Revelation- Victory in Jesus
Week Three
“Talking to the Lamp stands”
So far, we have established what Revelation is going to be all about. God has
made it quite clear that this was all given from him and by him for a very
direct purpose. John is reporting all that was given unto him. In Chapters 2 and
3, Jesus directly talks to the 7 churches that this book was directed towards.
Anytime Jesus is talking, we should pay special attention to the message and the
intent. That is what we shall do this week.
These churches are known and established existing congregations at the time
these letters were written. There is NO REASON to assume differently. Some have
purported the 7 letters should be interpreted as 7 time periods through which
the church must pass before Jesus can come again. I see no evidence of this. I
believe these letters were written directly to each church---especially
considering the culture and environment around them that we have established
already.
As you read these letters, you will notice a general pattern in each of these.
Each letter is addressed to the “angel of the church”. Then John makes it known
that Jesus knows full well what is going on in each congregation. He then
commends things which he finds commendable at the church, and then he points out
things that should be corrected (if any exist). A promise is given to each group
if they will hold on and “overcome”. And he admonishes each to “listen up” and
pay attention to what God is saying. The general pattern is: commend, complain
and correct.
What seems to be the biggest problems facing these churches? Are these
still relevant today, and if so, how? They are struggling with their
beliefs verses those of society, and they struggle directly with persecution.
They struggle with material greed, lack of love and lack of enthusiasm for God’s
grace. They struggle with tolerance of evil, and acceptance of false teachings.
These ALL sound like problems we face today: THERFORE THE BOOK IS STILL VERY
RELEVANT TODAY!
Let us break down what he said to each of the churches:
Ephesus
Ephesus was the chief city of its’ province. It was quite wealthy, and had
one of the largest and most active harbors of its’ time. It was also home to the
great Temple of Artemis (Diana).
John makes it clear that Jesus is aware of their intolerance for false
teachings. He commends them for this as well as for their remaining faithful in
such trying times. They had not let anything alter their commitment to Jesus!
Yet, he still saw some problems that needed addressing:
He was concerned that they had “left their first love”. What do you think
this could mean? They are still “doing things”, but their spirit and
attitude is lacking! Love MUST be their motivation for any works to amount to
anything (I Cor. 13:1-3), and it seems they have lost contact with this love.
He encourages them to repent and turn back to this! If they do not…what
does he say he will do? The penalty he promises is removal by God
himself!
He also notes that they have avoided the terrible teachings of the Nicolaitans
(common false teachers of the area). Does Jesus actually say that he hates these
people (verse 6)? No—he hates their SINS (Deut 12:31). *note- Little is known of
these Nicolaitans or their origin. Some have theorized they were associated with
Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch, but evidence is very weak and circumstantial.
For the most part history is silent on this. It does seem clear that their
teachings are very similar to those of Balaam and Jezebel..which are also
mentioned in this chapter. So in that sense- the point is that they are FALSE
TEACHERS against God! The key thought here is the doctrine of compromise….a
dangerous thing for all churches in all times! What do you think verse 7
(in regard to the tree of life) is really saying in your own words? He
closes by promising that what was lost in Genesis will be regained in the final
victory.
Smyrna
Smyrna was some 40 miles North of Ephesus. It was very beautiful, surrounded
by lush hills and trees. It still exists today as the Turkish city of Izmir. It
often called itself the “First City”- meaning : first in beauty, literature,
arts, loyalty to the Empire etc. There was a large hostile Jewish population and
made it hard for Christians to live there. Polycarp (one of the earliest and
most famous Christian martyrs) was an elder of the church there.
*Smyrna is one of only 2 churches here where John points NOTHING out to be
wrong!
He opened up, that despite the city’s claim to be the first in most everything,
that Jesus is the first and last! He was before all and will remain when all is
gone! He assures them he knows of their works and their hardships. He also knows
of their financial situation, which seems to be one of poverty. If it was
a rich city, why do you think this was? But Jesus reminds them that in
other ways they are quite rich!! They were known as the “Poor-Rich” church!
He also addresses the problem they faced from the Jews. They claimed to be a
“praise” to the Lord, but they seemed to be fighting against him…and furthering
Satans' cause!! He makes it VERY clear that they WILL be persecuted by the Jews!
(note that in John 8:44 Jesus also refers to rebellious Jews as children of the
devil) They are even told that the persecution will intensify! But they are
asked to NOT BE FEARFUL---even to the point of death!
Pergamum
This city was 30 miles North of Smyrna. It served as the political capital of
Asia for over 200 years! It boasted of a library of over 200k volumes! They
treasured knowledge. They were known also for great interest in pagan worship,
especially Zeus, Athena, Dionysius and Asclepius.
They are referred to as “Stan’s Seat”. What do you think this could mean?
It most likely refers to their being the “political seat” that it was. It was a
city where Satan had a powerful visible grip! And the followers were commended
for “holding on” through all of this.
Their basic problem seems to simply be that they also are tolerating evil in
their midst! Ex: the teachings of Balaam (read Numbers 22-25 for background). It
was not enough to simply abstain from evil…but the Christians should also NOT
TOLERATE it in their midst!!! He also mentions the Nicolaitans again.
Verse 17 mentions a “white stone”. Any ideas what this could symbolize?
In John’s day, a white stone was literally used for several things: it was used
to indicate innocence in a courtroom. It was used as a sign of victory in a
race. It also was used as an ID of sorts to prove freedom from slavery. In
battle, it was also used to represent a victory. So in context, I find it clear
to be representing the idea of victory!
Thyatira
This was a very wealthy city in Northern Lydia. It was one of few cities with
no temple to the Emperor. It was an important manufacturing city, especially in
purple dye and dyed garments. It is VERY important to note that the city was
well known for its trade guilds. Most likely, these guilds were at the center of
the entire churches problem!
Trade guilds were a huge challenge to Christian faith. Most decent paying jobs
were associated with and came from the guilds! But, each guild had to have its
own god. The monthly meetings of each consisted of eating meat sacrificed to
idols and indulgence in alcohol. Sexual immorality was also a part of the guild
system. A faithful Christian should obviously not take part in such activism. As
a result he could not belong to a guild, and therefore could not get the good
paying jobs! I imagine this to be a great area of temptation and faith
compromise.
They were commended for their works, love, service and steadfastness. What
do you think he meant by “you are now doing more than you did at first”?
I believe this to be a statement that they are a growing church both in spirit
and in number.
Their basic sin was once again that of compromise or tolerance. Jezebel was
mentioned. Whether this was an actual person in their midst or a school of
teaching based on the OT character, the end results were the same. False
teachings were being allowed! This was very probably linked to the entire
problem with the guild system! He makes it clear that not everyone is following
these ideals and admonishes them once again to stay strong as they have been
doing!
Sardis
Sardis was the capital of ancient Lydia. It was one of the oldest and most
widely known of all the cities of Asia Minor. Built on a hill, it was a well
fortified city for military defense. As a result, there kings were famous for
their extravagant lifestyles!
Note, that this was the ONLY church was NOT commended for any good works! It
seems that their greatest problems stem from within. No outside forces are
directly mentioned! Their relationship has dwindled so much, that they are now
dead !
He tells them to “be watchful” or WAKE UP! He urges them to be alert to what is
happening amongst themselves! Take immediate action to strengthen the little
faith that remains before it too dies! He says they began a quest, but he has
not found to “perfect” or complete! He urges them to finish what they STARTED!
He urges them to remember how God has blessed them.
He also acknowledges that as always there are still a faithful few who have not
been swayed. The congregation as a whole may be dead, but a few still remain
faithful! He makes promises of assurance to them.
Philadelphia
This was located 28 miles from Sardis. It was founded by King Attellus
Philadelphus, primarily to spread the Greek culture. It too was a very wealthy
trade center. Its’ climate was very friendly to grape growing, and it became a
center for famous wine. In AD 17, it was destroyed by a massive earthquake and
had to be completely rebuilt. For years after, it was plagued with continual
tremors, causing it to be called the “earthquake city”.
He says “I know that you have little strength”. What do you think he
means? I believe he is referring to the fact that they were literally a
small congregation. It could also possibly point out that the body had a lack of
material things that many of the others had benefit of.
Again he speaks of Jewish opposition. He commends them for being patient in the
hardships they face and he promises to protect them. He does not necessarily say
he will keep them form the hour of trial, but he will help deliver them through
it! He exhorts them that he is coming unannounced, so they should always be
ready.
Laodicea
It was located about 45 miles southeast of Philadelphia. Due to its
indefensible position, it did not rise to prominence until the rise of the Roman
Empire. It was noted for the spiritual lives of its citizens. Also, nearby was a
famed School of Medicine (they developed a famous salve for the ears and helped
with a salve for the eyes as well). It was known for its production of rare
glossy black wool. It was also a noted banking center, and extremely wealthy!
They were guilty of trying to “straddle the fence”. They were accused of being
lukewarm. Jesus is reminding them that they cannot serve 2 masters (Mtt 6:24)!
There basic problem is lack of full commitment to the Lord!
They had grown so content in the things they had…they had forgotten their needs
for God in their lives! He reminds them that in reality, they were the pitiful
ones…material things meant nothing!
He paints a picture of him standing at the door to their hearts, asking in, but
ONLY THEY can open the door!
So there it is. He has directly addressed the individual churches and the needs
that God has pointed out. He has made it clear what the mission is. From here on
out, starting in Chapter 4 is where most people start taking interest in
Revelation. Here John will launch into his vivid and descriptive visions of the
battles and war that is to come. Here he paints such amazing pictures with
symbols and illustrations. Here…it gets REALLY cool!!!
He began by telling them that things were soon to come! He then assured each
church in the area that God is fully aware of what they are doing. This is the
first of 3 “sections” of Revelation. The others are chapters 4-11, and then
12-22.
Get ready for a major ride as we dive deep into God’s word and its’ meaning!
