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Chapter Four

Things present

"The things which are." Rev.2v1 to 3v22

The letters to the seven churches are not prophecies of different periods of Church history, they are messages to each named individual church. However, each letter to the churches has lessons for all of Christ's Church in all ages. We need to take note of the warnings, and rejoice in the promises, that Jesus gives to these churches. There have been many different kinds of churches in every period of Church history. The word of God is the eternal voice of God to His people. The Holy Spirit meets the particular and local needs of each church through His gifts. There is a framework common to each letter.

The letters are all addressed to the angels of the seven churches.
“Angelos,” means “messenger,” it occurs 185 times in the New Testament; “archangel,” “archangelos,” occurs in 1Thes.4v16. and Jude.v9.; and “like the angels,” “isangeloi,” occurs in Lk.20v36.. “Angelos” is mostly used of angelic beings, and is used of human messengers only 13 times; of John Baptist, “My messenger,” in Mt.11v10. Mk.1v2. Lk.7v27., quoting Mal.3v1.; John's messengers, Lk.7v24.; Christ's messengers, Lk.9v52.; the spies Rahab received James.2v25.; and the seven messengers to the churches in Revelation. “Angelos” can hardly refer to an angelic messenger in the letters to the seven churches, for Jesus has no need to write letters to His heavenly messengers, they receive His instructions directly from Him. Some say these seven messengers may simply be the postal messengers to the seven churches. Lk.7v24,27. 9v52. James.2v25. 1Cor.11v10. Others say that they are the presiding elder, pastor and overseer of each of the churches. In the early Church the elder, “presbuteros,” and the bishop, or better, the overseer, “episkopos,” were different names for the same office, one tells us that they were older respected leaders of the local church, the other tells us that they were the overseers and shepherds of the local church, Acts.14v23. 20v17,28. 1Tim.3v1-7. Titus.1v5-9. 1Pet.5v2. The most senior and most spiritual elder presided and took the leading part in the church, and so had the greatest responsibility for the church. Some have thought that the honoured place in the hand of Christ is that of the leading elder and shepherd of the sheep. 1Pet.5v1-4. There is a great responsibility resting upon those who are leading the flock of God, they can make or mar their flocks.

Each letter describes some attribute of Christ particularly applicable to each church.
We need to be stripped of all false ideas of Jesus for they mislead the soul, and it is only the truth about Him that gives us victory in the day. This is why the prophets were given notable visions of God, their tasks were so difficult that it was only their vision of God that gave them strength to go on. It is the revelation of God to our soul that brings us life and victory. Jn.6v53-58,63. Ezek.1v26. Dan.7v9-14. 2Chron.18v18. Acts.9v1-16. 22v6-14. 26v12-23. The particular need of each church is revealed by Jesus in the light of some glorious attribute of His own Person, which can meet that need, all we need is in Jesus. Rev.2v1,8,12,18. 3v1,7,14. We are instructed in Heb.12v1,2., to look away from all the distractions and problems of life, and even the cloud of witnesses, and to look instead into the inner being of Jesus and feed our souls on His beauty. “Aphorontes eis,” “looking away into” Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith.

There is a description of the condition of each church.
Christ starts with the solemn words, “I know thy works;” words intended to sober and prepare the heart to listen to Him with a befitting seriousness. Our Lord's address to the church follows the following pattern. He first of all commends whatever He can find to commend, then tells them the things that are wrong with the church, only two churches, Smyrna and Philadelphia escape rebuke. Jesus closes with an exhortation either to hold fast or repent, and warns that discipline or judgement will come upon those churches that do not repent. Christ and His angels watch our lives and works, and a kind but searching examination of the detailed record of our lives and works will take place at the judgement seat of Christ. Unseen watchers record our lives and works, for they show what we are, and the value of our faith. Dan.4v13,17-31. We shall not just be judged on our condition when we meet Jesus, but on our past life as a whole after salvation. 2Cor.5v8-11. Sin that has been repented of will of course be forgiven and forgotten by our gracious Lord, but He will be perfectly honest and just with us. The fire will try our works. 1Cor.3v10-17. Only real repentance will blot out our sins. Mt.12v36,37. James.2v14-26.

The picture of a lamp stand conveys the truth that the churches are intended to be lights that shine in the darkness of the world. The powers of darkness try to extinguish or pollute this light, and so the church is attacked by temptation, persecution, by infiltration of Satan's children into the Church, and by treachery, sin or division from within the Church. Josh.7 all 9v3-27. Acts.5v1-11,13. 20v28-31. 8v1-3. Gal.1v6-9. 5v7,11,12. 3Jn.v9-11. Jude.v3,4,12-21. 2Pet.2v1-3.

Jesus reveals the people and means by which Satan attacks the churches.
False Religion. This, rather than atheism, is Satan's objective, for by this means he can deceive more people, and his real aim is worship of himself. False religion is seen in the following ways in these churches.

Synagogue. Rev.2v9. Even the order laid down by God can become the instrument of Satan, if only the outward form is carried out, and truth and Christ are rejected in favour of man-made tradition. The Temple of God at Jerusalem became a den of thieves instead of the house of prayer for all nations, and Israel's religious leaders rejected and crucified their Christ.

Paganism. Rev.2v20. The gods of the heathen are really demons, or Satan, who desires to be like God and be worshipped, he is the god of this degenerate world. 1Cor.10v19-21. 2Tim.3v7,8. 2Cor.4v4. 2Thes.2v7,8. Rev.13.

False Doctrine. Jn.8v44. Satan had infiltrated several of the seven churches with deadly false doctrines that included immorality and idolatry. Sensuous evil teaching such as this was part of the teaching of the Nicolaitanes, Baalamites, and the followers of Jezebel, and this kind of lawless Antinomianism has been a bane of the Church throughout its history. The voice of God repeats again and again, “Be ye holy, as I am holy.” 1Pet1v15,16. Rev.3v7. 4v8. 15v4. 6v10. 22v11.

Martyrdom. Rev.2v10. What Satan cannot win by seduction he tries to destroy by persecution, he has often used those who have unscriptural traditions, or practice false religion, or have political power, to persecute God's dear children.

Worldly Interests. Satan once offered Christ the world in exchange for His cross and he still comes with the same offer to the brethren of Jesus. The church at Laodicea had succumbed to this temptation, and many others who resist Satan in other ways often fall prey to prosperity. We are urged to keep ourselves from the idols of the world and all worldliness. 1Tim.6v17-19. 1Jn.2v15-17. 4v4,5. 5v4. A struggle for power in the church is one of the most dangerous and sinful of the worldly attitudes that can attack the church, this sin cost Satan his place in Heaven, this struggle for power is sometimes disguised by a false claim to divine illumination and prophetic authority, we judge all such claims in the light of the Scriptures. God reveals the truth about the activities of seducing spirits to spiritually minded Christians. 1Cor.14v29. 1Thes.5v19-21. Godly spiritual elders can guide the flock of God out of spiritual danger and deliver the flock from ambitious persons. Heb.13v7,8,17. 1Tim.3v1-13. Tit.1v5-16.

An attack on their personal communion with God and their love for God. Our Lord's rebuke to Ephesus was absolutely necessary, for if a church is lacking in prayer and communion with God, it is totally defeated. If Satan can defeat us here, he has defeated us everywhere. A church can have a reputation for evangelism and spirituality, that is quite false, its inner communion with God can be almost non-existent, like Sardis it can be said of it, “thou hast a name that thou livest and art dead.” Prolonged earnest seeking of God is essential, if we are to preserve the spiritual effectiveness of a church.

Satan's Throne. Satan follows God's pattern and puts angels in charge of the nations. Dan.10v13,20,21. It could be that Satan made himself personally responsible for Pergamos, but it could refer to the Caesar worship that was practised at Pergamos, Satan was certainly the power behind Caesar's throne. Rev.12v3,9. 17v10.

There is a precious promise to those who are overcomers.
In Rev.2v7,11,17,26. 3v5,12,21. and 21v7., Jesus uses the present active participle of “nikao,” to be a victor, to be victorious, to gain a victory, to speak of the overcomers. The present tense indicates continuous victory. This verb occurs 16 times in Revelation, see Rev.5v5. 6v2. 11v7. 12v11. 13v7. 15v2. and 17v14. as well. Jesus gives these precious incentives to us, to inspire us to live victoriously, and He tells us to repent if we are living in defeat, or we will not experience a full reward. 1Cor.9v27. 2Tim.4v7,8. 2Jn.v8. “Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” Rev.3v11. The grace of God can enable us to overcome. Rev.12v10,11. Jn.16v33. Rom.8v28-39. Phil.4v19. 2Cor.12v9. 1Jn.5v4,5. We have to fight to keep our garments clean, from defilement by the world, the flesh and the Devil, the believer who is living in sin has dirty garments. Zech.3v1-7. 2Cor.5v3. 7v1. 1Jn.2v14-17. Rev.3v4,5,17,18. 19v8. Some have said that the overcomers are a select group among Christians, others, like myself, believe that they are all Christians who get the victory over the trials and temptations of life, and endure to the end. Those who do not overcome are those who apostacise from the faith.

To Ephesus. “To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” Rev.2v7. All who are saved will eat the fruit of the tree of life, so overcomers cannot be a select group of Christians.

To Smyrna. “He that overcomes shall not be hurt of the second death.” Rev.2v11. It is unbelievers who are cast into the lake of fire, not Christians. This again shows that overcomers are not a select group of Christians.

To Pergamos. “To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows except he who receives it.” Rev.2v17. God gives soul satisfying manna, and public acclaim which is signified by a white stone, and a secret name of precious significance, to every Christian who wins through to the heavenly kingdom.

To Thyatira. “He that overcometh, and keepeth my works to the end, to him I will give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I have received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star. Rev.2v26-28. Power over the nations in the Millennium is promised to the overcomers, a similar promise is given in Rev.3v21.; for further exposition of this, see comments on chapters 12 and 20 of Revelation.

To Sardis. “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father and the Holy angels.” Rev.3v5. Overcomers do not have their names blotted out of the book of life, but those, who apostatise and lose their faith, do.

To Philadelphia. “He that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down from Heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.” Rev.3v12. All believers in Jesus have this heavenly calling, and are “fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” Heb.3v1. Eph.1v18. 2v19-22. 1Cor.12v12,13.

To Laodicea. “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” Rev.3v21. A similar promise to that given to the church at Thyatira in Rev.2v26-28.; If we suffer for Christ's sake, we shall reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will deny us. 2Tim.2v12.

To All. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” Rev.21v7. All true Christians are heirs of God and joints heirs with Christ. Rom.8v17. In Gal.3v1-5. and 4v4-7., God makes us sons and heirs by redemption grace, and not by attainment through works of the Law. Our inheritance is received entirely by grace, through faith in Jesus. 1Pet.1v3-7,17-19. Col.1v12. “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things.” Rom.8v32. All things are freely given to us in Jesus. In 1Cor.3v21-23., Paul said to the wayward Corinthians, “All things are yours; whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; and ye are Christ's ; and Christ is God's.” However, in 1Cor.3v10-17., Paul warns us that the fire will test the quality of our works, and that if they are not acceptable, they will be burnt up, but we shall be saved , “yet so as by fire.” In this same passage, the destruction of those who defile the temple of their bodies and souls with evil, is also stated by Paul. 1Cor.3v17. Persevering faith and love are the distinguishing characteristics of the overcomer.

The spiritual qualities that make up the character of the overcomer.

Mention must be made of this subject as it is so important, the promises given to the overcomer are so great that the subject deserves special consideration. Christ has solemnly warned the Christians of the last days that they will have to live very careful, prayerful and godly lives if they are to overcome and come through the gross darkness with flying colours. Matt 7v24-29, 24v11-13, 42-25v13, Mark 4v19, Luke 8v14, 18v1-8, 1John 2v28. Let us consider the the spiritual qualities that cause a person to be an overcomer and the things an overcomer does and is.

They Love The Word Of God. They are not lazy in Bible study, they learn the doctrines and truths of God’s Word, they know truth and long for more, it is the joy and rejoicing of their heart. Joshua 1v8, Psalm 1 all, John 17v17,26, Acts 17v10,11, 20v32, Rom 6v17, Eph 6v14,17, 2Tim 3v15-17, Heb 5v11-14, 2Pet 2v2.

They Love To Do God’s Will. They actively serve God, they seek the lost, they have an evangelical fervour. Isaiah 52v7, Matt 6v10, 26v42, 28v18-20, John 4v34, 5v30, 12v26, Rom 12v1,2, Col 1v9, Heb 10v7, 12v23. They obey the will of God as revealed by the Spirit of God. Rom 8v14, Eph 4v30, 1Thess 5v17, Rev 2v7,11,17,29, 3v6,13,22. They obey the will of God as revealed by the Word of God, eg. “follow after love and desire spiritual gifts.” Matt 7v21, 12v30, Luke 6v46, 11v34, John 14v21-24.

They Love To Seek Their Father’s Face. They love to pray, they have a life of public and private praise and prayer, they tarry for the Spirit, they wait on God. Psalm 27v8, 34v3,6, 37v9, 62v1,2,5,6 84v4-10, 91v1,2,9,14,15, Matt 6v5-15, Luke 11v1-13, 18v1-8, Eph 6v18,19, 1Thess 3v10, 5v17, Jude v20,21.

They Love To Walk With God In Their Daily Lives. They live a practical holy life. Rom 8v5-14, Gal 5v16-26, Eph 4v1-3,17-32, 5v1-6v9. By the grace of God they keep themselves pure and in victory. They are not in bondage to sin. By the grace of their Saviour they have overcome the world, the flesh and the Devil. Psalm 37v23,24, Matt 5v8, John 16v33, Rom 6v14-23, 2Cor 7v1, Phil 3v7-21, 1Thess 4v2,3, 1John 2v13-17, 3v1-10, 4v4, 5v4, Rev 14v1-5.

They Love the Brethren. Psalm 133v1-3, John 13v34,35, 1512-15, Acts 1v14, 2v1,44-47, 4v32,37, Phil 4v1, 1Thess 2v11, 1John 3v10-24, 4v7-5v3. They love to have fellowship with God’s people, and dwell on the things of God together. Deut 6v4-9, Prov 27v17, Mal 3v16-18, Heb 10v24,25. In the home as well as the church building. Matt 23v37-39, Acts 2v1-4 with 1v13, Rom 16v5, 1Cor 16v19, Col 4v15, Philemon v2. Our conversation should be centred on heavenly things and should be such as becomes the Gospel of Christ, gracious and loving like those of our gracious Lord, “They were all astonished at the beautiful words that fell from His lips.” Luke 4v22 cf. Col 4v6. If this is not so, there is a definite need of reconsecration. Matt 15v10,11, Mark 7v20-23, Eph 5v4,5.

The letters to the seven churches in the book of Revelation give us a very good idea of what the Lord expects of the Christian, and what an overcoming Christian is like. We read the Christians are to have works, love, service, faith, patience, increasing works, a willingness to be faithful unto death, a separation from the world, spiritual alertness, and the thing that will assure all these, they must keep their fervent first love for Christ. Perhaps more qualities of the overcomer could be added to these, but these will suffice. In ALL things we are to follow the example of Christ, for by His grace we can overcome ALL that comes our way. Matt 11v28-30, 13v23, Luke 8v8,15, John 15v1-8, 1John 2v6, 4v17, Rev 12v10,11.

The saints are exhorted to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit.
In spite of importance of the Messenger, we can refuse to hear “Him who speaks from Heaven.” Heb.12v25. God is looking for people who will tremble at His Word and obey it, whether it comes through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, or His written Word, but, alas, this is rare. Ps.2v11. Ezra.10v3. 9v4. Is.66v2,5. Phil.2v12.

Some examples of those who heard God's Word and obeyed. Noah and Abraham. Heb.11v7,17-19. Rehoboam. 2Chron.11v4. Compare 12v14. Pekah. 2Chron.28v9. Ahab. 1Kings.21v27. Even Ahab gained a respite by trembling at God's Word. Amaziah. 2Chron.25v7. What a good man Josiah was! 2Chron.34v18-33. Paul. Acts.16v19.

Some examples of people who heard God's Word and rebelled.
Noah's contemporaries.1Pet.3v20. 2Pet.3v5. Lot's son in law. Gen.19v1,12-15,24,28. The generation which had not seen the mighty acts of God's power in action in Canaan. Judges.2v1,2,10-19. This is a solemn warning to any movement that is brought into being by the power and grace of God, but which later loses that power. Balaam and Balak. Numb.22v1-12. 24v1-9. 31v8-16. Rev.2v14. Saul. 1Sam.18v12-29. 13v8-14. 15v3,9,15,26. 1Chron.10v13,14. What a warning! Asa, a godly man rebels at God's Word through a prophet. 2Chron.16v7-10. Jeroboam. 1Kings.13v33. Israel. 2Kings.17v13-18. Neh.9v26,27. Judah. 2Chron.24v19-22. 36v15,16. The religious leaders of Israel in Christ's day. Mt.21v32. Lk.7v29,30. Mt.23v1-39. etc. God's people often rejected the Word of God, and the leaders that God appointed. Moses. Acts.7v25,35-39. Samuel. 1Sam.8v1-8. Jeremiah. Jer.42v1-6. 43v1-4. Paul. 2Cor.10v10. 11v4,12,13,20,-22. Gal.1v6-9. People can tremble in fear at God’s Word, they know it is true, but will not accept it, or obey it. Josh.2v9-11. 5v1. 9v9,24. 1Kings.22v14-35. Acts.24v24-27.

Those who had once loved Paul turned away from him in favour of false apostles. 2Tim.1v15. The motives of such false prophets and apostles will usually be quite plain. They seek such things as popularity, financial betterment, position, prestige, or a following of worshippers or disciples. 2Chron.18v12. 1Kings.18v19. Neh.6v12-14. Jer.5v31. Lk.6v24-26. 3Jn.v9-11. False prophets condone the practice of the sins that people love. 2Pet.2v1-22. Acts.20v29,30. Jude.v3,4.

The Scripture warns us that there will be a great deal of false prophecy in the last days by the Devil's disciples. 1Tim.4v1-3. Mt.24v24. Rev.13. all. 1Jn.4v1-3. False prophecy comes out of a bad heart, but if the people of God are walking with God, they will recognise the true prophet of God even when they are surrounded by many false prophets who are all saying the same thing. Mt.7v15-23. 2Chron.18v4-27. Jer.20v1-18. 37v19. There is a difference, however, between false prophecy arising from a bad heart and wrong prophecy arising from ignorance and stupidity, for example, when Christians are told to prophecy in faith when they have nothing from God. You only have the authority to prophesy when the Spirit of God has come upon you and given you a message to speak. The honest heart that fears the Lord never need fear, but the Lord will severely punish the wilful false prophet. Jer.28v17. 29v21-32. Acts.13v11. Rev.2v20-23. 19v20. It is a sin to make a false claim to speak for God.

The Holy Spirit is Lord, He has come to do His will, not ours, and we should obey Him. We should not make our plans and then ask His blessing, we should seek His plans and then His blessing will automatically follow. This shows the importance of genuine prophecy, for prophets are the mouthpiece of God to the churches. Ez.3v1-11. Jer.1v9. Prophets, however, differ a great deal in the importance of the things that they say, and the people to whom they speak. One may speak only words of comfort to the local church, another may speak words of wisdom and knowledge to the church universal. There are many that prophesy, but there are few set in the Church universal as prophets. Compare the importance of Isaiah’s prophecies with those of the old prophet of 1Kings13v20-22.. 1Cor.12v28. Eph.4v11.

The gifts of the Holy Spirit were operating in all of these seven churches, for they had been led into these experiences by the apostles, and about a hundred years later they were still operating in Lyons in France in the church of Irenaeus. It could be that no one was willing to give the messages of rebuke that were necessary for some of the churches, or that the prophecies that were given were ignored and rejected, it is necessary to not only admire, but obey the voice of God through His gifts. We must also take care that we are not stumbled by the kind of person that God uses to speak for Him, for God has chosen some strange people, at least by the worlds standards, to speak for Him. 2Kings.1v8. Amos.1v1. Mt.3v4. Is.28v11-13.

The following things characterise the true prophet of God.

An anointing of the Holy Spirit, which on matters of importance will be very great.
Spiritual people will recognise God's prophetic word and witness to its truth. 1Jn.2v20,26-29. This anointing is not to be confused with oratory, a fluent flow of words, or a lot of noise, it can be discerned by a spiritual and prayerful Christian without any difficulty. Ez.3v22. 8v1. 11v5. 1Cor.14v29. 1Thes.5v18-22.

A man of God will have a good life. Mt.7v15-23.
The gentleness, tenderness, and love of Christ should be abundantly manifested, even when severe rebukes are given by God. Hos.11v1-8. Mt.11v29. 1Thes.1v6-8,11,12. James.3v13-18. Rev.3v15-20. Compare Dan.1v4,8,17. 10v11,19. with Is.28v7. Jer.23v9-32. See Titus.1v10-16. 2Pet.2v9-22.

A prophet's message will be confirmed by other prophets.
Just as the Old Testament prophets confirmed each other’s prophecies. 1Cor.14v29.

If a prophecy contains a prediction, it will be fulfilled. Deut.18v20-22.
However, promised blessing can be withheld because of sin, or judgement withheld by repentance. Deut.13v1-3. Jer.28v9. Jonah.3v3 to 4v2.

There will be a patience in suffering if the prophetic word of God brings suffering upon the prophet. James.5v10. Lk.6v14-29. 2Chron.16v10. 18v26,27. False prophets say nice things to please people, but true prophets often suffer for their message. Jer.6v14. 8v11. 2Pet.1v20,21. 2v1. Mt.24v24. 1Kings18v25-41. 22v6-28. Gal.4v16. Rev.11v3-12.

A true prophet will never contradict Scripture.
Nor will they claim that their revelations take precedence over Scripture. Is.8v19,20.

EPHESUS. Rev.2v1-7.
Ephesus was about sixty miles from Patmos, and the postal messenger would reach it first. It was the most important city of the province of Asia, even though Pergamos was the official capital of Asia. Ephesus was near the sea on the river Cayster, and being on the sea end of the principal trade route with the East, there was as a consequence, a constant flow of trade through its port, which had some problems through the silting up of the mouth of the river Cayster. It was an extremely busy city full of merchants, traders and workmen, and was for a long time the greatest commercial centre of the country, many side roads and sea routes converged there. Corinth was the next great city on the way westwards to Rome. Ephesus was a large busy city, where multitudes of people, and great areas of new people could be easily reached with the Gospel, so we can see why God directed Paul to Ephesus, and why he stayed so long here. Ephesus had one of the seven wonders of the world, it was a great temple dedicated to the worship of Diana, better, Artemis, she had many worshippers, and a very profitable business was done in the sale of silver shrines and magic charms. Acts.19v19,20,24. It was the home of mystery cults, magic, and idolatry, and the conflict with this idolatry finally drove Paul from Ephesus. When the persecutions under the Caesar's started, many of the Christians who were condemned, passed through Ephesus to be executed at Rome.

The tremendous privileges that the church at Ephesus had enjoyed.
The short visit of Paul. Acts.18v19.

Apollos had ministered to them.
Luke states that Apollos was mighty in the Scriptures and fervent in spirit, he was full of passionate sincerity and heavenly energy, even before Priscilla and Aquila instructed him more thoroughly in Christian things. The memory of this man of keen intellect and burning heart should have kept their hearts burning. Acts.18v24-28. Luke uses the word “zeo” to describe Apollos, it means “to be hot,” and is used to describe boiling liquids and glowing solids. “Zeo” and its derivatives is used in either a good sense or a bad one, either of fervent godly zeal, or ungodly jealousy, covetous anger. Jn.2v17. Rom.10v2. 12v11. 13v13. Acts.7v9. 13v45. 17v5. 1Cor.3v3. 12v31. 13v4. 14v1,39. 2Cor.7v7,11. 9v2. 11v2. Gal.4v17. Phil.3v6. Col.4v13. James.3v14-16. 4v2. 5v16. Rev.3v15,16,19. Let us glow with heavenly love and zeal, not boil with anger, envy or jealousy.

Paul was at Ephesus for almost three years. Acts.19v26. 20v31.
There was a tremendous revival with great persecution because of the financial loss that the idol makers suffered due to the reformed lives of many of their former customers. Acts.19. all. N.B. v8,10. Acts.26v18-20. 1Thes.1v9.

Paul's meets with the elders of Ephesus at Miletus in A.D. 58. Acts.20v17-38. N.B. v31.
Paul reminds them of his sacrificial and loving ministry among them in the past, and asks them to care for their flocks in the same way. Paul then gives them a prophetic warning that they would be attacked by false teachers from without and ambitious leaders seeking a following of disciples from within. It seems from Paul's letter to the Ephesians in A.D. 64, that his warning was heeded for a time, for there is no mention of any problems in it. However, by A.D. 66 or 67, when Paul wrote in 2Tim.1v15., “This thou knowest, that ALL they which be in Asia are turned against me;” it seems that even Ephesus was estranged from Paul for a while. It appears that by the time that this letter in Revelation was written, any false prophets and ambitious leaders had been rejected. Rev.2v6. We also need to beware of wolves who wear the sheepskin of the Gospel. Mt.7v15-23. 2Cor.11v13-15,26. 2Pet.2v1-3. 1Tim.1v19,20. 1Jn.2v19. 3Jn.v9-10.

Paul wrote one of the most spiritual epistles of all to the Ephesian church.
They must have been in a spiritual position to understand Paul's epistle. It was written in about A.D. 64, and in around A.D. 96, about 32 years later, Jesus said that they had lost their spiritual foundation, their first love for Him.

They had enjoyed prolonged oversight of the highest quality.
Tradition informs us that Timothy was an overseer here for a long period of time. 1Tim.1v3. 2Tim.4v19,20. with Acts.18v24-26. Phil.2v19-22. John had a long ministry here, it was his home and administrative centre, and he returned here from Patmos.

The spiritual condition of the Ephesian church when Christ addressed them.
The Ephesian church had many commendable points and by modern standards we would say it was a good church. They had “works,” “erga,” Jn.5v17. 6v29.; had “toiled hard with exhausting work,” “kopos;” had “steadfastly endured,” “hupomene,” and had not grown weary or flagged, “ou kekopiakes,” in their service for God. They had faithfully served God and had rejected false apostles and false doctrine, which other churches had accepted. This church had enjoyed the most spiritual and loving leaders possible, but they had failed in the most vital part of Christianity, they had lost their first love for Jesus, and probably because of this their fervent love for each other. “Aphekes,” the aorist active of “aphiemi,” to leave, forsake, or abandon, is a strong word, they had left their first enthusiastic love for Jesus. What had cooled off their love and zeal for Christ? Was it the loss of their pastor John, the apostle of love? Had they neglected fellowship, earnest prayer and love of God's Word? Did they feel that supreme spiritual effort was no longer necessary? Had they cooled off to become more accepted by the worldlings and Jews to avoid persecution to give their families security? Had the church become more worldly-minded and gone after material possessions? Whatever the cause of this loss of first love, remember nothing can take the place of love for Christ and communion with Christ. We need a tender heart full of deep affection for Jesus, as well as a clear well-informed mind.

Jesus tells them to keep on remembering (“mnemoneue,” the present active imperative of “mnemoneuo,” continue mindful), from where they are fallen and to repent and do (the aorist active imperative of “poieo,” “Do at once”) the first works (“ta prota erga”) and renew the first love which had grown cold. Act.19:20; 20:37; Eph.1v13-16. Action was needed, we cannot live on past memories, even though we may be encouraged by them. Our love for God must be nourished and kept alive day by day, or the first love, and first works that spring out of that love, will die away. The first and greatest commandment directs us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, this will decide the quality of work that we do for our Lord.

The Ephesian Christians still laboured for Christ, they had evangelistic endeavour and good works, but they had lost some of their original power to bless; for Christ demanded a return to both first works and first love. A fullness of ministry can only flow from fervent and genuine Christian love. Acts.2v1 to 4v37. 1Cor.12v31 to 13v13. 1Pet.4v8. Christ knew that unless they repented, they would degenerate to the place where they would have all the words and outward form of Christianity, without the inner reality of the power and love of God, and would end up with a dead form. In 2Tim.3v5. “form,” is “morphosin,” which means, the outline of the “morphe,” without its substance and reality. Rom.2v20. Jesus, therefore, told them to remember the spiritual loss that they had sustained, and to repent and do the first works. This church had great privileges, it must therefore have a corresponding life. To whom much is given, much shall be required. Lk.12v48.

In the first "repent" in Rev.35., Jesus uses the aorist active imperative “metanoeson,” of “metanoeo,” to change one's thinking, to repent, when He said that He would come and remove their lamp stand if they did not repent. The aorist imperative suggests a decisive break; this is in contrast to the present imperative, “repent,” which suggests a continuing attitude. The second "repent" in Rev.3v5., is "metanoeseis," the aorist active subjunctive of “metanoeo.” The removal of the lamp could mean either that the church would cease to exist as a light for Christ, or He was going to move the shining of His light to another place. Since Jesus said he would remove the lamp, not extinguish it, the second is more likely. Jesus could have meant that He would bring a remnant out of the church, or raise up another group of spiritual Christians. It is often easier for God to raise up a new church than to give life to a dead form. Churches can carry on for centuries with a dead form without God's blessing, and can drift so far from the truth that they shed darkness instead of light, and even persecute the true Church of God. Jn.16v1-4. It is our personal affection for Christ that determines our position in the Christian life. This love will be manifested in the fruits of the Spirit and not just in lip praise or emotion. Mt.5v1-16. Mk.4v25. Jn.14v15.

False apostles. Rev.2v2.
These false teachers arrogantly proclaimed that they had an apostolic ministry, and assumed an air of authority, the Ephesians had tested them and proved that they were deceivers and not apostles. Paul often had to write in defence of his apostleship, and he tells us how to recognise a true apostle. He states that God, not men, sets apostles in the Church, and confirms their ministry by signs, wonders and miracles. Rom.15v18-20. 1Cor.12v28. 2Cor.12v11-13. Eph.4v11. 1Thes.2v1-14. True men of God have an outstanding revelation of Christ and truth from Christ. Gal.1 and 2. 2Cor.12v1-10. They also manifest a Christ-like life. Gal.1v15,16. 1Thes.2v10. 1Cor.11v1. True apostles have to suffer for their ministry, it is the way of the cross. Paul bore in his body the scars that he had received for Christ's sake, they proved his love for Jesus. 2Cor.11v23-33. 12v7-10. 1Cor.4v9-13. Gal.6v17. Paul had continual opposition from the Judaizers, right from his first controversy with them over whether Gentile Christians should keep the Law in Acts.15v1-34. N.B. v1,24.. Some Judaizers falsely claimed that they were apostles, and they won the allegiance, and corrupted the faith, of many of the churches that Paul founded.

Here we see that over 30 years after Paul's warnings, the church at Ephesus is again plagued by false apostles and by evil false doctrine through the Nicolaitanes and Balaamites. Some say that Nicolas is the Greek version of the Hebrew Balaam, however, Jesus differentiates between them in Rev.2v15,16.. Both groups had immoral teaching in their doctrine, and they appear to have said that it did not matter what your morals were as long as you believed, and that sin made the grace of God to abound more. This evil antinomian doctrine is with us today, those who teach unconditional eternal security go a long way down this dark road. We have been redeemed from the curse of the Law, but we will always have to obey the moral law of God, it will be the basis of the happiness of Heaven. We can never sin and get away with it, for wilful sin destroys the soul. 2Pet.2v9-16. Jude.v4,11. Rom.6. all. Prov.3v18. 11v30. 13v13-15. Ez.18v4,20,30-32.

Jesus closes his exhortation by encouraging the Ephesians with the promise of eternal life in Paradise for those who overcome and faithfully follow Him. Jesus knows all about our lives, and knows if there is any cooling off of our love for Him.

SMYRNA. Rev.2v8-11.
Smyrna was about 50 miles north of Ephesus, and was almost as important as Ephesus. It had a very good harbour at the head of a well protected gulf, and was at the sea end of another great trade route, and had a flourishing trade that was almost as good as that of Ephesus. It was a seat of Emperor worship with a temple to Tiberius. There were many Jews here who were very hostile to Christianity, and they joined with the Romans in persecuting and killing Christians. In Rev.2v9.,”tribulation,” is “thlipsis,” which indicates crushing pressure; the word for “poverty” is not “penia,” which means they had only life's essentials, but the more severe word “ptocheia,” which means they were totally destitute. Trench writes, “The “penes” has nothing superfluous, the “ptochos” nothing at all.” The church at Smyrna was financially destitute but spiritually rich. This poverty was probably due to a trade boycott by the traders of Smyrna, and it was probably inspired by the large numbers of Jewish traders at Smyrna. These Jews had rejected their Messiah, and were certainly not looked upon as God's elect; they had set themselves against the Christians at Smyrna, and had become the servants of Satan, and their synagogue Satan's house. The Christians at Smyrna were the spiritually rich poor among the spiritually bankrupt rich, their Christianity was costing them something. Though poverty is not in itself commendable, the poor are looked upon by God with special concern. In his earthly life Jesus was poor and He came to preach the Gospel to the poor, and the early Church was mostly made up of poor people. 2Cor.8v9. Lk.4v18. Rom.15v26. 1Cor.1v26-31. Gal.2v10. There has always been a vivid contrast between the financially poor but spiritually rich church, and the materially rich but spiritually bankrupt church.

Jesus says, “I know thy tribulations and poverty,” this must have given great comfort to these hard pressed suffering saints. He who is the First and the Last has suffered and died for us, and he knows our suffering and lives to meet our every need. “Jesus knows,” these are sweet words when the trials of life beset us. The crown of life is promised to martyrs from a martyr. Trials even unto death are not out of the will of God. There is no certainty of deliverance from, or out of, persecution, but there is a sure promise for grace to have victory in tribulation and temptation. Rom.8v37. Just to be saved and be in God's kingdom will be wonderful, but to overcome all that opposes us and to reign with Jesus, and care for the creation, will be beyond all thought. If we Abide in Jesus we will not be ashamed at His coming. Ezek.44v10-16. Lk.19v11-27. 2Cor.5v1-11. 2Tim.2v12,20,21. James.1v12. 1Pet.1v7. 2Pet.2v9-12. 1Jn.2v28. Rev.16v15. 17v14.

Polycarp.
The church at Smyrna was privileged to have Polycarp as a member of their church, he had been a Christian about 26 years when this letter was written. Eusebius puts the date of the death of Polycarp at A.D. 166, others put it at A.D. 156. When Polycarp was martyred he had been a Christian for 86 years, for he said at his death, “Eighty and six years have I served Christ.” This would, taking the date of Eusebius, A.D. 166, put Polycarp's conversion at A.D. 80; the earlier date would put it at A.D. 70. Polycarp was obviously converted as a child, and had about 20 to 30 years contact with the apostle John. During the lives of John and Polycarp huge numbers of Christians died for their faith. Our Lord never deceives us when He asks us to follow Him, He warns us that it may cost us our life. Ignatius, while on his way to Rome to be martyred for Christ in 108 A.D., wrote a letter to Polycarp which showed that Polycarp was the leader of the church at that time, so he could well have been one of the leaders of the church at Smyrna when Christ wrote this letter to it. Irenaeus writes in his work “Against Heresies,” Book 3. c3. 4.; “Polycarp was not only instructed by apostles and conversed with many who had seen Christ, but was also by apostles in Asia appointed bishop of the Church in Smyrna; whom I also saw in my early youth, for he tarried on earth a long time, and when a very old man, gloriously and most nobly suffered martyrdom.”

Jesus warns the Christians at Smyrna that greater problems than poverty, discrimination and slander were about to overtake them, some of them were about to die for their faith in Him. Jesus tells them, “Do not at all fear,” “meden phobou,” and arms them against the fear of imprisonment and death by telling them with a strong double negative, “ou me,” that those who are faithful to death will not be hurt of the second death. Untold millions of Christians have been martyred in this century. At the end of this age there is going to be an even worse persecution of Christians, this letter to the church at Smyrna should strengthen the resolve of all who will suffer and die in this future time of trial. Rev.6v9-11. 12v17. 13v7. Mt.24v9. etc.

The name Smyrna was derived from myrrh, with which our Lord's body was embalmed, Jn19v39.; the Christians at Smyrna knew the shadow of death was upon them. Jesus warns them that Satan would be behind the coming persecution, and that he would imprison and kill some of them. Jesus assures them that this trial of faith was for a limited period of time. Satan had corrupted the Church at Laodicea by getting them to compromise and seek worldly things, but he had failed with the Christians at Smyrna, and so he comes in like a roaring lion. The persecutors were the servants of Satan, he was the one who drove and prompted them. The Church has been well warned of these sufferings by Jesus. Mt.10v17-19. Lk.21v12-17. Phil.1v29. 1Pet.2v20. 3v14. Acts.8v3. God allows Satan to try the faith of the saints in order that the world might see and be challenged by the faithful witness of God's people. The faith of Christians is established and proved by such experiences and it is found unto praise, honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus. Deut.8v2,3. 1Pet.1v7. 5v10 James.1v3,12. God uses Satan to try and purify His saints when He knows that it is necessary, e.g. Peter. Lk.22v31-34. Jesus searches our hearts and then allows trials to show the good, as well as the bad, that is in them. While we are in the trial He is interceding for us and making His grace available to us. Tribulation, temptation and trial faced with Christ can only do us good. Rom.5v1-6. Heb.4v14-16. 7v25-28. The Christ who was faithful unto death promises those who are faithful unto death a crown of life, this was the victors “stephanos,” the garland of life, not a “diadema,” a royal crown. 2Tim.4v8. 1Pet.5v4. Jn.14v28-31.

PERGAMOS. Rev.2v12-17.
Pergamos was an ancient city about 55 miles Northeast of Smyrna, but some 15 miles in from the coast. At one time it had been more important than either Ephesus or Smyrna, being the capital of the Pergamenian kings and the chief town of the Roman province of Asia. However, because of the better commercial position of Ephesus and Smyrna, it had lost much of its importance. It had a medical university, and a library of 200,000 volumes until Anthony removed it and gave it to Cleopatra. Parchment was first made at Pergamos and was called “charta Pergamena.” Pergamos was said to be “full of idols beyond the rest of Asia,” it was a city of temples devoted to sensual worship. It was the chief centre for the worship of Asklepius, the god of healing, whose symbol was a serpent. There were temples to Zeus, Athena, Dionysius, and Asklepius. A statue to Zeus was built here and called “Zeus the Saviour.” It was the chief centre for the worship of the Roman Emperor, the first temple dedicated to the worship of Augustus (Octavius Caesar) was erected here in B.C. 29, and other shrines dedicated to other Roman Emperors followed. Some think that “Satan's throne” refers to Emperor worship, while others think that Pergamos was the place where Satan set up his headquarters on earth. The phrase “where Satan dwelleth,” shows that it was certainly a place where Satan was most active. Rev.2v13. What a dreadful place to live in! The worship of idols is really the worship of demons and Satan. The Scriptures reveal to us that the real rulers of the nations are evil angels under the control of Satan. Eph.3v10. 6v11,12. 2Cor.4v4. Rev.12v7-12. 13. all. Dan.10v10-20. 2Thes.2v9. 1Jn.5v19. Jn.14v30.

The church at Pergamos had allowed worldly, sensual and Satanic doctrines to enter the church. All lies are dangerous, but moral lies are especially dangerous, for they destroy the character and testimony of the church. Rom.2v24. Oecumenius tells us that the Nicolaitanes “were most impious in doctrine and in their lives most impure.” We also know that the Balaamites incited people to idolatry and immorality, so this church had two groups of immoral people with corrupt doctrine in it. Numb.25v1,2. 31v16. Jude.v11. Acts.15v29. 1Cor.8v9,10. Jesus twice threatens them with “the sword, the two-edged, the sharp,” if they don't repent. Rev.2v12,16. All Antinomianism, that is, false doctrine that says moral law is not binding upon Christians, must be rejected. Christ's death does not give us a means of sinning without reaping the consequences. His death established the moral law and taught that the wages of sin will always be death. Rom.3v26,31. 6v1-4,11-18,23. 8v1-13. Jude.v3-25.

In the past this church had been faithful to God even in severe persecution, but gross immorality and idolatry had come in and ruined its testimony. It seems that while Antipas was alive this evil was not tolerated in the church; the loss of a godly leader can certainly make a tremendous difference to a church. Had the persecution in which Antipas was martyred caused some of them to compromise and lower the standard? You get little persecution from the world when you are as worldly and sinful as they are. Jn.16v8-11. Jesus demands repentance from those who had sinned, and action to purify the church by those who had not fallen, or certain judgement would follow.

We have to be very careful what we allow to take place in our Christian fellowships, and who we allow in as members, people who are living in sin should be dealt with by the church, or the church can expect judgement from Christ. With some the sentence is passed and executed now, but others pass on for judgement. 1Kings.18v40. 2Kings.10v19-30. Jer.28v17. 29v21,22,31,32. Acts.13v11. 1Tim.5v24. Christ reminds this church that He comes to judge sin and purify His church, and warns them that they have to repent or expect judgement. The reward to those who overcome is hidden manna and a white stone. The hidden manna is the eternal friendship of Christ and His unsearchable riches. 1Cor.2v6-12. Col.2v2,3. Eph.1v13,14. The white stone was used for many purposes, as a pass into a banquet or assembly, as a pledge of friendship and worth, as a sign of acquittal to those who were tried, a black stone was given to those who were condemned. To those who reject the deep things of Satan, Christ promises His eternal riches and His eternal friendship and blessing.

THYATIRA. Rev.2v18-29.
Unlike the previous cities we have considered, Thyatira was a place of little importance, but it was famous for its flourishing industry of dyeing. The waters of Thyatira were so suitable for dyeing cloth that no one could match the brilliant and permanent colour of their purple and scarlet. Lydia, Paul's convert at Philippi, was involved with the export of this dyed cloth. Acts.16v14,15. Thyatira was a commercial centre and was noted for its guilds, William Ramsey informs us that there were more trade guilds in Thyatira than any other Asian city. The leading false deity of the city was Apollo, who was worshipped as the sun-god under the surname Tyrimnas. Thyatira was an inland city about 40 miles South East of Pergamos. It is possible that these strong trade guilds made it difficult for Christians to earn a living. Membership of these guilds involved attendance at guild banquets, which usually involved sexual immorality, and eating meat which had been sacrificed to idols. Perhaps “Jezebel” had collapsed under financial pressure and had compromised truth in order to make a living. Expediency may have replaced integrity and principle.

The church at Thyatira tolerated people who should have been disciplined. Rev.2v20-22.
Jesus says the Christians here had many good points, “agape” love, faith, service, patience and increasing work for Christ, and unlike Ephesus their last works were more than their first. However, the church had allowed a false prophetess and her followers to come in and corrupt the church. They had lacked the moral courage to deal with this “Jezebel,” and allowed her to carry on her evil practices unchecked and unrebuked. Though many church members had not participated in her sins, they were guilty of allowing her evil influence to continue in the church. The woman's real name was almost certainly not “Jezebel,” Jesus was obviously trying to shock the church into action by naming her after Ahab's evil wife to show what He thought of her, and how wicked and dangerous she was. Jesus had even given this evil “Jezebel” space for repentance, but He warns that if she and her followers do not repent He will personally execute them. 1Kings.15v13. 16v30-33. 18v22,40. 21v25,26. The failure to repent for similar gross sin in the Corinthian Church had resulted in the death of some of its members and the sickness of many more. 1Cor.5v1-13. 11v29-32. Acts.5v1-11. 1Tim.1v20. Those who trade on the great grace of God and harden their heart, mistaking His kindness and longsuffering for weakness, are only bringing upon themselves more severe judgement. Prov.29v1. Eccles.8v11. Rom.2v3-5. Rev.2v23. Heb.10v26-31.

The A.V. and T.R., “thou sufferest,” “eas,” the present indicative of “eao,” “to let, allow, permit, leave alone, suffer to be done;” should read, according to Aleph, A, C, Hodges and Farstad and the Critical Texts, “thou sufferest,” “apheis,” the present active indicative of “apheo,” an irregular form of “aphiemi,” which means “to send away,” in this application it means “to allow,” “to permit,” “to forgive.” See Mt.9v2,5,6. 12v31,32. Acts.8v22..They suffered and forgave people who should have been disciplined. Truth and principle were sacrificed for expediency, something which often occurs today.

N.B. Jezebel could have been the leading Pastor's wife.
The A.V. and T.R. reading of, “that woman,” “ten gunaika,” is based on Me, Aleph, C, the Critical Texts; the Old Latin; the Vulgate; the Coptic Sahidic and Bohairic; the Armenian and Ethiopic versions, the Church fathers, Tertullian, Ambrosiaster, Tyconius, Epiphanius, Haymo, and the bav commentary of Andrew. Most manuscripts add “sou,” and read, “ten gunaika sou,” “thy wife;” the evidence for this reading is found in Hodges and Farstad, Mabcd, Q, the Syrian Philoxenian and Harklean; the Church fathers, Cyprian; Primasius; Andrew's a, c, and p commentaries; and Arethas; Codex A adds “sou ten.” Jezebel was the wife of Ahab, the king of Israel, so this gives more evidence to show that Jezebel was the leading pastor's wife.

Jezebel actively and continually seduced people into immorality and idolatry.
Jezebel, like Balaam, seduced the children of God from the truth and godly living. Balaam cast a snare, a “skandalon,” the bait stick of a trap, before Israel, Balaam knew that they would forfeit God's protection, if he could tempt them to idolatry and immorality. Num.31v16. The A.V. and T.R., “didaskein kai planasthai,” “to teach and seduce,” should read, according to Mabcde, A, C, the Critical Texts, and Hodges and Farstad; “and teaches and misleads,” “kai didaskei kai plana,” the present active indicative, “plana,” describes the active moral seduction and wickedness of 'Jezebel' far better than the present passive infinitive “planasthai.” “Jezebel” was a dominant false prophetess and false teacher, whose teaching and life of continual sin led many in the church at Thyatira into immorality and idolatry. Jesus even gave this evil woman space to repent, but He said that lack of repentance meant that divine judgement and death was about to come upon her and her followers. Those who backslide into evil like this destroy their born-again spirit, and without repentance can only expect judgement. Jude.v11-13. “twice dead” in spirit. 1Jn.3v9. 5v18. 2Pet.2v4,12-22. Heb.6v4-8. 10v26-39. Mt.7v13-29. N.B. v23.

Space for repentance had been treated with contempt. Rev.2v21-23.
The Authorised Version and Aleph, read, “And I gave her time to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.” The Majority of Texts, C, Hodges and Farstad and Critical Texts read, “And I gave her time to repent, but she is not willing to repent of her sexual immorality.” All efforts to bring her to repentance had failed. Jesus wept over Jerusalem when His great ministry and love failed to convince them of the error of their ways, and turn them from the evil that was destroying them. Mt.23v37-39. Lk.19v41-44. It is not easy for Jesus to let people reap the fruit of their evil ways, His amazing love and grace gives rebellious sinners time to repent, and tries hard to restore them.

Our Lord repeats the solemn words, “All the churches shall know that I am He that searcheth the reins and the hearts: and I will give to everyone of you according to your works.” Rev.2v23. Our private lives are lived in public; the eyes of the Lord Jesus search our hearts and then He allows trials or Satan to expose them. 2Chron.16v9. 32v31. Job.1 and 2. N.B. 1v22. and 2v10. Lk.22v31-34. In the case of Job the trial was allowed to prove his worth, whereas, in the case of Peter, it was to rid him of the thought that he was more devoted and more spiritual than the other disciples. The Lord Jesus is purifying our hearts and some trials can be very severe, and as in the case of Peter, they can give us some startling revelations of our hearts. Mal.3v1-3. Deut.8v2-6. Lk.22v61,62. Jesus had searched out the sin in this church and He was going to crush it in such a way that all would know that it was the judgement of God. Christ's examination and scrutiny of the soul is exact and irresistible, He blesses the righteous and judges the wicked in the churches with perfect justice and love. The Lord Jesus exhorts the righteous saints in this church to hold fast to what they have got. Jesus promises power over the nations and the morning star to the overcomers. When the morning breaks they are promised a kingdom and glorious fellowship with the King of kings. Dan.7v17. 1Cor.6v2. Dan.12v3. Rev.5v10. 12v5. 22v16. Rom.8v18. 2Cor.4v17,18.

SARDIS. Rev.3v1-6.
Sardis was about 30 to 35 miles South East of Thyatira, it was the chief city of Lydia and had once been a very prosperous and flourishing city, it had been the capital city of the very wealthy Croesus, however, under the Romans its rank and importance had rapidly declined. In A.D. 17 a great earthquake devastated Sardis, some say it never recovered from the enormous amount of damage that was done, others say it was quickly rebuilt through generous aid from Emperor Tiberius. Sardis was a city famous for its arts and crafts and notorious, even by heathen standards, for its loose, luxurious and licentious living. The more wealthy took up mystery cults, of which the most notable was that of the licentious worship of Cybele, and we are informed that the temple ruins still survive today.

The church at Sardis had a false reputation for being spiritually alive, Jesus said, “I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” They were living on their past reputation, and on the reputation of the few who had white garments in this church, the rest of them were spiritually dead. They were a church in name only, for their vital communion with God had ended. They still claimed to be a Pentecostal church, but they had words but no power they had lost God's anointing, they had fallen from experiencing the truth. It is possible to have great intellectual knowledge of truth, and yet be a spiritual babe in the God's eyes and without either spiritual power or love. We can have truth without experience, the letter without the spirit, and even have a measure of spiritual gifts and yet be powerless and dead. Jesus warns that if their deadness of soul continues their names will be blotted out of the book of life. The book of life only contains the names of those who are spiritually alive to God, and are living in fellowship with Him. Jn.17v3. Lk.10v20. Phil.4v1. 1Tim.5v6. Jude.v12. Rom.8v13.

Many churches today have only a reputation, they have a name without an experience, like the church at Sardis, only a few things remain, and the rest are ready to die. Genuine repentance is the only possible way to experience renewal in such cases. There will be no getting away from the facts at our heavenly trial, our lives are under the scrutiny of God and His Watchers and Holy Ones. We may not realise it but we live our secret lives in public, the Holy Spirit will give perfect evidence as to the condition of our lives. Mt.12v36. 24v43,50,51. Dan.5v5,27. Jn.14v17.

This church had accepted the Gospel with great joy and for time had lived for Christ with great enthusiasm and diligence, for Christ says “remember how thou hast received and didst hear.” How tragic it was that they had so fallen, but there are many churches today in the same condition and we all need to be careful lest we go the same way. The Lord Jesus warns this church that in spite of all His efforts by earthly and angelic ministry the majority of the church had degenerated and there were only a few faithful Christians in the church, the rest were spiritually dead and almost devoid of any work for Christ. How grand it is to see some of the church were still walking with the Lord in victory in spite of the depressing standard of the rest, the Lord Jesus promises these overcomers white garments and eternal fellowship with Himself in Heaven. The white garments of the Christian are the result of a righteous life. The apostle Paul tells us that he strove to serve Jesus so that when he met Him he had some works to present to Him. Rev.16v15. 2Pet.3v10. Mt.24v43. 1Thes.5v2,4. Rev.19v6-8. 2Cor.5v1-4. 6v14. to 7v1.

The Lord warns them to repent and be watchful, and strengthen and stabilise the things that remain, or He will come as a thief and find them wanting. Like Joshua the high priest, they would be clothed in filthy garments, or like the church at Laodicea, they would be naked and without any Christian works. Eternal life is the gift of God to all who believe in Christ as their Saviour, but we will be rewarded according to our works, shame or glory are the results of our own actions. Compare Abraham and Lot. Rev.3v18. 16v15.22v12. The garments that were renewed at salvation will become filthy if we live in sin, the Lord Jesus can give us the grace to overcome temptation and sin. Jn.8v31-36. Rom.6v11-14,15-23. 1Cor.10v12,13. 2Cor.12v9. Phil.4v13,19. 2Pet.1v5-10. 1Jn.1v6. 2v1,4,6,13,14. 3v3-10. 4v4,17. 5v4,16-21. Jude.v20,21,24.

There is no mention of persecution in this church and this is no surprise, for the majority of the Christians were so spiritually dead that they did not trouble the conscience of the unsaved, Christians with dirty garments are little respected and very little troubled by the worldling. These Christians probably prided themselves on their reputation, what a shock it must have been to them, to hear from the lips of Christ that the vast majority of them were terribly backslidden. Jesus tells the church at Sardis that there is still hope for them, they can still be among the overcomers and wear white garments, they are to remember, repent and hold fast, repentance and earnest prayer can renew their spiritual glow and cleanse their garments. Are your garments white?

PHILADELPHIA. Rev.3v7-13.
Philadelphia was in Lydia, and was about 28 miles South East of Sardis, it was a rich and powerful city, but it suffered frequent earthquakes being placed directly on a fault in the earth's structure, the earthquake of A.D. 17 ruined it completely and it suffered 20 years of earthquakes after this great earthquake. The Lord's words to this church take into account their perilous past, they were promised a temple which they would not have to flee out of, they would be a pillar that would be forever established. The reference to “the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God.” and “my new name,” is almost certainly a reference to the proposal to give the city the new name of “Neocaesarea” in gratitude to Tiberius Caesar for his generous financial help towards earthquake relief. These frequent earthquakes tended to make the city smaller than it would have been, for it had good trade from large areas to the East and North.

THE OPEN DOOR FOR MATERIAL PROVISION AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE?
The church at Philadelphia, like the church at Smyrna, received no criticism from their Lord, both churches had stood true to their Lord in spite of severe persecution. Christ promises that He will open a door for them which no man can shut. This open door could have been a commercial door, for the strong Jewish guilds had obviously greatly persecuted and opposed them, and caused them very considerable financial distress and problems. God is very concerned about our financial welfare. Mt.6v19-34. N.B. v30-32. Christ the Door opens doors for us. Jn.10v7,9. This open door could also refer to an open door into prayer and Christian service. 1Cor.16v8,9. 2Cor.2v12. Col.4v3. Acts.14v27. 16v6-10 10. all. 13v1-4. God opens doors to service by our gifting, Prov.18v16., by men, by circumstances, by His Spirit's express instruction, or a great need set before us, and even by heavenly vision. When God calls us to a work He will confirm it in many ways and will give us an great peace and assurance that we are walking in His way. The ambiguity of this promise of an open door is probably deliberate on the part of our Lord, so that both the church at Philadelphia, and ourselves, can apply it to our many different needs.

THE OPEN DOOR INTO HEAVENLY PLACES?
The open door may also refer to the open door into heavenly places as experienced in Rev.4v1. by John. It is very sad that the heavenly places in Christ have been totally unreal to many Christians, and they have thought that these heavenly and supernatural experiences are symbolic descriptions of spiritual truth. Other false teachers have said that the experiences of these men of God were the results of either a heated imagination or a deranged mind. Many others say, in spite of all the evidence against this view, that these experiences happened in the past, but “they are not for today.” Christian teachers and preachers have hidden this key to a vital experience of God by wilful omission, false tradition, distorted and false exposition, and unbelieving example, and they will have to answer for it on judgement day. Lk.11v52. Mal.2v7. Mk.7v13. God wants His children to taste the powers and blessing of the age to come NOW, so that we can take the riches and blessings of God to the world around. This will demand faith, patience, endurance and courage., and will bring an inevitable conflict with the powers of darkness. We can respond to this challenge like Abraham, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Peter, John, Paul, and many others, or we can draw back, and like Esau, despise our heavenly birthright, and let our minds be taken up with worldly things and so lose the ability to be a blessing. Heb.6v11,12. 12v15-17. We should, as we grow in grace, become increasingly aware of the following.

God's throne and the tremendous activity around it. Rev.4 and 5. Ez.1. Is.6v1-8. 1Tim.6v15,16.
The Scriptures reveal that the heavenly places are crowded with life and activity. There is the incessant activity of countless numbers of angels. Dan.7v9-14. 2Kings.6v17. 1Kings.22v19. Rev.5v11. Heb.12v22. Jn.3v13. with 17v24. There is continual conflict between good and evil angels, and we have to fight our way into these heavenly places. We can, unfortunately, imitate the ten spies, whose hearts failed when they saw the difficulties ahead, and draw back in fear and unbelief. However, those who fight through, like Caleb and Joshua, can possess a rich spiritual inheritance from their heavenly Father.

The suffering of the Godhead over a rebellious creation and a suffering world and Church.
See Rom.8v22,23,26. Acts.9v5. with Is.42v13-16. 63v9. Hosea.11v8. Lk.12v50. There is the continual conflict of the good angels and saints on earth with the powers of darkness. Job.1v6-12. 1Kings.22v19-23. Dan.10v13,20,21. Rev.12v7-12. Eph.6v10-20. Mt.4v1-11. Lk.10v18-20. 22v39-46. The suffering of His Creation causes immense suffering to our loving God.

The joy in Heaven in the character of the Father and Son and their victories over evil. Rev.4,5.
Ineffable joy and thanksgiving over the blood of Christ. Heb.12v4. Rev.12v7-12. Col.2v14,15. Great joy when sinners are saved. Lk.15v7-10. Joy over the glorious future of the inhabitants of God's kingdom. Rev.11v15-17. There is the glorious city and garden of God, His Paradise in Heaven. Rev.2v7. 21 and 22. Heb.11v16. 12v22,23,28. Ps.24v7-10. Ez.28v13-16.

The longsuffering love of God, and the just anger of God that flows from that love.
Rom.2v2-5. 2Pet.3v9-11. Is.42v13,14. The saints will rejoice when the unreconcilable wicked are destroyed or judged. Rev.15v2-6. 18v20. 19v1-6. This is not pleasure or satisfaction in seeing the wicked suffer and die, it is the thankfulness that their evil influence and the suffering that they caused is forever finished. Ez.18v23,32. 33v11.

N.B. Christ's power, strength and grace are given to the humble weak.
Jesus said that the church at Philadelphia had little strength, and so He moves to act on their behalf. Jesus gives the kingdom of Heaven to the beggars in spirit, He makes those strong who realise their weakness, He opens doors for those who can't open doors for themselves. Is.9v6. 22v22. 40v27-31. Mt.5v3. Eph.6v10. Jesus is, “Him that is holy and true,” and those who rely on Him will find that He works on their behalf. This is a strong consolation for all who have fled to Jesus for refuge; He is utterly devoted to us, and absolutely faithful to His Word. Heb.6v13-20. Rev.6v10. Job.6v10. Is.40v25. Hab.3v3. These Christians at Philadelphia needed this comfort, for they had suffered a great deal of persecution from Jews who thought that they were obeying and following God, when they were really being used by Satan. Jesus was going to make these Jews see their true spiritual condition and relationship to God, He was going to make them prostrate themselves before the Christians they had despised and persecuted. Rev.3v9. Ez.5v13. 6v7,13. 7v4. Is.49v23.

The Lord also promises that He will keep the Christians here from some kind of ill that was to befall all in that area. This deliverance from trouble is by no means the rule in the Christian life, the contrary is more true, God keeps us from being overcome by trials, if we face them with Him, not from being tried. There is a real need for us to be faithful in the trials and temptations of life. It is worth noting that Peter was delivered from death, whereas James was killed, we can rightly pray for deliverance from trial and temptation but we cannot always expect it. Lk.11v4. Acts.12v1-17. James.1v2. 1Pet.1v4-7. The Lord promises that those who overcome will be a pillar in the temple of God. There is a position of privilege and responsibility awaiting the faithful in Heaven. 1Kings.7v16-22. Gal.2v6. The writing of a name is obviously a mark of approval and affection; those who overcome will be on the honours list in Heaven and be near to their God forever.

LAODICEA. Rev.3v14-22.
Laodicea was some 40 miles East of Ephesus, it was a small and unimportant place before the time of Rome's power, but it grew very rapidly into a city of great power and wealth, becoming one of the richest commercial centres in the world. It was so rich that when the city was destroyed by an earthquake in A.D. 60, it did not accept the financial help of the Emperor, as many of the greatest cities of Asia had done which had suffered from the earthquake. It was the frequency of these earthquakes that many years later made the people abandon the spot altogether. Laodicea was ideally situated at a point on the great trade route that connected the interior with the West, and several branch roads joined there. Laodicea was famous for the garments made from the beautiful black wool of its sheep, it was also a centre of banking and business transactions and was well known for the business that it did in gold. It was an assize town, it also had a celebrated school of medicine, its most famous medicines were an ointment that strengthened the ears, and a powder made from crushed Phrygian stone for the eyes. Thus we see the force of our Lord's words, He counsels them to obtain from Himself the gold of heavenly riches instead of placing such great value on the gold of Laodicea. Jesus urges them to desire the white garments of a righteous life instead of the beautiful glossy black garments which they made. Jesus warns them that they also needed to be healed of their spiritual blindness and self-deception, for this was of more importance than their enthusiasm over their medical school and ointments.

This church at Laodicea had been tended by Epaphras, a most sacrificial and prayerful servant of God, but the cares of this life, and the deceitfulness of riches, and other worldly desires, had dominated their lives and choked the Word of God. Mt.13v22. Mk.4v19. Lk.8v11-15. Church History and the Laodiceans prove that nothing can corrupt a person's character and spiritual life as quickly as wealth and affluence. Mk.4v19. All the Laodiceans actually possessed was a blind self-conceit and complacency; the fire, enthusiasm and love that Christ expects were gone, they had got to the place where they thought that their godliness was proved by material gain. 1Tim.6v5,6. compare Phil.1v21. 3v7. 2Cor.8v9. Col.1v7. 4v12. The Lord Jesus emphasises that His judgement of them is true by calling Himself “The Amen.” What He says is always the truth, and what He says He will do, He will always perform. His judgement is perfect and we can only say “Amen” to all that He does. Rev.7v12. 19v4. 22v20. 2Cor.1v20. In Is 65v15,16., “truth” is in both cases the Hebrew “Amen.”

Robinson's Greek Lexicon makes the following instructive note on “Amen.”
“Amen, -- is strictly an adjective, true, certain, faithful. The Hebrew word occurs often in the New Testament as an adverb, truly certainly, surely; usually at the fulfilment of them, so be it. So in oaths and imprecations where the people answer amen and bind themselves. Neh.5v13. Or in praising God, when the assembly respond to the reader or choir, Ps.41v13.14. 72v19. Or lastly by individuals after an imprecation, or to a command. More rarely amen stands in the Old Testament at the beginning of a sentence, for the sake of emphasis, assuredly, verily, in truth. Hence in the New Testament.

From the Hebrew as an adjective, true, faithful. Rev.3v14. the true, the faithful and true witness, where the last words explain the first.

As an adverb at the end of a sentence, viz. after ascription of praise, hymns, etc. amen, so be it. Mt.16v13. Rom.1v25. 9v5. Rev.1v6. 5v14. 19v4. Also after benedictions, invocations, etc. Rom.15v33. 16v24. 1Cor.16v24. Heb.13v25.

As an adverb at the beginning of a sentence by way of asseveration, (i.e. solemn affirmation) truly, assuredly, certainly, Mt.5v18. 16v28. Lk.9v27. Mt.25v40. Lk.4v24. 5v25. In John it is repeated, amen, amen, Jn.3v3,5,11. 5v19. 8v51. etc. Very rarely in this sense in the end or middle of a clause. Rev.1v7. yea verily. 2Cor.1v20. are yea and amen, i.e. are most true and faithful.” End of quote.

Jesus emphasises His faithful, true and reliable character, which is in sharp contrast with, and a rebuke to, the unfaithful and worldly Laodicean church. He states His claim upon them as their Creator, by calling Himself, “The beginning of the creation of God.” Those who say that the word “arche,” “beginning,” in Rev.3v14. teaches that Christ was a created being, must also say that the Father was created too, for “arche,” “beginning” is used, in Rev.21v6., by the Father to describe Himself, when He says that He is “the beginning and the end.”

The Abbot and Smith Greek Lexicon, states that “arche” in Rev.21v6. refers to God as the eternal and first cause, and this is what Jesus is claiming in Rev.3v14..

The New English Bible, translates Rev.3v14., as, “The prime source of all God's creation.” Only the Creator is the origin, prime source and active cause of creation, this verse does not teach that Jesus was the first created being, it clearly states that He was the one who brought creation into being. We see in Rev.1v8,11,17. 2v8. and 22v13., that Jesus is, “The First and The Last,” another title of the Creator God, and Great I Am, and many Scriptures confirm this fact. Neh.9v6. John.1v3. Col.1v15-17. Heb.1v3,8-12. Rev.4v11. Jesus, like the Father, is from everlasting, as well as to everlasting. Micah.5v2. Is.63v16. Ps.90v2. 93v2. Is.9v6. Jn.17v5,24.

The Laodiceans were deceived by their wealth and filled with an arrogant self-sufficiency, they said, “I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” Their wealth and spiritual poverty is in sharp contrast with the Christians at Smyrna, who were poor but spiritually rich. Rev.2v9. The Laodicean Christians were completely ignorant of their true spiritual condition, they had been blinded by wealth and worldliness, they were rejoicing in their wealth when they should have been repenting of their spiritual poverty. They had deceived themselves but they could not deceive the Lord Jesus. There can be no doubt that the Christians gathered together for prayer and worship at the Lord's table, and probably exercised the gifts of the Holy Spirit to a certain extent, but they lived lives completely out of the will of God. In the face of great spiritual needs around them they were taken up with worldly interests and petty pursuits. In an hour of crisis when the Lord was imploring them to listen to Him, they were deaf to His voice, and His interests and plans were completely ignored.

Jesus, the foundation stone and prime source of the creation, tells the Laodiceans that their foundation was built upon sand. He that was clothed with zeal as with a cloak, finds their lack of zeal spirituality distasteful. Is.59v16,17. When Jesus told them that He desired them to be either hot or cold, it cannot mean that He desired them to be spiritually dead and unsaved in preference to them being just lukewarm. Jesus was saying that they had only the nauseating effect of a lukewarm drink, just as the hot springs at Hierapolis six miles away were lukewarm and useless when tapped at Laodicea. Jesus threatens to spue them out of His mouth, which probably means that He would cast them on one side as useless in His service.

Those who realise the poverty of earthly things and seek first the kingdom of Heaven can taste the riches of Heaven while here below. Mt.5v3. 6v31-34. The Christians at Laodicea needed the gold of character and not just gold in their bank, this gold is a love, faith and obedience that stands true under trial, a tried faith which has passed the test. They were naked and needed the white garments of a pure, faithful and righteous life. 2Cor.5v3. 1Pet.1v7. James.1v12. Rev.3v4,5. 4v4. 7v9,13. 16v15. 19v7-9. They needed to have their spiritual blindness healed, so that their eye could again be single and their whole personality full of light. Mt.6v19-24. “Blind,” is “tuphlos,” spiritual blindness, as in Mt.23v17.. They needed to behold the city of God and desire to lay up treasure there. They had neglected the one thing that was needful and could make them truly rich, communion with Jesus. Heb.11v10,13-16. Lk.10v41,42. So Jesus reproves them with some very strong words, “thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” “Wretched,” is “ho talaiporos,” which means wretched and pitiable, only here and Rom.7v24.. The word for “miserable” is “eleeinos,” which speaks of a person who the object of the most extreme pity, Paul uses it in 1Cor.15v19.. “Poor,” is “ptochos,” which speaks of total spiritual destitution and beggary. Compare 2Cor.8v9., where it states that Jesus, who was rich and owned all things, became as poor financially as the poorest beggar, so that He could make us rich with the spiritual blessings of the kingdom of Heaven.

If Jesus spoke to us in the way that He spoke to the Laodiceans, many would say, “That is not the Lord, He loves us too much to talk to us like that.” Prophecy is nearly always intended to comfort us, but we should take heed if godly, loving and spiritual people are used by God to correct us. Jesus corrects us because He loves us, and His love flowed out to this conceited, self-satisfied and disobedient church at Laodicea. He would not let them continue on the path to spiritual destruction, if He could stop it. Jesus commands them to repent, and replace their lukewarm service by zeal. Jesus reproves and chastens those who He loves, if we will not listen to His wise counsel we must be taught to do so by a chastening that must of necessity be painful. Heb.12v1-17. Jn.3v20. 16v8. Job.5v17. Prov.3v12.

The Lord uses some very strong words in the Scriptures to show us the enormous privileges of those who overcome and the fearful loss of the slothful, timid and unbelieving. Mt.25v14-30. Heb.3v6-19. 6v1-20. Jesus makes the most tremendous efforts to save us from such a dreadful fate, He stands and knocks at the door of the heart, urgently, plainly and persistently, with great condescension, forbearance and importunity, and for those who hear there is complete restoration, they sup with God. Lk.12v36,37. Jn.10v4,27. 14v23. They also have the glorious prospect of reigning with Christ, a glorious promise that shows how the grace of God can restore the backslider. Jesus says that they could still overcome and reign with Him.

Jesus was standing and knocking, not at the hearts of sinners, but at the hearts of the saints. How awful! Jesus was shut out of the lives that He had saved. They thanked Him for His love, but would not listen to His plans, His guidance, or His desire to use them to bless a needy world. This happens today in many modern Laodicean churches. Jesus still knocks upon the closed door of the heart of lukewarm Christians, by the Scriptures, by the Holy Spirit, by the example of spiritual Christians, and sometimes by painful means such as sickness, bereavement and persecution. 1Cor.11v27-32. 2Kings.10v31,32. 2Chron.16v7-12. with 2Chron.15v1-8. and 1Kings15v1-15. He chastens in this way, so that we might have our eyes turned from the transient riches of earth to the eternal riches of Heaven. Jn.17v24. Lk.22v30. Mt.19v28. 2Tim.2v12. 2Cor.4v17,18.

There is no mention of persecution in this church, though there may have been, we know that those who live godly in Jesus do suffer persecution. 2Tim.3v12. It could be that their Christian standards were so low, that they did not convict the ungodly of their sin. If we are Laodicean we can soon find out, no works, no first love, an emphasis on worldly things, no burden for the lost, a deaf ear to the voice of Jesus, and a life that is tolerated by the world, because it is so very little different from their own.

CONCLUSION.
We see the spiritual condition of these seven churches about 40 to 50 years after they had been established by the apostle Paul and his helpers, only two out of the seven escape rebuke from the Lord Jesus. It is impossible to tell from the condition of these towns today, what the reaction of these churches was to the message of Jesus. Their response is to be found in Church history, if the facts are at all available. Church history reveals that every revival started by God has spiritually degenerated, and in the end has been ruled by men instead of God. The further churches are from the source of revival, the more polluted the river of church life becomes with the traditions of men, Jesus made this very point in Mt.15v3-9. and Mk.7v5-13.. Even Jesus found it impossible to revive these tradition-bound formal religionists. God has almost invariably raised up a new revival movements, by moving upon new seeking hearts, and bringing out a faithful remnant out of the existing churches. This does not mean that Christians should leave dead or lukewarm churches without an effort to renew their spiritual glow, they should strive in prayer, love, and witness to revive their churches. However, Paul tells us that the time may come when we have to “turn away” from those “who have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof.” 2Tim.3v5.

When God has raised up a faithful remnant into a new movement full of His power, there has almost inevitably been violent opposition from other churches, and even from Christians from the same church background. Earnest Christians who have desired and experienced revival have often been expelled from movements and denominations by those who have objected to their experience of God, and refused to listen to the voice of God. Christ’s true Church has always experienced criticism and opposition, and God-inspired revivals have, like our Lord, invariably been, “a sign that is spoken against.” Lk.2v34. The early Church was looked upon and persecuted as an heretical dangerous sect by both Jews and worldlings, the Jews at Rome said to Paul, “for as concerning this sect, we know that it is everywhere spoken against.” Acts.28v22. Martyrdom is a real possibility in genuine revival. Jn.16v1-3. We need to take to heart the words, “He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches,” or we shall fail to be among those who overcome and inherit the promises.

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