![[20240501-RevelationHeader.jpg]] ## Ephesus: The Loveless Church ![[The Loveless Church 2.1-7#^1cbc8f|The Loveless Church 2:1-7]] Chapter 2 contains a series of letters to various churches. Each of these letters will follow a general pattern. ***What is the general structure of this letter?*** - Introduction - identifying the audience - Commendation - a complimentary statement about some positive things that Jesus sees in the church - Condemnation - a negative statement about areas that need to change. - Exhortation - an encouragement to act in a commendable way - Promise - a promise of reward for right action. ***Who is the first letter written to?*** The “angel of the church of Ephesus.” Angel is also a translated messenger. This likely refers to the lead pastor of that local church (cf. [[Malachi 2.7|Malachi 2:7]]). ***Is this letter only written for the church and leaders in Ephesus?*** No, it is for all of the churches (see [[Revelations 1.7|v7]].) ***Is this letter for the world at large?*** No, it is for the churches. ***Why does that matter?*** The world does not have the same relationship to and with God and therefore does not understand the meaning and message of God’s word to God’s people (see [[1 Corinthians 2.6-16|1 Corinthians 2:6-16]]). ***What is Jesus referring to when He says He holds the seven stars in His right hand?*** We know that the seven stars are the angels/messengers/leaders of the churches ([[Revelation 1.20|Revelation 1:20]]). To be held in the right hand was a sign of authority and favor. The implication is that this is a special relationship between Jesus and His leaders. ***What is the symbology of the star?*** Stars give light and they help in navigation. These leaders guide the church as they reflect the light of Christ. ***What is the significance of Jesus walking amid the seven lampstands?*** The seven lampstands are the seven churches ([[Revelation 1.20|Revelation 1:20]]). Jesus has promised to be with us always and to never leave us nor forsake us ([[Matthew 28.20|Matthew 28:20]], [[Hebrews 13.5|Hebrews 13:5]]). He said that wherever two or three believers gathered together, He would be in their midst ([[Matthew 18.20|Matthew 18:20]]). The idea is that Jesus is the center of the Church. ***What is the symbology of the lampstand?*** A lampstand gives light. This is a similar idea to Jesus calling us the light of the world ([[Matthew 5.14-16|Matthew 5:14-16]]). ***Do these statements imply anything about the church’s relationship with Jesus?*** They indicate that Jesus was present in His church even in their current condition. He is not distant or removed from them but close and present among them. >[!todo]- For Further Study: An Authentic Local Church > What are some observations from this passage concerning the qualities of an authentic local church? First, Jesus is the center of the church. Second, there is clear leadership and authority in a local church. What are some other qualities found in Scripture that would be fruit that indicates a healthy local church? ***What does Jesus commend the Ephesians for?*** Their works, labor, patience or perseverance, and their rejection of those who were evil. Jesus was commending them for their good works and their effort as they did them. They persevered, they labored in a way that can be understood as to lead to physical or mental exhaustion. In other words, they worked very hard. They also had to persevere in the face of circumstances and problems that could have tempted them to give up and quit. But they didn’t. Additionally, Jesus commended them for not tolerating evil people. They did not accept them into their lives and community. Along those lines, the church correctly identified and exposed those who said they were apostles but lied because the Lord did not send them and did not have the authority they claimed. > [!todo]- For Further Study: The Five-Fold Ministry > The “Five-fold” Ministry gifts are listed in [[Ephesians 4.11|Ephesians 4:11]] and are given by Christ to the church to guide and equip the saints in the word and will of God. Though not exhaustive, it may be helpful to remember these gifts by their function: > - Apostles govern. > - Prophets guide. > - Evangelists gather. > - Pastors guard. > - Teachers ground. > > Using the examples from the New Testament, especially in the book of Acts, study each of these gifts. Who designated them? What is the overall goal of these gifts? How are their ministries portrayed in the Scriptures, and what did that look like in the early church? What can we learn and apply to the church today? Finally, Jesus commended them for working for the glory of His name with patience and perseverance. He even said that they did so without getting weary. ***What does it say about the effort of the church to serve in the name of the Lord?*** They worked hard. They faced challenges and didn’t give up. And they continued in it. ***What does the Lord condemn in the Ephesians church?*** They had left their first love. They were working and doing these things but they had not prioritized their intimacy with God. In [[Jeremiah 2.2|Jeremiah 2:2]] this first love is pictured in early marriage. And according to the Apostle Paul, the focus and concern for the married person is how they can please their spouse ([[1 Corinthians 7.32-34|1 Corinthians 7:32-34]]). As a Christian, our first love and primary concern is to please the Lord. > [!principle] Principle: Unconditional Love vs Unconditional Approval > There is a difference between God’s unconditional love, which we cannot earn, and His approval. We can displease God with our behavior and He can disapprove of us as a result. It doesn’t change His love for us. Read [[Malachi 1.2|Malachi 1:2]] and [[Malachi 1.10|Malachi 1:10]] to see an example of God’s unconditional love for Israel contrasted with His disapproval of their actions. *How does that affect the way you view how you live?* > [!hyperlinks]- Hyperlink: Mary, Martha, and First Love > Consider the story of Mary and Martha during a visit from Jesus at their house ([[Luke 10.38-42|Luke 10:38-42]]). Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to His teaching like the other disciples. Martha was preparing a meal and doing the work to host. She was “distracted with much serving” and asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her prepare. Jesus responded that Martha was worried about a lot of things but there was only one thing that was needed and Mary was doing that. *What does this encounter with Jesus say to you? What do you think He prioritizes when it comes to our relationship with Him?* ***In light of these examples, what are some ways we demonstrate our love for God?*** We look for ways to please Him. We spend time with Him, enjoying His presence. We refuse to allow ourselves to be distracted from intimacy with the Lord, especially with doing things for the Lord. ***What three things did Jesus say that the Church needed to do in order to get back on track?*** They needed to *remember from where they had fallen*, *repent*, and *do the first works* ([[Revelation 2.5|v5]]). ***What does it mean to remember from where they had fallen?*** They were to recall their history with God. How He had saved them. How He had worked in their lives. How He had blessed them. ***What does it do for us when we remember these things?*** It reminds us of the love we share with Him. It causes us to be thankful and full of gratitude for the good things God has done. The second thing that they needed to do was repent. ***What does it mean for them to repent?*** They needed to turn back. To turn away from where they had fallen and the actions that took them there and go back in the direction of God. They had to make a decision to stop and return. ***Finally, what were the first works that they needed to do?*** Consider what that means in your own life. The first things of worship, prayer, obedience. The time and attention given to being with Jesus and among His church. The acts of loving service. They needed to do all the things that they once had done when they were new believers and had experienced the love and forgiveness of God at the beginning. ***What were the consequences if they did not go back to their first love?*** Jesus would remove the lampstand from its place…He would remove the Church from that area. Their fellowship and the community of faith would be removed from their city and they would be isolated and alone or they themselves would be gone. Jesus then turns to another complement to lead into a promise. He affirmed their hatred for the deeds of the Nicolaitans by saying that He, too, hated them. > [!todo]- For Further Study: The Nicolaitans > Though there are not a lot of references to the Nicolaitans in the Bible, search the Scriptures for insights into what these people are and what their teaching and deeds may be. A good place to start might be by looking at the meaning of their name. Also, consider consulting a concordance or other study guide to identify them according to Church Tradition. Also, it may be helpful to explore the letter to the other churches in Revelation for more clues (especially Pergamos and Thyatira). ***What promise did Jesus make to the Ephesians who overcome?*** They would eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God. This is the tree that was in the Garden of Eden (see [[Genesis 2.9|Genesis 2:9]], [[Genesis 3.22|3:22]]) ## Smyrna: The Persecuted Church ![[The Persecuted Church 2.8-11#^6b931a|The Persecuted Church - Revelation 2:8-11]] ***What is the significance of the titles that Jesus is given to the church?*** Jesus is the first and the last means that He is eternal. He was there before creation and He will remain after it. By stating that He was the one who was dead and came to life He is making it clear that we are talking about the Jesus who was crucified and rose on the third day according to the Scriptures (cf. [[Luke 24.46|Luke 24:46]], [[1 Corinthians 15.4|1 Corinthians 15:4]]). ***What is a good summary of the meaning of verse 9?*** In essence, Jesus is saying, “I see you and I care enough to know about your life and what you are going through.” They considered themselves poor but He considered them as being rich in good works (cf. [[Matthew 5.16|Matthew 5:16]], [[1 Timothy 6.18|1 Timothy 6:18]]). He knew that they were going through affliction, suffering, oppression in order to follow Him. ***What was Jesus’ perspective about their experience?*** Their circumstances weren’t what they appeared. Yes, things were difficult and hard, but Jesus considered them ***Who is Jesus referring to about those who say they are “Jews” but were not?*** This is likely a reference to those believers who were like the Judaizers that the Apostle Paul dealt with in the book of [[Galatians Chapter 3#Sons and Heirs|Galatians]]. By trying to enforce a legalistic approach and depending upon the works of the Law they were denying salvation by grace through faith in Christ ([[Ephesians 2.8|Ephesians 2:8]]). Jesus warns the church that suffering and testing would come. He encourages them that it is not permanent. There is a time limit. ***What does this imply about Jesus view on our suffering or persecution?*** Suffering is potentially a part of the Christian life. It doesn’t always mean disobedience or that we are out of the will of God. It may mean that we are actually in it. Notably, Jesus didn’t say that He was going to stop the suffering or persecution. Instead, He was compassionate for them and told them what was coming but instead of delivering them He encouraged them to remain faithful. > [!todo]- For Further Study: Sifted > Peter had a similar experience to the church in Smyrna. Study what Jesus said about the devil’s request and His response to it in [[Luke 22.31-38|Luke 22:31-38]]. How do these examples strike you? What lessons can you learn from them? ***Is suffering in Jesus’ name worth it?*** According to this promise, if they suffered until the end they would receive the crown of life. Therefore, it is worth it. Not only do we get the crown of life we do not experience the pain of the lake of fire, which is the second death ([[Revelation 20.14|Revelation 20:14]]). ## Pergamos: The Compromising Church ![[The Compromising Church 2.12-17#^65e3d4|The Compromising Church - Revelation 2:12-17]] The word “sword” is used multiple times within this message from Jesus to the church in Pergamos. ***What does this sword represent and imply?*** The Word of God is described as a “two-edged sword” that is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of a person ([[Hebrews 4.12|Hebrews 4:12]]). Additionally, the word of God is called the “sword of the Spirit” by the Apostle Paul ([[Ephesians 6.17|Ephesians 6:17]]). Jesus further illustrates this by saying He would fight against them with the sword *of [His] mouth.* The sword represents judgment. The judgment will be based on the church’s faithfulness to keep the word of God. Another interesting thought is the relation between the reward of hidden manna and the word of God. ***What is the connection between manna and the Word of God?*** John declared Jesus to be the Word from the beginning ([[John 1.1|John 1:1]]). Jesus called Himself the “bread of God” and the “bread of Life” ([[John 6.33]], [[John 6.35]], [[John 6.48]], [[John 6.51]]). The idea of the Word of God is being used in this Pericope as both a means of judgment and as reward. Jesus identified their city as the place “where Satan’s throne is.” ***What kind of pressure do you think that the church was facing to compromise in this environment?*** We see that at least Antipas was martyred for his witness to Jesus. They were under the threat of death for their faith in Jesus. > [!todo]- For Further Study: Witness or Martyr? > The word translated as *martyr* in [[Revelation 2.13|v13]] is also translated as *witness*. Do a word study on this term. Look at other places it is used in the Scriptures. What does it imply for the modern believer? How does this word influence your understanding of Jesus’ call for us as believers? To get you started, consider [[Acts 1.8|Acts 1:8]], [[Acts 22.20|Acts 22:20]] and the Strong’s Concordance entry for that word ([G3144](https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3144/kjv/tr/0-1/)). ***What was the compromise of the church?*** We can see in the text that there is a contrast between three things that the church is holding on to. The first is that they are holding fast to Jesus’ name. The second is that they are holding the doctrine of Balaam and holding the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. The compromise is that they are compromising by believing and keeping the doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolatians instead of only the teachings of Jesus. **What is the doctrine of Balaam?** If we are going to understand the compromise, we need to evaluate the doctrine of Balaam that Jesus hated. The Apostle Peter speaks of the *way of Balaam* and the Apostle Jude references the *error of Balaam* ([[2 Peter 2.15|2 Peter 2:15]], [[Jude 1.11|Jude 1:11]]). These three terms: error, way, and doctrine help provide context for the issues that Jesus was addressing. We can find out more about these in detail in the Old Testament record of Balaam’s interaction with Balak in Numbers 22-25. Ultimately, the doctrine of Balaam was one of compromise and disobedience often motivated by greed or self-gain and to teach others to do so. > [!tip]- Going Deeper: the Doctrine of Balaam > Read the story of Balaam in Numbers 22-25. As you do, follow [[The Doctrine of Balaam|this overview of the doctrine of Balaam]]. What else do you see in the text? What other lessons would you add? ***What is the response that we should have against compromise? How do we overcome?*** Judgment was released on Israel for falling into the doctrine of Balaam in the form of a plague. God commanded Moses to have the leaders take the offenders and publicly execute them. In one final act of rebellion and mockery of God and Moses a man openly sinned in front of the people who were weeping and repenting in front of the Tabernacle of Meeting. This provoked Phineas a priest to execute the man and the Midianite woman he was sinning with. This resulted in the wrath of God being appeased and the plague being stopped. This story, found in [[Numbers 25.1-12]], gives us insight into the way we are to deal with sin and compromise: we put it to death (see [[Romans 8.13]]). We must deal with it promptly, with the sword of the Spirit so that we can have life. ***What is a simple lesson for us today?*** The opposite of compromise is purity. If we want to overcome and receive the reward we want to embrace purity and holiness. We are in danger when we allow the messaging or teaching of Satan or the world to mix with the teachings of Christ in our own practice and belief. We must seek to know the word of God for ourselves and we must be diligent to maintain our faithfulness to His word and His ways. ## Thyatira: The Corrupt Church ![[The Corrupt Church 2.18-29#^41663a]] In the description of Jesus, ***what does the eyes of Jesus refer to or imply?*** This description is likely a reference to holiness and purity. Consider that he “searches the minds and hearts” (verse 23). Also, John the Baptist said that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, and that He would come like a refiner’s fire to purify and purge ([[Matthew 3.11|Matthew 3:11]], [[Malachi 3.2-3|Malachi 3:2-3]]). If you look at the geographical and historical context you might see that Thyatira worshipped the local god Tyrimnos, identified with the Greek sun gods Helios and Apollo. The attributes of eyes like a flame of fire and feet like fine brass could be applied to that local deity.[^1] The city also was renowned for its brass-working. ***Why would God choose to use language like this which seems to identify with the local culture?*** It’s possible that this imagery was used to illustrate Jesus’ supremacy over these false idols. > [!hyperlinks]- Hyperlink: The Morning Star > What is the morning star that Jesus said would be a reward for those who believe? Is it a literal star like the sun in our solar system, or is it something else? There are other references to the morning star in scripture and these would be a good place to look for further insight. Read [[2 Peter 1.19|2 Peter 1:19]] and [[Revelation 22.16|Revelation 22:16]]. What do you think Jesus means when He said that He would give the morning star as a reward? ***As with the other churches, what did Jesus commend or recognize?*** He saw their works: love, service, faith, and patience. He also acknowledge that they had increased in those works and were doing more than when they began. Jesus recognized their growth in these good things. > [!todo]- For Further Study: Jezebel > Was the Jezebel at the church in Thyatira a spirit or a person? If you look at the language in this passage there are questions you might ask: > - does a spirit call themselves a prophet? > - did Jesus call her a prophetess? > - can a spirit repent? > - are people or spirits called to repentance? > - if this is not a person, could Jezebel represent a spirit? > - is this a reference to the wife of King Ahab from the Old Testament? > - are there parallels to the Jezebel from the time of Elijah and this Jezebel (cf. [[2 Kings 9.22|2 Kings 9:22]])? > > It’s worth noting that nowhere in the Bible is Jezebel called a spirit. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t demonic influences being reflected in the character and teaching by “Jezebel.” > > Additionally it is worth noting that the issue with this woman was not her gender but her teaching. It was not that she called herself a prophetess but that the revelation she was teaching was contrary to the revelation of Scripture and it led people away from righteousness and obedient faith into idolatry and self-indulgence. ***What was the issue that Jesus had with the church in Thyatira?*** Ultimately it was the false doctrine, taught by a false prophetess, that led to false practices which the church was tolerating. ***What was the fruit of that doctrine?*** Sexual immorality. Eating things offered to idols. ***What was this doctrine called or how was it presented?*** It was called the “depths of Satan.” There was a mystery or a spiritual warfare type approach to this “new revelation.” ***What was the primary biblical judgment against false prophets or teachers?*** Their “revelation” led people away from obedience to God and often towards their own comfort or prosperity apart from God. False teachers and prophets draw people to themselves and away from God. ***What was the specific judgment that Jesus proclaimed on Jezebel and why do you think He chose what He did?*** First, she would be cast into a sick bed. This may be because one of her primary sins was sexual immorality (which presumably would take place mostly in a bed). This is similar to the idea found in the book of Romans where people who reject the Creator and instead worship creation were turned over to what they desired (cf. [[Romans 1.18-25|Romans 1:18-25]]). Secondly, those who committed adultery with her, whether literally or figuratively, were going to be thrust into tribulation. Finally, her children, again whether literally or figuratively, were going to die. This could be a reference to the second death, the lake of fire ([[Revelation 20.14|Revelation 20:14]]). It definitely is a warning that there are severe consequences for following Jezebel’s teaching and entering into her practices. ***What is an important lesson that we can gain from this rebuke of Jezebel and the church in Thyatira?*** God sees and rewards our works according to His righteousness. This can lead to blessing or judgment. ***What is the exhortation of Jesus to the church of Thyatira?*** That they hold fast to His word and keeps His works until the end; until He returns. --- [[Studies]] | [[Revelation]] | [[Revelation Chapter 1]] | [[Revelation Chapter 3]] [^1]: Paul J. Achtemeier, “Thyatira,” Harper & Row and Society of Biblical Literature, [_Harper’s Bible Dictionary_](https://ref.ly/logosres/hbd?ref=Page.p+1069&off=2441&ctx=bronze%E2%80%99+\(Rev.+2%3a18\)+~may+allude+to+attrib) (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1985), 1069.