Revelations
Rev.2
Intro to chapter 2
The seven churches are delt with in Chapters 2 and 3, there are several points to discuss to help understand the importance of these churches.....
1) The history of the Church
2) Something good is said about each church
3) then Jesus points out 1 or 2 things that are wrong
4) A fault or problem with the church is dealt with
5) Jesus tells them that if they obey, that they will recieve a certain blessing
The following is a list of the 7 churches and a short statement of their problem.. This is not to be taken out of context it is only a breif look at what we are about to study in the next 2 chapters
Ephesus First love Lost
Smyrna Persecuted Church
Pergamos Tolerates false teaching
Thyatira Dominated by a false prophet
Sardis Spiritually dieing in church
Philadelphia In spite of calamities, it survived
Laodicea Luke warm Church
Ver. 1-7 To Ephesus
Verse 1 starts with were we left off. With Jesus standing in the midst of the 7 churches (candlesticks) holding the 7 stars (Angels which represents messengers,Pastors or ministers).
Ephesus had what was considered one of the seven wonders of the world, The temple of Artemis. The worrship of Atremis included shameless and vile practices including prostiution and mutilation in the rituals. The city and temple were destroyed in 252 AD and the Harbor filled up. The begining of the Church is recored in Acts 18;19
"Thou hast left thy first Love" an unloving Church. Jesus says they are to remember from whence they are fallen and repent, go back and do there first works over and make Jesus first in their lives. Ephesus is known as the Apostolic Church meaning Just there.
There is a great promise to those who overcome, "They will be given to eat of the tree of Life" which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Christ had "Somewhat against them" goes on to say he would come quickly and remove the candlestick (the church) out of its place. Ch.1 ver 12 shows that the candlesticks are seperate and one can be removed without bothering the others.
They were also called Nicolatans which is a symbolic meaning (conquering the Layty). This group claimed some kind of superior status that permitted Idolatry and Immorality.
Ver. 8-11 To Smyrna
Ancient Smyrna is the modern Izmir, and one of the most beautiful cities on Asia, and was the center of Ceasar worshipping. It is a poor but persecuted Church. Smtrna represents Martyr meaning suffering. Christ Warns again and agian not to turn your Back on God. Christ stated that if we are faithful to him untill death we will be given a crown life, Also the the overcomer shall not be hurt in the second death and by the lake of Fire. With this promise you can imagine what would happen by not obeying God.
Ver 12-17 To Pergamos
The "Sharp sword with two edges" Meaning the word of God, It can cut the sin from the churches, or cut the church away from the kingdom of God. Pergamos was the capital city of Asia, and the famous temple of the greek god of Healing. The area around the temple was surrounded by snakes, and people came from all over to seek healing. (a pagan temple) Christ said he had a few things against them, Some of them were holding the doctrine of Balaam, Which relates to tone of the most shamefull moments in the history of Isreal (Num.22-25 and 31:15-16)
The doctrine of Balaam refers to the corrupt teachers and preachers who were leading their people into fatal compromise with immorality, worldliness, and false Ideologies all for the sake of personal advancement and monetary gain.
Christ knew there works and where they delt and even where Satans seat was.
Dionysis is the same as Bacckus, the god of wine. He is depicted with horns,but with his upper part a man and his lower part a goat with cloven feet and a tail. This came from the temple of Dionysis, the god Bacckus, The god of wine.
Pergamos was commended for holding fast to God and not denying their faith,to the obediant and victourious great rewards will be given, the privilage of eating the hidden Manna as they overcome, aslo a white stone with a new name on it, which gives youthe Ideal of Victory.
Ver 18-29 To Thyatira
"Eyes like unto a flame of fire" Flame means that the eyes are active and penetrating. Fire will comsume and rid the situation of what is objectionable. "His feet are like fine brass" Brass is defined as some type of metal, like gold if not more precious. Fine Shows brightness of the appearance.
Eyes; sees everything
Feet; Judgement
Christ had a few good things to say about this church."I know thy works and charity and service and faith, and I know thy patience, and the last to be more then the first." But then, Christ said he had a few things against them because they were letting Jezebel seduce his servants and cause them to commit fornification. The Lord said I will kill her children with Death (ver 23). This woman was allowing the teaching of false doctrines and eating of things offered to Idols. Jezebel is the forerunner of the Apostate church (ch. 17). the Apsotate church is one that is falling away from Gods truth.
Ver 27
This is refernce of the Millennial that all will share in the rule at the millennial
Ver 28
Christ is the morning star, And Christ comeing after his Church, Bride, for the rapture is the hope of todays church.
Christ said to the overcomer that they would have Authority over the nations as promised to Christ. Ps.2 Rev. 19;15
That is the end of Ch. 2 I hope you enjoyed it. would love to get some feed back from everyone.