Section Two: Commentary

I. The Things Which Thou Hast Seen (1:1-20)

A. The Prologue – 1:1-8

1. The Preface – 1:1-3a. The Revelation – 1:1

The Subject of Revelation “The Revelation of Jesus Christ”

a) The book is about the redeemer-ruler – Jesus Christb) The book is about the revealed-revelation – new truth

The Sovereign of Revelation “Which God gave unto him to shew unto his servants”

a) God the Father gives God the Son the revelationb) God the Son gives God’s servants the revelation

Father – Son – Angel – John – Seven ChurchesThe Substance of Revelation “Things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel”

The idea is not that the event may occur soon, but that when it does, it will be sudden.

Luke 18:8 (KJV) I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Romans 16:20 (KJV) And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Revelation 22:6-7 (KJV) 6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. 7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

a) Events soon to come (Quickly)– Re-opening of Daniel1) God told Daniel in 12:4, 8, 9 to shut up the rest of the

vision until the last times. Daniel 12:4 (KJV) But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

2) The book of Revelation is the re-opening of the visions Daniel must have seen but was not allowed to record or was able to understand.

b) Events signified to come – Re-affirming by an angel 1) These events are supernatural in nature therefore an angel

is sent to verify2) These events are not known except God reveals them thus

an angel sent to affirm.

b. The Testimony – 1:2a) The writing revealed v. 2

1) John received the revelation directly from God2) John received the revelation by three means:

i. By the Word of God – God spoke directly to John – the audible words spoken

ii. By the testimony of Jesus Christ – according to Rev. 19:10 the testimony of Jesus is the “spirit of prophecy.” The spirit of prophecy is at the heart focused on the central figure of Jesus Christ

Revelation 19:10 (KJV) And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

iii. Of all things that he saw – This would be the eye witness accounts John actually saw recorded in the book

c. The Blessing – 1:3a) The reader rewarded v. 3

Reader singular – Hearers Plural – This refers to the Public reading of the Book of Revelation.

1) The three fold way of blessing: i. Reading the book

ii. Hearing the bookiii. Keeping the book

2) The three fold reason for the promise: i. God gives this blessing specifically for those who

will read Revelation because the book has such important facts and the reader might be scared off because it is prophetic in nature.

ii. God also wants us to be good listeners and careful listeners

iii. God also wants us to keep or guard what we have read and heard because the book helps us to understand other parts of the Bible.

The Seven “Beatitudes” in Revelation

Revelation 1:3 (KJV) Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Revelation 14:13 (KJV) And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

Revelation 16:15 (KJV) Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

Revelation 19:9 (KJV) And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Revelation 20:6 (KJV) Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

Revelation 22:7 (KJV) Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

Revelation 22:14 (KJV) 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.

2. The Salutation – 1:4-8

1) Greeting to the churches – 1:4-5aGod The Father – which is, and which was, and which is to come;

“From” normally takes the Genitive case - Is, Was, Is to come, are in Nominative – This is a title of God. His eternality

Revelation 1:8 (KJV) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

God The Spirit - the seven Spirits which are before his throne

Isaiah 11:2 (KJV) And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

Matt. 3:13-17 – spirit comes upon Christ at His baptism Isa. 9:6-7- Christ’s responsibilities in the kingdom Isa. 61:1-3 – Seven things Jesus does at His two advents

Zechariah 3:9 (KJV) For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.

Zechariah 4:10 (KJV) For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.

Note: Seven is God’s number of completion

Seven whole notes in a scale Seven layers of skin Every seven years cells in the body change Seven days in a week Your pulse beats slower every seven days

God The Son - Jesus Christ,

2) Glory to Christ – 1:5b-6Ministries of Christ

a) Past Ministry (Prophet)– Who is the faithful witness in the past he was a prophet. Deut. 18:15-18 – true and faithful witness must speak only what God tells him – one like Moses. Acts 3:22-26; Rev. 19:11; Heb. 3:1-2; Heb. 10:8-12 – Shed His blood in the past

Deuteronomy 18:18 (KJV) I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

b) Present (Priest)– Who is the first begotten from the dead – first to come alive who didn’t die again. Present work of Christ is priest. 1 Cor. 15:21-23 – His present duty of priest began with His resurrection – Heb. 2:14-18; Heb. 4:14-16

Loved us,

Romans 5:8 (KJV) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Washed us from our sins in his own blood,

Titus 3:5 (KJV) 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;

He shed his blood because He loves us – Eph. 2 – By His own BLOOD – it is the blood that washes us clean – “The washing of

regeneration” is the blood – Titus 3:5. Can’t be done without the blood of Jesus Christ – Heb. 9:22ff

c) Future (King) - Who is the Prince of the kings of the earth. King yet future –

Made us kings and priests

1 Peter 2:9 (KJV) But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Revelation 20:6 (KJV) Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

He made us heirs to reign with Him because he shed His blood – Rom. 8:17-18

3) The (second) Coming of Christ – 1:7

Theme of the book of Revelation

With Clouds

Daniel 7:13 (KJV) I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

Every eye shall see him (Not at the Rapture)

Matthew 24:30 (KJV) And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Zechariah 9:1 (KJV) The burden of the word of the LORD in the land of Hadrach, and Damascus shall be the rest thereof: when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, shall be toward the LORD.

Matthew 26:64-65 (KJV) 64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. 65 Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.

At the rapture no one who is unsaved will see the Lord. At the second coming, Christ will appear openly to His enemies seven years after the Rapture)

All kindreds of the earth shall wail

Result: All kindreds of the earth shall wail – there is mourning on the earth – while the lowly Nazarene is coming in power and glory and vengeance. Zechariah 12:9-11 (KJV) 9 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. 10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. 11 In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon.

a. The Sovereignty of God – 1:8

Revelation 1:8 (KJV) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

God’s eternality

B. The Vision of Christ – 1:9-20

1. The Setting – 1:9-11

1) The Writer: John – 1:9aSpiritual Relationship – brother

Physical Suffering - Tribulations

2) The Place: Patmos – 1:9bReason: (Preaching) The word of God, The testimony of Jesus Christ

3) The Time: the Lord’s Day – 1:10

Two Views:

1. SundayBut Sunday is always referred to in the Scriptures as the - “first day of the week.” (Matt. 28:1; Mark 16:2, 9; Luke 24:1, John 20:1, 19; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2)

2. Day of the Lord’s Wrath

Isaiah 13:6 (KJV) Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.

Joel 1:15 (KJV) Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come.

1 Thessalonians 5:2 (KJV) For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

4) The Command: Write – 1:11Isaiah 41:4 (KJV) Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he.

Isaiah 44:6 (KJV) Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

2. The Revelation – 1:12-18

1) The Description of Christ – 1:12-16

Seven golden candlesticks – 7 Churches

Revelation 1:20 (KJV) The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

The Son of man

Important term in the Bible 82 times in Gospels. Jesus used this phrase to identify himself.

Designation of Jesus as the Messiah – Only used by Jesus in the gospels.

Daniel 7:13-14 (KJV) 13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

A garment down to the foot, - Judges Robe Girt about the paps with a golden girdle His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; -

Purity, Justice, Glory His eyes were as a flame of fire – Fire symbol of Judgments

Jesus in His glorified state has “white head and hairs” like wool, as white as snow. His eyes are as flames of fire. This is no longer the

meek and mild Jesus, but the Almighty God. He is no longer the helpless innocent lamb, but is the lion of the tribe of Judah.

His feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; - authority, power

His voice as the sound of many waters - roaring waterfall or river – it is deafening.

He had in his right hand seven stars – Angels or Messengers to the seven Churches

vs. 20 defines the stars - stars are not always celestial bodies – Rev. 12 – 1/3 fall to the earth. God uses stars to refer to angels.

Out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword - Judgment

Out of Jesus’ mouth – two-edged sword A two-edged sword can cut two ways – it can wound a man and heal a man; it can cut or cure. Don’t need to argue how sharp, just use it! Jesus used this sword at both comings.

Hebrews 4:12 (KJV) For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Ephesians 6:17 (KJV) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

His countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. – Glory of God

Countenance – definition of countenance = the face or visage, the expression of the face; appearance, the part you see with your eye, as we would look at his face it will shine as the sun in its full strength – bright radiant (Like Moses – Mal. 4:2)

Daniel 7:9-10 (KJV) 9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. 10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

2) The Words of Christ – 1:17-18John’s response to the glorified Christ – vs. 17

Note: He fell at his feet as dead

Reaction to holiness – Isa. 6:3-5

Isaiah 6:3-5 (KJV) 3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. 4 And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. 5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.

Reaction of fear – Jesus said fear not.

Phil. 2:8-11 Jesus as sovereign is fearful looking – the reaction is different.

3) The Instruction – 1:19 Outlinea) Past 1-3b) Present 4-19c) Future 20-22

Note: Keys of death and hell – not Peter – and Jesus is the door – Jesus is the only way to life eternal

4) The Interpretation – 1:20

II. The Things Which Are (2:1-3:22) The Letters to the 7 Churches

There are also four general approaches to the relationship of the seven letters in chapters 2 and 3 to the rest of the book.

First, the historical view understands that the seven churches are historical churches, and that they are addressed, commended and /or condemned because of virtues or faults that they possessed during the time of John. No prophecy is intended in these chapters.

Secondly, the representative view sees the seven churches simply as representative of various local churches that have existed throughout the church age, and the commands or commendations are intended to apply to churches everywhere of all times.

Thirdly, the prophetic view understands the seven churches as outlining seven periods or eras during the church age, and symbolizing the spiritual state and needs of the church during each period. The order is crucial; Ephesus represents the apostolic age (A.D. 30-100), Philadelphia represents the present, Bible-believing era (c. A.D. 1800 to the rapture) Laodicea represents the apostate church of the end times (particularly during the Tribulation).

This view allows the promise of being “kept from the hour of testing” in 3:10 to be taken as a direct prophecy of the pretribulational rapture of the church.

Fourthly, the historico-prophetic view combines both the historical view and the prophetic view, so that the seven churches are understood to be both historical churches with real problems and warnings, but also symbolic of the predominant characteristics of seven eras or periods of church history. This view takes into account the obvious historical statements in each letter, and also recognizes the symbolism of the choice of seven churches and the parallels that can easily be found in church history

Church Ephesus 2:1-7 Smyrna 2:8-11 Pergamum 2:12-17 Thyatira 2:18-29 Sardis 3:1-6 Philadelphia 3:7-13 Laodicea 3:14-22Christ Holdeth the seven

stars, walketh in the midst of the Seven candlesticks

First and last, was dead, now alive

Sharp sword with two edges

Son of God, eyes like unto a flame of fire, feet like fine bronze

Seven spirits of God and seven stars

He that is holy and true; He that has the key of David; He that opens and no one shuts

Amen, Faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God

Commendation Works, labor, patience, no tolerance for evil. Tried false apostles, not fainted, Hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans

Works, Tribulation, Wealth

Works, dwell where Satan’s throne is, hold fast Christ’s name, have not denied the faith

Works, love, service, faith, perseverance

A few name that have not defiled their garments

Works; a little strength; Kept Christ’s words; not denied His name; Kept the word of His perseverance

Condemnation Left first love Doctrine of Balaam, doctrine of the Nicolaitans

Allow Jezebel to teach and seduce Christ’s servants (Fornication & Idolatry) repented not

Dead; works not perfect

Neither cold nor hot; spew out of Christ’s mouth; wretched, miserable, poor, blind, naked

Counsel/Warning Remember, repent, do the first works /Remove your candlestick

Don’t fear to suffer. Tribulation 10 days. Be faithful to death and you will receive the crown of life

Repent/I will come and fight them

Tribulation on Jezebel & cohorts; death and judgment by works; hold fast what you have

Be watchful; strengthen the things that remain; remember hold fast, repent/ I will come upon

Open door; kept from the hour of testing; hold fast what you have/let no one take crown

Buy gold & white raiment; anoint eyes/Repent; rebuke and Chastening’ open the door; allow Christ to enter

Promise Eat of the tree of life in paradise

Not hurt by the second death

Eat of the hidden manna; white stone with new name

Keep works to the end; power over the nations; morning star

Clothed in white; name not blotted out of the book of life; name confessed before God and angels

Pillar in Temple of God; name of God & new Jerusalem & new name written on him

Sit with Christ in throne

Major Characteristics

Left first love Suffering Compromise and openness to world’s ways

Toleration of sin Content with forms Open door & perseverance

Apostasy & hypocrisy

Danger Losing one’s first love

Fear of suffering Doctrinal compromise

Moral Compromise Spiritual deadness Not holding fast Luke warmness

Application Church should repent of apathy and return to their first love and enthusiasm

Church should be prepared and willing to suffer for Jesus

Church should discipline and not tolerate false teachings

Church should not tolerate open sin in any form; hold fast to good and get rid of evil

Church should not be content with deadness, but strengthen what they have and repent

Church should hold fast what they have, make use of all opportunities & hope

Church should recognize their sin, repent and correct their faults; allow Christ in

Prophetic Period Apostolic Period A.D. 50-100

Period of Persecution A.D. 100-300

State Church A.D. 300-800

Catholic Church A.D. 800-1500

Reformation and State Church A.D. 1500-1750

Bible Based Church A.D. 1750

Apostate Church Tribulation period

A. The Letter to the Churches at Ephesus – 2:1-7

1. Christ’s Appearance to Ephesus – Rev. 2:1a) “Holdeth the seven stars” here we see Christ is in control of

each local church and is walking with them in the midst of them.b) This church is Ephesus = “Fully purposed” – they were

determined to carry out Christ’s commission, they were an obedient church.

2. Christ’s Accounting of Ephesus – vs. 2-6a) Christ’s Approval

1) Christ commends or recognizes six thingsi. Ephesus’ works – What they did – they were

working, serving – involved in God’s workii. Ephesus’ labor – How they did it

a) The act of toiling = it wasn’t half-hearted – they were laboring in the work which resulted in weariness

b) The act of working as in childbirth – travailc) The act of working out in detail and

carefully iii. Ephesus’ patience = Awaiting God’s time without

doubting God’s love; abiding under; grows only by trial

iv. Ephesus’ intolerance: Learn to hate what God hates and love what God loves

a) Patient in suffering, impatient with sin and evil

b) Tried those who say they were apostles. They did not tolerate imposters and tried the spirits.

v. Ephesus’ motivation – “for my name’s sake” They endured, and labored for Christ.

vi. Ephesus’ tenacity – “hast not fainted” The Faithful Church

3. Christ’s Accusation of Ephesus – vs. 4a) Somewhat against you – works of the flesh not through Christ b) Lost their first love – second generation Christians. Once

commentator says, “They were straight as a gun barrel, doctrinally, and empty as a gun barrel, spiritually.”

1) The criticism wasn’t their doctrine and orthodoxy or that they disciplined those who were heretics, false teachers or living in sin. It was separated.

2) The church lost the spiritual power and warmth of Holy Spirit filling and ritualism and formalism began to creep in. they STOPPED SOULWINNING

3) They lost the excitement of the reality of the cross and the resurrection. Pretty soon it became textbook facts rather than heart-felt reality (Lk. 10:38-42 – Labor is no substitute for love)

4) You know you have lost your first love when serving Christ is a burden and not a joy.

4. Christ’s Advice to Ephesus – vs. 5a) Realize what has happened and return to your first worksb) If not, Christ will remove His power – NOT TAKE

SALVATION- Not speaking to individualsc) Will lose the perfect blessings and position of God’s will

5. Christ’s Agreement with Ephesus – vs. 6a) Hate the Nicolaitans = Nickao – to conquer Laos – the peopleb) To conquer the people – laity- clergy distinctionc) The grass roots begin here which later grow into an

uncontrollable weed in the church 6. The Admonition – vs. 7 “He that hath ears.”

a) Remember and repentb) Remember – what it was like when you were first savedc) Where we were and where we might be if we weren’t savedd) How we wanted to be separate and live for Him – all he has

donePsalms 40:1-5 (KJV) 1 I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. 2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. 3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. 4 Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. 5 Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

Psalms 77:11 (KJV) I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.

e) Second step – Repent – get with what you know you ought to be doing

1) Repent of indifference, indecision, indulgence2) If we don’t – 1 Cor. 9:27

B. Salutation to Smyrna – 2:8-11

1. Christ’s Appearance to Smyrna – 2:8“First and last, which was dead and is alive”

a) Jesus is pictured as the Resurrectionb) To a church called Smyrna meaning:

1) Myrrh – a type of plant used to make perfume2) The fragrance is produced by CRUSHING the plant

3) Just as the greater fragrance given off of the church is given under persecution

2. Christ’s Accounting of Smyrnaa) Christ’s approval – vs. 9a

1) Knows – works and tribulation and poverty – they are the persecuted church

2) But thou art rich – rich in God’s grace to endure and growth of converts – crowns

b) Christ’s Accusation – vs. 9b1) They said they were Jews and were not – Danger of the

church believing they are not only the spiritual seed of Abraham but also the physical

2) This period is where the roots of A-millennial and Post-millennial theology

i. Taught by some of the church fathers of that time – Cyprious – 200; Jerome – 345, Origen – 182, Clement – 200, Didymus – 313

ii. These two views teach that God is done with the Jew forever and the Christian church replaces the Jew in its promises and laws. Thinking the kingdom of heaven is for them, not Israel.

3) God calls it blasphemy to say you are a Jew and that God is done with the Jew.

4) These, it says, are of the synagogue of Satan. No believer will be part of this group.

i. Why is this doctrine so dangerous?a) It leads to the church claiming all promises

given to Israel about the kingdomb) This leads to a church-state which by 325

A.D. dominates as a political as well as religious power with false idea that God has put the holy Roman Catholic church into the position of Israel (Rom. 11 speaks differently)

c) This will later lead to false salvation based on “Laws & deeds” not “grace by faith”

d) It brings persecution not only on true Christians but also the Jews

e) Every cultic group from 325 A.D. on that claims to be the true church (Mormons, Armstrongism [Worldwide Church of God] Jehovah’s Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists) all claim they are Jews.

f) Because of this, nations took to religion and themselves to bring in the kingdom

g) It kills soulwinning

3. Christ’s Admonition to Smyrna – vs. 10-11

C. The Parchment at Pergamos 2:12-17

1. Christ’s Appearance to Pergamos a) He which hath the sharp two-edged sword

1) Jesus appears with a broad sword with razor sharp edges2) Two-edged sword speaks of the Word of God, it divides

truth from error, this is the Word of God2. Christ’s Accounting of Pergamos

a) Christ’s Approval1) Speaking to the true believers who are literally living in the

city where paganism and the Babylonian mystical religion came in 133 B.C.

2) Even under this Satanic influence, we find there are believers who are holding fast the name of Christ and have not denied the faith (2:13)

3) These faithful believers were even dying as martyrs to hold to the truth

b) Christ’s Accusations (2:14-151) These are those “that hold the doctrine of Balaam” There

was a two-fold error in the doctrine of Balaami. What was the awful doctrine?

a) He taught the children of Israel to eat things sacrificed to idols.

b) After he got them to sacrifice to idols then he taught them that sexual morality was a form of worship – that Israel would commit fornication by intermarrying with the pagans and God would kill them.

2) There are those who hold to the doctrine of the Nicolaitans i. It went from the “deeds of the Nicolaitans” to

the “doctrine of the Nicolaitans” ii. Clergy over laymen – intensified.

3) The Admonition (2:16-17)i. Repent or else there is judgment

ii. To the overcomer – give to eat of the hidden mannaa) Given a white stone – sign of pardonb) A new namec) Some of this doctrine which is, I believe, of

the tribulation saint.

D. The Treatise to Thyatira 2:18-29

1. The Appearing of Christ to the Church

a) As the Son of God – God’s Son – term of Deity1) This is a reminder that Jesus Christ is the very God, not just

the Son of Maryb) Eyes like a flame of fire and feel like fine brass – burning

judgmentc) Thyatira – odor of affliction – during this period is the greatest

period of persecution against the true church from about 500-1000 A.D.

2. The Accountinga) Their works (2:19) – approvalb) “Because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel

1) Called herself a prophetess2) Teach and seduce God’s servants to commit fornication3) Eat things sacrificed to idols.

c) What is this Jezebel1) Gen. 49:17 – Dan called a serpent2) Deut. 33:22 – Dan called a lion3) Judges 18:

i. 18:19 – ask priest to be a father to the Dannitesii. 18:20 – priest used graven images for his

worshippingiii. 18:28, 30, 31 – set up near Zion this idol worship

with a priest who they called “father” until Captivity – almost 1000 years of corruption.

iv. 1 Kings 16:29-33 – married Jezebel and brought Baal worship

v. 1 Kings 18:24, 25 – Baal – Sun godvi. 1 Kings 18:28 – these Baalite priests did penance by

cutting themselves vii. 2 Kings 10:22 the priests wear vestments or long

robes viii. Jer. 10:1-5 – worship Baal by cutting a tree out of

the forest and decking it with gold and silverix. Jer. 44:17-19, 25 – this false idol worship – Baal

now creeps into the Church where you have black-robed priests offering sacrifices to Mary, the queen of heaven or mother of God and burning incense, burning candles and mixing Baal worship in with Christianity causing many to fall into this spiritual adultery

Consequences –

2:22 – final judgment of Jezebel will come in the Tribulation (Rev. 17-18). Have you heard of the old saying, “You made your bed, now sleep in it.”

2:23 – the true churches will know the judgment, called Black Death (500-1000 A.D.) and know that God will given them what is deserved for their works.

3. The Admonitiona) Christ commends those who are not a part of this Jezebel (2:24-

25)b) Encourages them to endure to the end “Hold fast till I come” c) The reward – shall reign with Christ – encouragement to a

persecuted Church

E. The Special Delivery at Sardis 3:1-6

1. Christ’s Appearancea) Christ appears with 7 spirits of God and 7 stars

1) These first are descriptions of Christ in heaven – authority. This church is reminded – get your mind on heavenly not earthly

2) 7 spirits – the character of the church is expected to be upheld in a holy conduct

3) 7 stars – heavenly calling – not delivery in politics2. Christ’s Accounting

a) Knows their works 1) 3:1 –The Church has grown and multiplied in its

membership but there is nothing spiritually alive. Its name, its structure and organization of the Church was living, but its members were dead.

b) Warning: Be Watchful “Strengthen the things which remain that are ready to die”

c) Remembrance (3:3)1) Past – hast received and heard2) Present – hold fast and repent 3) Future – “I will come on thee”

d) A few names – those who have stayed out and kept clean of the Whore; the remnant have garments undefiled

1) 3:4 – garments undefiled – 3:18; 16:15; 2 Cor. 5:1-10; Rev. 19:8

2) 3:5 is a promise, not a threat of losing your salvation, for if one has trusted Jesus Christ as Saviour, he is an overcomer (1 John 4:4; 5:4, 5, 10; Rom. 8:35-39; 1 Cor. 15:55-59) Because we are overcomers, we have labored not in vain.

F. The Pamphlet to Philadelphia 3:7-13

1. Jesus’ Appearance to Philadelphia a) Saith He, “That is Holy, True, that has the key of David” (Is.

22:22)b) Holiness and truth is sought and exercised in this periodc) Key of David – Jesus has control of the church once again

2. Jesus’ Accounting of the Churcha) The church for which no rebuke was given. This is the only one

out of 7 churches God does not reprove. Why? 1) God has given them an open door. Revival comes at God’s

time and when He opens it He will not allow it to be shut until He shuts it.

2) “Kept my word” preserved the Word of God – why did God bless them? Because this church preserved the true Word of God and used it and believed it.

3) As a result, they have not denied Christ’s name. b) The Result

1) The false church will worship at their feet and know who Christ has loved.

2) (3:10) Promise of being spared from the time of tribulation3) This church is re-awakened to a doctrine that was hidden

from the church since the 1st century and that is the rapture and 2nd Coming of Christ.

c) The Reward1) Those of this period will be pillars in the temple. 2) They will be part of the city of the New Jerusalem – part of

Christ’s government. 3) A new name – History does repeat itself, the Ephesus-

Smyrna period was following and serving the Lord, then Pergamos-Thyatira apostasy set in, then Sardis-Philadelphia period of Revival erupts and then Laodicea is right back with apostasy.

G. The Letter to Laodicea 3:14-22

1. Christ’s Appearancea) Laodicea means - “people’s rights”

1) In other words, the people’s rights rather than God’s rights2) Even the way it is introduced, the church of the Laodiceans,

“of” making the church the object belonging to the Laodiceans.

b) Christ, the “Amen”1) The book begins with a double “Amen” (1:6-7), ends with

“Amen”2) With opening presents Christ – prophet, priest, king

3) With closing - with asking for Christ’s coming4) God had nothing more to say with the closing Amen5) God’s final word to the church – “Amen” – Christ only &

alwaysc) The Faithful and True Witness

1) Christ has been the faithful witness to every church – no diluted truth

2) Christ has been the true witness to the work of every church

d) Christ, the pre-eminence1) Not that Christ was created but all things begin in Him –

He is the source of all thingsi. Physical Creation – Colossians 1:17, 18

ii. Spiritually2. Christ’s Accounting of the Laodiceans

a) Neither cold nor hot – but lukewarmb) God will spew this church out of His mouth, literally vomit c) Why this is the age of apostasy – all blending in and

compromise, example is Lotd) What the church thought of itself, 3:17

1) Rich and increased with goods, have need of nothing, apathetic complacency, no sign of God’s blessing because the budget is met

e) What God says about the church1) “Are wretched”2) Miserable3) Poor, powerless – Thomas Aquinas to Pope Innocent II4) Blind5) Naked

3. Christ’s Admonitiona) Buy of me – gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich – Ps.

12:6-7 – Word of Godb) White Raiment that thou mayest be clothed – separation from sin

and walking with Christ – fellowship with Christ, Rev. 19:8 – righteous living

c) Anointed eyes that thou might see – Holy Spirit gives spiritual insight

4. Christ’s Final Calla) Standing at the doorb) Sit with Christ as one who overcame