Teaching Notes Book of Revelation - Chapter 3

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Teaching Notes Book of Revelation - Chapter 3

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Hugh C. Wood, Atlanta, Georgia

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Revelation 3

New International Version

To the Church in Sardis

3 “To the angel[a] of the church in Sardis write:

These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits[b] of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.

4 Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. 6 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

To the Church in Philadelphia

7 “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:

These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. 8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. 10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.

11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12 The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. 13 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

To the Church in Laodicea

14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:

These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Footnotes

Revelation 3:1 Or messenger; also in verses 7 and 14


Revelation 3:1 That is, the sevenfold Spirit

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Bible Project
Revelation 1-11

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The Church at Sardis.  Modern Turkey

The Message to the Church at Sardis
Verse 1
1 And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: These things says He that has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your works, that you have a name that you live, and yet you are dead.
Commentary: Sardis was about fifty miles to the northeast of Ephesus. There is still a town on the site, but over the years it has come to be known as Sart. It was the provincial capital of the region of Lydia, which five hundred years before Christ had controlled most of the coast of Asia Minor and its offshore islands. Sardis was famous for its arts and crafts. It was also the first place to mint gold and silver coins. In the past, the Lydian kings had been so wealthy that King Croesus, who ruled in the middle of the sixth century B.C., had become a legend for his riches, and it was said that the sands of the River Pactolus, which ran through Lydia, were golden. Croesus overstepped himself in 549 B.C., however. He attacked the mighty Persian Empire, who defeated him soundly and colonized Lydia. Sardis then became the seat of Persia’s regional governor.

Three hundred years after the defeat by Persia, Lydia was conquered again, this time by the Romans. It was still under their control at the end of the first century A.D. when Revelation was written. Despite huge relief efforts by Rome, Sardis never recovered its former glory after it was devastated by a great earthquake in 17 A.D. The town, though humbled, did continue to exist however, and the passage in Revelation is evidence that there was a Christian community there in the late first century. Jesus alludes to the city's diminished glory when he says to the church, “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, and yet you are dead” (3:1).

Sardis was the capital of the rich and powerful kingdom of Lydia. This church had lost its zeal, and was now just "there", not doing any worthy deeds, and having no spirit left. Sardis represents a "dead orthodoxy", a church that follows the form of religion without making any real contribution.

Verse 2
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.
Commentary: There was a remnant of fervent believers at Sardis. Jesus exhorts them to stir up the coals of faith in the others and encourage them to return to the church's primary role of spreading the gospel and gaining converts. Either make the tree good and his fruit good, or else make the tree corrupt and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit" (Matthew 13:33).

While the dwindling faith of the followers is important, the passage indicates that the more important issue is that they have not finished what they are supposed to do. Their works are not perfect; therefore they must purify themselves in order to please God. The phrase "Be watchful" reflects unreadiness or a lack of diligence in the followers of Sardis. The next verse continues this theme of unreadiness by stating that Jesus will come unexpectedly, like a thief. Since they do not know the time of his arrival, the only thing they can do is perfect themselves.

According to D.E. Aunde, the verse could also be translated as "strengthen those who remain but are at the point of death" (Revelation 1-5, (1997), p. 219). This carries with it the connotation of Christians being martyred for their faith.

Revelation verse 2 begins the five step plan that Jesus put into place to help fix the problems. The first step, be watchful, states that there needs to be aware and prepareed instead of being relaxed and unprepared. The second step, strengthen, is set into place to show the followers need to establish the important aspects of the church and strengthen their values within the church.

Verse 3
3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard, and hold fast and repent. If therefore you will not watch, I will come on you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.
Commentary: Jesus' words allude to the way in which the Persians had overcome the supposedly invincible citadel at Sardis with a surprise attack. The church is admonished to remember how the apostles delivered the gospel to them, hold fast to that good teaching, and repent of their deadness. If they do not, then they will be caught by surprise just like the unbelievers when the Day of Judgment arrives. Interestingly, a similar statement made by Jesus is also recorded in the book of Luke: "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man" (21:36, KJV). Jesus's repetition of this statement places significant weight on "watching" and being prepared for the Lord's coming, in the hopes that people will grasp this message and heed the warning. It is also important to note that the verse in Revelation talks of Jesus coming as a "thief", which shows that the Church better turn things around because Jesus could show up unexpectedly.

Verse 3 continues the five step plan for Sardis that began in verse 2. The third step, remember, tells Sardis that it needs to look back to the beginning and remember when they first revieced the Gospel. The fourth step, hold fast, states that Sardis needs to return to the Scripture. The final step that Jesus suggested was repent.

Verse 4
4 You have a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments, and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
Commentary: Jesus' words here allude to Sardis' famous garment industry (hence our word sartorial). White garments are symbolic of purity and holiness.If a person had a soiled garment, they were not allowed to worship. The believers who have held fast to their faith are still clean because they have tried and will continue trying to correct the problems. Such are promised their reward in heaven, even if their efforts fail. This verse makes reference to a small group of Christians that Jesus feels are following him in the correct way. He then calls for them to show others the way that the Church should worship him. The same Greek word that means "watch" can also mean "wake up." Thus, this could mean that the people of Sardis, or all people, need to wake up and follow the word of God and embrace purity.

Verse 5
5 He that overcomes, the same will be clothed in white, and I will not blot his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Commentary: Those that conquer the devil will be robed in white by a means of grace. This "gift" is given without anything in return. It is by God's grace and through Jesus' death on the cross that sinners are able to be clothed in white. Those who wear this color will be noticed in the eyes of all. By having one's name in the book of life, he/she can be ensured that they are remembered in the Kingdom. By him confessing the name of the one who has overcome evil in front of God and his angels, this is showing that he will receive the highest praise for his duties to the Lord.

Additionally, this verse raises issues concerning free will and predetermination. On the one hand, John mentions the book of life in such a way that indicates that it already contains a list of names of those who will be a part of the Kingdom of God. However, John refers to blotting names out of the book, which would seem to indicate that the contents of the book of life are mutable, dependent upon the actions or free will of each individual.

The image also opens up the possibility that one could be removed from the book. In the O.T. the "book of life" refers to early life while in contrast the "book of life" refers to eternal life. Therefore, if we go along with what the image implies it is possible to have the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ work on the cross removed.

Verse 6
6 He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Commentary: The churches are again admonished to understand and obey the teaching of these messages. He is saying that not only those who hear the word of God have to obey the word, but everyone must do what is right and follow what is said. Everyone is capable of following, because everyone has an ear to hear the word of God.

The Message to the Church at Philadelphia
Verse 7
7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These things says He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens.
Commentary: Philadelphia, which today is the Turkish town of Alaşehir, was about seventy miles inland from Ephesus. The name means “brotherly love.” The city derived its name, not from a reputation for brotherly love among its inhabitants, but from its founder, King Attalus II Philadelphus, who ruled the region from 159 to 138 B.C. He was so named because of his devotion to his brother. Philadelphia was a very Hellenistic culture; it could be considered a “Little Athens”. In addition to being an agricultural center, Philadelphia was a producer of leather goods and textiles. It also served as a commercial link between other cities. Like Sardis, Philadelphia was devastated by the earthquake of 17 A.D. Located right on the fault, it is said to have suffered after-shocks for twenty years. This final recording of the city keeps to a theme in the book of Revelation of sevens. Seven is a symbol of completion.

Philadelphia’s church had been faithful in spite of persecution, hence Christ’s words: “...he who is true.” Christ continues his description of himself with a quote from Isaiah: “…he who has the key of David, who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens” (3:7). If this message follows the pattern of the others, these words had a special meaning for Philadelphia in some way, but it is no longer clear how.

As the greeting is positive, so is the message. The church at Philadelphia was doing the best job of the seven. In application, it represents the faithful churches of all ages, and the message is for them. The key of David is a messianic title from Isaiah 22:22. "He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens" means that whatever the Lord ordains cannot be negated by the actions of man. This passage is offering the followers of Christ a place of honor and security in the presence of God as well as showing the sovereignty and power of God in his ability to open doors and close doors that man are unable to do for themselves.

Verse 8
8 I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it, for you have a little strength, and have kept my word, and have not denied my name.
Commentary: Jesus is commending the church for their works. They have kept their doctrine pure and have not failed to spread the gospel. "A little strength" is all the Lord asks of mortal man. He knows we have not the power to change the world, He is satisfied if we only give love and good testimony to our neighbor. Because the church has done well, Jesus promises that He will empower them. He is saying that their efforts will be fruitful, and their witness will not be in vain.

This metaphor of a door is a recurring theme throughout The Bible. See 1 Cor 16.9 and 2 Cor 2.12. For more extensive commentary on the metaphor, see Rev 3.20.

Verse 9
9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews and are not, but lie, I will make them to come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.
Commentary: At some level, John is drawing a connection between Satan the Jewish community Smyrna. It is, however, difficult to assess how literally this is to be read. It has been asserted that Satan worship may have taken place in the synagogue, though it seems more likely that the actions the author is referring to are "of Satan," considering his previous use of such syntax. Additionally, if John is not directly referencing Romans 9.6, then the spirit of it seems to be present when he refers to Jews that are inauthentic. The passage in Romans indicates that not all of Abraham's descendants are true Jews. This verse is also looking to illustrate that Jews will soon be sorry and will in the end understand that the Christians were the ones that were truly faithful. However, many Christians at this time considered themselves Jews still since organized Christianity was widely persecuted in this time period. Therefore, they are being accused of falsely being under the title of a Jew and hiding their true faith from the public. This was an action to be reprimanded by New Testament standards since it would appear that they were ashamed of their faith.

Verse 10
10 Because you have kept the word of my patience, I also will keep you from the hour of temptation, which will come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Commentary: This verse is cited by believers in the Rapture as evidence for their belief. The "hour of temptation" indicates far more than a mere sixty minute time span. It is an extended period of worldwide tribulation (Greek peirasmos) which has not yet occurred (Daniel 12:1, Matthew 24:21, 29). The word "from" is the Greek ek, meaning "out of". Thus, the verse is promising that true believers, that is those who adhere to the Word, will be removed (raptured) from the world before the Tribulation Period begins. Not all Christian sects believe this, and other interpretations are possible. One of these interpretations could be such that God is coming down to "protect" his followers, rather than coming to take them off to Heaven.

Verse 11
11 Behold, I come quickly. Hold fast what you have, so that no one take your crown.
Commentary: Assuming Verse 10 does refer to a Rapture event, the promise in Verse 11 must refer to that event and not the final return to establish the Millennial Kingdom. Terms like "shortly" and "quickly" are not to be understood as "tomorrow". God's time frame is not that of man.

This reference to a Rapture event coincides with the belief that after the second-coming of Christ, a period of great turmoil will ensue. The writer is urging the reader (in this case, the church) to stay true to God even in that time of great distress so that no one (not even the "anti-Christ") will be able to take away God's plan of salvation for His believers.

Verse 12
12 Him that overcomes will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will go out no more, and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is the new Jerusalem which comes down out of heaven from my God, and I will write upon him my new name.
Commentary: The church in Philadelphia has indeed been a "pillar," surviving to the present day in spite of the advance of Islam. The believer is promised a place of service and honor before God. The threefold reference to the Name constitutes a guarantee of eternal security and citizenship in the Kingdom of God.

"I will write upon him the name of my God..., and I will write upon him my new name": Compare 2:17 [1]. Later in Revelation, John describes a vision of Jesus and says, “He had a name written that no one knew except himself... and his name is called the Word of God” (Rev 19:12-13) [2]. The "name" and the "Word" are therefore one. The Word is not a written or spoken word, nor can it be written or spoken. "Word" and "name" are simply terms which are used to denote a spiritual reality, in the same way that the word "cup" represents an object, but the word "cup" itself is not the object. It is simply what we call it. So it is with the "Word" and the "name" of God. In John 1:1, we read that the Word (and therefore the "name" of God) is both with God, and is God. The Gospel of John says that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (Jn 1:14). The terms "name" and "Word," then, both refer to the spirit of God which was embodied in Jesus. This spiritual name of God will eventually be revealed, however, for as this verse says, "I will write upon him the name of my God." Similarly, in chapter 22, John says that "[God's] name will be on their foreheads” (Rev 22:4) [3].

These passages, when taken together, indicate that God's people will be given the ability to experience his presence directly, and spiritually, within themselves. They will be connected to him externally through the Incarnation, but will also be connected to him internally through the knowledge of his true name, the revealed Spirit of God. Jesus said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation, nor will they say, ‘Look here!’ or ‘Look there!’ for, indeed, the kingdom of God is within you” (Lk 17:20-21). The opening of a pathway to a direct experience of the Spirit within us is also what is meant by the promise to the church at Pergamos that God's people will "eat of the hidden manna," and God will reveal to them a name "which no one knows except he who receives it" (2:17) [4]. Since the name is a spiritual experience and cannot be written or spoken, only the one who receives it can know it. The phrase used here, "I will write upon him the name of my God," is therefore a figure of speech which is used to denote a spiritual experience which will be imparted by the Lord to his disciples. He will, in fact, reveal himself to them -- not his physical self, but his spiritual self which cannot be seen with physical eyes. Those who receive his "name" will have the ability to remain in constant spiritual communion with him.

Jesus' spiritual form, then, is referred to as the Name (or the Word) of God, and this and other passages indicate that it will be revealed to those who sincerely seek him. The moment of initiation, when the Name is revealed to the seeker, may be the sealing of believers referred to in Rev 7:1-3 [5] and 9:4 [6]. It also may be equivalent to the baptism of the Holy Spirit of apostolic times (cf. Mk 1:8; Acts 8:17; etc.), though it probably does not equate to the usage of that phrase in church circles today, which more often denotes the working of grace in a believer's life, or an isolated experience of the "infilling" of the Spirit, rather than an open door into the experience of the Holy Spirit within the believer.

Verse 13
13 He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Commentary: As before, this phrase means the reader is to understand and obey these prophecies.

The Message to the Church at Laodicea
Verse 14
14 And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write: These things says the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God.
Commentary: The last of the seven churches which Jesus addresses in Revelation is Laodicea. Laodicea was situated about a hundred miles inland from Ephesus in the Lycus River valley near Hierapolis and Colossae. Its ruins can be found near the modern Turkish town of Eskihisar. Colossae and Hierapolis were neighbors of Laodicea, and there was much communication between the churches in these cities. Paul writes in his epistle to the Colossians, “Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea” (Col. 4:16). Unfortunately, the epistle to Laodicea which Paul mentions has not been preserved for us. It probably disappeared along with the church to which it was addressed.

Laodicea was founded by the Seleucid king, Antiochus II, who controlled the area between 261 and 246 B.C. He named the city for his wife, Laodice, who ironically was later responsible for his death, after he divorced her and married another woman for political reasons. The city was situated on a busy trade route which was largely responsible for its considerable prosperity. This prosperity was such that after suffering extensive damage in the earthquake of 60 A.D., the city refused an offer of assistance from Rome and rebuilt the city using money from its own coffers. It was a major banking center, and Cicero himself is said to have cashed drafts there en route to Cilicia in 51 B.C. Jaodicea was also famous for it's medical schooling.

The special use of "Amen" here means "He who is", and is comparable to the Hebrew Yahweh meaning "I Am".

Verses 15-16
15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I would you were cold or hot. 16 So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth.
Commentary: Hierapolis had hot mineral water believed to be medicinal, while Colossae was famed for its cold, pure water. Laodicea's water had to be delivered by aqueduct, and therefore arrived lukewarm, so Jesus' words, again, have special meaning for the church in question, which had the show of faith, but no genuine belief. Because the church was paying no more than lip service to God, attempting to justify their lack of spirituality and depending upon their self-righteousness, Christ says He has no prerogative, but to "spew them out", or eject them from His presence. This oft-cited verse has been interpreted in many contemporary circles that God disapproves of half-done attempts, asserting that God would prefer no action (cold water) than a listless attempt (lukewarm water). While this could be the case, the historical context seems to allude to a sense of functionality. Considering the hot mineral water in Hierapolis and pure water of Colossae, lukewarm water would serve no useful function in the hot, arid climate of Asia Minor. In his 2003 commentary Revelation, Ben Witherington III writes, "Just across from Laodicea the hot springs went over limestone cliffs and became lukewarm and brackish. Anyone drinking it would spit it out. The imagery seems to be pointedly directed toward the audience's life situation...The Laodiceans are faulted for being neither hot nor cold."

Verses 17-18
17 Because you say, “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing,” and know not that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked, 18 I counsel you to buy of me gold tried in the fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments, so that you may be clothed and the shame of your nakedness not appear. And anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
Commentary: Jesus alludes to several things for which the city was famous: its wealth, its medical center and school (it was particularly famous for its eye salve), and its textile industry (famous for its black wool, from which were made clothes and carpets). He counsels the church there to buy "gold tried in the fire" and "white garments," and "anoint their eyes with eye salve" in order to see their true condition.

The church members thought that, because they were well off and had no physical problems, they were well with God too. Jesus tells them that their wealth is nothing to Him, and that their faithless church is unacceptable. "Gold tried in the fire" means true belief and faith, which gains acceptance in heaven. This claim that Laodicea is rich and has no needs, physically and offers that Laodicea is poor and naked spiritually. But through relationship in Christ Jesus one is cleaned, made new, and dressed in white clothes (cross-reference to Revelation 3:4).

The phrase "buy from me gold tried in the fire" in verse 18 is likely an idiom for removing sins from one's life. See Proverbs 27.21. The metaphor of a commercial transaction is strong because the city was known for its manufacturing abilities.

Verse 19
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Be zealous, therefore, and repent.
Commentary:It is in this verse that the readers understand why Jesus deals firmly with the Laodicean church. He is jarring the church in order to get their attention. His strong statements in the previous verses were not words of constant condemnation, but a loving rebuke. Jesus sheds light on their true heart conditions. Even though the church as a whole was unacceptable, Jesus still holds out His hand. He loves those who would follow Him, and tells them what they need to do in order to regain His favor. This illustrates that a Christian who has stumbled need never feel hopeless.

Verse 20
20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me.
Commentary: This evangelistic invitation is one of the most quoted verses in the Bible. Jesus offers salvation and eternal life to everyone, regardless of their station in life. To dine together is to be accepted into His Kingdom; not simply as someone "allowed" in, but as someone who enjoys the full blessings of belonging to His "family", as it were. This is an invitation into a personal fellowship with Jesus Christ. But, in order to follow Jesus Christ one must invite him in. Unlike in verse 7, man has control of opening and shutting the door as salvation never occurs against one’s own will. However, many may argue that using this scripture to merely preach a salvation message would be taking it out of context. It is important to also note that in this verse Jesus is addressing a lukewarm church. The reader is provided with a pictorial representation of Jesus standing outside the Laodicean church and knocking. God exhorts the lukewarm church community to renew their covenant with Him, to restore the great intimacy that was once there, and to become zealous for Him, again. He should have never been "kicked out" of the "church," (ekklesia (Greek): “an assembly”-- The root meaning of “church” is not a structural building, but a representation of the people), a place where His presence belongs and should be welcomed.

Verse 21
21 To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me on my throne, even as I also overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
Commentary: Again we have a clear statement that Jesus Christ is the speaker, and that He wields the full authority of the Godhead. Jesus overcame death and hell when He shed His blood to redeem mankind from sin. Now He holds His rightful position, and promises that those who have saving faith will share it with Him.

Possibly another reference to a Rapture event. Those that have faith and overcome what his happen after the second-coming of Christ, will be welcomed into the Kingdom of God.

Verse 22
22 He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Commentary: This concludes the letters to the seven churches. The reader is advised to understand and obey what has been written. Take note that these letters continue the trend of the number seven used throughout the book of Revelation.

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Hugh C. Wood, Atlanta, Georgia

New International Version (NIV)

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(c) Ben Witherington III, Revelation, Cambridge University Press: New York, 2003.

 Witherington, Ben. Revelation. Cambridge Univeristy Press, 2003.

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Teaching Notes Book of Revelation - Chapter 2

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Teaching Notes Book of Revelation - Chapter 2

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Hugh C. Wood, Atlanta, Georgia

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Revelation 2

New International Version

To the Church in Ephesus

2 “To the angel[a] of the church in Ephesus write:

These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6 But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

To the Church in Smyrna
8 “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:

These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9 I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.

11 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.

To the Church in Pergamum
12 “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:

These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 13 I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.

14 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. 15 Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

17 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.

To the Church in Thyatira

18 “To the angel of the church in Thyatira write:

These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.

20 Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. 21 I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. 22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. 23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.

24 Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets, ‘I will not impose any other burden on you, 25 except to hold on to what you have until I come.’

26 To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— 27 that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery’[b]—just as I have received authority from my Father. 28 I will also give that one the morning star. 29 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Footnotes
Revelation 2:1 Or messenger; also in verses 8, 12 and 18
Revelation 2:27 Psalm 2:9

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Bible Project
Revelation 1-11

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Verse 1

1 To the angel of the church of Ephesus write: These things says He that holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.

Commentary: The city of Ephesus was an important commercial and religious center in John's time. It was John's headquarters before his exile, and he returned there after his release. Ephesus was the "mother" church that established the other six churches who received these messages. The line "To the angel of the church of Ephesus write" is a good argument for the stars representing earthly church leaders. Actual angels would not need a written letter, for they have the ability to directly know God's will.

Ephesus was a port city which was situated at the estuary of the River Cayster. It was the chief city of the region and one of the most important business and cultural centers in the empire outside of Rome. Although in John’s time it was on the coast, it is now several miles inland due to natural changes in the coastline. Its ruins have been extensively explored and excavated. Paul, Peter, and John all spent time there, with John being in the position of leadership at the time of his exile.

The author of Revelation probably included a letter of warning to the city of Ephesus because of the city's connection with emperor worship and with other powerful religious cults. Within the city of Ephesus, there were at least two temples dedicated to Augustus, the first Roman Emperor to be worshiped. The connections between the Ephesus in the Book of Revelation and emperor worship are also further strengthened if one believes that the Book of Revelation was recorded during the reign of Domitian. Under Domitian, Ephesus was named a guardian of the imperial cult and likely had statues of or temples dedicated to Domitian or his brother and predecessor, Titus. In addition to being a seat of emperor worship, Ephesus also was home to other well established and popular religious cults such as the cult of Artemis/Diana, which was centered around the impressive temple dedicated to the goddess.

Verses 2-3

2 I know your works, and your labour, and your patience, and how you cannot bear them which are evil. And you have tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and have found them liars, 3 and have persevered, and have patience, and for my name's sake have laboured, and have not fainted.
Commentary: The church is commended for its doctrinal soundness, refusal of corrupting influences, perseverance and endurance in the face of persecution, and for the fact that they have worked the Lord's will with proper motive and without turning back (fainting). There is alor of imagery to Christ's power in this verse. This verse not only shows that God is the one to hold the world together and is all powerful, but it also shows that one can find comfort in him. In this verse, the writer is most likey referring to a coming of Jesus and judgement.

Verses 4-5

4 Nevertheless, I have somewhat against you, because you have left your first love. 5 Remember, therefore, from whence you are fallen, and repent, and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly, and will remove your candlestick out of its place, except you repent.

Commentary: The church is sharply rebuked because they have fallen into complacence. Although the Ephesians had centered their activities around God, they relegated Him to a substandard position in their lives, not making their love for God their number one priority. The love they once had was waning.When the church at Ephesus was young, it actively evangelized the country, establishing daughter churches and gaining converts. Now they are "resting on their laurels", doing good work, but not doing the fervent work the Lord wanted. He warns that He will set them aside (but not completely reject them) unless they return to the Will of the Lord. It seems the warning was not heeded, for despite efforts to save it, the famous port of Ephesus gradually silted up and the city was left high and dry, cut off from the main source of its wealth. All that remains of Ephesus today are its ruins.

Verse 6

6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Commentary: The Nicolaitans were early Christian-pagan syncretists, false teachers that crept into the church, who disguised themselves as followers of Christ – who professed to be His ministers and servants – but who led the people astray. They would create long prayers that would be performed publicly. Peter wrote of them that they “despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed, and like brutish beasts speak evil of the things they do not understand. They are spots and blemishes in the churches, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you". Even though the Nicolaitans had committed a horrible sin, it is known that Jesus does not hate the sinner, only the sin. Jesus taught his disciples to watch out for false teachers and prophesies. He declared the teachings of the Nicolaitans as corrupt and immoral.

Verse 7

7 He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Commentary: "He that has an ear, let him hear" comes from a command from the Gospels (Matthew 11:15, Mark 4:9, Luke 9:8) and is repeated later in Revelation 13:9 means that everyone reading or hearing this message should strive to understand it and take action to come into compliance with God's wishes. It is also a reminder that the author wrote this book from visions of the Lord meaning that these visions are interpreted. Those with the ability to understand these dreams are to report what the spirit is telling them. Though this letter is to the Ephesians, it is a personal command and promise rather than corporate. The reward of listening to the Lord is eating from the tree of life (Genesis 3:22 and Revelation 22:2). The paradise of God is also mentioned in Luke 23:43. It can be interpreted of a New Jerusalem or a place like that in the Garden of Eden, a perfect living with God.

The Message to the Church at Smyrna

Verse 8

8 And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These things says the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive.

Commentary: Also on the coast, about forty miles to the north of Ephesus, was the city of Smyrna, the “glory of Asia.” It still exists today, though it is now called Izmir. Like Ephesus, Smyrna had the double advantage of being located on a major highway and having an excellent port. Rich farmland surrounded the city, and it was a natural terminal for a busy inland trade route. The city had been destroyed by the Lydians in 627 B.C. and was little more than a village for three centuries. But in the third century B.C., Smyrna began to revive as a business and cultural center, and by the end of the first century, it had made so much progress that it rivaled Ephesus in importance. Smyrna, therefore, was known as the city that had died and come back to life. So Jesus’ opening words were especially significant for the church there.

The city’s leadership was consistently loyal to Rome. This loyalty had initially been inspired by the threat of Antiochus the Great of Syria at the beginning of the second century B.C. This threat made Rome a very desirable friend and ally. As a token of Smyrna’s loyalty, a temple was erected in the city to “the goddess Rome” in 195 B.C. Over two hundred years later, in 26 A.D., construction was begun on another temple for the worship of the Roman emperor, who at the time was Tiberius. The city was famous as a center of learning, particularly in the fields of science and medicine.

Again we have proof that the speaker is none other than Jesus Christ. Being eternal and immutable, neither the Father nor the Holy Spirit ever suffered death. Only the Son, as the human manifestation of the Godhead, can make that claim. He suffered His earthly body to die in order to redeem mankind from sin, and now He has returned to His rightful place in the Godhead.

Verse 9

9 I know your works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but you are rich,) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

Commentary: The church at Smyrna was experiencing problems with Jewish converts who had not fully understood the doctrine of salvation by grace, and the nature of Christ's all-sufficient atonement. As a result, they were still bound to a legalistic form of religion and they insisted that it was necessary for converts to Christianity follow the laws of Moses. This is contrary to the Gospel because it puts works into the salvation picture, thus negating Christ's finished work of redemption, for, as Paul says, "by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Eph 2:8-9). The church was also undergoing severe persecution. This hostility caused the Christians to lose all of their possessions to the Jews. Despite losing all of their earthly things, they still remained rich because they remained unwavering in their faith.

Verse 10

10 Fear none of those things which you shall suffer. Behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried, and you shall have tribulation ten days. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life.

Commentary: Smyrna was known for its architecture, especially its beautiful temples and its public buildings, which formed a ring around the top of Mount Pagos, like a crown. It is in reference to this “crown of Smyrna” that Jesus says, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life.” The crown might also refer to the laurel wreath which Olympic champions would wear. One of Smyrna’s claims to fame was its hosting of such games. In addition to these games, Smyrna is also known to be the home of the ancient Greek poet, Homer. The emblem which the city used to represent itself was a wreath. Clearly, there would have been many images going through the original readers’ minds[1]. . This wreath may also be connected to the wreath of thorns that Jesus wore at his crucifixion.

Jesus gives no condemnation to the church at Smyrna, but encourages them to continue as they are no matter how bad things get. He warns them that they have a rough road ahead, but promises them it will be of short duration. Again, a reward is promised for faithful service.

A note on the use of “10 days.” This is not a literal prediction. It is known that the persecutions in Smyrna lasted much longer than this. Ten is used in Revelation, as well as elsewhere, to represent completion. By using ten here, John is telling the people of Smyrna that there will be an end. By using days instead of months or years, he probably means that the time of suffering will be short[2].

Verse 11

11 He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He that overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.

Commentary: The second death is eternal destruction in the lake of fire, reserved for the unbelievers (Revelation 20:14,15). The implication is that the believers at Smyrna might suffer and even die at the hands of men, but if they kept their faith, their reward would be certain.

The Message to the Church at Pergamos
Verse 12

12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write: These things says He which has the sharp sword with two edges.

Commentary: Pergamos, or Pergamum, was about a hundred miles north of Ephesus, in the region known as Mysia. It was situated about fifteen miles inland. There is still a small town on the site today, though over the years the name has changed slightly and it is now called Bergama. Pergamos’ time of glory had been in the third and second centuries B.C., when it was the capital of a small independent kingdom. In the second century, at the instigation of King Eumenes II (197-159 B.C.), a library was built which was second only to that of Alexandria, in northern Egypt. There was also a famous school of sculpture. The city’s affluence was tied to a number of flourishing industries, including agriculture, wool products, silver, and parchment, which was invented there. It became a part of the Roman province of Asia when King Attalus III, probably sensing the inevitability of Roman domination, bequeathed the kingdom to Rome in 133 B.C. Jesus says, “These things says he who has the sharp two-edged sword” (2:12). The sharp, two-edged sword is apparently a figurative way of referring to the power of words, for in the previous chapter, John describes Jesus as having a sharp, two-edged sword coming out of his mouth (1:16), and later on in this chapter, Jesus himself refers to the sword of his mouth (2:16). This is a fitting introduction for a city which was famous for its parchment and its library.

The sharp sword with two edges is the Word of God. In this case, it refers not just to the Scriptures, but also to the power of God to judge and to punish. The church will be threatened with judgment in the next verses.

Verse 13

13 I know your works, and where you dwell, even where Satan's seat is, and you hold fast My name, and have not denied My faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells.

Commentary: Jesus' words: “I know... where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is” are a reference to the “throne of Zeus” which was located on the top of a hill overlooking the city. Zeus, as the chief of the gods, was a particular symbol of paganism, and the city was a major center for pagan cults. In addition to Zeus, there were temples dedicated to Athena (goddess of wisdom), Apollo (god of prophecy, music and poetry), and Asklepios (god of healing). It also became the site of the first temple erected for the worship of Caesar in 29 B.C., during the reign of Augustus. Some of these temples employed “priestesses,” who were actually prostitutes, as a part of their worship. The church at Pergamos, therefore, was in an especially precarious position among the early churches. Pergamos (Roman Pergamum) was a veritable melting pot of pagan religions and emperor worship. We are not told who Antipas was, but he apparently was killed by the unbelievers. Jesus commends the church for holding firm in the face of the Satanic influences and, it seems, in the face of physical violence as well.

Verse 14

14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication.

Commentary: The author alludes to the diviner Balaam of Numbers 22.5-24.25. Balaam is further mentioned in Numbers 31:16. Balaam led the Israelites to compromise their faith in Christianity and engage in sins such as sexual relations with outsiders and idolatry. The phrase "to eat things sacrifices to idols" could refer to either participating in ritual banquets or simply partaking of food that had been sacrificed in a pagan temple. This food could have been unknowingly purchased in the market by the Christians of Pergamum. The phrase "commit fornication" is probably not meant to be taken literally. This is likely a metaphor that refers not to sexual infidelity, but spiritual or religious infidelity.

Verse 15

15 So have you also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

Commentary: Again we meet the Nicolaitans, whose doctrine was not that much different from the followers of Balaam. It will be useful to repeat here the commentary of Verse 6: The Nicolaitans were early Christian-pagan syncretists, false teachers that crept into the church, who disguised themselves as followers of Christ – who professed to be His ministers and servants – but who led the people astray. Peter wrote of them that they “despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed, and like brutish beasts speak evil of the things they do not understand. They are spots and blemishes in the churches, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you".

Verse 16

16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

Commentary: The entire church is warned to repent of these sins and stop tolerating the false teachers, or else Christ Himself will judge and punish them. The church must discipline itself and not tolerate false teaching and immorality within. The sword of his mouth is a reference back to Rev. 1.16 where John sees Christ with seven stars in his right hand and the "two-edged sword in his mouth" and also a reference to Rev. 19.15 where the sword has the power to "strike down the nations."

Verse 17

17 He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows except he who receives it.

Commentary: An unusually cryptic verse, but the meaning is simple: Those who manage to hold fast to the true faith and do not fall victim to the heresies will be sustained (given the manna or bread of life) and a name in the Book of Life which assures them a place in God's Kingdom. Jesus said, "Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die" (Jn 6:49-50).

(See also the commentary on 3:12 [1].)

The Message to the Church at Thyatira

Verse 18

18 And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These things says the Son of God, who has His eyes like to a flame of fire, and His feet are like fine brass.

Commentary: About eighty miles to the north of Ephesus and about fifty miles inland lay the city of Thyatira, known today as Akhisar. The city had been founded by Seleucus I in the early third century and was therefore a “son of Seleucus.” It was not a city of great importance, but it was a commercial center, and there were a number of trade guilds. It was also a garrison town. The Thyatirans were expert metalworkers who were known for their work with alloys, with which they made helmets, swords, armor, and no doubt other useful implements of a more domestic nature. Jesus’ opening words to the city, as the "son of Seleucus" which was also famous for its metalwork, will have immediately caught the church’s attention.

Thyatira was the hometown of Lydia, Paul's first convert in Macedonia (Acts 16:14). The city was dominated by a dye and cloth industry, and was famed for a purple dye much prized in those times. The fire and brass references are an indication that judgment will be given to this church. Again, Christ directly states His identity as the speaker.

Verse 19
19 I know your works, and love, and service, and faith, and your patience. And as to your works, the last are more than the first.
Commentary: "The last are more than the first" is not made clear. Possibly Jesus was commending the church for an improvement in their works over time, or it may have meant something specific that the church itself would have understood.

Verses 20-23a

20 Notwithstanding, I have a few things against you, because you suffer that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication, and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a sickbed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds, 23a and I will kill her children with death.

Commentary: A self-proclaimed prophetess at Thyatira was leading the church into false doctrine and immorality. Jesus calls her "Jezebel" in reference to the Old Testament Jezebel (I Kings 16, II Kings 9), who was a queen who promoted the worship of Baal. This woman is referred to as Jezebel because her actions were the same as those of that earlier false teacher. Jesus implies that He gave her some sign or warning, which she has ignored. He warns that He intends to punish her, and that He will visit trouble upon those who tolerate her, unless they repent. Her "children" are Jezebel's "disciples", those who continue to follow and believe her. The phrase "commit adultery with her" in verse 22 likely refers not to literally having sexual relations with her, but instead to engaging in idolatry with her.

Verse 23b

23b And all the churches shall know that I am He which searches the minds and hearts, and I will give to every one of you according to your works.

Commentary: The implication seems to be that the punishment of "Jezebel" and her followers will be obvious to the churches, and will serve as a reminder that God cannot be deceived. He knows not only the deeds, but also the motives behind them, and He will judge everyone with perfect justice.

This passage can be illustrated in modern times by the Catholic belief in mortal and venial sins. In Catholicism, sins are of two types: mortal--a sin (like murder, suicide, etc.) that is judged more harshly if not confessed and repented before death--and venial--the more basic sins (like lying, impure actions/thoughts, etc.). This passage reflects the Catholic belief that God judges according to our works and sins, not just based on one's belief in salvation.

Verses 24-25

24 But to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and who have not known the depths of Satan (as they say), I will put upon you no other burden. 25 But what you have, hold fast till I come.

Commentary: There was a remnant among the church who had not accepted the false teachings, and who had resisted the tolerance of them. To these, Jesus says He will ask nothing more. He tells them to stay firm in their convictions and wait for His return.

Verses 26-29

26 And he that overcomes, and keeps my works to the end, to him will I give power over the nations, 27 and "he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to pieces," [Ps 2:9] even as I received of my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Commentary: The obedient believer will be given a place of authority in the Millennial Kingdom (Revelation 12:5, 19:15, 20:4). In Revelation 22:16, Jesus refers to himself as the morning star. Therefore, all whomever remains unmoving to temptation, the Lord will allow them to be partakers in His glory and power.

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Hugh C. Wood, Atlanta, Georgia

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(c) Ben Witherington III, Revelation, Cambridge University Press: New York, 2003.

 Witherington, Ben. Revelation. Cambridge Univeristy Press, 2003.

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