The seven letters in chapters 2 & 3, though addressed to seven specific ecclesias, are directed to any who will listen attentively to the messages. They promise us a glorious future so we should examine our own selves in the light of the description of the disciples in these seven churches and respond favourably to the warnings and exhortations of Jesus. In particular, we should learn and remain faithful to God’s Truth revealed in his word, keep separate from those who deny the faith, even if they claim to be Christians, and do righteousness by determinedly obeying the commandments of Christ.
Jesus commends the Ephesian disciples for their works, labour and endurance, and for their faithful maintenance of the purity of the Truth by removing apostates from their fellowship vs.2-3.Revelation 2:2-3XWaiting for response In particular, there were some who claimed to be apostles v.2Revelation 2:2XWaiting for response but led others away from the Truth, as Paul had prophesied (Acts 20:30),Acts 20:30XWaiting for response and others who overthrew the faith of many for they were “Nicolaitans”, meaning “vanquishers of the people” v.6.Revelation 2:6XWaiting for response The Ephesians faithfully withdrew fellowship from these disciples according to the apostles’ commandment, and as they were commended by Christ vs.2,6.Revelation 2:2,6XWaiting for response
However, Jesus had somewhat against them in that the fervour of their first love of the Truth had diminished. He therefore warned them to repent, otherwise the candlestick would be removed, i.e. the congregations would cease to be a repository of the Holy Spirit, and the light of the truth would go out, which is what happened in the end to all these congregations. However, great and glorious promises are made to the faithful. In particular, they will be permitted to eat of the tree of life, an allusion to the garden of Eden from which Adam and Eve were expelled, meaning that they will be enabled to live for ever in the paradise which God will create in the promised land v.7.Revelation 2:7XWaiting for response We should be encouraged by the incentives given to the disciples at the end of each letter, for the promise is not to them alone, but to all those who are willing to listen to what the Spirit says to the churches v.7.Revelation 2:7XWaiting for response
To the congregation in Smyrna, Jesus identifies himself as “the first and the last, which was dead and is alive” v.8Revelation 2:8XWaiting for response (Revelation 1:11,18)Revelation 1:11,18XWaiting for response and commends them for being rich in faith despite being literally poor v.9Revelation 2:9XWaiting for response (James 2:5).James 2:5XWaiting for response He also commends them for rejecting those disciples who in reality denied the true faith and were therefore not of “the Israel of God” (Galatians 6:16)Galatians 6:16XWaiting for response though they claimed to be “Jews” in this sense (John 4:22).John 4:22XWaiting for response Claiming to be “Christian” while not being so in reality is labelled “blasphemy” by Jesus. Unfortunately, at the end of the first century disciples departed from the true faith in considerable numbers and formed a religious community they called “Christian” but which Jesus called “the synagogue of Satan” v.9Revelation 2:9XWaiting for response in contrast to the “Ecclesia of God” 1 Corinthians 10:32.1 Corinthians 10:32XWaiting for response
Jesus warned the disciples in Smyrna that they would shortly suffer severe persecution by “the devil”, the false accusing Roman authority which would throw some of them into prison, but if they were faithful unto death they would receive the crown of life v.10.Revelation 2:10XWaiting for response This looks like it happened in AD108-117 as there were ten years of persecution (symbolised by ten days) against the Christians (true and false) under the reign of Emporer Trajan. The promise to them, and to all who listen and obey the Spirit’s teaching, is that they will not be hurt by the second death, i.e. when they are raised from the dead they will never again be consigned to the grave v.11.Revelation 2:11XWaiting for response
The disciples in Pergamos had to face extreme persecution because Pergamos was the centre of adversity (the Satan) but the disciples were faithful to Jesus’ name, even when faced with death v.13.Revelation 2:13XWaiting for response They also suffered as a result of apostate brethren in the congregation who introduced false doctrine v.15.Revelation 2:15XWaiting for response There was also another class of false brethren who lorded it over the disciples for “filthy lucre” (1 Peter 5:2)1 Peter 5:2XWaiting for response like Balaam v.14Revelation 2:14XWaiting for response (2 Peter 2:15)2 Peter 2:15XWaiting for response and soon these men, who used Christianity as a source of money, took control of the churches. The absolute wealth of the churches throughout Europe and the opulent “living” of the clergy give testimony to this. Jesus declared he would fight against those who would not repent v.16,Revelation 2:16XWaiting for response but those who overcame and remained faithful could look forward to honourable exaltation. This is symbolised in two ways v.17:Revelation 2:17XWaiting for response firstly, by the manna hidden in the ark of the testimony which never corrupted (Exodus 16:32-34)Exodus 16:32-34XWaiting for response to represent eternal life; and, secondly, the white pebble given to victors in the Roman Games which meant they would live and not die.
Jesus also acknowledged the works, love, faith, and endurance of the disciples in Thyatira but warned them of apostates who had to be avoided. These are represented by Jezebel vs.20-24Revelation 2:20-24XWaiting for response and a consideration of this historical queen (1 Kings 16:31)1 Kings 16:31XWaiting for response teaches us the character of these people who called themselves “Christians” but reveled in seduction, fornication, adultery and false teaching, producing disciples who are called “the children of Jezebel” whose end is death. The doctrines of these adversaries of the truth are very deep v.24Revelation 2:24XWaiting for response and true disciples need to keep close to the word of God to remain unaffected by the error (2 Corinthians 11:3).2 Corinthians 11:3XWaiting for response Those who remain faithful, however, and hold fast until Christ comes v.25,Revelation 2:25XWaiting for response will reign with him over the nations vs.26-27.Revelation 2:26-27XWaiting for response
Jesus sent a letter to each of the seven churches in Asia Minor, addressing “the angel” v.1Revelation 2:1XWaiting for response of each congregation, i.e. the elders who possessed the Holy Spirit, and identifying himself by some feature of the vision seen by John in chapter 1, e.g. to Ephesus he is the one holding the seven stars and walking in the midst of the candlesticks v.1Revelation 2:1XWaiting for response (Revelation 1:12,16),Revelation 1:12,16XWaiting for response being in control of the elders and among the congregations. These letters make up chapters 2 & 3.
In each letter he reveals his knowledge of their behaviour as his disciples, a true assessment as opposed to the one they might make of themselves, saying: “I know thy works” v.2.Revelation 2:2XWaiting for response