revelation 2:4-7 commentaryirvin-parkview funeral home

The proconsul told Polycarp to agree with the crowd and shout out Away with the atheists! Polycarp looked sternly at the bloodthirsty mob, waved his hand towards them and said, Away with those atheists! The proconsul persisted. He shall rule them with a rod of iron: This quotation from Psalm 2 speaks of the authority of the Messiah when He rules over the earth. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point He who has the sharp two-edged sword: In Revelation 1:16, John observed of Jesus out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword. Clarke's Commentary Verse Revelation 2:4. BBC Eye reveals the men who are cashing in. (Revelation 2:8b) Jesus describes Himself to the church at Smyrna. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee The clause should be read, according to the Greek, thus: But I have against thee that thou hast left thy first love. The character of these men is plainly pointed out in the Apocalypse of John, as teaching that it is a matter of indifference to practice adultery, and to eat things sacrifice to idols. (Against Heresies, book 1, chapter 26. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.. God gives time to repent, but it is not an unlimited time. He founded and pastored Calvary Chapel . And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.. d. Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you: One specific man among the Christians of Pergamos received a precious title (faithful martyr). Passwords should have at least 6 characters. iv. Jesus includes this here to give hope to the faithful Christians of Thyatira, who felt overwhelmed by the immorality and idolatry all around them. There were things which they were about to suffer, and Jesus wanted them ready to stand against those things. 6. Read full chapter. Jesus said, But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea (Mark 9:42). Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. This is always the first step in getting back to where we should be with the Lord. (Revelation 2:8a) The character of the city of Smyrna. i. Irenaeus (writing in the late second century) described what he knew of the Nicolaitans: The Nicolaitanes are the followers of that Nicolas who was one of the seven first ordained to the diaconate by the apostles. 1. Verse 2. The church today, like the Ephesian church then, must vigorously test those who claim to be messengers from God especially those who say they are apostles, because deceivers will speak well of themselves. i. f. Which I also hate: These are powerful words, in that they came from our Savior who is so rich in love. Commentary on Revelation 2:8-11. iv. a. However, the general idea of being sealed is not limited to them. These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: a. The other kind of crown the stephanos, used here is given as a trophy to a winning athlete. Jesus may have any one of these meanings in mind, but at the very least we know that it has the assurance of blessing. There are many different opinions as to why Pergamos was such a stronghold of Satanic power. i. A little leaven affects a whole lump of dough, and a few in immorality and idolatry will corrupt the whole church especially if they influence others the way this Jezebel did. First, it was to draw them to repent of their deeds. By the time the apostle John recorded Jesus Christ's letter to the church in Ephesus ( Revelation 2:1-7 ), more than sixty years had passed since the inception of the church of God. [He] departed from correct doctrine, and was in the habit of inculcating indifferency of both life and food. (Refutation of all Heresies, book 7, chapter 24; ANF volume 5, page 115). Poverty: According to history, Smyrna was a prosperous city. Jesus promised a special crown the crown of life. From this commendation of Jesus, we know that the Ephesians took Pauls warning seriously. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. It is always important to make sure that the faith we hold on to is the faith that belongs to Jesus. Historically, we are told there was a large and hostile community of Jews in Smyrna, but this tells us that a true Jew is one who trusts God and believes in Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:3). Meanwhile, the chief of police issued a warrant for his arrest. iv. Ephesus was a stronghold of Satan. Verses 9-27. A Sermon Delivered on Lord's-day Morning, October 24th, 1886, by C. H. SPURGEON, At the Newington. b. A martus was one who said: This is true, and I know it. It is not until New Testament times that martus ever means martyr. (Barclay). 6:12-17 +) and seventh (Rev. Barclay, William "Letters to the Seven Churches" (Nashville, Tennessee: Abingdon Press, 1957), Barclay, William "The Revelation of John, Volume 1" (The New Daily Study Bible, Revelation 1-5) (Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1975), Clarke, Adam "Clarke's Commentary: The Holy Bible Containing the Old and New Testaments with a Commentary and Critical Notes" Volume 6 (Romans-Revelation) (New York: Eaton and Mains, 1832), Havner, Vance "The Seven Churches of Revelation" (Old Tappan, New Jersey: Fleming H. Revell Co., 1958), Longenecker, Richard N. "Acts: The Expositor's Bible Commentary" Volume 9 (John-Acts) (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1984), Poole, Matthew "A Commentary on the Holy Bible" Volume 3 (Matthew-Revelation) (London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1969), Robertson, Archibald T. "The General Epistles and The Revelation of John: Word Pictures in the New Testament" Volume VI (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1933), Spurgeon, Charles Haddon "The New Park Street Pulpit" Volumes 1-6 and "The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit" Volumes 7-63 (Pasadena, Texas: Pilgrim Publications, 1990), Trapp, John "A Commentary on the Old and New Testaments" Volume 5 (Matthew to Revelation) (Eureka, California: Tanski Publications, 1997), Walvoord, John F. "The Revelation of Jesus Christ" (Chicago: Moody Press, 1966). No merchant or trader could hope to prosper or make money unless he was a member of his trade guild. (Barclay) Nonetheless, Christians were expected to stand in the face of this kind of pressure. c. And poverty (but you are rich): The contrast between material poverty and spiritual riches of the Christians in Smyrna reminds us that there is nothing inherently spiritual in being rich. Revelation 2:4New International Version. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. - But I have (this) against thee, that thou didst leave thy first love. i. Jesus was sealed; God the Father has set His seal on Him. ii. Chapter 22. Words in boxes are from the Bible. General Epistles But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her" (Luke Luke 10:41-42 ). Jesus didnt have a single word of rebuke or correction for the Christians in Smyrna. According to Jesus, the persecution about to come against the Christians of Smyrna was from the devil. Chuck Smith. Books containing formula for sorcery and other ungodly and forbidden arts were plentiful in that city. (Longenecker in his commentary on Acts). Some people estimate that more Christians have suffered and died for their faith in the 20th Century than in all previous centuries combined. Sometimes a focus on doctrinal purity will make a congregation cold, suspicious, and intolerant of diversity. i. iv. You are complete in Christ Jesus. (Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians, Chapter 8. 3. Verse by Verse Commentary 1. Wisdom Literature NASB The first living creature was like a lion, the second creature like a calf, the third creature had a face like that of a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle. God has spoken unto us by His Son, whose we are by creation and by redemption. Minds and hearts is literally hearts and kidneys. In the mind of the ancient Jews, the heart was the place of intellect, and the kidneys were the place of emotion. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.. a. I know your works: Jesus knew the works of the church in Ephesus also (Revelation 2:2). GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point 1 Unto 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; 2 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,. This church, compared to the other six, has no evil spoken against it. He who has an ear: Though the Spirit has something to say to us through every one of the churches, this letter to the Christians in Smyrna may apply least of all to modern, western Christians. In Smyrna, worshippers of pagan gods wore crowns. Eph. We may not have the same opportunity to suffer for Jesus that the Christians in Smyrna had, but we can have their same heart. To the *church in Smyrna. Gal. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. We may never be in a place to die a martyrs death, but we can all live a martyrs life. NIV The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. a. Apparently, they would be imprisoned, and for a specific period of time (you will have tribulation ten days). This means remembering where they used to be in their love for the Lord and for one another. The first, those described in Rev. Yet there was significant corruption inside the church. A difficult environment never justifies compromise. c. Pergamos: This city was especially known as a center for the worship of the deity known as Asclepios. Pentateuch 2. Their priority is no longer to love God first, and to act accordingly. Patience is the great ancient Greek word hupomone, which means steadfast endurance. In this sense, the church in Ephesus was rock-solid. i. Why do you delay? The attackers hatred and violence have left many Indians wanting to emulate the love shown by the victim, said K. Anand Paul, head of Gospel to the Unreached Millions. Preterist (from Latin praeter meaning "past") holds that through the use of symbols and allegory, the Revelation deals with events that were fulfilled in John's time (they are "past") and that it was written primarily to provide hope and comfort to the first century church persecuted by Rome. That is to be expected, and is fine if that excitement has matured into a depth of love that makes it even better than the first love. Revelation Chapter 1. Note the change from an appeal to the individual, "he who has an ear," to the plural, "what the Spirit says to the churches.". This tribulation does not mean the common trials to which all flesh is heir. Second, it was to give an example of holiness to other churches: and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. The attackers also decapitated James, an outspoken believer who had planted 27 churches. ESV He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Emperor worship had begun as spontaneous demonstration of gratitude to Rome; but toward the end of the first century, in the days of Domitian, the final step was taken and Caesar worship became compulsory. d. Or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place: Jesus gave them a stern warning. He was one of the Apostle Johns disciples and served at Smyrna until a.d. 155 when he died heroically as a martyr. Recognizing the value of consistent reflection upon the Word of God in order to refocus one's mind and heart upon Christ and His Gospel of peace, we provide several reading plans designed to cover the entire Bible in a year. In Smyrna the church was a place for heroes. (Barclay), iv. 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 . To him who overcomes: Jesus made this promise to him who overcomes but what does this overcomer overcome? a. Pergamos: This was the political capital of the Roman Province of Asia the Less. There are also working Christians who do not approach to laboring; yet a lifetime of such work as theirs would not exhaust a butterfly. From the Ante Nicean Fathers Volume 1, page 52). God set a hedge of protection between him and the fire. To the angel: As discussed under Revelation 1:20, this angel may be the pastor of the church at Ephesus, or an angel looking in on the workings of the church at Ephesus. Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. c. And on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it: What is the meaning of this new, secret name promised to him who overcomes? We might say that Satan does a masterful job in creating a sense of general dissatisfaction with these first works. Some dear souls think they are bearing their cross every time they have a headache. Not so with this crown; the joys whereof are without measure or mixture. (Trapp). It claimed to be the Glory of Asia. (Barclay), b. Smyrna: This was a rich city. . And the first beast [was] like a lion. (Revelation 2:7a) A general exhortation to all whom will hear. To paraphrase the Roman statesman Cicero, cited in Barclay: If there is anyone who thinks that young men should not be allowed the love of many women, he is extremely severe. The strategy was first violence, then alliance. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. They were not just poor. (Walvoord). They had love, both for the Lord and for one another. The Christians of Pergamos were like the Christians of Corinth as Paul wrote to them in 1 Corinthians 5:1-9. Revelation 2:1-7. As the days in this book are what is commonly called prophetic days, each answering to a year, the ten years of tribulation may denote ten years of persecution; and this was precisely the duration of the persecution under Diocletian, during which all the Asiatic Churches were grievously afflicted. (Clarke), ii. Your partnership makes all we do possible. Your name is there, waiting for you. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.'. Pentateuch i. We must not become overly discouraged at immorality and idolatry around us, even among Christians. A May 1994 news item illustrates this: The gruesome martyrdom of a pastor in central India led to several hundred conversions to Christianity. The First and the Last are titles that belong only to the LORD, Yahweh, according to Isaiah 41:4, 44:6, and 48:12. b. The second death is hell, the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14 and 21:8). Obviously this is unusual. Surely, the devil wanted to imprison them for a longer time, but God limited the tribulation to ten days. c. I know I know: In midst of this kind of affliction, it is easy to think God has forgotten but Jesus knows. Others think that Jesus really meant persecution over the reign of ten Roman Emperors. To them, Jesus simply said, hold fast. They must not stop doing what is good. Whoever exactly the Nicolaitans were, and whatever exactly they did and taught, we learn something from Jesus opinion of them. Luke-Acts Annoyed with the old man, he pushed him out of his carriage and onto the hard ground. Sufferers were allowed to spend the night in the darkness of the temple. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.. Verse 4. (Revelation 2:11b) The promise of a reward. i. Pastor Chuck Smith was best known for his expository style of preaching, as he unpacked the truths of Scripture while working his way through the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation. To the angel: As discussed under Revelation 1:20, this angel may be the pastor of the church at Ephesus, or an angel looking in on the workings of the church at Ephesus. Johannine Writings He holds them. Come, do your will.. Through their suffering, God displayed the true riches of the church in Smyrna to everyone, including themselves even though He knew they were rich already. Yet, it seems the Christians there received her as a prophetess, and that is why Jesus gave them this warning. The word for rule (Gr. We know from passages of Scripture such as 1 Corinthians 11:30 that God can use sickness as a way to chastise His people when they are in sin. To the *church in Thyatira. Some believe it was because Pergamos was a center for the ancient Babylonian priesthood, but this is tough to prove conclusively. Although the devil could destroy the body, he could do no more (Mt. Here many evil things both superstitious and satanic were practised. i. Adam Clarke wrote: Others suppose there is an allusion here to conquerors in the public games, who were not only conducted with great pomp into the city to which they belonged, but had a white stone given to them, with their name inscribed on it; which badge entitled them, during their whole life, to be maintained at the pubic expense These were called tesserae among the Romans, and of these there were several kinds. Clarke then gives examples of the different kinds: Tesserae conviviales, which answered exactly to our cards of invitation, or tickets of admission to a public feast or banquet; when the person invited produced his tessera he was admitted But the most remarkable of these instruments were the Tesserae hospitales, which were given as badges of friendship and alliance, and on which some device was engraved, as a testimony that a contract of friendship had been made between the parties.. Chapter 2. Rich: Every outward circumstance said that the Christians in Smyrna were poor, even destitute, but Jesus saw through the circumstances to see that they were really rich. Thyatira was famous for the manufacture of a purple dye, and numerous references are found in secular literature of the period to the trade guilds which manufactured cloth. (Walvoord), ii. Historical Books I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satans throne is. Three more such letters are in Revelation 3. The saints at Smyrna had not been given a pep-talk on How to Win Friends and Influence People. They had no testimony on How Faith Made Me Mayor of Smyrna. They were not promised deliverance from tribulation, poverty and reviling. It applies to those who are like Jezebel, who lead others into sin. His congregation urged him to leave the city until the threat blew over. In Smyrna above all places, for a man to enter the Christian Church was literally to take his life in his hands. 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. It was no mystery to Him. The police chief was now angry. Jesus has these churches, and holds them securely. Surely it was a place of great privilege, of great preaching. (Robertson). b. So, believing that God wanted him to be around a few more years, Polycarp left the city and hid out on a farm belonging to some Christian friends. Ephesus and Smyrna were coastal cities, whereas Pergamum and Thyatira were inland cities. According to Numbers 22-24 and 31, Balaam combined the sins of immorality and idolatry to please Balak, the king of Moab, because he could not curse Israel directly. The elder Pliny dismissed Thyatira with the almost contemptuous phrase Thyatira and other unimportant cities. (Barclay). It had temples to the Greek and Roman gods Dionysus, Athena, Demeter, and Zeus. He who has an ear: This is a letter that applies to everyone. Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary Revelation 2:7 RevelationRev2:6RevelationRev2RevelationRev2:8 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The apostle John, having in the foregoing chapter written the things which he had seen, now proceeds to write the things that are, according to the command of God (), that is, the present state of the seven churches of Asia, with which he had a particular acquaintance, and for which he had a tender concern.He was directed to write to every one of them according to their present . To the *church in Sardis. Two of the groups are described in this chapter: Chapter 7 forms a parenthetical section between the sixth (Rev. i. ( Revelation 2:1a) The character of the city of Ephesus . i. (Revelation 2:10) What Jesus wants the Christians in Smyrna to do. In all ages, the blood of the martyrs has been seed for the church. b. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. i. There is nothing wrong with having money; the trouble is that money so easily has us. 6 But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the . 2. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. God gives us time to repent, we should deal with others the same way. He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands, walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands, You have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My names sake and have not become weary, Remember therefore from where you have fallen, Or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place, But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate, Let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches, The devil is about to throw some of you into prison, Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life, And where you dwell, where Satans throne is, hold fast to My name did not deny My faith, Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, You have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, You also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, You have those there you also have those, those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, Or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth, And on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it, As for your works, the last are more than the first, To teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols, And I gave her time to repent and she did not repent, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts, He who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, To him I will give power over the nations, David Guzik :: Hechos 9 La Conversin de Saulo de Tarso, David Guzik :: 2 Corintios 7 Confortado por el Arrepentimiento de los Corintios Cristianos, David Guzik :: 1 Corintios 7 Principios Sobre el Matrimonio y la Soltera, David Guzik :: Apocalipsis 12 La Mujer, el Nio, y el Dragn, David Guzik :: Gnesis 3 La tentacin y cada del hombre, David Guzik :: Apocalipsis 13 Las Dos Bestias, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jesus and the Holy Trinity (Walter Martin), The Holy Spirit in the Believer, Pt. It was a center of learning and culture, and was proud of its standing as a city. Death could not hold Jesus, and it cannot hold His people. Those words were first spoken with a view to the end times, but there have always been those who call themselves prophets in the church, but are not. a. d. To teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols: Here, Jesus described the specific sin of this woman Jezebel. Mainly, she was an immoral and ungodly influence on others, and led others into sin. b. Thyatira: Still, this city was a center of business and trade. Seeing that he would not burn, the executioner, in a furious rage, stabbed the old man with a long spear. Verses 11-15. (Revelation 2:14-15) What Jesus has against the Christians in Pergamos.

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