“The Things Which Are”

Revelation

Chapter 2

By: Michael FronczakBible Study Resource Center

564 Schaeffer DriveColdwater, Michigan 49036

mikefronczak@gmail.com

Copyright © 2005, 2007

Fresh Churches: U Pick Your Own: Perhaps never before in the history of the world has it been so easy to find a church that suits your personal tastes. Not only have the Scriptures been translated into more languages worldwide than ever before, but also many of the literal translations have been further simplified into a number of contemporary and easy-to-read paraphrases. If you enjoy a traditional church service with hymns and solemn prayers, you can find it. If you prefer a more active service with rock bands instead of pipe organs and more drama than lecture, you find that as well. Active or passive, loud or soft, conservative of liberal, all-encompassing or restrictive – churches exist to accommodate almost any preference. Indeed, many churches today seem to operate under the motto of “Keep the customer satisfied.” They will go to almost any lengths to attract seekers, and keep adding names to the rolls. And as you visit some churches, you might wonder if they have any standards at all that would exclude your (or anyone else’s) full participation. The first-century churches also provided a bit of variety, and not all of it was good. Each had its own challenges to contend with and some churches did a better job of handling problems than others. Yet as we’re about to see, whether or not the church leadership was aware of it, the performance of each church was being evaluated according to a high standard. The initial portion of the Book of Revelation is a frank and enlightening performance review – by Jesus himself – of seven churches. Many of the church names aren’t likely to be familiar to you, and some of the comments concerning the churches will seem peculiar at first, but we’ll take a quick close-up look at each congregation to see what we can find out.1

Does God care about your church? If you are tempted to doubt it, look more closely at these seven letters. The Lord of the universe knew each of these churches and its precise situation. In each letter, Jesus told John to write about specific people, places, and events. He praised believers for their successes and told them how to correct their failures. Just as Jesus cared for each of these churches, he cares for yours. He wants it to reach its greatest potential. The group of believers with whom you worship and serve is God’s vehicle for changing the world. Take it seriously—God does.2

Revelation Chapter 2

1 The Complete Idiot’s Guide to The Book of Revelation , Stan Campbell, A Pearson Education Company 2 Life Application Notes

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The Lord Jesus Christ speaks to this church in the midst of crass materialism, degraded animalism, base paganism, and dark heathenism. Note this carefully, because I consider this message to be one of the most important of all.3

In chapters 2 and 3, John's vision is a communique from the heavenlies to seven Messianic assemblies. This can be interpreted as words from the Groom (Tipheret, the heavenly Yeshua) to His bride (Malkut), the community of Israel in exile, with the Shekinah among them. The bride is to be chaste and the criteria for determining this is her following the Torah (i.e., Ephesians 5:26-27).4

Revelation 2:1 (Destination and Description) EphesusUnto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

[angel] Greek: angelos (G32), messenger. The word can be used of human as well as angelic or spirit beings. All use of the word in Revelation seems to refer to heavenly beings. The angels of the seven churches have sometimes been understood to be human messengers or ministers. The normal New Testament meaning of the word angel, as in Revelation (v. 1; 5:2), is of spirit beings, who minister to believers (see Heb. 1:14). It is not unreasonable to view angels as having authority over and responsibility for churches in the present age. This situation will be reversed in the kingdom of God: believers will judge angels (see 1 Cor. 6:2, 3).5

(1 Cor. 6:2-3) 2Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

The term aggelos (messenger, angel) occurs 165 times in the New Testament, 67 of those times in Revelation. Of those 67, 56 times these are direct references to heavenly angels (it is so self-evident from the context that there is no scholarly dispute over this). In 3 additional instances aggelos refers to Satan or his minions. So that leaves 9 times the term aggelos is used where its meaning is disputed and that is in regard to Revelation chapter 1 and to the letters to the 7 Believing assemblies. Throughout the remainder of the NewTestament only 4 times is the term aggelos translated to mean a human messenger whereby it seems clear enough that there is no scholarly dispute over the meaning. But in those 4 instances, never does the term have anything to do with a congregation or a pastor or elder and none of the human messengers are entrusted with God’s Word and told to communicate it to a person or a group.

3McGee, J. Vernon, Thru the Bible with J. Vernon McGee, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers) 2000, c1981.4 Yashanet.com5 The Nelson Study Bible

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The bottom line is that the Scriptural evidence leans heavily towards the angel of the assembly at Ephesus, as well as to the angels of the other 6 assemblies, being heavenly and not human. Primarily human logic and doctrine decrees that these cannot possibly be real angels because they don’t fit the mold of angels that Theologians have constructed over the centuries. But what I want to remind you of is that already in chapter 1 we saw some pretty significant deviations from the norms we had come to expect from both the Old and New Testaments about the descriptions of the very nature and forms of the Godhead. Commentaries and Church doctrines tend to gloss over these deviations just as they tend to declare that John’s angels are actually human beings because otherwise what is traditionally thought and taught from pulpits and theological schools about angels and spirit beings has to be rethought and reworked.6

[Ephesus] means “darling”, or “maiden of choice”, or “desired one”.

Ephesus: This great city was also world-famous as a religious, cultural, and economic center of the region. Ephesus had the notable temple of Diana, a fertility goddess worshipped with immoral sex. This tremendous temple to Diana in Ephesus was regarded as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It was supported by 127 pillars, each pillar 60 feet tall, and it was adorned with great sculptures.i. “The Temple of Artemis was also a major treasury and bank of the ancient world, where merchants, kings, and even cities made deposits, and where their money could be kept safe under the protection of deity.” (Longenecker in his commentary on Acts)ii. “Ephesus was a stronghold of Satan. Here many evil things both superstitious and satanic were practiced. Books containing formula for sorcery and other ungodly and forbidden arts were plentiful in that city.” (Gaebelein in his commentary on Acts)7

[he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand] This description is from (Rev 1:16) And he had in his right hand seven stars… and later explained in (Rev 1:20) ...The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches.. These are the seven churches that John is writing to.

[who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks] This description is from (Rev 1:13) And in the midst of the seven candlesticks.. and is later explained in (Rev 1:20) the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

This portrays the rightful place of Christ as head of the church and ministry; it is where he is now. Notice that He holds in His hand the church. It is under His control. He doesn’t have that control now, but He did then. Jesus is in (our) midst, yet He holds us in His nail-scarred hands (Jn 10:28).

(John 10:28-29) And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

6 Tom Bradford, torahclass.com7 https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/revelation-2/

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(Matt 28:20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

[candlesticks] luchnia, (Gr3087), from Greek 3088 (luchnos); a lamp-stand (literal or figurative) Candles were not invented at the time this was written; the more appropriate translation is lampstand. A lampstand is a bearer, not a source, of light. Jesus is the light and the Church bears witness of the light. Oil is emblematic of the Holy Spirit.

Cf. Rev 1:20 [Stars] = The angels; [Golden Candlesticks] = The seven churches

Ephesus had the most important Messianic community in the province of Asia. It was already a religious center, home of the pagan goddess Artemis (Ac 19:35), and a focus for magic (Ac 19:19). The congregation had been founded by Aquila and Priscilla (Ac 18:18), and with Sha’ul’s guidance it quickly became an evangelistic center (Ac 19:10). Timothy later took Sha’ul’s place (1 Ti 1:3), and tradition has it that Yochanan the emissary lived here (Irenaeus, Eusebius). 8

This is the only one of the seven assemblies that we have additional reference to in Scripture, namely the book of Ephesians. Naturally, this is a good place to look for help in interpreting some of what Yeshua is saying here in Revelation, especially with regard to the rebuke of verses 4 and 5.

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

[works and labour] Works are a result of your labour. There is a difference, people can be so busy going about the King’s business, they don’t have time for the King.

[I know thy works] Each of the seven letters starts out with this phrase. No act of service is too small to escape the Savior’s notice. Dr. M. R. DeHann, the great prophetic Bible teacher, once stated, “To come to Christ cost nothing, to follow Christ costs something, but to serve Christ cost everything.”

McGee Writes: “I know thy works.” We need to understand that He is speaking to believers. The Lord Jesus does not ask the lost world for good works. For example, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost” (Titus 3:5). In Romans

8Stern, D. H. (1996, c1992). Jewish New Testament Commentary : A companion volume to the Jewish New Testament (electronic ed.) (Re 2:1). Clarksville: Jewish New Testament Publications.

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4:5 Paul says, “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Christ is talking to His own. After you are saved, He wants to talk to you about good works. He has a lot to say about this subject. In Ephesians 2:8–10 we read, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Paul could write to Titus, “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate” (Titus 1:16). Someone has said, “The Christian ought to be like a good watch—all gold, open-faced, well-regulated, dependable, and filled with good works.” The Lord Jesus is saying to the church in Ephesus, as Paul had said, “… be filled with the [Holy] Spirit” (Eph. 5:18). And Paul went on to tell them what they could do as Spirit-filled believers. And now the Lord Jesus commends them for their good works.9

(Titus 1:15-16) 15Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. 16They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

[tried them] They were commended for testing doctrine to ensure it was correct and that there was no false doctrine. Already within the lifetime of the apostle John many false teachers and false prophets had arisen, some of them right out of the churches. Paul warned them that wolves would arise to harm the church. (1 & 2 Timothy)

(Acts 20:29) For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

[apostles] Of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation 2 and 3, this is the only one where reference is made to apostles. This may bear out the thought that the message of Christ to the Ephesus was not only to one local church, but to the church of the first century, “the apostolic church.”

Over a long period of time, the church in Ephesus had steadfastly refused to tolerate sin among its members. This was not easy in a city noted for immoral sexual practices associated with the worship of the goddess Artemis. We also are living in times of widespread sin and sexual immorality. It is popular to be open-minded toward many types of sin, calling them personal choices or alternative life-styles. But when the body of believers begins to tolerate sin in the church, it is lowering the standards and compromising the church’s witness. Remember that God’s approval is infinitely more important than the world’s.10

9McGee, J. Vernon, Thru the Bible with J. Vernon McGee, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers) 2000, c1981.10 Life Application Notes

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One of the most striking phrases of commendation is that this church could not bear evil ones. So many Christians today find it easy to bear with the real enemies of Christ who are within the church. Elsewhere we are told that we are to bear each other’s burdens, and that we are to bear the weak (Gal. 6:2; Rom. 14:1). But we are told just as specifically that we are not to bear with the false. Too many churches and too many individuals can and do bear with those who are evil. The church at Ephesus was commended for a lock of this kind of tolerance – because they were patient and impatient – patient in their witness, impatient toward the evil ones. Ephesus had tested them and found them liars. We should not forget that their testing and their judging was in obedience to God’s Word. God tells us that we must judge. Someone interjects, “Why, I thought Christ said, “Judge not that ye be not judged.”” True, He did; but just as truly, He said, “Judge righteous judgment.” The command to abstain from judgment refers to all matters which have to do with character, actions, works and doings of individuals. “Try the spirits,” says the Holy Spirit through the apostle John. “Try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). This is a call to judgment. Men say they are apostles. Should we take them at their face value? God says we should test them. The Ephesian believers had done so and had found them liars. It follows logically that there must be a standard by which men are to be tested. Paul commended the believers at Berea because they would not believe him until they checked with the Scriptures in Bible study to find if he were an apostle or a liar (Acts 17:11). God gives this very definite standard by which men are to be tested. The question is simply to know whether or not a man is preaching in accordance with the Word of God. “Whosoever trangresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God … If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive, him not into your house, neither bid him God speed” (2 John 9-10). This is not intolerance; this is obedience. A man may believe what he pleases, but we, as believers, must be intransigent, standing where God would have us stand. Though we admit the right of any man to believe what he pleases, we deny him that right as a worker in our congregation. We can respect a man who resigns the ministry because he does not believe in the biblical doctrines. We know he is wrong; we do not agree with him, but we respect his honesty. The Lord Jesus Christ commends the Ephesian believers because they have been strict in their stand on apostleship.11

Notice how the Ephesus assembly was also commended for refusing to tolerate wicked people and for testing self-proclaimed apostles only to find them as false. How did the Ephesians define “wicked people” and discern true apostles from the many liars? What did they turn to so that they would know what was wicked versus what was godly and true? The only source available to them: the Old Testament. The New Testament would not be created for more than a century after the death of John the Apostle. These false apostles who came as wolves in sheep’s clothing were not pagans because no testing would have been needed to recognize them; rather these lying apostles held themselves up as Believers who were teaching new truths. And clearly, they came with sufficient credentials and a good enough story that testing was needed to determine their veracitybecause what could be determined by those credentials couldn’t be counted upon to avoid

11 Revelation, An Expositional Commentary, Donald Grey Barnhouse, 1971, Zondervan Publishing

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deception. The lesson for modern Believers is this: if we don’t PERSONALLY know God’s Word, we’ve lost our only means to test people, spirits, and yes even pastors and Theologians. Many Church denominations and seminaries have mostly replaced actual Bible knowledge with manmade doctrines said to interpret God’s Word. Others, as with the Ephesian congregation, have held tightly to God’s Word as their litmus test for truth. It is each Believer’s responsibility to determine which they, or their congregational leadership, rely on for truth: the actual Word of God as we find it in our Bibles, or doctrines and traditions insisted upon by Christian religious leaders.12

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

Seven-fold commendation in verses 2 and 3

Note similar seven-fold commendation in Isaiah,

(Isa 40:31): But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Christ commended the church at Ephesus for (1) working hard, (2) persevering, (3) resisting sin, (4) critically examining the claims of false apostles, and (5) enduring hardships without becoming weary. Every church should have these characteristics. But these good efforts should spring from our love for Jesus Christ. Both Jesus and John stressed love for one another as an authentic proof of the gospel (John 13:34; 1 John 3:18-19). In the battle to maintain sound teaching and moral and doctrinal purity, it is possible to lose a charitable spirit. Prolonged conflict can weaken or destroy our patience and affection. In defending the faith, guard against any structure or rigidity that weakens love.13

Revelation 2:4 (Rebuke / Criticism)Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

[Nevertheless] like going into the boss and he tells you how well you are doing and then you hear the word nevertheless.

[first love] not only first in order but means the best love (protos GR 4253)Love of espousal. The joy of their salvation (Ps 51:12; Jer 2:2; 2 Cor 11:2; 1 Jn 4:19). The first-named fruit of the Spirit is love (Gal 5:22);20 references to this grace are found Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians(cf. Paul’s epistle to Ephesus, Chapter 5 - the mystery of the church).

12 Tom Bradford – torahclass.com13 Life Application Notes

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Love of espousal: God uses the marriage to communicate His most intimate truths... Eph 5:21-33As soon as we lose the proper motivation for doing the right things, we have already begun a slide toward doing the wrong things.

Never were they busier... but activity in the King’s business is no substitute for time with The King. He wants devotion, not doctrine. Compare David’s reign with Solomon’s. David pervades the Scripture. Solomon is mentioned only with adverse comments (Mt 6:28, etc.). Solomon sought wisdom, but later became apostate through his foreign wives.

(Matt. 6:28-29) 28And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

David simply sought fellowship: to dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Ps 23:6).

(Psa. 23:6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

First commandment: Thou shalt love... (Sh’ma: Deut 6:4-5).

Deut. 6:4-5 4Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: 5And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

First love is the abandonment of all for a love that has abandoned all.No thought of self. (“If I speak with the tongues of men....” 1 Cor 13:ff.)

From a biblical/Christian perspective, the relationship between Jesus and the church is paramount. In terms that we tend to better understand, Jesus is not only the “head” of the body known as the church (Colossians 1:18) but is also frequently portrayed as a “bridegroom.” If believers represent the bride, but then lose their first love, it’s a serious breach of a relationship indeed.

The story is told in New England about two girls who worked in a cotton mill. They were friends, but when one of them quit working there, they lost touch with each other. Finally, they met one day on the street. The working girl asked her friend,

“Are you still working?”“No,” she said, “I got married!”

When that girl worked in the mill, she watched the clock, and every evening when five o’clock came, she had her coat on and was on her way out. It was hard work, and she didn’t like it. Now she is married and she says that she has quit working.

Well, if you could look at her life, you wouldn’t think she had quit working. She gets up earlier than ever before to prepare breakfast for her husband and to pack his lunch. Then she throws her arms around him as she tells him good-bye. All day long she is busy cleaning house and washing clothes and caring for two little brats who are two little angels to her because they are hers. Then when five o’clock comes, she doesn’t put on

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her coat and leave; she starts cooking dinner. About six o’clock here comes her husband. She is right there at the door to throw her arms around him and tell him how much she has missed him that day. When a man comes home in the evening, opens the door, and hears a voice from upstairs or from the rear of the house calling, “Is that you?” he knows the honeymoon is over. But this girl is in love. Her husband’s workday is over, but hers has only just gotten started. She serves dinner to her husband and feeds the children. Then she washes the dishes, puts the children to bed—and that’s not easy—and works around getting things ready for her husband for the next day. I tell you, she is weary when she finally gets into bed—but she’s not working anymore, she says! Why? Because she is in love. That’s the difference.

When your home life and your church life become a burden, there is something wrong with your relationship with Christ. When you get that straightened out, other things will straighten out also.This is the reason the Lord Jesus said to the Ephesian believers, “You are getting away from your first love, your best love.”

McGee Writes: They had lost that intense and enthusiastic devotion to the person of Christ. It is difficult for us to sense the state to which the Holy Spirit had brought this church. He had brought the believers in Ephesus into an intimate and personal relationship to Jesus Christ. He had brought them to the place where they could say to the Lord, “We love you.” This may seem like a very unimportant thing to us today, but their love for the Lord was very important to Christ. He was saying to the Ephesians, “You are leaving your best love.” They hadn’t quite departed from that love, but they were on the way. It is difficult for us in this cold, skeptical, cynical, and indifferent day in which we live to understand this. The world has intruded into the church to such an extent that it is hard for us to conceive of the intense, enthusiastic devotion the early church gave to the person of Christ. The early church first went off the track not in their doctrine but in their personal relationship to Jesus Christ.14

You have lost the love you had at first—not the strong emotions, which cannot be expected to last, but the zeal for God, which can be renewed by repentance and rededication. 15

Left your first love: What love did they leave? As Christians, we are told to love God and to love one another. Did they leave their love for God? Did they leave their love for one another? Probably both are in mind, because the two loves go together. You can’t say you love God and not love His family, and you can’t really love His family without loving Him first.i. The Ephesian church was a working church. Sometimes a focus on working for Jesus will eclipse a love relationship with Him. We can put what we do for Jesus before who we

14McGee, J. Vernon, Thru the Bible with J. Vernon McGee, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers) 2000, c1981.15Stern, D. H. (1996, c1992). Jewish New Testament Commentary : A companion volume to the Jewish New Testament (electronic ed.) (Re 2:4). Clarksville: Jewish New Testament Publications.

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are in Him. We can leave Jesus in the temple, just as the parents of Jesus did (Luke 2:45-46).ii. The Ephesian church was a doctrinally pure church. Sometimes a focus on doctrinal purity will make a congregation cold, suspicious, and intolerant of diversity. “When love dies orthodox doctrine becomes a corpse, a powerless formalism. Adhesion to the truth sours into bigotry when the sweetness and light of love to Jesus depart.” (Spurgeon)16

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

Remember – Repent – Repeat

[Remember] That is the first thing they were to do. Memory is a marvelous thing. Someone has said that God has given us memories so we can have roses in December.17

“remember” This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE meaning “always keep in mind.” Believers are often admonished to remember their previous condition in sin and their new position in the grace and mercies of God through Christ.18

Remember therefore from where you have fallen: The first step in restoration for the Ephesian church is for them to remember. They need to remember from where you have fallen. This means remembering where they used to be in their love for the Lord and for one another.i. When the Prodigal Son was in the pigpen, the first step in restoration was remembering what life was like back in his father’s home (Luke 15:17-19). This is always the first step in getting back to where we should be with the Lord.19

[Repent] “And repent.” Christ is talking to His own, Christians need to repent. We need to break the shell of self-sufficiency, the crust of conceit, the shield of sophistication, the veneer of vanity, get rid of the false face of “piosity,” and stop this business of everlastingly polishing our halo as if we were some great saint. Repent! Repentance means to turn back to Him, and it is the message for believers.

[I will come unto thee quickly] rapidly in execution

[remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent] The 2nd New Testament prophecy in Revelation (Rev. 2:5, fulfilled – there is no church at Ephesus). Next, Rev. 2:7.

16 https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/revelation-2/17McGee, J. Vernon, Thru the Bible with J. Vernon McGee, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers) 2000, c1981.18Utley, R. J. D. (2001). Vol. Volume 12: Hope in Hard Times - The Final Curtain: Revelation. Study Guide Commentary Series (35). Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International.19 https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/revelation-2/

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Removal of Churches Greek: kineo (GSN-2795), to be removed. Translated "remove" (Rev. 2:5); "wagging" (Matthew 27:39; Mark 15:29); "mover" (Acts 24:5); and "move" (Matthew 23:4; Acts 17:28; Acts 21:30; Rev. 6:14). Used of an earthquake (Rev. 6:14). Removing a church because of sin indicates judgment and destruction, for this is the only penalty for sin (Romans 6:23; Romans 8:12-13).

It does not say they will loose their salvation, however they loose their witness.

There are some who believe that Peter lost his witness as an apostle or disciple after he denied Jesus three times.

(Mark 16:6-7) 6And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. 7But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

Peter however regained his position in John 21 when Jesus asked him three times if he loved Him.

(John 21:15-17) 15So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

The Church at Ephesus became nonexistent after the conquest of Mohammedanism.

For Jesus to “remove your lampstand from its place” would mean the church would cease to be an effective church. Just as the seven-branched candlestick in the temple gave light for the priests to see, the churches were to give light to their surrounding communities. But Jesus warned them that their lights could go out. In fact, Jesus himself would extinguish any light that did not fulfill its purpose. The church had to repent of its sins.20

Remove your menorah, so that you will cease to exist as a part of the Messiah’s body, even though you may continue as an institution or social grouping. 21

The warning against the assembly at Ephesus is a very stern one -- removal of their menorah from its place. This would be equivalent to the punishment of being "cut off"

20 Life Application Notes21Stern, D. H. (1996, c1992). Jewish New Testament Commentary : A companion volume to the Jewish New Testament (electronic ed.) (Re 2:5). Clarksville: Jewish New Testament Publications.

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from the assembly of Israel, (known as kareth, with the implication of premature death), as found in the Torah.As the Shekinah resides with the assembly of Israel, removal of the menorah is equivalent to separation from the Shekinah, and possibly not entering the eternal Sabbath (i.e., Hebrews 4:2).Three questions we will attempt to answer, regarding the Ephesian congregation, are:

What is their "first love?" Were did they "fall from?" What are their "first works?"

Or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place: Jesus gave them a stern warning. Unless they repent, He will remove their light and His presence. When their lampstand was removed, they could continue as an organization, but no longer as a true church of Jesus Christ. It would be the church of Ichabod, where the glory had departed (1 Samuel 4:21).i. Apparently, at least in the short term, the Ephesians heeded this warning. In the early second century (not too long after John wrote), Ignatius praised the love and the doctrinal purity of the Ephesians. “You, who are of the most holy Church of the Ephesians, which is so famous and celebrated throughout the world… you, being full of the Holy Spirit, do nothing according to the flesh, but all things according to the Spirit. You are complete in Christ Jesus.” (Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians, Chapter 8. From the Ante Nicean Fathers Volume 1, page 52)ii. From what Ignatius wrote, it seems that the Ephesians returned to their first love without compromising doctrinal purity. That isn’t always an easy balance to keep, but the Ephesians apparently kept it, at least for a time.22

Now for the scary part: the consequence of disobedience to this warning is God removing the menorah from its place. The menorah (lampstand in most English Bibles) symbolizes God’s light (or better enlightenment). Removing the menorah from its place means God’s guiding light is removed and therefore the congregation will cease to exist as part of the body of Christ. It may certainly remain as a social group of nice people; but God has removed Himself from identification with it. It is notable that God says that not practicing our faith in love is sin; but this sin is so serious that if the Ephesians don’t turn from it God will remove them from His presence. Notice that the divine being didn’t step away from the menorah; He banished it away from Himself. Is this a sin for which there is no atonement in Christ? An unforgivable sin? Might that be because trying to practice a faith without love means to God that we aren’t practicing an authentic faith based onredemption in Yeshua? A redemption that itself is based upon love? While I can’t say with absolute certainty, it is my opinion that this may well mean a loss of salvation. Others say it just means that this particular assembly of Believers can no longer serve God. That makes no sense to my mind because if a Believer has been pushed far enough away from God by God so that he can no longer serve or identify with the Lord, hasn’t the essential purpose and evidence of being redeemed been removed? Is not the light of God INTERNAL to us in the form of the Holy Spirit? So if the light of God is extinguished, then the Holy Spirit is no longer present. And if the Holy Spirit is

22 https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/revelation-2/

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gone, then the supreme indicator of our redemption in Messiah Yeshua is gone. Either way the punishment for attempting to follow God’s laws and commands without pursuing them in the spirit of love is extremely serious and dangerous.23

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

[Nicolaitans] nikao (conquer) + laos (people). Clergy over laity. Cf. John 13:14,16; 1 Pet 5:3 even suggests that Peter might have had a premonition that he himself would be attributed to such abuses... - The Catholic Church made Peter the first Pope.

(1 Pet. 5:2-3) 2Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

Nicolaitanism is the doctrine of a strong ecclesiastical hierarchy ruling over the laity; this has never been conducive to a strong spiritual condition in the Church. Laypeople were given no voice in Church affairs, but were required to obey blindly the decrees of the clergy. The clergy then gradually seemed to gravitate to an impractical ivory-tower type of existence that separated them more and more from the people. Whenever clergy lose contact with people, they cease to be effective tools in the hand of God.

Warning from Luke:(Acts 20:28-30) 28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

(John13:14-17) 14If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 16Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent

23 Tom Bradford – torhcass.com

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greater than he that sent him. 17If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

Note: He hates the deeds, not the Nicolaitans.

Another view - followers of Nicolaus, a heretic. They are thought to have been a sect of Gnostics who practiced and taught impure and immoral doctrines, such as the community of wives, that committing adultery and fornication was not sinful, and that eating meats offered to idols was lawful. This was similar to the doctrines of Balaam and Jezebel of Thyatira (Rev. 2:6,14-15,20).

Irenaeus, one of the church fathers who wrote about a hundred years later, said they were followers of the Nicolas mentioned in Acts 6:5, a disciple who had backslid into a life of “unrestrained indulgence.”

This issue comes up again later in the letter to Pergamos, Rev 2:15, and may help us to understand. In Pergamos the deeds became doctrine. The Pergamos letter seems to separate the Nicolaitans deeds from other evil doctrines, Balaam, fornication, etc.

Others have emphasized the root meanings of the words that make up the name Nicolaitans. Nikao-laos means literally “to conquer the people.” Based on this, some point to presumptuous claims of apostolic authority and to the heart that sets up hierarchies and separates the “clergy” from the “laity.” Perhaps the Nicolaitans fulfilled all these aspects, being both an idolatrous immorality and a presumptuous, hierarchical, “hidden mysteries” system typical of Gnosticism.iv. The Nicolaitans, like all deceivers that come from the body of Christ, claimed “not that they were destroying Christianity, but that they were presenting an improved and modernized version of it.” (Barclay)24

Yashanet.com: A possible explanation to the sin of the Nicolaitans has to do with the establishment of a separate "clergy" that had "special status" with God, over and above the common people (laity). This is found in the two Greek words that are combine to make the word Nicolaitin, those being; nikos, meaning "to conquer" (Strong's #3534) and laos, meaning "people" (Strong's #2992). Some commentators have suggested that the Nicolaitans were "forerunners" of what would later be established in the Christian Church -- that being a priesthood that the rest of the people would have to go through for various aspects of their relationship with God (i.e., confession of sins, Bible interpretation, "sacraments," "last rites," etc.) There may be some merit to this idea, as this concept of "conquering the people," in terms of dominating them with a hierarchy of clergy with special powers and privileges, can be traced to the sect of the Saducees. This group, which controlled the affairs of the Temple in Yeshua's day, taught that only the priests were able to properly interpret Torah, expiate sin and petition God.9

24 https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/revelation-2/

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It is possible that, just as there were Pharisees who came to faith in Yeshua and brought with them some incorrect doctrine (i.e., Acts 15), there were also Saducees who did the same, and these formed the Nicolaitans and their doctrines found here in Revelation.25

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

Multiple Audience: 1) He that hath.... Personal; 2) (all) the churches.

[He that hath an ear] Not everyone can hear the Word of God. They can hear the audible sound, but they miss the message. The Lord Jesus uses the phrase to alert dull ears. We learn from the gospel records that He often used that expression. He said that they have ears to hear but they hear not. Now He speaks to those with spiritual perception.

[eat of the tree of life] The 3rd New Testament prophecy in Revelation (Rev. 2:7, unfulfilled). Next, Rev. 2:10. Saints will eat in the next life (Rev. 2:7,17; Luke 22:16,18,30). Jesus will personally give all true believers fruit to eat from the tree of life. Because of Adam’s sin, all people were cut off from the tree of life, and physical death became our common portion. But because Christ lives, we shall once again partake of the tree of life and there shall be no more death.

Bible story of two trees (tree of life and the cross), and two gardens (Eden and Gethsemane) two cities (Jerusalem and Babylon)

[to him that overcometh] Who is an overcomer?

(1 John 5:4-5) 4For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

The opposite of this message is also implied. If we do not stay on the winning side, if we draw back and refuse to repent, or if we fail to accept Christ’s provision for victory, the result will be perdition, eternal loss. There is no middle ground. We either win or lose. We either overcome or are overcome, and eternal death will become our portion. There is no hint that “overcomers” are a special group of believers who are better or more spiritual than other believers. Unless we are overcomers, keeping our faith in Jesus, pressing on, we are not Christians at all.

25 Yashanet.com

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[paradise] from a Persian word meaning “pleasure park” had originally been applied to the Garden of Eden in the Septuagint (Gen 2:8; Ezek 28:13).

Denouncement:Paul’s warning in Acts; John’s letter(s). Where’s their lampstand today? Ephesus is over six miles from the sea, unapproachable by ship. What was a major harbor is now a marsh dense with reeds. What once was the key city in Asia is now desolation.

Prophetic View: The Apostolic Church, AD 30-100, Christ thru John, the Name Ephesus associated with Love. Love is the predominate theme throughout this letter.

Yashanet.com: Note that the promise is made to the "assemblies," which is plural (as with each of the seven messages). Again, this would indicate the more "universal tone" of these praises and chastisements. Although a particular assembly may be addressed (as a specific composite entity), Yeshua's words can apply to all the "types" of assemblies, and to any individual within any type of assembly. (This could be compared to the various "assemblies" [schools] of the Pharisees, such as those of Hillel and Shammai, and the individual talmidim within each of these schools -- i.e, the "seven types of Pharisees.")

Revelation 2:8 (Destination and Description) SmyrnaAnd unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

[Smyrna] A rich city in Turkey now called Ismir, about 42 miles northwest of Ephesus on the Aegean Sea. Smyrna means Myrrh – associated with death. This letter has death throughout the letter; Opening statement has death in it.

The name “Smyrna” comes from the Greek word “Smurna” from Hebrew root that is translated “myrrh.” Myrrh is a bitter gum and costly perfume which exudes from a certain tree or shrub in Arabia and Ethiopia, or is obtained by incisions made in the bark: as an antiseptic it was used for embalming. It was also an ingredient in perfume (Ps 45:8), prominent in Song of Solomon, etc.

It was also an ingredient in holy anointing oil for priests (Ex 30:23) and the purification of women (Esther 2:12). It was used in embalming (Jn 19:39) and was a gift of the Magi at Christ’s birth (Mt 2:11):

Gold = royalty Frankincense = deity, priesthood Myrrh = suffering, death

In Jesus’ Second Coming gold and frankincense are offered, but No myrrh (Isa 60:6) The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall show forth the praises of the LORD. His death is now behind him—but it was offered to Christ at cross and refused (Mk 15:23) And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not. The body of Jesus was embalmed by Joseph & Nicodemus (Jn 19:39-40). Myrrh yields fragrance by being crushed. Note the “death” theme throughout this letter.

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[saith the first and the last] This description is from (Rev. 1:11) I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last:

[which was dead, and is alive] This description is from (Rev 1:18) I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore

Yashanet.com: The name "Smyrna" has a Hebraic root from the word myrrh, a balm used to anoint the dead. (i.e., the Hebrew name Myrna means "annointed unto death.") Note that Yeshua encourages this congregation to be "faithful unto death."

Revelation 2:9 (Commendation)I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

[I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty] Three things commended of Smyrna:

1. Works2. Tribulation3. Poverty, but rich in the Lord

The Smyrna period of church history is probably the greatest time of persecution the Church of Christ has ever known. Satan unleashed a violent attack on the church in an effort to obliterate it, for it became evident to him that the apostolic church, because of its faithful preaching of the gospel, had become a serious threat to his worldwide godless empire.

Someone once said that the churches of the first three centuries were marked by material poverty and spiritual power, whereas the churches of our day are marked by material wealth and spiritual weakness.

[tribulation] = thlipsis. Pressing or crushing. This is not “the Great Tribulation”; we all shall have tribulation, trouble, persecution (Jn 16:33; 2 Tim 3:12, etc.)

1. a pressing, pressing together, pressure.2. metaphor for oppression, affliction, tribulation, distress, straits.

[poverty] Two words for poverty in the Greek: penia, the state of having nothing superfluous; ptocheia (here), the state of one who has nothing at all; implies beggary.

[them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan] A sect in Smyrna, which professed Judaism, but blasphemed God and served Satan. It may be possible that it has a double reference and shows the teaching of reconstruction. Some teach that the Jewish people have forfeited covenant rights because they did not accept Jesus and killed Him.

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John Chapter 8 deals with those who say they are Jews but are not. It is a dialog between Jesus and the Pharisees; He is speaking to the professionals. He uses the eyach esheri yach I am that I am statement. They talk about his parentage and He talks about their parentage. Acts 15 talks about becoming a Jew before becoming a Christian.

“Poverty but rich” vs. Laodicea, rich but poor (Rev 3:17; 2 Cor 8:9).

“Tares” or major heresies, which had their start in the early Church period:• Legalism: denial of Christ’s completed work;• Gnosticism: denial of Christ’s humanity;• Caesar worship: denial of Christ’s Lordship.

Yochanan (John) writes about Gentiles who call themselves Jews but aren’t—on the contrary, they are a synagogue of Satan, the Adversary (see Mt 4:1N). Perhaps they, like the Gentile Judaizers of the book of Galatians, adopted a smattering of Jewish practices and tried to force them on Gentile Christians. They may have subjected themselves to a legalistic perversion of the Torah (see 1C 9:20&N). They apparently organized a pseudo-Messianic synagogue. Their false doctrine probably led them to wrong and immoral behavior, since false doctrine usually does. They probably drew Gentile Christians away from the truth and thereby threatened the Messianic community.

Virtually all the commentators ignore the obvious and straightforward interpretation that Yochanan is talking here about Gentiles who pretend to be Jews. The same kind of expression is used in v. 2: “ … you tested those who call themselves emissaries but aren’t—and you found them to be liars.” It obviously refers to false apostles, and there the commentators accept the literal sense without demur. But here they opt for the metaphorical interpretation that Yochanan is talking about Jews who reject Yeshua as the Messiah instead of the literal understanding that these are non-Jews who lie and say they are Jews but in fact are Gentiles. In this way a verse which says nothing about Jews is given a virulently antisemitic significance. The result is that over the centuries Jews have had the epithet “synagogue of Satan” hurled at them by Christians who thought they understood the Bible.

But nowhere in the New Testament are unbelieving Jews called non-Jews, although Ro 2:28–29 is sometimes mistakenly brought as evidence to the contrary (see note there). Nor does anything in the present context call for a violent outburst against Jews. A good rule of interpretation is that when the literal sense makes good sense, seek no other sense. The only explanation I can see for its nearly universal disregard in this case is the anti-Jewish mindset that infected the Church, including its theologians and commentators, so that even those without antisemitic feelings rejected the p˒shat in favor of imposing on the text their own drash (see Mt 2:15N). For another instance of this process, see Ro 10:4&N.

In the first century, the Jewish religion was highly regarded; many Gentiles became Jewish proselytes. It is not surprising that other Gentiles preferred a short-cut, reaping the advantage of Jewish identification without the burden of adherence to Torah. Sha’ul had already encountered such types in Galatia (see Ga 6:12–13).

Should it nevertheless be thought improbable that Gentiles would call themselves Jews, Hebrews or Israelites, consider the following modern examples. The “British

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Israelites” regard the British as the Ten Lost Tribes. The Mormons not only consider themselves to be the Ten Lost Tribes but regard themselves as Jews and everyone else (real Jews included) as Gentiles! A sect of mostly American-born blacks consider themselves the true Hebrews; several thousand of them are living in Israel. All of these are outside the pale of Christianity. In addition, scattered about are well-meaning Gentile Christians whose strong identification with and love for the Jewish people has made them believe—without a shred of evidence—that they are actually Jewish themselves (see 1 Ti 1:3b–4). In fact, some years ago a congregation was expelled from the American Lutheran Church because, along with a general drift into weirdness, its pastor and dozens of its members claimed to have heard from God that they were really Jews; many even said they knew which tribe they belonged to.

Without exception this phenomenon of Gentiles imagining and asserting they are Jewish when they are not leads to strange patterns of doctrine and practice. Such people are not accepted by Jews as Jewish; nor, as this verse shows, are they to be accepted by Christians as Christian. Isolated and self-defensive, they can easily become prideful, neither obeying the Torah nor showing brotherly love to Yeshua’s real followers. It is easy to see why Yeshua does not regard them as harmlessly neutral but pegs them as a synagogue of the Adversary.26

Oddly enough, even though nearly all Bible commentators and Pastors would agree that an accepted rule of Bible hermeneutics is that whenever you encounter a word or a phrase in the Scriptures that makes sense in the plain reading of it that is how it should be taken, the opposite happens when interpreting this verse. Instead of taking it plainly (as it makes full sense to do so) commentators employ the use of metaphor and allegory to turn the obvious meaning on its head. Why? In order to make it fit with long established doctrines that are based on an anti-Jewish mindset. The verse speaks of those who call themselves Jews, but aren’t. Plain enough. And yet nearly all Bible commentators take it to mean Jews who actually ARE Jews, but they are Jews who come to Judaize, which somehow means they aren’t Jews any longer in God’s mind. That is, if Jews Judaize then Bible commentators assume God disqualifies them as Jews. Nowhere is such a thing found in the New Testament. Nowhere is a Jew divested of his Jewishness by God or by other Jews because of some belief or action he has taken unless that Jew has personally renounced his own Jewishness. So not only is it disingenuous to say that this can only be referring to Judaizing Jews, but it also avoids the obvious: this is speaking about gentiles who come claiming to be Jews. This is not very hard to figure out because all humans are either a Jew or a gentile; there is no 3rd option. If, as God says, these folks call themselves Jews but aren’t, that only leaves one other choice; they are gentiles. But why would gentiles come to the Smyrna congregation saying they are Jews? Because Judaism, contrary to the imagination, was quite a popular religion in the 1st century A.D. Many gentiles converted to Judaism but, especially in the Diaspora, they practiced their own version of the Jewish religion. Yet just as we see today in our time, many gentiles believe that because they have a great affinity towards the Jewish people, or practice many of their Traditions, or even attend a Jewish synagogue, they now also go so far as to hold

26Stern, D. H. (1996, c1992). Jewish New Testament Commentary : A companion volume to the Jewish New Testament (electronic ed.) (Re 2:9). Clarksville: Jewish New Testament Publications.

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themselves up as Jews. And it can surprise gentiles of this ilk when true Jews figure out that these gentiles are not actual Jews and sometimes they are shunned as a result.

Yashanet.com: I have known thy works, and tribulation, and poverty -- yet thou art rich ...Yeshua's salutation is from the Aleph-Tav (the "First and the Last" - see notes to chapter 1), who was dead and resurrected. The mention of resurrection is mentioned by Him, prior to the next verse, where He asks those following Him to be ready to die for Him.This assembly is considered to be "rich" by Yeshua's standards, as opposed to the Laodicean assembly in the next chapter, which has great material wealth, but can't see its own spiritual poverty. The relationship between spiritual and material concerns is important in the book of Revelation. In the later chapters we see God's judgement coming against the material wealth of the world.Midrash Rabbah goes as far as saying that material wealth goes into Edom, which is comparable to Rome (or Babylon), each representing the evil Kingdom on earth (in the last days):

Midrash Rabbah - Ecclesiastes I:21 - Another interpretation of ALL THE RIVERS RUN INTO THE SEA: All wealth only goes to the kingdom of Edom, and the kingdom of Edom is never filled; for R. Levi said: It is written, So the eyes of man (adam) are never satiated (Prov. XXVII, 20), i.e. the eyes of Edom are never satiated. Do you mean to say that when wealth enters Edom it never returns to its owners? Thereforethe text states, UNTO THE PLACE WHITHER THE RIVERS GO, THITHER THEY GO AGAIN. From the place where wealth accumulates, viz. the kingdom of Edom, in this world, thence it will be dispersed in the days of the Messiah; as it is written, And her gain and her hire shall be holiness to the Lord (Isa. XXIII, 18).

The book of Enoch, ties material wealth to denial of the Name of God:Enoch 46:5 - They shall condemn the stars of heaven, shall life up their hands against the Most High, shall tread upon and inhabit the earth, exhibiting all their works of iniquity, even their works of iniquity. Their strength shall be in their riches, and their faith in the gods whom they have formed with their own hands. They shall deny the Name of the Lord of Spirits, and shall expel him from the temples, in which they assemble.

Another modern day Scripture commentary teaches the following lesson:We are not so aware of how our physical actions impact our spiritual reality, though, as we see here, there is a direct cause-and-effect relationship between the two. People think that they can be exposed to negative influences, especially only for a short duration, and walk away spiritually unscathed. They think that they can purchase something that is spiritually defective, and somehow maintain enough spiritual distance from it to hold their moral ground. They are wrong -- dead wrong. ... The

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Torah is warning here (Deuteronomy 7:25-26): Know that your entire perspective on life will be colored by your choices. If you choose good, then you will see good, and you will pursue G-d. If you choose spiritual depravity, then, you will see a G-dless world, and, be a victim of your own blindness. What you will "buy" from that world is more than just "idols" and "ornaments" -- it is an entire philosophy that you will absorb through spiritual osmosis27

Revelation 2:10 Exhortation (Note there is no criticism):Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

[behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison ...] The 4th New Testament prophecy in Revelation (Rev. 2:10-11; Rev. 2:10, fulfilled; Rev. 2:11, unfulfilled). Next, Rev. 2:16.

These disasters were brought on by the gods provoked by this new religion, and Christianity became a crime... “10 days”: (Below 10 persecuting Caesars)

1. Nero (64-68): Paul beheaded; Peter crucified upside down.2. Domitian (95-96): John exiled.3. Trajan (104-117): Ignatius burned at the stake.4. Marcus Aurelius (161-180): Polycarp martyred.5. Septimus Severus (200-211): He killed Irenaeus.6. Maximinus (235-237): He killed Ursula and Hippolytus.7. Decius (249-251); 8. Valerian (257-260); 9. Aurelian, (270-275);10. Diocletian (303-313); The Worst of all! Reigned 10 years.

Ten total: 250 years!They are not told they will avoid their suffering but to remain faithful until death.

One church historian has estimated that during this period, five million Christians were martyred for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

[Crown] Reward for works (not salvation) Jas 1:12. Their reward is with Him: “Bema” seat.

• Crown of life (Jas 1:12; Rev 2:10) for those who have suffered for His sake;• Crown of righteousness (2 Tim 4:8) for those who loved His appearing;• Crown of glory (1Pet 5:4) for those who fed the lambs, sheep, flock;• Crown incorruptible (1Cor 9:25) for those who press on steadfastly;• Crown of rejoicing (1Thess 2:19) for those who win souls.

Smyrna is only one of two letters (the other is Philadelphia) with no condemnation!

27 Commentary on Parsha VaEtchanan, Rabbi Pinchas Winston,

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They are the only two, which have had a continuous existence!

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

[He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death] Again the promise of eternal life is only for the overcomer (Rev. 2:7,11). A further implication is that if one does not overcome (conquer, stay on the winning side by faith), the result will be the second death, the lake of fire.

Again we see the unique characteristic of Christianity in that we do not worship a dead man, as do the Muslims, the Buddhists, or the Confucianist, but a Christ who is alive. Because of this, He is able to work on behalf of his children in any age.

“He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. Second death”: Rev 20:6; cf. Jude 12, “twice dead.” Dwight L. Moody put it like this: “He who is born once will die twice; he who is born twice will die once.” And if the Rapture occurs during his lifetime, he won’t even have to die that one time. The “second death” is the death, which no believer will experience. The first death concerns the body. The second death concerns the soul and the spirit; it is eternal separation from God. No believer will have to undergo that.

The Persecuted Church AD 100-312, John to Constantine, Name Smyrna (myrrh) associated with death.

The Book of Revelation seems to be structured after the Old Testament, Hebrew thought pattern is noticeable. Even in the Greek language certain phrases make little sense. There are some who believe it was written in Hebrew and translated to Greek.

Revelation 2:12 (Destination and Description) PergamosAnd to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

[Pergamos] A town in Mysia on the river Caicus about 55 miles north of Smyrna. The name means married to the world. Or mixed marriage. Per = mixed, objectionable (pervert, perturbation, etc.) gamos = marriage (bigamy, monogamy, etc.) The form here in the Greek is feminine Pergamum is the neuter form of the name; both were/are used.

Pergamos was where the temple to Zeus was located, this was a very large statue of Zeus. This may have some reference to the throne of Satan.

This was also the home of Aesculapius the God of medicine, Cf. Num 21;

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Long before the New Testament days, Aesculapius had been recognized as a god (the son of Apollo and the virgin Cornois). He was termed “Savior” and it was claimed that he had the power to avert death. He was originally represented by the Anatolians as a serpent, and the Greeks later depicted him holding Hermes’ staff (the Caduceus) with the two-headed snake. [The original idea emerging from the brazen serpent of Numbers 21:8, 9; John 3:14; (also, 2 Kgs 18:4).] The Caduceus is the official emblem of the city. Pergamos was the first to erect a temple to the serpent-god Asclepius, who was considered the god of healing. People would journey to Pergamos to seek cures for the ailments. (Num 21:8-9; 2 Kings 18:4; John 3:14-15)

Pergamos means “mixed marriage.” The virgin Bride of Christ became married to the world. The lenient or indulged church, State Church, from 313 to 476, Constantine to the Fall of Rome.

Asclepius is the god of healing.. One snake on the pole.Hermes is the god of commerce... Two snakes on the pole.

[he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;] This description is from (Rev 1:16) and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword:

[Sword with two edges] (Heb 4:12; cf. Rev 1). jus gladii: The “Right of the Sword”; the highest official authority; the power of life and death in Roman Law.

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

[works ... and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied by faith] Three things commended of Pergamos:

1. Works 2. Holding fast to Christ's name 3. Not denying the faith

[Satan's seat] Thought to refer to the removal of the headquarters of the ancient Babylonian cult from Babylon to Pergamos, then onto Rome and then into the Church. “Even where Satan’s seat [throne] is” reveals that religion was big business in Pergamum and that Satan’s headquarters were there. This ought to settle the question for those who think that Satan is in hell at the present time. He has never yet been in hell because hell hasn’t opened up for business yet. Satan will not be in hell until much later, as we shall see in chapter 20. At the present, Satan is loose and is the prince of this world, controlling kingdoms and going up and down the earth as a roaring lion, hunting for whom he may devour (see 1 Pet. 5:8). But he does have headquarters, and Christ said they were in

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Pergamum at that time. Since those days, I think that he has moved his headquarters around to different places.

[denied] Greek: “arneomai” (GSN-720), deny (note, Hebrews 11:24 Moses chose to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season). It is possible for Christians to deny the faith, or this and many like statements are false.

[Antipas was my faithful martyr] An unknown Christian who became known by his martyrdom for Christ. There is a book called The Acts of Antipas, which makes him the bishop of Pergamos and states that he was put to death by being enclosed in a burning brass bull.

The Bible teaches that judgment must begin in the house or “household” of God (1 Pet 4:17). Such a teaching is not a contradiction of God’s promises of blessing. God promised blessings to all Israel, but He brought judgment on Northern Israel and Judah before dealing with their enemies the Assyrians and Babylonians.

Yashanet.com: where thou dost dwell -- where the throne of the Adversary is: Pergamos was a wealthy city with temples for many pagan deities. According to Alexander Hislop's 19th century work, The Two Babylons, the mystery cults of Babylon had moved to Pergamos after the death of Belshazzar. The "pontiff" of the Babylonian religion later moved from Pergamos to Rome, probably when Pergamos became part of the Roman empire around 133 BCE. An interesting foreshadowing of this transference of the seat of power from Babylon to Rome is found in the Book of Jasher, which states that Nimrod (associated with Babylon), was killed by Esau (associated with Rome). Also found in this text is mention of a mystical garment that Esau took from Nimrod. This garment, according to Jewish tradition, was the garment of Adam, which had been passed along from generation to the next. With this garment came great powers. This portion of Jasher leads up to the events of Genesis 25:29:

Jasher 27:1-12 - And Esau at that time, after the death of Abraham, frequently went in the field to hunt. And Nimrod king of Babel, the same was Amraphel, also frequently went with his mighty men to hunt in the field, and to walk about with his men in the cool of the day. And Nimrod was observing Esau all the days, for a jealousy was formed in the heart of Nimrod against Esau all the days. And on a certain day Esau went in the field to hunt, and he found Nimrod walking in the wilderness with his two men. And all his mighty men and his people were with him in the wilderness, but they removed at a distance from him, and they went from him in different directions to hunt, and Esau concealed himself for Nimrod, and he lurked for him in the wilderness. And Nimrod and his men that were with him did not know him, and Nimrod and his men frequently walked about in the field at the cool of the day, and to know where his men were hunting in the field. And Nimrod and two of his men that were with him came to the place where they were, when Esau started suddenly from his lurking place, and drew his sword, and hastened and ran to Nimrod and cut off his head. And Esau fought a desperate fight with the two men

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that were with Nimrod, and when they called out to him, Esau turned to them and smote them to death with his sword. And all the mighty men of Nimrod, who had left him to go to the wilderness, heard the cry at a distance, and they knew the voices of those two men, and they ran to know the cause of it, when they found their king and the two men that were with him lying dead in the wilderness. And when Esau saw the mighty men of Nimrod coming at a distance, he fled, and thereby escaped; and Esau took the valuable garments of Nimrod, which Nimrod's father had bequeathed to Nimrod, and with which Nimrod prevailed over the whole land, and he ran and concealed them in his house. And Esau took those garments and ran into the city on account of Nimrod's men, and he came unto his father's house wearied and exhausted from fight, and he was ready to die through grief when he approached his brother Jacob and sat before him. And he said unto his brother Jacob, Behold I shall die this day, and wherefore then do I want the birthright? And Jacob acted wisely with Esau in this matter, and Esau sold his birthright to Jacob, for it was so brought about by the Lord.

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

[few things against thee] Four things condemned in Pergamos (Rev. 2:14-15):

1. Holding the doctrine of Balaam2. Eating things sacrificed to idols3. Committing fornication4. Holding the doctrine of Nicolaitans

Three different problems with Balaam:“Doctrine of Balaam” (Rev 2:14), spiritual unchastity; marriage with the world. “Way of Balaam” (2 Peter 2:15) , a hireling = making a “market” for his gift. “Error of Balaam” (Jude 11). Balaam was hired by the enemies of the People of God to curse them; warned not to by God (Num 22:12).History of Balaam is in Numbers 22-25.

[fornication] porneuo, (Gr4203), porn-yoo'-o; from Greek 4204 (porne); to act the harlot, i.e. (literal) indulge unlawful lust (of either sex), or (figurative) practise idolatry :- commit (fornication).

(1 Cor. 10:8) Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

Yashanet.com: That thou hast there those holding the teaching of Balaam

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Balaam achieved his powers by "tapping into" the evil sephirot (the "unholy crowns"), said to emanate from the left side, as discussed earlier. The Zohar says he dealt with haSatan directly:

Soncino Zohar, Vayikra, Section 3, Page 112b, 113a - There are many Chieftains who guide them and one supreme Chieftain from the side of the Left. That wicked Balaam gained access to this supreme Chieftain by his sorceries, which he practised in the night when he was at the head of all his company, and then he made known his requests to him. The word Elohim is used in connection with Balaam as with Laban and with Abimelech, because this is a name of general application, being used of idols under the title of "other gods", which includes these Chieftains also. So this wicked Balaam summoned the Chieftain to him and he came to him. It may be said that he was with him by day (when he was with Balak). The truth is, however, that at that hour he only made observations by means of his divinations to fix the right hour, and when it says, "he went not as at other times to meet with enchantments" (Ibid. XXIV, 1), this signifies that he tried to fix the hour, but was not able as on other days, because he saw that there was no great wrath in the world and knew that "it was good in the eyes of the Lord to bless Israel" (Ibid.). For when burning wrath is rife the Left is aroused, and the wicked Balaam knew how to take hold of the left side so as to curse; but on this occasion he looked and saw that the wrath was not there.Soncino Zohar, Shemoth, Section 2, Page 21b, 22a - It is, however, true that Balaam was the counterpart of Moses. As the works of the one were from above, so were the other's from below. Moses wrought his works by means of the holy Crown of the All-highest King, Balaam by means of the unholy crowns from below. Hence, "The children of Israel slew Balaam the son of Beor, the soothsayer" (Jos. XIII, 22).

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

See Rev 2:6; here the term is separated from Balaam and fornication. Shows a difference from Balaam and their practices.

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

The 5th prophecy in Revelation (Rev. 2:16-17; Rev. 2:16, fulfilled; Rev. 2:17, unfulfilled). Next, Rev. 2:22.

[Repent] 1 John 1:9, the “Christian’s Bar of Soap”

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(1 John 1:9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Repentance is required of all backsliders (Rev. 2:5,16,21,22; Rev. 3:3,19). That there is a possibility of backsliders not repenting is clear from the fact that if they did not repent, they would be judged.

[Sword] cf. sword of v.12 (Heb 4:12). The Sword of Eph 6:17; the Roman machira. It was effective only with special training; designed for use in close quarters...one-on-one.

Yashanet.com: The (two-edged) sword is the Torah coming from the mouth of God, as Yeshua (in the essence of the Sephirah of Tipheret), is the "voice" of God. The threatened chastisement in this case, is different than that faced by Ephesus, as Yeshua's words are directed toward specific offending parties within the congregation. Bearing in mind the principle of midah k'neged midah, what we have at Pergamos, is severe doctrinal error being committed by specific individuals within the congregation. Yeshua threatens to "correct" these individuals (only) with the "doctrine" (Torah) of His mouth. Balaam's power also stemmed from his mouth:

Soncino Zohar, Bemidbar, Section 3, Page 206b, 207a - R. Jose quoted the verse: "Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye" (Prov. XXIII, 6). ‘This’, he said, ‘is Balaam who blessed Israel. "Neither desire thou his dainties": this was Balak, whose burnt offerings were not accepted by the Almighty. When Balak observed that Sihon and Og had been killed and their land taken away, he foresaw in his wisdom that he and five princes of Midian and his people would fall by the hand of Israel, and not knowing what to make of it he approached Balaam, whose power was in his mouth, just as the power of Israel was in its mouth. Balaam was even more anxious to attack them than Balak. The knowledge which he acquired was at night time, because the lower crowns and the asses are at large only in the first watch of the night. Therefore he had an ass to attract the asses to her in the early part of the night. It is true that it says, "Elohim came to Balaam in the night", but we have explained this to refer to the Chieftain appointed over them. It was on this account that Balaam said to the princes of Balak, "Tarry here this night". Balaam went to his she-ass and performed his rites and uttered his spells, and the ass then told him and he did the requisite act for that spirit to rest upon him. Then someone came and told him things through the agency of the ass. It may be asked, if he told him in one night, "Thou shalt not go with them", why did he try a second time? The fact is that these powers are subject to a higher control, and we have learnt, "In the way in which a man desires to go he is led". At first he was told, "Thou shalt not go with them". When God saw that he was bent on going, He said to him, "Arise, go with them, only the thing that I tell thee", etc.

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All I can say from all this is that for those who believe that obedience to God’s commandments is optional; and that Christians are free to eat anything we want to without consequence, notice what is being said in this letter and what God’s attitude and threat is to the Believers of Pergamum. I’ve known a number of people who grudgingly began to eat biblically kosher because they had run out of reasons not to. They weren’t entirely convinced or happy about it. But soon after starting to eat kosher they came to realize that the issue wasn’t ever really about whether God has ordained what Believers are to eat and not eat and that He’s serious about it. The issue was a personal stubbornness that simply couldn’t accept the notion of anyone restricting them from foods they had always eaten and loved. The issue was, and remains, for most of us an issue of trust and obedience.28

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

[white stone] These were known to the ancients as victory stones. Also in ancient times they meant pardon and the evidence of it. Judges had white and black stones. If a black one was given the criminal he was condemned; if a white stone he would be pardoned. Conquerors in the public games were also given white stones with their names in them, which entitled them to be supported the rest of their lives at public expense. Perhaps all three things are meant by the white stone to the overcomer.

A word study of stone in the Bible comes up with some interesting uses of the word. Christ is the corner stone, use of stone in Dan 2, Zach 3:9 stone with 7 eyes…

Tessera, white stone, given to the victor at the games. Tessera hospitalis, bestowed on close friends, passed on as guarantees to heirs and assigns (Zech 3:1-10; v.9: Stone + 7 eyes? Deut 27:1-10, on Mt. Ebal.)

[the hidden manna] Manna was the heavenly food sent by God to the children of Israel in the desert. It typifies the spiritual food provided by God in His Word. It should be clearly understood that this is an individual feeding, not a Church function. (John 6:32-34) (Ex 6; Psalm 78)

[a new name] We will receive a “new name,” which in the Bible means a new nature, a new authority, and a full inheritance. (Gen 17:5; Gen 32; Isa 62:2)

“New Name”: Abram became Abraham (Gen 17:5); Jacob becomes Israel at Peniel (Gen 32:28); Isa 62:2 (called by a new name)

28 Tom Bradford - torahclass.com

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Yashanet.com: The "hidden manna" is an ancient promise to those who will one day enter the Kingdom.

Soncino Zohar, Shemoth, Section 2,Page 63a - R. Eleazar taught that in the coming age the righteous shall eat of this manna, but of a much higher quality, a quality which was never seen in this world, as it is written: "To behold the beauty of the Lord and to visit his Temple" (Ps. XXVII, 4); "Eye hath not seen... what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him" (Isa. LXIV, 4).

The Zohar makes a connection between the heavenly manna and Tipheret, which as we have seen may be linked to Yeshua. Those gathering the manna are said to have praised the "Holy Name," which is associated with Tipheret.

John's gospel has Yeshua associating Himself with the heavenly manna:John 6:31-35 - Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.John 6:48-51 - I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

The "white stone" of verse 17, is also called the precious stone in Kabbalistic writings and is associated with the Sephirah of Malkut (Kingdom). As Malkut is the "last" Sephirot, it receives and reflects all the previous Sephirot, similar to a diamond reflecting white light as all colors.10

The first mention of this is found in the text of the Bahir which mentions the stone in a dialogue between the Holy One Blessed be He (Tipheret) and the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Note the relationship between the stone and "fear of God," (and therefore to Malkut/Kingdom, as mentioned earlier in this study):

Bahir 190 - "What is Fear of God? It is the First Light. Rabbi Meir thus said: Why is it written (Genesis 1:3): And God said 'Let their be light, and there was light.' Why does it not say: 'And it was so?' But this teaches us that the light was very intense, so that no created thing could gaze upon it. God therefore store it away for the righteous in the Ultimate Future. This is the measure of all merchandise (Sechorah) in the world ...

... This teaches us that God took a thousandth of its radiance, and from it He constructed a beautiful precious stone. In it He included all the commandments.

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Not only are all the Torah commandments included in this stone, but the stone itself is a reward for those who keep these commandments (the patience of the saints), as Yeshua's promises:

Revelation 14:12 - Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.Revelation 22:14 - Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Kabbalistic teachings also show that the commandments of Torah are to be kept in faith (i.e., Hebrews 4:2):"And the purpose of all the mitvoth (commandments) is to believe in our God, and to admit and thank Him for having created us. That is the purpose of Creation, for lack of any other regarding the first Creation. And God primarily wants man to know and admit and thank God for creating him, and to say in a congregation, i.e., in public): We are Your creatures (see Exodus 13:16)." 11

Nachmanides stressed the link between the reward of the Kingdom and following the commandments in faith:

We must not forget our faith in God. This first preventative mitzvah commands us the "Acceptance of the Kingship of Heaven," in other words, that we believe there is a God Who made everything. He brought them forth from the total "nothing" unto "something" that He perpetually wants. He commanded us this faith, which is the foundation of the Torah, and He doubled this exhortation regarding its denial, which would mean the abolition of the truth. As it is stated: "Beware, lest you forget the Lord, Who brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of slavery" (Deuteronomy 6:12), meaning, not to forget God, or have doubts whether He exists, and the world has always existed, or always existed for a reason and does not change." 12

The "precious stone," (the Kingdom) is given at the end of the Tribulation period, corresponding to the end of the Days of Awe (see verse 10 above), on the Day of Atonement. The Zohar shows that it is the "voice of the Trumpet" (Tipheret/Yeshua) that causes this to occur. Note that at this "final Yom Kippur" the powers of darkness are prevented from acting any longer. (Something the annual Yom Kippur sacrifice was able to accomplish for intermittent periods.) Note also the reference to the "upper Jerusalem" as "mother" (i.e., Galatians 4:26):

Revelation 2:18 (Destination and Description) ThyatiraAnd unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

[Thyatira] A city in western Turkey between Pergamos and Sardis. The name comes from two words meaning “sacrifice” and “continual”; this introduces a central heresy that has produced other false doctrines. That is, the Church of Rome denies the finished work of Christ but believes in a continuing sacrifice that produces such things a sacraments and

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praying for the dead, burning candles, and so forth. Between 607 and today the Universal Catholic Church headquartered in Rome gradually became more Babylonian than Christian.

Growing in commercial importance, Thyatira became a well-known center for trade guilds. Membership in these was compulsory and essential if one was to pursue a trade. Each guild was under the patronage of some pagan deity, and all proceedings and feasts commenced with paying homage to the patron god or goddess. The dilemma of the Christian tradesman continues in our own day: Is it necessary for the believer to participate in the production of films, plays, books, or music which have an essential appeal to the flesh? It is a choice between Christ and the world.

Merging paganism with Christianity; associated with the dark ages 606 thru tribulation.

Thyatira (formerly, Semiramis) = “daughter.”

[Son of God] This description is from (Rev 1:6) And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; The only mention of Son of God in Revelation! Cf. Peter’s own confession (Mt 16:16-18) This is the central letter (of the seven); Jesus asserts His power and authority.

“Brass, fire” = symbols of judgment! Impending judgment!

[his eyes like unto a flame of fire] This description is from (Rev 1:14) and his eyes were as a flame of fire

[his feet are like fine brass] This description is from (Rev 1:15) And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace;

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

[I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works] Six things to commend Thyatira:

1. Works2. Charity3. Service4. Faith5. Patience6. Increased works

[the last to be more than the first] Their works had increased until they were more than the first works.

“I know thy works...”: Does He really know our works and what we are doing? He loves us so much He can’t take His eyes off us! He is always fully informed on our actions and conditions.

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

[a few things against thee] Four things against Thyatira (Rev. 2:20-21):

1. Permitting Jezebel to teach2. Permitting her to seduce My servants (Christians) to commit fornication3. Permitting her to seduce Christians to eat things sacrificed to idols4. Tolerating her in spite of impenitence

The chief sin of this church— which was fatal—simply consisted of failing to raise a protest against this woman, who claimed to be a prophetess, who led them into idolatrous doctrines and practices. Cf. Acts 15:29 injunctions.

That Izevel woman, that is, someone who resembles King Ahab’s queen, Izevel (Jezebel). She supported idolatry and came dangerously close to eliminating true worship of God (1 Kings 16:30–33; 18:4, 13, 22; 2 Kings 9:22). Evidently the “Izevel woman” injects occultism and other demonic practices into the Messianic community. 29

[Jezebel] Jezebel was the daughter of Eth-Baal, King of Sidon, Priest of Astarte, the murderer of his predecessor, Pheles, whom he killed to seize the throne. She married King Ahab to seal a profitable trade alliance between Israel and Phoenicia. [“Reasonable compromise”?] A worshipper of Baal and Astarte (originated in Babylon), she and King Ahab usher in the worst period in OT (1 Kgs 16:30 33). She seeks to exterminate prophets of YHWH (1 Kgs 18:13). The queen is running things; of all the women seen in the Old Testament, none was more cunning or more daring or more unscrupulous...she obtained lands through “inquisition.” Read the incident of Naboth’s Vineyard (1 Kgs 21). A vivid picture of the medieval church for a thousand-year period, including the Dark Ages.

In 378 A.D., Damasus, the bishop of Rome, took on the office of Pontifex Maximus, (high priest) of the Babylonian religion, which had previously been the prerogative of the Roman emperor, thus combining the “Christian” church with pagan religion—an act which has never been subsequently separated: The ceremonies, rites, titles, vestments...celibate priests, Mariolatry, image and crucifix worship, veneration of saints, adoration of the host...papal infallibility, transubstantiation, etc... all idolatry thinlyveneered by Christian nomenclature.29Stern, D. H. (1996, c1992). Jewish New Testament Commentary : A companion volume to the Jewish New Testament (electronic ed.) (Re 2:20). Clarksville: Jewish New Testament Publications.

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Lack of immediate punishment should not be misunderstood for laxity: Ecc 8:11; Isa 26:10.

Compare Jezebel with the Woman & the Leaven parable in Matthew 13. See also Lev 2; 1 Cor 5:7, 8. The key person is Queen Jezebel, described in Kings where she runs things for Ahab. She acquires lands for the king by conducting an inquisition and then having them falsely accused. Jezebel introduces false doctrine and perverts the value of the church. So the fourth letter we see a woman introducing false doctrine. The fourth kingdom parable in Matthew 13 was a woman introducing leaven!

The person in Thyatira that is leading some in the congregation astray is called “that Jezebel woman”. And what is she teaching people to do? She is teaching them to commit sexual sins and to eat food that has been sacrificed to idols. Anyone catching a repetitive theme in these letters? Sex sin and food issues seem to be rampant and also at the top of God’s list of things He hates. By comparing this unnamed woman to Jezebel (who was the wife of wicked King Ahab), the charge then is that she is a supporter of idolatry, paganism, and everything that is anti-God. Jezebel’s goal was to rid Israel of God worship and she was well on her way to doing it. We must assume that this Jezebel woman’s goal was similar or she herself was deceived.30

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

[space] “Space” is time. The Lord Jesus Christ has patiently dealt with this false system for over a thousand years, and there has been no real change down through the centuries in this system. In fact, Rome boasts that she never changes—semper idem, always the same.

[fornication] The term is literal, but it’s also used spiritually (intimacy with a false god instead of the one True God).

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

The 6th New Testament prophecy in Revelation (Rev. 2:22-23, fulfilled). Next, Rev. 2:25.

Our Lord here predicts that this church and those that are persuaded to follow her false teaching will go into the Great Tribulation, only the non-repentant.

First of seven to mention second coming, first three have promise to overcomer as a PS. Promise is on the outside of the letter, Thyatira on has promise on the inside of the letter.

30 Tom Bradford – torahclass.com

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“Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation”: First promise of the Great Tribulation (unless... ), cf. 2:25. It’s implied that if they repent, they won’t be in the Tribulation. Only the unrepentant church will go... Jezebel is finally destroyed (2 Kgs 9:10, 22, 30-37); cf. woman devoured, (Rev 17:16).

It appears the first three churches are complete. The last four churches will go into the tribulation, and they anticipate and have in view the second coming.

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

[kill her children with death] is a Hebraistic way of emphasizing the certainty of death. “And I will kill her children with death” is translated by Vincent: “Let them be put to death with death,” referring to the second death.

“And I will kill her children with death” is translated by Vincent: “Let them be put to death with death,” referring to the second death.

[reins] Greek: “nephros” (GSN-3510), the kidneys, or in figurative language, the innermost mind – to be the center of feelings.

Yashanet.com Here we seem to have a "double" punishment -- a) being cast into the couch of great tribulation, and b) the "killing of her children." Two questions to ask are; a) Why the double penalty? and, b) Exactly who is carrying out these retributions?As discussed in our background study, the Shekinah is also known as the couch of Solomon. The couch "bed" of a chaste bride is also compared to the Shekinah's purity.

Malkut (i.e., the Shekinah) is the Sephirah through which God's judgment is channeled through. Hence, the reference in verse 22 is saying that the Shekinah will carry out this aspect of their punishment. Those committing spiritual adultery (by way of bringing anti-Torah teachings into the congregation), will be tossed into the judgement that comes upon the world (via the Shekinah). In this case however, the threat to "kill her children with death," comes directly from Yeshua Himself. This reference and His subsequent words, "I will give to you -- to each -- according to your works," are presented in a negative context, and further establish the principle of midah k'neged midah. (See previous section.) As the teachings of Jezebel corrupt (and bring spiritual death) to the children of Lord's people, Yeshua kills her "children" as a fitting punishment. Why does Yeshua Himself also get involved with this punishment? The answer lies in the idea that "stealing children away" from God (via spiritually "adulterous" teachings) is a sin against both the "mother and father" of the children. Besides the metaphorical aspects of husband and bride, the Sephirot of Tipheret is also considered as "Father," and

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Malkut (Shekinah) as "Mother." Therefore, the two Sephirot (i.e, Yeshua/Father and the Shekinah/Mother) both take revenge when children are involved.Nachmanides taught this principle regarding the sacrifice of children to the god Molech:

The sinner of Molech introduced defilement into the atmosphere of Holiness between the two Divine Names via plucking the sublime fruit, a child in Israel, from its celestial source of growth to sacrifice it to a foreign realm. Its source of growth is the Atziluth Parents: the sefirah of Tifereth, the provider, Who is called "Father" and "the Holy One, blessed is He," and the Atarah (Malkut), the recipient, also called "Mother," and "the Assembly of Israel" (see Leviticus 20:3). Therefore, these two sefiroth take revenge against the sinner, measure for measure.13

In verse 23, Yeshua states, "I am he who is searching reins and hearts." The purpose of God searching us is to make us holy - to set us apart to Him. Holiness is at the opposite end of the scale from spiritual adultery. Interestingly, the words, "holy" (kodosh) and "harlot" (kedaisha), are similar in the Hebrew. The former signifies an attachment to holiness, the latter attachment to the unholy. According to Nachmanides, both terms derive from the word "holiness" (kedusha)

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

“as many as have not this doctrine...I will put upon you none other burden”: There is the impression that only a remnant survives (cf. 3:4). Within this church was an evil for which no remedial measures are sufficient.“Bathos” = deep things of Satan vs. Deep things of God (1 Cor 2:10).“Baros” = burden.

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

[till I come] First place where Jesus refers to second coming. Has in view the second coming.

Not mentioned in the first three, only mentioned in the last four letters.

Revelation 2:26 (Promise to the Overcomer)And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

Was power over the nations conquest of Jezabel?

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Revelation 2:27And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

[rod of iron] Psalm 2 “Trialogue”Holy Spirit1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the

LORD, and against his anointed, saying,3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

God6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

Jesus7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day

have I begotten thee. 8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost

parts of the earth for thy possession.9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s

vessel.

Holy Spirit10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

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

[the morning star] This is Christ (Rev. 22:16; cp. Numbers 24:17).

Compared to “Son of Righteousness” an Old Testament title.

Yashanet.com: The term "morning star" is peculiar, as its only reference in the Tenakh (Isaiah 14:12), refers to either haSatan or Nebuchednezzar. (This is similar to the King of Tyre, who also has characteristics of haSatan.)There are several possible associations to this term as used in the book of Revelation:

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1. Regarding the removal of the "evil morning star" (haSatan) and subsequent rule over the nations by the righteousThe Midrash Rabbah associates the morning star with an angel (i.e., haSatan) cast down by God. HaSatan is known as the deceiver of the nations (Revelation 20:3,8). This is interesting in light of Revelation 2:26, which states that Yeshua will give authority over the nations to His faithful ones. This would not be possible unless the previous authority - the angel(s) over the nations - are first removed from his/their positions. As we will discuss, this occurs through the series of judgments shown in subsequent chapters of Revelation:

Midrash Rabbah - The Song of Songs VIII:19 - The Holy One, blessed be He, does not punish a nation on earth till He has cast down its guardian angel from heaven. This is borne out by five Scriptural verses. One, the verse, And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord will punish the host of the high heaven on high-that first, and then-and the kings of the earth upon the earth (Isa. XXIV, 21). The second is: How art thou fallen from heaven, O day-star, son of the morning! after which we read, How art thou cut down to the ground (ib. XIV, 12). The third is: For My sword hath drunk its fill in heaven; and then, Behold, it shall come down upon Edom (ib. XXXIV, 5). The fourth: To bind their kings with chains, and then, and their nobles with fetters of iron (Ps. CXLIX, 8), explaining which R. Tanhuma said: ' To bind their kings with chains’: this refers to the heavenly princes. ‘And their nobles with fetters of iron’: this refers to the earthly rulers. The fifth is: To execute upon them the judgment written, and then, He is the glory of all His saints, hallelujah (ib. 9).

2. Regarding the morning sacrifice.An alternative meaning for "morning star" is found in the Mishna:

Mas. Yoma 28a - The officer said to them: Go forth and see whether the time for killing (of the morning sacrifice) has arrived. If it had arrived then he who saw it said: It is daylight!

A footnote to the above passage, offers an alternate translation for the word "daylight," as found in the above passage:

Mas. Yoma 28a, footnote 11 - The Mishnaic ‘barkai’ may be a contraction of ‘barka hi’, i.e. there is a shining. Or: the shining one, i.e., the morning star.

3. Regarding Messiah and His role in ushering in the Eternal (complete) Shabbat.The term "morning star" became associated with Messiah in Judaism. The second century false Messiah, Simon bar Kokba,  had his title (bar Kokba = son of the star), given to him by Rabbi Akiba ben Joseph.In Revelation 22:16, Yeshua refers to Himself as "the bright and morning star." Kabbalistically, the evening of Shabbat (at sunset) is associated with Sephirah of Malkut (Kindgom), and is dominant in the world we live in, as the bride (Malkut) is not united with the groom (Tipheret).

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This cannot occur as long as the "other side" (evil) clings to the evening side of Shabbat (Malkut/Shekinah), as discussed above in verse 10.

It is therefore possible that the reference to "bright and morning star," has to do with Yeshua's role (as groom) in establishing the Supernal Shabbat. The morning star is both the Supernal Shabbat (Revelation 2:28), as well as the one who ushers it in (Revelation 22:16), in a similar fashion to Yeshua being both the sacrificial lamb and the One making the sacrifice.

Revelation 2:29 (Closure)He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Thyatira is the Pagan Church, The Papel Church, associated with the dark ages. From 606 through the tribulation. Merging paganism with Christianity. Thyatira comes from a word meaning “continual sacrifice” and denies the finished work of Christ, leaving Christ on the cross.

Different structure than the first three letters. Note: In the first three letters, the promise to the overcomer is after “He that hath...”; in the last four, the promise to overcomer is inside the letter... In the first three epistles the church was viewed as still capable of repenting; in the last four it was apparent that only a remnant—described as the overcomer—would hear and repent. Also, only last four include explicit promises of Jesus Second Coming.

Old Testament References:

2:4 Jer 2:22:7 Gen 2:9; 3:22-24; Prov 11:30; 13:12; Ezek 31:8 (LXX)2:12 Isa 49:22:14 Num 25:1-32:17 Ex 16:33-34; Isa 62:2; 65:152:18 Dan 10:62:20 1Kgs 16:31-32; 2Kgs 9:7, 222:23 Ps 7:9; 26:2; 28:4; Jer 11:20; 17:102:27 Ps 2:7-9; Isa 30:14; Jer 19:11

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