Revelation 2:14 Stumbling blocks

Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality. 

    

The story of Balaam is in Numbers, chapter 22-31.  Balaam tried to prophesy a  curse against Israel in order to get money from Balak, King of Moab.  Balak was afraid of Israel as they were coming through his land on the way to the land promised to Israel .  Every time Balaam prophesied against Israel, words of blessings would come our of his mouth for Israel.  This made Balak very mad and to gain Balak's favor Balaam came up with another plan.  He suggested that Balak make an alliance between Israel and Moab. Then he convinced the leaders of Israel that the alliance would be a good idea.  As a result of the alliance the Israelites intermarried with the Moabites against God's will. 

 The Israelites were to be pure nation and not intermarry with the people who lived around them.  God's wrath came against Israel and many of them died.  The church at Pergamum was too tolerant of false doctrines and were in danger of having the Lord declare war on the church.  There were three  main temples in Pergamum, Zeus, Athena and Asclepius.  There was also a temple to honor the Empower of Rome. 

 The members of the church wanted to go to these temples and eat meat offered to idols and participate in the sexual immoralities in the temples.  Idolatry crept into the church.  You can not serve Jesus and Satan at the same time.  We must choose who we want to serve.   

Revelation 2:12-13 Be Faithful Even Unto Death

Revelation 2:12-13 And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write:  These things writes He who holds the sharp two edge sword.  "I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is: and you hold fast to my name, and did not deny my faith, even in the days in which Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

   

  Pergamum was one of the greatest cities in Asia.  Back in 282 BC Pergamum was made the capital city of the Seleucia kingdom.  Under Roman rule they became the capital of the providence of Asia.  Pergamum was famous for  its library which contained 200,000 parchment rolls.

    

Pergamum was the center of the worship of Athena and Zeus.  Pergamum was also connected to the worship of Asclepius known as the Pergamum god of healing.   Many people came to the temple of Asclepius for healing.  The emblem of Asclepius was a serpent which is still used in medicine today.  Since Pergamum, was a capital city, there was also a temple to the Emperor.  Once each year all citizens must bring incense to the temple and proclaim Caesar as Lord.

    

 No born again Christian could declare Caesar to be God.  Because of this they were considered disloyal to Rome.  For this reason every Christian in Pergamum was under threat of death.  This temple to the Emperor of Rome was probably what Jesus called the throne of Satan.    We do not know who Antipas was except he was willing to die rather than deny Jesus as his Savior and Lord. 

    

Revelation 2:12 Be faithful until the end

Revelation 2:12  and some of you will have tribulation ten days.  Be faithful until death, and I will give you the Crown of Life. 

    

The church at Smyrna was told they would have tribulation ten days and that the devil was behind the persecution.  The ten days could refer to the ten Emperors of Rome

that severely persecuted the Christians.  This persecution began with Nero AD 64.  Nero set Rome on fire and blamed the Christians.  The persecution ended with Diocletian in

AD 310.  The worse of the persecution was under Diocletian.  The persecution ended under Constantine AD 312 when he made Christianity the religion of Rome. 

Rome had always believed in many Gods, but Constantine wanted to have one god who would protect him and his army.  As he was praying a cross appeared in heaven above the Sun.  Bearing the inscription "By this symbol you will conquer."  His army also saw this cross in the sky.  As Constantine was sleeping Christ appeared to him holding the same cross he had seen in heaven.  Christ commanded him to make a likeness of the cross he had see in heaven.  Constantine was to use the cross to safeguard him and his army  as they went to war.  Constantine made Christianity the world religion and persecution ended .

    

During John's lifetime persecution was very real.  The Christians at Smyrna suffered persecution each and every day.  John tells the church to be faithful even if it meant death and they would receive a Crown of Life.

A Time of Testing

Revelation 2:10a   Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer.  Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested.

    

 Smyrna was known as the persecuted church.  it was a very dangerous thing  to be a Christian during the life time of John and for several years afterward.  To be put in prison sounds bad, but most of the time those put in prison were put to death.  The instigators of persecution of the Christians in Smyrna were the Jews.  The Jews would stir up trouble moving the Roman authorities to take action against the Christians.  Jesus said, "It was the devil who influenced this  behavior of the Jews against the church." 

    

 Jesus had only praise for the church of Smyrna.  He did not have one negative thing to say.  In time of great trouble we also grow close to Jesus.  He will help us through any difficult situation. 

God Knows Our Sufferings

Revelation 2:9    I know your works, tribulation and poverty (but you are rich), and I know that blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

    

Jesus tells the church at Smyrna.  I know about your good works and all the things you are going through.  We can take comfort in knowing this  "Jesus knows what we are going through and he is a very present help in times of difficulty." Jesus did not tell His disciples, "Follow me and everything will be wonderful."  Instead Jesus said, "They persecuted me and they will persecute you.  (John l5:20)   Jesus also knew about their poverty in this world, He said, "But you are rich" 

2 Corinthians 8:9 says Jesus was rich, (while he was in heaven) yet for your sakes he became poor that you through His poverty might be rich.  In Matthew 6:19-21 We have our treasure in heaven where neither moth or rust does corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.

   

  There were many Jewish people living in Smyrna.  They felt that the Christians were destroying Judaism and this led to great persecution of the Christians.  Some in the church wanted to mix Christianity with Judaism, making Christianity an extension of Judaism.  John said those who promote this doctrine belong to the synagogue of Satan.  We do not go to heaven by keeping the laws of Judaism.  We go to heaven by faith in Jesus.

Be Faithful to God, Because He is Faithful To You

Revelation 2:8    and to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, "These things says the First and the Last, who was  dead, and came to life.

    

      Smyrna faced strong persecution from the Jews who opposed their new found faith in Jesus.  The Jewish leaders did not believe Jesus was the messiah.  They believed this new Jesus movement was a threat to their own religion.   John, as a disciple of Jesus, knew Jesus was the Messiah and that He arose from the grave on the third day after His death on the cross.  John saw and talked to Jesus and watched as Jesus ascended back into heaven to be with His Father. .

   

  John encouraged the church at Smyrna to be faithful even unto death.  Many Christians today are willing to die for their faith in Jesus, just as they died in Smyrna because they would not give up their faith in Jesus.  In AD 155 Polycarp was martyred in Smyrna.  He was an apprentice of John.  Polycarp refused to blaspheme the name of Jesus and was burned alive.   When he was asked to deny Jesus replied, "Eighty six years I served Him and He had done me no wrong.  How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?"

    

Jesus repeats, "I am the First and the Last which was dead, and is alive.  We should not fear those who can only destroy the body.  Just as Jesus arose from death, so will we arise from the dead and live with Jesus for ever and ever.     

Does God expect us to compromise with culture?

Revelation 2:6-7 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.

The doctrine of the Nicolaitans was a doctrine of compromise, They believed they could serve Jesus, yet join in with unsaved friends, participating in ungodly activities.

Galatians 5:l3 "For you, brethren, have been called to liberty, only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Also, read Romans 6:1-23.

They believed that the Christian was so protected by grace, mercy and forgiveness that he could go anywhere, do anything, and God would still be pleased with them and no matter what they did they would be protected by God's grace and would go to heaven. Jesus commended the church at Smyrna because they hated the deeds of the Nicoliatians.

Jesus promises the ones who overcome, "You will eat from the tree of life which is in Paradise." Jesus told the thief on the cross. "Today you will be with me in Paradise."
We overcome by the blood of the Lamb. The Lamb is Jesus who died on the cross for all mankind. The over comer is someone who does not compromise with the ways of the world.

Left Your First Love

Revelation 2:4-5 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen, repent, and do the first works; or else I will come to you quickly, and remove your lamp stand from its place, unless you repent.

The church at Ephesus left their love and excitement they had when they first became a Christian. They succumbed to the natural tendency of letting their new faith in Jesus become commonplace. The Ephesians church loved Jesus, but the excitement and enthusiasm was gone and they were working in the church as a routine duty. They no longer felt the Holy Spirit leading them as they did when they first accepted Jesus as their Savior.

Jesus said, "Repent or I will come and remove your lamp stand from its place.” Jesus is saying repent so you will regain the same love and excitement that you had when you first received Jesus as Savior.

Many churches today are going through the motion of "church". Doing everything they need to do to run a smooth church and add new members. But, they do not have revival services or invite the church members to give their life to Jesus and become born again Christians. Jesus says, "If you do not come back to the first love and excitement you had when you first became a born again Christian, I will remove your lamp stand. This means the presence of Jesus and the Holy Spirit will be removed from the church. Jesus is asking the church to repent and come back to their first love.

The Church of Ephesus

Revelation 2:l-3  "To the angel of the Church of Ephesus write, these things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lamp stands V.2 "I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those how are evil, and you have tested those who say they are apostles and are  not and have found them liars:  V.3  And you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. 

 

Ephesus was a city of about 200,000 people.  The temple of Diana was one of the seven wonders of the world.  Ephesus was the wealthiest and greatest cities of Asia.

Jesus introduced Himself as the one who holds the seven stars in His right hand and who walks in the midst of the golden lamp stands.  The seven stars represent the seven angels or messengers of the seven churches.  The seven lamp stands with Jesus walking in the midst are the seven churches. 

Jesus has good things to say about Ephesus. 


 He said, "You work hard, you are patient and you do not tolerate those who are evil."  "You have tested those who say they are apostles and have found them to be false apostles."  Jesus commends them because they have persevered, labored and are patient for "My name's sake and have not become weary. 

Paul founded the church at Ephesus.  Paul's parting message to the church:  "I know this, that after my departing grievous 'wolves' will enter in among you, not sparing the flock.  Also of your own selves shall many arise speaking 'grievous things', to draw away disciples after them." (Acts 20:29-30)

Revelation 1:19-20 The Seven Stars and Lamp Stands

Revelation 1:19-20 Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lamp stands; The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lamp stands which you saw are the seven churches.

Jesus tells John to write the things he has seen, the things that are happening right now and the things which will happen in the future. Jesus explains the seven stars. The seven stars, in the palm of Jesus' right hand, are the angels of the seven churches. The word used for angel could also mean messengers or pastors of the churches.

The seven lamp stands represent the seven churches. Jesus is in the midst of the seven churches. Christ loves the church and gave himself, as a sacrifice on the cross, that He might sanctify and cleanse the church with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself, a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:25-27)

Revelation 1:18 Jesus Our Salvation

Revelation 1:18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore. Amen; And I have the keys of hell and of death.

Jesus was crucified for our sins and the third day He arose from the grave. He will never die again.

Because he died for us, He has redeemed us from hell and death. As born again Christians we do not need to fear hell or death. Jesus leaves it up to each individual to accept or reject His plan of salvation. If you have not accepted Jesus as your Savior, now is the acceptable time.

2 Corinthians 6:2 For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you" Behold now is the accepted time behold, now is the day of salvation.

Revelation 1:16 Out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword!

Revelation l:16 Out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword.

The two-edged sword represents the word of God. (Ephesians 6:l7) When Jesus speaks it releases the power of God. This verse speaks of the coming judgments that are coming upon the whole world. (2 Thessalonians 2:8.) Isaiah ll:4 says,"He shall smite the earth with the rod of His mouth. This judgment will come upon the world that has rejected God's plan of salvation. Jesus wants to hold us in the palm of His hand and protect us from the coming judgments described in Revelation. (Isaiah 49:l6. )

Revelation l:l6 and His countenance was like the sun shinning in its strength.

John was present during the transfiguration of Jesus. His face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. (Matthew l7:2 )John recognized Jesus at once.

Revelation l:l7 and when I say Him I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last,

This also happened in Ezekiel l:28, 3:23, 43:3. There can be nothing but reverence in the presence of the holiness and glory of the Risen Savior. Jesus repeats again "I am the First and the Last."

Revelation 1:15 His Feet Like Unto Fine Brass

Revelation l:l5 and His feet like unto fine brass, as if refined in a furnace. This verse again warns of coming judgment if we do not repent as an individual and as a nation.

Jesus' feet once had spikes driven through them as He was crucified in order to redeem us from our fallen nature. The scars are still in His hands and feet. These same feet shall trample His enemies in the coming judgment upon the whole world. We are not under judgment now, but we are under His forgiveness. Now is the time of salvation.

The prophets of the old Testament warned of this coming judgment upon the whole world. Jesus died for us so we could escape so great a judgment. Repent, now is the time of salvation.

 

Eyes of Flame

Revelation l:l4 His eyes were as a flame of fire.

 Daniel also saw God's eyes as flames of fire. (Daniel l0:6.) This literally means,"His eyes shot fire." We are living during a time of mercy, grace and forgiveness. Many people have seen a vision of Jesus crying bitterly because the people he died for (on the cross) have rejected Him.

Jesus is still extending mercy, grace, and forgiveness today. All we have to do is to accept Jesus as our Savior and he will forgive us of our sins and remember them no more against us. The Book of Revelation tells of a time when judgment will fall upon the earth. When judgment comes to the earth Jesus eyes will no longer be eyes of mercy, but eyes as flames of fire as he judges the earth.

The Ancient of Days

Revelation 1:14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow.

John takes the description of God in the Old Testament and applies them to Jesus. Daniel 7:9 says, "His head and his hair were white, as white as wool, like snow; This was a description of the Ancient of Days, who is God Himself. His white hair speaks of the righteousness of God who has existed in the past and will exist forever in the future.   In doing so John was identifying Jesus as the Son of God, the Messiah.

Many of the symbols used in Revelation are used in the Old Testament. If John had said, "I saw Jesus, the resurrected Lord standing there, the book of Revelation would have been destroyed by the Romans.

 

The members of the seven churches understood the symbols and were able to understand the message they received from John. The Romans did not understand the symbols and thought it was the writings of a crazy old man. And so the book Revelation was preserved and is relevant to us today. End-time prophecies are being fulfilled at a very fast pace during our lifetime.

The Son of Man

Revelation l:12-13 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me, and having turned I say seven golden lamp-stands, and in the midst of the seven lamp-stands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden girdle.

John turned to see who was speaking to him,. When he turned he saw seven golden lamp-stands. The lamp-stands represent the seven churches. In the midst of the seven lamp-stands, John saw One like the Son of Man.

The Son of Man is a name given to Jesus, the Messiah. Jesus is right there in the churches. Matt. 18:20 says where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there with them. John is saying the vision came from Jesus Christ himself. Jesus was wearing a robe that reached down to His feet. This describes the high priest. Jesus is our high priest opening the way for us to come into the presence of God.

A king and a prophet, who is a messenger of God, also wore this long garment. Here we see the three fold office of Jesus as Priest, King and Prophet.

Write to the Seven Churches

Revelation 1:10-11 On the Lord's day the Spirit took control of me, and I heard a loud voice, that sounded like a trumpet, speaking behind me. It said: "Write down what you see, and send the book to these seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea."

John was praying on the Lord's day on the Isle of Patmos. The voice sounded loud like a trumpet commanding him to write the vision he is about to receive from Jesus in a book. Jesus told John to send the book to the seven churches in Asia.

Jesus repeats: "I am alpha and omega," the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Jesus was saying: "The kingdom of God has no beginning and it has no end."

You may feel like God has no place in your life, in society in the world today. But, God has no beginning and no end. God reveals himself to those that are looking for him, and to them He gives the secrets of the Kingdom. He writes it upon their hearts and it manifest in their lives.

Jesus Christ The Faithful Witness

Verse 4 From John to the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace be yours from God, who is, who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits in front of His throne,

The greeting is addressed to the seven churches which are in Asia. The seven churches were near the Mediterranean Sea. John's entire message was directed to these seven churches.

Ancient people regarded the number seven to represent the perfect number because it stands for completeness. The seven churches could also represent the characteristics of the church of Jesus Christ. Some believe the seven churches also represent the church age from the beginning of the church to the present age.

In verse 5 John makes the statement that the Revelation is also from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first-born Son who was raised from death, who is also the ruler of the kings of the earth. He loves us, and by his death he has freed us from our sins.

The Coming Glory

Revelation l:7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

This is not a reference to the rapture of the church where we meet Jesus in the air. This is talking about the second coming of Jesus to the earth, with all the saints with Him. At this time He will set up His earth kingdom to reign on the earth for one thousand years. This is called the millennium reign of Christ.

Revelation l:8 "I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."

Alpha is the first letter and omega is the last letter of the Greek alphabet. The phrase alpha and omega indicates absolute completeness from which nothing is lacking. Jesus is the first and the last, the beginning and the end. The messiah of God that will come again in all of His glory. We must prepare for his return. We are prepared for his return when we put our faith in Christ Jesus for our Salvation.

God is our creator. He has existed throughout all eternity and He loves His creation. Nothing can separate us from the love of God.

The King of Glory

Revelation 1:6 " And has made us kings and priests to His God and Father to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."

Jesus has done two things for us. He has made us kings and priest.

Through Jesus' death on the cross, we can become the true child of God. If we are the children of God the Father, then we belong to the family of God. God our heavenly Father has given us royalty because Jesus died for us on the cross so we could become sons and daughters of God. 2 Cor. 6:18 I will be your Father, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.

God has also made us priest. Under the Jewish law, only the priest could offer sacrifices and pray to God the Father for the sins of the people. During the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross, the veil of the Temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. Now we can pray to God the Father and have our prayers answered. This makes us priest before God.

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Greetings to the Seven Churches

Revelation 1:4-5

Verse 4 From John to the seven churches in the province of Asia:

Grace and peace be yours from God, who is, who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits in front of His throne,

The greeting is addressed to the seven churches which are in Asia. The seven churches were near the Mediterranean Sea. John's entire message was directed to these seven churches.

Ancient people regarded the number seven to represent the perfect number because it stands for completeness. The seven churches could also represent the characteristics of the church of Jesus Christ. Some believe the seven churches also represent the church age from the beginning of the church to the present age.

In verse 5 John makes the statement that the Revelation is also from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first-born Son.  He was raised from death, and is also the ruler of the kings of the earth. He loves us, and by his death he has freed us from our sins.

The Book of Revelation

The Book of Revelation

Revelation 1:1-3

The Blessing

The book of Revelation is the revelation of Jesus Christ, who sent an angel to reveal to John, one of the disciples of Jesus, the events that shall precede and accompany His return to the earth at the beginning of the thousand year reign of Jesus.

Revelation is a prophetic book that reveals the future to His church. A blessing is promised to those who read, hear and keep those things written in the book, for the time is at hand. It says blessed are those who understand the words of the book. If we are familiar with the end-time prophecies, the Holy Spirit will give us understanding as these events begin to unfold.

These events are unfolding even now. Just listen to the news! Very torturous times are about to unfold upon the earth. Matthew 24:24 says "If it were possible even the elect will be deceived.