations to initiate a new program, full of vitality, overflowing with zeal, no doubt quite large.

As John Stott says,“It was positively humming with activity. There was no shortage in the church of money or talent or manpower. There was every indication of life and vigour…but outward appearances are notoriously deceptive; and this socially distinguished congregation was a spiritual graveyard. It seemed to be alive, but it was actually dead. It had a name for virility, but it had no right to its name. Its works were beautiful grave clothes, which were but a thin disguise for this ecclesiastical corpse. The eyes of Christ saw beyond the clothes to the skeleton. It was dead as mutton, it even stank.”

Says Jesus, “I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God” (v. 2b). What is meant by this? A brief glance at the list of works in 2:19, which find approval in the eyes of the Lord will

help: love, faith, service, patient endurance. All these were no doubt evident in Sardis, but in a haphazard, half-hearted, incomplete way. Perhaps their motives were wrong; perhaps they performed the deeds well enough, but did

so for selfish, even mercenary reasons. The words “in the sight of My God” indicates that though their deeds may

gain human approval, God’s evaluation was another matter.

“The church was not troubled by persecution; it was not disturbed by heresy; it was not distressed by Jewish opposition; it was well known as an active, vigorous Christian congregation, characterized by good works and charitable activities. But in the sight of God, all of these religious activities were a failure because they were only formal and external, and not infused with the life-giving Holy Spirit”

All of their efforts were characterized by half-heartedness, lack of zeal By beginnings that rarely or ever came to anything of lasting worth They were the works of a church that had become addicted to mediocrity They were, in a word, wishy-washy! Sardis may well be the first church in history to have been filled with what we call

today nominal Christians. They were Christians in name only So now at Sardis we learn of the importance of reality, genuineness, authenticity, and the

value of a life-style that matches profession.

Our Lord’s instruction begins with the exhortation, “be watchful (wake up) and strengthen the things that remain which are about to die.”

Such words leave room for hope They indicate that, although death is near, the possibility for renewal remains There is an ember, so to speak, which is quickly cooling off, but may yet be fanned into

flames of life if only the appropriate action is taken.

Christ Gives A 5-Star Wake Up Call:

1. WAKE UP – ReveleIt’s time to honestly face something that is wrong.

Watchful has the idea of spiritual mental alertness and vigilance – keep your eyes open Preoccupied minds dull our spiritual senses A comfortable Christianity is a dying Christianity

“Let us not sleep like others, let’s keep watching and mentally alert.” 1Thess.5:6 “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil is like a roaring lion…”1Pet.5:8 Failure to wake up with result in an unexpected arrival of Christ judgment upon the church

Sardis was built on a mountain, and an acropolis was constructed on a spur of this mountain, which was all but impregnable.

To capture the acropolis of Sardis had become proverbial for “doing the impossible” Yet twice in the city’s past it had been taken by surprise and captured by enemies. The parallel with the church’s lack of vigilance and its need to awaken lest it come under

judgment is striking. They became over confident and failed to watch Its religious history, like its civil, belonged to the past.

2. WORK OUT – Revitalise Keep on strengthening the things that remain – ‘to fix, to turn decisively in a certain direction”

Fan into flame the dying embers of the remaining spiritual graces in the church Why? – they had fallen short of fulfilling their obligations as believers Nothing they had started or done of God’s work had been completed

3. THINK RIGHT – Remember You need to go back to the truth of the Word of God, remembering the gospel and the teaching of the apostles.

By this time Paul’s letters were in circulation and the rest of the NT had been written They needed to reaffirm their belief in the truth about Christ – sin – salvation – sanctification In the words of Paul to Timothy they needed to guard what had been entrusted to them –

1Tim.6:20 In so doing they would establish a solid doctrinal foundation to serve as a base for renewal Past history should challenge us to present endeavour Recall the blessings of divine grace and be strengthened

4. HOLD FAST – Retain and Reveal You don’t need anything new; simply hold firmly to what you’ve already got!

You cannot impart what you do not possess Knowledge alone will never bring life – only a heart bent on loving obedience

The disciples had a faulty knowledge. Their misunderstanding of Jesus was frequent, yet Jesus was able to touch and transform their lives beyond the limits of what had entered into their minds…simply because they loved Him, trusted Him, wanted to learn from Him, and honestly meant to obey Him according to the light they had.

5. CHANGE NOW – Repent Stop sinning! Start obeying! Do it now!

To start over, you have to know where you are To get somewhere else, it is necessary to know where you are presently standing Repent – meta: ‘after, implying change’ noia: ‘to perceive, know’ ‘A change in one’s mind after hearing’ You will have to change direction if you plan to walk with God

He will not get in step with you – you must get in step with Him

The threatened chastisement for failure to do so is vivid. It’s unclear whether this is the threat of an impending “coming” of Christ in judgment and discipline against the church in Sardis or a broader reference to the second “coming” of Christ.

In either case, the emphasis is on the unexpected “like a thief” nature of the coming.

It’s encouraging to see here that even in a church like Sardis there is a promise to the godly remnant, those “few names” who have not soiled their garments in the dirt of unrighteousness, hypocrisy, and idolatry. The reward promised to those who persevere is four-fold:

1. They will walk with Jesus in white – “they shall walk with Me in white” v.4b Some see a reference here to the resurrection body But this is more likely a promise of victory and purity in the messianic kingdom when those

who have remained faithful will experience the consummation of fellowship with Jesus. The reference to “white” may allude to the righteousness imputed to us in the act of

justification…that is why they are regarded as “worthy”.

2. The overcomer will be “clothed in white garments” v.5a

3. The overcomer will not have his/her name erased from the book of life. There are a few possibilities for this “book”. In the OT the “book of life” was a register of the citizens of the theocratic community of

Israel. To have one’s name written in the book of life implied the privilege of participation in the temporal blessings of the theocracy

While to be erased or blotted out of this book meant exclusion from those blessings. In other words, this book had reference to the rights of citizenship for the Jewish people (cf.

Ex. 32:32; Ps. 69:28; Isa. 4:3). The concept of a “book” was also used to portray God’s all-inclusive decree (Ps. 139:16) The very days of one’s life are ordained and written in God’s “book” before one of them

occurs. There is also the notion of “books” of judgment in which are recorded men’s deeds. They

serve as that by which or from which one shall be judged (Dan. 7:10; Rev. 20:12).

The most vivid usage, however, is the concept of the book as the register of those who have been chosen for salvation from eternity past. It is not temporal or earthly blessings that are in view, but participation in the eternal kingdom of God as recipients of eternal life (see Luke 10:20; Phil. 4:3; Heb. 12:23; Rev. 13:8; 17:8).

It would appear from these texts that not all are written in this book, but only the elect. If it is the latter which Jesus has in view, there are three possible interpretations.

1. It is possible for a sinning, unrepentant Christian to fail to overcome and thereby to forfeit their place in the book of life. Their names will be erased from that book and they will lose their salvation.

2. To have one’s name blotted out refers to something other than salvation. In Rev. 3:1 Jesus referred to the people at Sardis as having a “name” for being alive, i.e., they had a reputation for spiritual vitality.

The idea, then, is that such people are saved, but will forfeit any hope of an honourable position in the coming kingdom of God.

They are saved, but will experience shame at the last day. It is not the loss of life, per se, but the loss of a certain quality of life that otherwise could

have been theirs. Thus, what one loses by having their name erased from the book of life is eternal rewards in

the kingdom.

3. Others insist that the key is in identifying the “overcomers”. Those who overcome, it is argued, are all Christians…see 1 John 5:4-5; Rev. 21:7. This isn’t to suggest that Christians can’t backslide and sin badly. The rebukes in these seven letters indicate otherwise. Nevertheless, the evidence of the reality of true saving faith is perseverance i.e.,

“overcoming” Three factors lead me to conclude that John does not envision the possibility of a true

Christian forfeiting salvation.

1. All of the other promises to the “overcomer” are coined in positive terms with no threat of losing a salvation once gained (see 2:7,11,17,26-27; 3:12,21).

2. If it is asked why this promise is couched in negative terms, the answer is obvious: Jesus couldn’t say “I will write his name in the book of life” because the names of the “overcomers” were already written in the book from eternity past…read Rev. 13:8; 17:8. There is no indication in Scripture, least of all in Revelation, of additional names being inscribed in the book as a reward for faithfulness or perseverance. Rather, faithfulness and perseverance are the evidence or fruit of having had one’s name written in the book. Those who worship the “beast” do so precisely because their names were not written in the book in eternity past (13:8; 17:8). Third,

3. This declaration of Jesus is a promise to the elect that nothing will by any means prevent them from possessing the eternal inheritance to which they have been ordained. In other words, we must take note of what Jesus does not say. He does not say that anyone will be erased from the book of life. Rather, he says the overcomers will not be erased. His word is a promise of security to overcomers, not a threat of insecurity to those who lapse. So again, Jesus nowhere says he will erase names previously in the book of life

He Knows My Name! I’m amazed at how seemingly little things in life can have such a massive impact on other people. Take, for example, when someone remembers your name. Perhaps it’s a person you admire greatly, whom you’ve only met once before, but they instantly smile when they see your face and say, “Hey, Kirby, how are you? It’s good to see you again.” You feel affirmed and honoured that someone who is well-known and successful actually knows who you are. Maybe that’s because it strokes your ego and awakens personal pride. Whatever the case, no one can deny how good it feels.

It’s precisely this sort of relational phenomenon that makes the words of Jesus in Revelation 3:5 so powerful and so glorious. Here we find the final promise to the faithful in Sardis. He’s already assured them they will “walk” with him “in white,” that they will “be clothed in white garments,” and that he will never, by no means ever, blot their names out of the book of life. To these Jesus adds: “I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels” (Rev. 3:5b). Revelation 3:5 actually appears to be a combination of two statements found on the lips of Jesus in the gospels. In Matthew 10:32 he declared, “So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven.” Again, in Luke 12:8, we read, “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God.” Let’s examine this remarkable promise with several observations. 1. This is no grudging concession on the part of Jesus, but a joyful and heartfelt proclamation to the Father and the myriads of angelic beings: “He’s mine! She belongs to me! They are worthy!”

The words “acknowledge” or “confess” often suggest a reluctant admission on the part of the person speaking, less a willing declaration than a concession to the unavoidable.

That’s not what Jesus has in mind when he uses these words! These names are on his lips because they are first in his heart. Jesus isn’t embarrassed by those whom he confesses before the Father. He doesn’t worry what the angels might think that he would dare speak your name or mine

in their presence. He rejoices that we are his and he happily speaks each name with delight and satisfaction.

2. Jesus evidently will speak each of our names individually.

Yes, we are the body of Christ, the church, the Bride whom He loves with an everlasting love. Our corporate identity as the people of God is an indescribable blessing. But according to Revelation 3:5 Jesus says, “I will confess his name [singular]” People on earth may forget your name or feel uneasy in your presence or reluctantly

concede your accomplishments. But Jesus knows your name and will say to the Father, “This is Darren. He is righteous in me.

Father, this is Christie. She is mine!” How does one put in words the thrill and life-giving power of hearing Jesus speak your

name?

Following the resurrection of Jesus, she stood outside the tomb, weeping. Turning around, she “saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary’ (!). She turned and said to him in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher)” John 20:14b-16

Do you know the difference between being called “Woman” and being called “Mary”? One lady did!

This woman, at one time indwelt and tormented by seven demons (Luke 8:2), filled with shame and reproach, hears the sweetest and most comforting word imaginable, her name: “Mary!”

But it wasn’t the name so much as the man on whose lips it was willfully, happily, and confidently found: Jesus!

“He knows my name! He remembers me! I’m not an embarrassment to him. He’s not ashamed of me!”

This is what each of us who know him will experience one day, without reservation or qualification.

He will speak your name and my name before his Father and the angels. But this is more than merely hearing your name called as if a teacher is taking roll. This is no perfunctory ritual as Jesus reels off one name after another, to which you respond, “Here,” “Yo!” or “Present”.

This is an open, glad-hearted, public acknowledgment, an owning by Jesus of you and me. Father, these are the ones you gave me out of all flesh (John 17:2). I declare them to you now. I proclaim their names as those who have come to faith and have

rested in what I’ve done alone, without looking to another lover, another saviour, or another ‘god’.”

3. Could it be that Jesus speaks our names as He reads them from the book of life?

In view of the immediately preceding context (Rev. 3:5a), we can’t dismiss the possibility that the names he speaks, one after another, were those who had been written down in that glorious volume from before the foundation of the world.

4. There may well be a legal dimension to this declaration by Jesus of the names of those in the book of life.

This isn’t at all to diminish the personal and relational reality of what will occur But only to emphasize that this is our final vindication from all charges It is Christ’s declaration that we are righteous through faith in him alone. It is, in a word, our ultimate and eternal “justification”!

Envision the scene. You are standing in the blazing presence of the immeasurable and unfathomable God, an all-consuming fire, the God of infinite and unending glory, the God of unsearchable and incomparable righteousness. Small, frail, weak as you are, Jesus takes hold of your hand and leads you “before” His Father and beneath the penetrating gaze of myriads of angels. Then He proudly and happily and joyfully and confidently declares: “Father, Kirby is mine! I am His! He is clothed in white! I’ve paid his debt. I suffered his penalty. He is clean. He is pure. He is in Me and I in him. Kirby is righteous!

Philadelphia: Church of the Open Door Revelation 3:7—13

One could make a strong case that the letters to Smyrna and Philadelphia are the most important ones of the seven, for in neither of them do we find one word of complaint.

They both receive unqualified praise and approval. Interesting to note that Philadelphia is placed between Sardis and Laodicea Philadelphia experienced the true life that Sardis claimed but lacked

SARDIS LAODICEALifeless UselessNoxious NauseatingVoid Vomit

Christ Portrayed – “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, “These things says He who is holy, He who is true, ‘He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens.” Rev.3:7

Here we find a four-fold description of Jesus, again taken from the visionary portrait of Him in chapter one.

1. He is called The Holy One An unmistakable title for Yahweh in the OT (Isa. 40:25) here applied to Jesus. See also Rev. 6:10 where “holy”, along with “true,” is an attribute of deity. This unmistakable title for Yahweh is likely derived either from Isaiah 40:25, where Yahweh

asks, “To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? Says the Holy One,” or from Isaiah 43:15 where he again proclaims, “I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King” (see also Job 6:10; Ezekiel 39:7; Hosea 11:9; Habakkuk 1:12; 3:3).

According to Isaiah 57:15…”his very name is Holy!” There is none with whom He can be compared or against whom He fails to measure up. He is altogether unique, transcendently other, truly in a class by himself! This glorious, almost indescribable, attribute of God is here affirmed of Jesus! Holiness is that in virtue of which God alone is God alone. Holiness is moral majesty.

2. He is called The True One

To the Greek mind this would mean “genuine,” that which is real and corresponds to reality. To the Hebrew mind it means “faithful” and “trustworthy” Deserving of our confidence, dependable, reliable, consistent and steadfast. See Ps. 146:5-6;

Ex. 34:6; Deut. 7:9; 2 Tim. 2:13; Num. 23:19; Lam. 3:22-23. No one ever trusted God in vain!

3. He is The One who has the Key of David He has the undisputed authority to admit or exclude from the New Jerusalem. The idea is that Jesus has the key to the Davidic or Messianic kingdom. This statement concerning Jesus is a reference to Isaiah 22:22…”Then I will set the key of

the house of David on his shoulder, When he opens no one will shut, When he shuts no one will open.”

This speaks of the role of Eliakim, steward of the household, who was given authority to control who was admitted and who was excluded from the king’s presence.

This position was quite prominent, perhaps only secondary to the king himself. Jesus is the one who determines who shall enter the Davidic kingdom.

4. He is The One who opens and no one shuts, the One who shuts and no one opens When Christ opens to His followers the door of the kingdom, no one can shut them out When He shuts the door on those who oppose His cause, none can reverse the decision

Church Praised – “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” Rev.3:8-10

1. Little Dynamic – “for you have little strength (power)” v.8 What is meant by this statement? This is not a rebuke but a reference to the smallness in both size and influence, which

proved no obstacle to their accomplishing great things for the kingdom of God. Size is no measure of success. They did much with what little resources they had. Here, then, is what Jesus promises to do

for them. This isn’t a rebuke…it’s a commendation! Let me clarify that. Jesus isn’t saying that having “little power” is inherently and always good. He’s simply saying that having “little power” isn’t inherently and always bad. In spite of your lack of size and influence, says Jesus, you faithfully kept My word In the face of persecution and perhaps even martyrdom, you refused to deny my name. People threatened you. The culture mocked you. The Jewish community slandered you (cf. v. 9). The temptation to jump ship must have been intense. Yet you stood firm. Your lack of resources, money, and manpower proved no obstacle to your accomplishing

great things for the kingdom of God!

It’s reassuring to know that size is no measure of success. There is no sin in size, but neither is there in smallness. There are temptations in both circumstances.

Those with “little power” can become bitter and resentful of those who outwardly prosper. Those with “great power” can become arrogant and condescending toward those of less

stature. Little churches may be tempted to think they’ve missed the mark or failed to articulate a

vision that is pleasing to God. The “mega-church” may point to their sizeable offerings and overflowing crowds as

indicative of divine approval – however they could both be wrong Why did Christ choose to praise a church that at best was below average in strength?

1Cor.1:26-29…”Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes, or powerful, or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God deliberately chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose those who are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important, so that no one can ever boast in the presence of God.”

2Cor.12:9…”My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”We don’t know if the Christians in Philadelphia were despondent or struggling in self-doubt. But the fact that Jesus applauds their efforts in spite of their modest dimensions might suggest they needed this word of encouragement.

2. Biblical Fidelity – “you have kept My word” v.8 This church took seriously Christ’s words in Matthew 28:19-20 They desired God’s blessing in Rev.1:3…”Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the

words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.” Not every church can be large, but every church can be faithful and obedient

3. Good Reputation – “you have not denied My name” v.8 We cannot be nominal or closet Christians We should eagerly desire to be known as Christians – “And it came about that for an entire

year they met with the church, and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” Acts 11:26

I can’t be dogmatic on this point, but I strongly suspect that at the heart of their having “kept his word” and having “refused to deny his name” is their holding forth of Jesus as He has described Himself to them.

In the face of vile threats and taunts they endured on a daily basis These believers proclaimed Jesus as the holy one, the true one, the one who has the key of

David! These believers did more than simply not deny the name of Jesus. They loudly and proudly proclaimed Him as “the Holy One” Their boast was not in their property or programs but in the Holy One of Israel! Have you ever felt like we have “but little power” here at South Valley? Have you ever wondered if your sacrifice is worth the effort?

If the Philadelphians were inclined to think in this way, I suspect they renewed their strength and re-ignited their passion by reflecting on the beauty of divine holiness. “He, our Lord, is the Holy One! How can we not keep His word and proclaim His name, for He is Holy, He is ours, and we are His!”

Jesus loves “little churches”! The greatness of a church is not measured by its membership roll or budgetary prowess, but by the size of the Saviour whom it faithfully honours and passionately praises and confidently trusts.

The “big” church is any church that boasts in a big God, regardless of attendance, buildings, programmes and assets

Were the Philadelphians envied by any?

Probably not…yet they had no lack, at least in what mattered. Keeping Christ’s word and not denying His name is easy for those who know Him well. When He is small and unknown, He becomes dispensable, deniable, and easily dismissed

for the sake of some grand vision of church growth. A “mega-church” without a “mega-Christ” is of little benefit to anyone. A “mini-church” with a “mega-Christ” makes them big in the eyes of Him whose opinion is

the only one that matters

4. Great Opportunity – “I have set before you an open door” v.8 What is the “open door”? Perhaps it’s a great opportunity for missionary activity (cf. 1 Cor. 16:9; 2 Cor. 2:12; Col. 4:3). But the preceding verse spoke of a Messianic kingdom, access to which is under the absolute

control of Christ. He is the one who possesses the key and can open and shut at his own will. Here in v. 8 he reminds the Christians at Philadelphia who may have been excommunicated

from the local synagogue that he has placed before them an open door into the eternal kingdom and no one can shut them out.

Notice their vindication as the beloved of God Literally, Jesus says he will “give” these false Jews of the synagogue of Satan to the church at

Philadelphia IE…He will cause them to bow down at their feet and to know that Jesus has loved them. Does this imply that these Jewish opponents will become Christians? Some say Yes and contend that the “open door” of v.8 pertains specifically to evangelistic

opportunity and success among the Jewish population of the city.

Appeal is also made to the word translated “bow down” (proskuneo), used elsewhere on several occasions in Revelation of voluntary worship. However, if they were to be saved, it would be strange for them to bow down in worship at the feet of fellow-Christians.

Some contend that “this bowing down has no religious significance but is simply the traditional (oriental) expression of showing honour

It may be that recognition on their part that Jesus loves the church and is stimulus for their conversion

This lines up with Paul’s thought in Romans 11 where he describes the Jews being provoked to jealousy upon seeing Gentiles savingly grafted into the olive tree.

It must be admitted, however, that “make them to come” is odd language for conversion. The point of their being “made” to prostrate themselves before Christians is so that they

might acknowledge the love Jesus has for the church. Is not Christ’s point to demonstrate to the persecutors of the church, that God’s love is

precisely for those seemingly insignificant and weak believers in Philadelphia?

Perhaps, then, John has in mind either:

(1) Some event by which these Jews are compelled to acknowledge that the Philadelphian believers are the beloved people of God and that such status is not the result of ethnic heritage or national affiliation but rather faith in Jesus, or

(2) The final judgment day at which “every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord” (Phil. 2:10-11).

The most intriguing feature of this passage (v. 9) is that it appears to be an allusion to several OT texts in which it is prophesied that Gentiles will come and bow down before Israel in the last days. For example: “And the sons of those who afflicted you will come bowing to you, and all those who despised you will bow themselves at the soles of your feet; and they will call you the city of the Lord, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel” (Isa. 60:14). “Thus says the Lord, ‘The products of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush and the Sabeans, men of stature, will come over to you and will be yours; they will walk behind you, they will come over in chains and will bow down to you; they will make supplication to you: “Surely, God is with you, and there is none else, no other God” (Isa 45:14). “And kings will be your guardians, and their princesses your nurses. They will bow down to you with their faces to the earth, and lick the dust of your feet; and you will know that I am the Lord; those who hopefully wait for Me will not be put to shame” (Isa. 49:23).

In all these passages the Gentiles are expected to grovel before Israel, while in Rev. 3:9 it is the Jews who are expected to grovel before the feet of this largely gentile Christian community” What makes this even more intriguing is the fact that in Isa. 60:14 “they” (the Gentiles) will call “you” (the Israelites) “the city of the Lord, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel”.

This is precisely what we see in Rev. 3:12, except that in the latter it is said of the Church! There we read that these very overcomers before whom these Jews prostrate themselves

are given the name of . . . “the city of My God, the new Jerusalem”! And be it noted that the name by which Jesus identifies Himself to the Philadelphian

believers is “the Holy One” (thereby reinforcing the link between Rev. 3 and Isaiah 60).

Protection from the hour of testing - trial If you’ve ever wondered whether it mattered much to Jesus that you’ve kept the faith and maintained your commitment to him, this promise to the church of Philadelphia should put your fears to rest.

Sadly, more attention is given to sensational claims of supernatural exploits than to the routine faithfulness of the average Christian.

Simple virtues like integrity, endurance in the face of pain and disappointment, persistence in one’s struggle with sin, and love for the brethren aren’t the sort that get reported

But I can assure you that they are of paramount importance to our Lord.

If you doubt what I’m saying, look closely at our Lord’s words in Revelation 3:10-11. “Because you have kept my word about patient endurance,” said Jesus to the church in Philadelphia, “I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown” (3:10-11; emphasis mine).

Many people appeal to this text in support of the pre-tribulation rapture of the church. Though I believe in a pre-tribulation catching away of the church, I don’t believe this is in

view in these verses

1. The idea that any Christian is assured of special protection from trials, tribulations, and persecution is unbiblical.

We’ve seen repeatedly in these seven letters that suffering for the sake of Christ and the gospel is something all believers must embrace (see Rev. 2:2-3; 2:9-10; 2:13; 3:8-10).

According to Paul, it is “through many tribulations (thlipsis; the same word used in Rev. 1:9; 7:14) we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22).

Jesus declared that “in the world you will have tribulation (thlipsis)” (John 16:33). Again, we are to “rejoice in our sufferings (thlipsis)” (Romans 5:3).

2. The trial or tribulation that is coming is designed for the judgment of unbelievers, not Christians.

“Those who dwell on the earth” (v. 9) or “earth-dwellers” is a stock phrase in Revelation that always refers to pagan persecutors of the church (6:10; 8:13; 11:10; 12:12; 13:8,12,14; 14:6; 17:2,8).

They are the ones who suffer the seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments of Revelation which characterize the entire church age, from the first coming of Christ to His second.

3. The promise, is for spiritual protection in the midst of physical tribulation.

Jesus is assuring his people that he will provide sufficient sustenance to preserve them in their faith, no matter what they face.

The promise here is similar to what we find in Revelation 7:1-3,13-14 where the people of God are “sealed” lest they suffer spiritual harm from “the great tribulation” v.14

They are not preserved from trial by removal from it, but their faith is preserved through trial because they have been sealed by God” (292).

4. Many have typically insisted that the only way God’s people can be spiritually protected from the outpouring of divine wrath is by being physically removed from the earth.

But this is clearly not the case, as John 17:15 makes clear…”I do not ask Thee to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one.”

In this passage we find the only other place in the NT where the precise phrase “keep them from” (tereo ek) is used.

It’s important to note in this text that “keep from” is actually contrasted with the notion of physical removal.

Jesus prays not that the Father “take them out of the world” (i.e., physically remove them) But that the Father would “keep them from” Satan’s effort to destroy their spiritual life. So when we turn to Revelation 3:10 we see that it is from the wrath of God poured out on

“earth-dwellers” (unbelievers) that He promises to “keep” them. In the face of certain opposition and oppression from Satan, the Beast, and unbelievers, this

is a glorious promise indeed. 5. We must never forget that it is precisely in remaining faithful unto death that our greatest victory is achieved.

Believers conquer Satan and the Beast “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death” (Rev. 12:11).

What precisely is this “hour of testing”?

Of this we may be sure: its focus is the judgment of unbelievers When is the “hour of testing”?

Is this a reference to a specific period of time reserved for the end of human history that many call “The Great Tribulation”?

If so, it seems odd that Jesus would promise one church in Asia Minor in the first century that they were to be protected from an event that not one single individual in that church would ever see, indeed, an event that would not transpire for at least another 1,900 years!

Perhaps John is referring to that “tribulation” which has already begun for Christians (including the Philadelphians) and will continue throughout the present age, see 1:9; 2:9-10.

In other words, “the hour of testing” may be a reference to the entire church age, during which there will always be suffering, trial, and tribulation for those who stand firm in their witness for Christ.

Or it may refer to one particular season of intensified persecution that was imminent for believers in Asia Minor.

This “hour of trial” may indeed include a time of tribulation at the end of this present age, but I don’t believe it can be restricted to that without embracing the centuries of tribulation the church has faced.

“Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.”v.11 This “coming” of Jesus sounds more like the second advent at the close of history than a

historical coming in judgment…given the obedience of the Philadelphian church There was no need for Jesus to “come” to them in disciplinary judgment (as was the case

with Ephesus in 2:5, Pergamum in 2:16, Sardis in 3:3).“Hold fast” is the exhortation, to those who have until now held fast and patiently endured, that they must continue to persevere.

Here again we see the beautiful and altogether harmonious interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

We must persevere in our commitment to Him, and we shall persevere because of His commitment to us.

Christ Promises – “He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” v.12-13

1. “I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God” (v. 12a) The Bible has a remarkable capacity to challenge and overcome our misperceptions about who we are.

When we are inclined to think of ourselves as orphans, the biblical text declares that we are the adopted children of God.

If we are wracked with guilt, the inspired word reminds us that we are forgiven. The feeling of being stained and soiled by sin is overcome with the realization that we

are cleansed by the blood of Christ and clothed in his righteousness.

Here in Revelation 3:12-13, the Word of God again graciously reminds us of God’s perspective and reverses the paralysing impact of false perceptions.

Our Lord’s words of promise and reassurance to those who persevere in faith have bolstered and buoyed our faith throughout the course of these seven letters.

Nowhere is this more vividly seen and felt than in his comments to the church at Philadelphia. To the one who conquers, he again promises, “I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Rev. 3:12-13).

The imagery of the individual Christian and the corporate church as the temple of God is a familiar one in Scripture.

“Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple” (1 Cor. 3:16).

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?” (1 Cor. 6:19).

“In whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit” (Eph. 2:21-22).

“As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house , to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:4-5).

The metaphor is obviously fluid and thus there is no inconsistency in affirming that we are both the temple and the pillars within it.

In declaring that he will make us pillars our Lord is focusing in on our relationship with Him and our place in His purposes.

This is simply a metaphor of eternal salvation, as pillars speak of permanence and importance

2. “He will not go out from it anymore” (v. 12b) To a city that had experienced devastating earthquakes, which caused people to flee into the

countryside and establish temporary dwellings there, the promise of permanence would have a special meaning

Thus it certainly conveys the idea of stability and permanence in the believer’s relationship with God

3. He will have written on him three new names (v. 12c) – “The name of My God” – This is clearly a metaphor of both divine ownership and the

dedication to God of the one who bears this name (cf. Rev. 14:1). “The name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem” – This isn’t surprising, given the fact

that in Rev. 21:2-8 the people of God are virtually identified with the city of God “And My new name” – Being given a new name in biblical tradition is most often associated

with the idea of receiving a new status, function, or change in character and calling

Laodicea (3:14-22)The courier who had been entrusted by the apostle John with the seven letters to the seven churches neared his journey’s end. Having embarked from the island of Patmos with the book of Revelation securely tucked away in his messenger’s pouch, he would have begun his travel along the circular route by first visiting Ephesus. Moving northward he would pass through the cities of Smyrna and Pergamum, at which point, turning southeast, his journey would lead him to Thyatira, Sardis, and Philadelphia. Finally, having come almost full circle along the well-beaten trade route, he would arrive at his final destination: Laodicea.

As he no doubt tarried in each of the cities long enough to hear the public reading of the respective letters, his understanding of the nature and practice of the local church surely blossomed. Ephesus: so zealous for theological purity and yet growing coldly indifferent to one another.Smyrna: wracked with poverty as a result of persecution and suffering, yet standing firm. Pergamum: so full of love and compassion but in danger of theological and moral compromise. Thyatira: the epitome of growth and development but overly tolerant of false teaching. Sardis: known throughout the world for life and love, but in reality spiritual putrefaction was rampant. Philadelphia: so small, so seemingly insignificant, yet so diligent and patient in the face of a hostile world.

He must have thought he had seen it all…until he came to Laodicea! Laodicea was perhaps the wealthiest in all of Phrygia. It was so wealthy that following a devastating earthquake in 60AD the city rebuilt itself

without financial aid from Rome. In the Annals, Tacitus wrote: “Laodicea arose from the ruins by the strength of her own

resources, and with no help from us.” It was a city known not simply for its monetary success (it was a banking centre) but for its

linen and wool industry (especially black sheep!) as well as its medical school. Probably the most famous medicinal product to come out of Laodicea was an eye ointment

made from a power produced in Phrygia.

Self-confident, self-sufficient, seemingly well-endowed…to such a church which considered itself rich, our Lord says “Buy from me gold…that you may become rich” (v. 18); to such a church which took pride in its textile industry, our Lord says “Buy from me…white garments that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed” (v. 18); to such a church which boasted of its contribution to ophthalmic medicine our Lord says “Buy from me… eye salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see” (v. 18).

The severity of this letter is unmistakable As is also the absence of a single word of praise or commendation. Even in the nearly dead church at Sardis there was a faithful remnant, but no such remnant

is clearly discernible in the Laodicean church We don’t know how or when the gospel came to Laodicea. Paul most likely never visited the church and thus it seems probable that Epaphras, servant

of the Lord in Colossae, initiated the work there. Colossians 4:12-16 indicates that Paul wrote a letter to the congregation at Laodicea, a letter

now lost to us (Laodicea is mentioned five times in the letter to the Colossians: 2:1; 4:13,15,16(2)).

Beyond this we know little of its history.

Christ DescribedThis is the only instance in the seven letters where the description of Jesus is not taken from the visionary portrait of Chapter 1. In describing himself as “The Amen” Jesus is probably alluding to Isa. 65:16, the only time this title is used of God.Our Lord discerns two things in Laodicea: (1) moral and religious tepidity or lukewarmness (vv. 15-16), and prideful self-sufficiency (v. 17).In sum, the Christianity at Laodicea was flabby and anemic! What is the significance of the terminology of cold, hot, and lukewarm?

Often people think that by “hot” Jesus is referring to zealous, lively, hard-working Christians, and that by “cold” He is referring to lifeless pagans.

Hot, so goes the argument, refers to spiritually active believers whereas cold refers to apathetic pagans.

But this creates a problem: how can Jesus prefer the indifferent pagan to the backslidden, lukewarm Christian?

Granted, the latter is bad, but is it really the case that Jesus would prefer His lukewarm people to be in blatant unbelief?

This seems highly unlikely.

An understanding of certain features of the topography of the land may go a long way in helping make sense of Jesus’ imagery.

It is important to be aware of the fact that Laodicea was only six miles south of Hierapolis and eleven miles west of Colossae.

These three cities were the most important of all in the Lycus Valley. Laodicea itself lacked a natural water supply and was dependent on its neighbours for this

vital resource. It is now believed that “hot” and “cold” don’t refer to the spiritual “temperature” But to the “hot” medicinal waters of Hierapolis (whose hot springs reached 95 degrees) And the “cold” refreshing waters of Colossae on the other. If this is what Jesus had in mind, “the church is not being called to task for its spiritual

temperature but for the barrenness of its works” The church was providing neither refreshment for the spiritually weary (portrayed through

the imagery of “cold” water from Colossae) Nor healing for the spiritually sick (portrayed through the imagery of “hot” water from

Hierapolis). The church was simply ineffective and thus distasteful to the Lord. This relieves the problem of why Christ would prefer the church to be “cold” rather than

“lukewarm”. The church in Laodicea is rebuked, therefore, for the useless and barren nature of its works,

indicative of its stagnant spiritual condition.

In the word “lukewarm” there is probably another allusion to the hot springs of Hierapolis, located just 6 miles north of Laodicea. As the hot, mineral-laden waters travelled across the plateau towards Laodicea, they gradually became lukewarm before cascading over the edge directly in view of the Laodicean populace. There are actually archaeological remains in Laodicea of an aqueduct system that would have carried water from Hierapolis. They could hardly forget this lukewarm water which would make one sick if drunk.

“That is what you are like to Me,” says Jesus. The imagery is graphic! Be it noted, however, that this “spewing” out of Christ’s mouth is not necessarily an unalterable decree of judgment, but rather a threat of divine discipline which may be abated through repentance and obedience.

(2) Prideful, self-sufficiency (v. 17)Their spiritual barrenness was probably the rotten fruit of a prideful self-sufficient attitude.

“The church boasted that it was healthy and prosperous. The Greek of this verse literally rendered is, ‘I am rich and I have gotten riches.’ Not only did the church boast in her supposed spiritual well-being; she boasted that she had acquired her wealth by her own efforts. Spiritual complacency was accompanied by spiritual pride. No doubt part of her problem was the inability to distinguish between material and spiritual prosperity. The church that is prosperous materially and outwardly can easily fall into the self-deception that her outward prosperity is the measure of her spiritual prosperity. . . . [The church] is in reality like a blind beggar, destitute, clad in rags.”There seems to be a deliberate contrast drawn between Smyrna and Laodicea. Smyrna suffered from material poverty (ptocheia) but was regarded by Jesus as spiritually wealthy (plousios). Laodicea, on the other hand, was materially wealthy (plousios) but spiritually poor (ptocheia). Thus, despite their banks, they were beggars! Despite their famous eye-salve, they were blind! Despite their prosperous clothing factories, they were naked!Vv. 18-20Continuing to use imagery derived from their own commercial activities (and it is but imagery or figurative language, so don’t press the concept of “buying” things from Jesus too far!), He counsels them to make several purchases in those areas where they fancy themselves self-sufficient. Jesus likens himself to a merchant who visits the city to sell his wares and competes with other salesmen. “I advise you,” he says, “to forsake your former suppliers and come trade with me.”

“Gold” = Spiritual wealth, often the result of refining by the fires of suffering (cf. Job 23:10; Prov. 27:21; Mal. 3:2-3; 1 Pt. 1:6-9). By the way, there is obvious paradox here, for how can “poor” people purchase a commodity as expensive as gold? Cf. Isa. 55:1-2.

“White garments” = Works of righteousness which were so lacking in Laodicea (“uncovering the shame of nakedness” is “language often used in the OT when God accused Israel of participation in idolatry: see Isa. 43:3; Ezek. 16:36; 23:29; Nahum 3:5). One can hardly miss the contrast no doubt intended here between the famous and profitable “black” wool from the sheep in Laodicea and the “white” woolen garments essential to their spiritual lives.

“Eyesalve” = restoration of their spiritual vision. The founder of the medical school at Laodicea was a famous ophthalmologist named Demosthenes Philalethes. Stott’s words are to the point: “Here is welcome news for naked, blind beggars! They are poor; but Christ has gold. They are naked; but Christ has clothes. They are blind; but Christ has eyesalve. Let them no longer trust in their banks, their Phrygian eyepowders and their clothing factories. Let them come to Him! He can enrich their poverty, clothe their nakedness and heal their blindness. He can open their eyes to perceive a spiritual world of which they have never dreamed. He can cover their sin and shame and make them fit to partake of the inheritance of the saints in light. He can enrich them with life and life abundant” (122-23).

The appeal which follows in vv. 19-20 has been the subject of considerable debate. Here are the options.

(1) The salvation view – According to one interpretation, this appeal is addressed to unbelievers. The door at which Christ stands is the door to one’s heart or life. The knocking and voice of Christ are heard through the preaching of the gospel. The opening of the door is the decision of the will to invite Christ into one’s heart or life. The result is that in conversion Christ enters the person to take up permanent residence.

(2) The fellowship view – According to this view, the invitation is addressed to backslidden, unrepentant believers who, in their self-sufficiency, had excluded (indeed, excommunicated) the risen Lord from their congregational and personal lives. But “in an act of unbelievable condescension He [Jesus] requests permission to enter and re-establish fellowship”, a fellowship portrayed in the imagery of a feast in which Christ and His people share. Of special importance is the possible allusion in this passage to Song of Solomon 5:2…which if intentional, would lend support to the possibility of a typological/figurative interpretation of the book.

(3) The eschatological view – This interpretation says that the invitation (v.20) has a future fulfilment. It is addressed to backslidden believers in the church at Laodicea and pertains to Christ’s second coming. The door at which Jesus stands is a metaphor for the imminence of his return (cf. James 5:9). Those who are prepared and alert to receive their Saviour at his coming will enjoy intimate communion with him in the messianic feast of the age to come. This view links v. 20 with v. 21 and the promise of co-regency in the future kingdom.

The salvation view strikes me as highly unlikely. According to v. 19, Jesus is addressing the children of God who, as children, are recipients of divine, loving discipline. Jesus has in view the corporate discipline of the church, similar to what we saw in 2:5 with regard to the church at Ephesus. Also, v. 19 is an obvious allusion to Prov. 3:11-12 and Hebrews 12:5-6, both of which have in view the children of God. We should also note the connection between v. 19 and v. 20. V. 20 is a description of what repentance is and what follows upon it, namely, a restoration of intimate communion between Jesus and the believer. We also must acknowledge the obvious reference to the messianic kingdom feast. In this regard, see Luke 12:35-39; 22:28-30. Added to this is the fact that the sharing of table fellowship was a common image in those days for deep communion and the strong bonds of affection and companionship.

Whereas some see in the “feast” and the imagery of “dining” a reference to the Lord’s Supper, I find this unlikely. The picture here is one in which Jesus himself dines personally with the individual, whereas in the Eucharist it is we all, corporately, who share a meal in remembrance of the sacrifice of Christ.

Thus the appeal of v. 20 is not to unbelievers so that they might be saved. Rather it is an appeal to individuals (“anyone”) within the church to repent and forsake their spiritual half-heartedness. As a result one may experience now the intimate communion and fellowship of which the feast in the messianic kingdom is the consummation. All present fellowship with Jesus is a foretaste of that eternal felicity which will be consummated in the age to come.