Winston Salem church of Christ

                   INTRODUCTION TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES IN REVELATION

I.          NAMES OF CONGREGATIONS: Ephesus; Smyrna; Pergamum; Thyatira; Sardis; Philadelphia; Laodicea

II.        WHY THESE SEVEN?

A.        It appears that there were other congregations in Asia: Troas (Acts 20); Colossae; Hierapolis (Col.4)

B.         The number seven is a repetitive theme – used around 54 times (see Addendum I).

1.         Seven Spirits (1:4)

2.         Seven Lampstands (1:12)

3.         Seven Stars (1:6)

4.         Seven Seals (5:1)

5.         Seven Thunders (10:3)

6.         Seven Bowls (16:1)

7.         Seven Beatitudes (1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7,14).

8.         Seven Horns; Seven Eyes; Seven Heads; Seven Plagues

C.         Seven represents divine completeness.

D.        Theories based on belief that the congregations addressed were real.

1.         Literal and Symbolic: First Century Churches

a.         “All seven cities stand on the great circular road that bound together the most populous, wealthy and influential part of the province, the West Central region.” (W. Ramsey).

b.         “These seven were representative churches and they were strategically located for spreading this message to every part of Asia Minor.” (R. Summer).

c.         “All conditions ever to be found in a congregation of the Lord’s…at any time in history may be found, at least in principle, in one or more of these seven churches.” (H. Hailey).

1)         Because of this, “No portion of the Word of God speaks to contemporary churches with more clarity than the messages Jesus Christ gave to the seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3.” (Elwood McQauid, Israel My Glory, Vol.50, No.1, p.3).

d.         Therefore, I believe the number seven to be both literal and symbolic simultaneously.  Literal, in that these were real churches.  Symbolic, in that these represent “all conditions ever to be found in a congregation.”

2.         Literal and Symbolic: To the End of Time

1.         The epistles contain an unfolding of the condition of the church in successive stages of its history.  This is based on the Continuous-Historical method of interpretation.  I believe this unlikely.

III.       APOCALYPTIC SYMBOLS

A.        Common to each church.

1.         Seven Stars

2.                                                                     Seven Angels *(see Addendum II).       

3.         Seven Lampstands

a.         Could it be important they are called lampstands and not lights?  Each carries and supports the light, but is not the light.

b.         The Jewish Menorah contained seven candles on one lampstand.  Could the seven separate lampstands symbolize the independence of each group?

c.         Jesus holds the churches together, not a diocese.

B.         Individual churches (not a complete list)

1.         Smyrna – Ten days

2.         Pergamum – hidden manna, white stone, new name”

3.         Thyatira – morning star

IV.       THREATS TO THE FIRST CENTURY CHURCH AS FOUND IN REVELATION

A.        The temptation of materialism and lawlessness under the false doctrine(s) of Nicolaitans, Balaam and Jezebel (2:20-22).

B.         Paganism – Emperor Worship (13:15-18).

C.         Jewish harassment (2:9).

D.        Loss of zeal or love (2:4).

E.         Lukewarmness (3:15-16).

F.         Roman persecution (13:15) (see Addendum III).

V.         PHRASES SIMILAR TO ALL EPISTLES/LETTERS TO CHURCHES

A.        “I know (oida), “fullness of knowledge as opposed to ginosko which means inception or progress in knowledge.”

1.         “your deeds…” – Ephesus, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea.

2.         “you tribulation…” – Smyrna.

3.         “where you dwell” – Pergamum.

B.         “He who has an ear….”

C.         “To him who overcomes….”

D.        “To the angel….”

E.         “I am coming” (except Sardis).

VI.       BASIC PATTERN OF EPISTLES (varies some)

Hendrikson 1. Salutation 2. Self-designation 3. Commendation 4. Condemnation 5. Warning & Threat 6. Exhortation 7. Promise		Summers 1. 2. Identification 3. Commendation 4. Complaint 5. Counsel 6. Counsel 7. Promise		Tenney 1. Commission 2. Character 3. Commendation 4. Condemnation 5. Correction 6. Call 7. Challenge

VII. OVERALL CHARACTER OF EACH CHURCH

A.        All Good (2) – Smyrna and Philadelphia.

B.         All Bad (1) – Laodicea (plus Sardis if you do not consider certain individuals.  The church, as a whole, however had nothing good said about it.)

C.         Mixture (4) – Ephesus, Pergamum, Thyatira and Sardis.

VIII. DATE OF REVELATION

A.        Cir. A.D. 96 During the reign of Domitian (A.D.81-96).

                                                                  ADDENDUM I

                                          SYMBOLIC MEANING OF NUMBERS

*quoted from Homer Hailey, pp.42-48.

One is used primarily to designate a single unit, or one out of several.  At other times it is used symbolically, as “one hour.”  In its symbolic use it may represent unity or oneness in an order, as “these [ten] have one mind” (17:13).

Two may designate a definite number, as “two woes to come out of a total of three (9:12); or it may be used as a symbolic number, as “forty and two months” (11:2).  From its use in other portions of Scripture, as symbolically: e.g.,Two are better than one…if they fall, the one will life up his fellow…if two lie together they have warmth” (Eccles. 4:9-11).  The law required the testimony of two or more witnesses as a minimum to convict one of a crime (Deut. 17:6; 19:15; II Cor. 13:1).  This principle probably explains why Jesus sent out His disciples “two and two” (Luke 10:1).  The witnesses who prophesied in the sackcloth were two in number; these were the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord (Rev.11:3-4)

The number three seems to have had special significance from the earliest times.  The number three occurs hundreds of times in Scripture in reference to the persons and things both sacred and secular, to time, and to incidents or events….Considering its use throughout Scripture, three appears to have been “symbolic of a complete and ordered whole….”The number is found some ten times in Revelation, but it does not occur nearly so often as four and seven.

Four is found often throughout Scripture, in both the Old and the New Covenants.  Amos is the earliest of the writing prophets to use the number four in a symbolic sense.  In his prophecies against six heathen nations surrounding Israel and Judah, and against these two latter kingdoms also, he begins each message with, “For three transgression…yea, for four….”  As three indicated completeness, four suggests that the transgression have gone beyond the fullness of God’s patience-they have run the cup over….

After finding the number four so often in the three Old Covenant apocalyptic books, one is not surprised to find it standing our prominently in Revelation.  Four living creatures play an important role throughout the book.  There are “four angels,” “four corners of the earth,” “four winds of the earth” (7:1), four horses coming forth as the first four seals are opened (6:1-8), and “four horns [some MSS omit the four in this passage] of the golden altar” (9:13).  Four is used often with other numbers: twenty and four elders, a hundred and forty and four cubits, and one hundred and forty and four thousand.

From its use throughout Scripture it becomes apparent that “four’ is the number symbolic of the world or creation.  A consideration of the passages indicated above justify this conclusion.

In some instances five seems to have had symbolic value.  It is half of ten….In Revelation John seems to use the number five as a symbol of a short but definite period, as when he speaks of the locusts hurting men for five months (9:5,10).

The number six is used only twice in Revelation.  First, it refers to the wings of the living creatures about the throne (4:8), and second, it is in triplicate, 666, as the number of the beast (13:18).  The six wings would be three pairs, possibly used to indicate the speed with which these carried out the will of the throne occupant.

Without question, seven is the most outstanding number in this book.  The number occurs scores of times in the Old Covenant, often with symbolic significance.  But it is in the Book of Revelation that it stands out most prominently, occurring twenty times more in this book than in all other books of the New Covenant combined….

From its repeated use in Scripture, we observe that almost beyond question “seven” stands as the numerical symbol of the complete or perfect.  If it is correct that three is the symbolic divine number and four the symbolic world or creation number, then a proper combination of these would be perfection, completeness, and fullness.  However, there is no indication that the importance of the number seven is derived from the three plus four idea, although in Revelation a clear division of some of the sevens falls into a three plus four or  four plus three pattern.

Ten appears many times in both covenants, and it seems to have been from ancient times a “favorite symbolic number, suggestive of an rounded total, large or small, according tot he circumstances,” a complete number….Multiples of ten, thousand, one hundred forty-four thousand, and larger numbers indicate fullness to a superlative or unlimited degree.

From its numerous appearances in both Covenants, and its close relation to persons forming the foundation of the Hebrew and Christian economies, twelve is thought to be the religious number, bearing symbolic religious idea or concept….

“Three and a half” and equivalent periods are used several times in Revelation, and each time they are associated with a period of oppression….

The fact leads to the conclusion that, just as seven is the symbolic number for fullness, completeness, or perfection, so three and a half, a broken seven is the symbolic number for a period of trial, persecution, famine, and oppression.  The number is used in each instance symbolically, not literally.

#12 – A religious number for ideas and concepts

                                                                 ADDENDUM II

                                                    ANGELS: WHO OR WHAT?

*compiled by Homer Hailey

1.         Men sent to John to inquire of his state (Schofield).

2.         Angels who stand for and are responsible for the church’s spiritual state (Mauro, Moffatt).

3.         Chief pastor, bishop, or the entire eldership of each church (Barnes, Ellicott, Hendrikson, Hinds, Lenski, Summer, Tenney, Trench).

4.         Powers, character, the history and life of the church (Ramsay).

5.         The heavenly counterpart of the churches, the spiritual counter part of human individuals (Alford, Caird).

6.         Symbolic representation in which the active (as distinguished from the passive) life of the church finds expression (Milligan, Roberson).

7.         The spiritual character, inward state or prevailing spirit of the church itself (Barclay, Erdman, Pieters, Plummer, Swete, Wallace).

My explanation of some of the above:

1.         There is no internal evidence men were sent to John.  That he was in exile might limit this interpretation.

2.         Possibly their view is based on Dan.10:20-21.  If you believe in Guardian angels for individuals, then this is more feasible.  Since “angels” is the symbolic meaning of “stars,” it seems plausible that the explanation would not be another symbol, but the literal meaning.  Also, every other time angel is mentioned in Revelation, they are literal.  More evidence would be that 1:1 also mentions an angel used in revealing this message to John.  Therefore it is possible they could be used to reveal the messages to the churches.  Against this view would be the question of why John would write to a heavenly being about an earthly situation.

3.         The Bible is silent concerning “Chief Pastors.”  That was an invention of apostasy.  It has also been espoused that the angel was the Chief Pastor in a diocese of churches and elders.  This organizational structure was also an invention of apostasy.  There is, however, a Biblical view which could allow the angel to be the whole eldership.  That the word is singular could symbolically stand for the unity of the eldership.  And as the term eldership is singular, so is the term angel.  It was not unusual for churches to have an eldership (Acts 14:23).

5.         “The angels, then, are the `spiritual counterparts of human individuals or communities, dwelling in heaven, but subject to changes depending on the good or evil behaviour of their complementary beings on earth.’ G.B. Caird, from J.H. Mouton, `It is his Angel,’ F.T.S. III, p.514.

8.         It seems unlikely, to me, that a symbol (angel) would explain another symbol (stars).  An explanation should not need an explanation.  Therefore let me present another possible view that the angel is simply the person who reads to the message to the church (1:3).  The word translated angel (aggelos) can also be translated messenger.  It all depends on the context.  Although the majority of time it is translated angel (181 vs. 7 – KJV; Mt.11:10; Mk.1:2; Lk.7:24,27,9:52; 2 Cor.12:7; Jms.2:25), the term does refer to human messengers.  The messenger could be an elder, preacher, or saint.  Compare 1:20 (along with each introduction: 2:1; 2:8 etc.) with 1:3.  Blessed is he who reads is the aggelos.  Blessed is he who hears and obeys is the church.  An explanation should not be so hard to understand.

                                                               ADDENDUM III

*Quoted from Ray Summers, pp.87-88

“(1)       Christianity was an illegal religion – religio illicita.  The Roman Government tolerated the religions of conquered provinces.  They gave to the conquered people the right to place an image of their deity in the Hall of the Gods if they so desired.  So long as the religion did not try to proselyte, it was thus legal.  Its very purpose is that making Christian of other people.  For this reason it was outlawed.

(2)        Christianity aspired to universality.  With the Romans the State was the main thing; with the Christian the kingdom of God throughout the whole earth was the main thing.  Christians had no sympathy with the idea that religion was to be promoted only as an aid to the State.  Their position set them up as dangerous rivals of the best interest of the State.

(3)        Christianity was an exclusive religion.  Its adherents refused to mingle freely with heathen social life and customs.  It was necessary for them to refuse intercourse with the pagan world because of the idolatrous practices in which the Romans engaged.  Their refusal to go to idol temples and their refusal to have idols in their homes caused them to be looked upon was enemies tot he gods.  Nothing was too bad to be believed of such people.

(4)        They were was accused of all manners of evil.  They were known to hold secret services at night, and they were observed to be very fond of one another.  The Romans put these facts together and decided that these meetings were for the gratification of lust on a large scale.  When they heard Christians speak of “eating flesh and drinking blood” (references to the Lord’s Supper), they accused them of cannibalism – eating the bodies and drinking the blood of the offspring of their orgies.  Most of the persecution which the Christians received grew out of this popular hatred and misunderstanding.

(5)        The Christians refused to go to war.  There were two reasons for this according to Tertullian.  First, a part of the oath and initiation of the soldiers included service to the idols of the State and the wearing of idolatrous insignia on their uniforms.  Second, Christ had taken their sword from them and had given them the ways of peace.  But whatever their reason, the populace hated them and accused them of being traitors.

(6)        Christians were recruited chiefly from the poor and the outcast.  This caused Christianity to be looked down upon by those who regarded themselves as the “respectable.”

(7)        Christians shared with the Jews the contempt which the Romans held for this people; because of their refusal to compromise, they were regarded as worse than the Jews.

(8)        Christians were looked upon as wild fanatics because of their enthusiasm.  They shocked the sensibilities of the passive philosophers of the day.

(9)        Christianity came in conflict with the temporal interest of many of the Romans – priests, makers, and vendors of sacrificial animals.

(10)      Christians refused to worship the emperor.  If they had been content to worship the emperor as the chief deity of the empire, they would have been tolerated.  But they could not say that the Kurios Caesar was superior to their Kurios Christ.  Therefore, persecution and martyrdom became their lot.  Domitian tried to annihilate altogether their recalcitrant and traitorous faith.  Because of their attitude toward the Roman gods, the Christians were blamed with all the calamities which befell the empire.  If there was no rain, the Christian were blamed for offending the deities.  If there was a flood on the Tiber, the Christian were blamed.  A famine, an earthquake, military reversals – all were blamed on the Christians.”

                                                      TYPES OF PERSECUTIONS

(Not all of these necessarily took place during reign of Domitian.)

1.         Being Beheaded.

2.         Crucified.

3.         Sewn up in wild animal skins and chased by dogs.

4.         Covered with wax and set on fire.

5.         Blamed for natural catastrophes.

6.         Fed to wild animals.

7.         Forced to walk on thorns, nails, sharp shells.

8.         Scourged.

9.         Burned at stake.

10.        Pressed to death by weights.

11.        Beaten to death with clubs.

12.        Torn apart with hooks.

                                             EPITAPHS ON CHRISTIAN’S TOMBS

1.         “Here lies Marcia, put to rest in a dream of peace.”

2.         “Laurence to his sweetest son, borne away of angels.”

3.         “Victorious in peace an in Christ.”

4.         “Being called away he went in peace.”

                                                 EPITAPHS ON PAGAN’S TOMBS

1.         “Live for the present hour since we are sure of nothing else.”

2.         “I lift my hands against the gods who took me away at the age of 20 though I had done no harm.”

3.         “Once I was not, now I am not.  I know nothing about it, and it is no concern of mine.”

4.         “Traveler, curse me not as you pass, for I am in darkness and cannot answer.”

                                                          QUESTIONS: Introduction

1.         Why did John start with the church at Ephesus (O)?

2.         Why do you suppose these churches were chosen (O)?

3.         Were these the only churches in this area (H)?

4.         If someone believed II.E., what do you suppose their view on the whole book would be (H)?

5.         Do you agree with Homer Hailey’s statement – II.D.2. (O)?

6.         On a map, which church would be closest to the island of Patmos (H)?

7.         What do the Seven Stars represent (T)?

8.         What do the Seven Angels represent (O)?

9.         What do the Seven Lampstands represent (T)?

10.        What position do the Seven Stars an Lampstands have to the “one like a son of man” (T)?

11.        Give a chapter and verse in Revelation to prove IV. (C).

12.        List the phrases common to all churches (H,T).

13.        What chapters in Revelation name the seven churches (C)?

14.        Of these seven churches, which one(s) is (are) mentioned elsewhere in scripture (C)?

15.        Why do you think it profitable to study these churches (O)?

16.        Locate the seven cities on the map (L).

17.        What is the overall character of each church (H)?

                                         EPHESUS: LOYALTY WITHOUT LOVE

                                                                 Revelation 2:1-7

THE CITY OF EPHESUS

A.        Home of Artemis (Acts 19:35), magic arts (Acts 19:9) and mystery cults. (Robertson)

B.         Capital of Ionia as well as wealthiest.

C.         “The city was one of the most notorious and wicked cities of the Roman world.” (Warnock)

D.        Nicknames – “The Light of Asia,” The Gateway to Asia,” “The Market of Asia,” “City of Change,” “The Vanity Fair of the Ancient World.”

E.         Located 60 miles from the Island of Patmos.

F.         Prominent city of Emperor Worship.

G.         Temple of Artemis, which possessed the right of Asylum.

1.         Artemis (Greek), Diana (Latin).

2.         Squat, black, multi-breasted.

3.         One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

4.         The city was known as guardian of the temple (Acts 19:35).

H.        The Theater (Acts 19:29) was capable of holding 25-30,000 and was the largest built by the Greeks.

I.          Free City.

1.         More self-governing.

2.         Exempted from having Roman troops garrisoned there.

J.          History of the church.

1.         Started cir. A.D. 55 (Acts 19).

2.         Ephesian letter written cir. A.D. 60-63.

3.         Age of church at this time cir. 40 years.

TEXT

VERSE 1

A.        For angel see intro. III.A.2.

B.         The seven stars in His right hand.

1.         The fact that these stars (angels) are in Jesus’ right hand shows His authority over them.

C.         Walks among the seven…lampstands” intimates the ever-presence (Mt.18:20).

VERSE 2

A.        I know (oida).

1.         “To have knowledge of, wether absolutely, as in Divine knowledge, or in the case of human knowledge, to know from observation…ginosko, frequently suggests inception or progress in knowledge, while oida suggests fulness of knowledge (Vine).

2.         Emphasizes better the absolute clearness of mental vision which photographs all the facts of life as they pass” (Swete).

B.         Deeds…toils…perseverance.

1.         Deeds (erga) – “whole life and conduct.” (Robertson).

2.         Toil (kopos) – “the effort that produces work at the cost of pain.” (Summers).

a.         “How often does labor which esteems itself labor for Him stop very short of this!   Perhaps, in our day, none are more tempted continually to measure out to themselves tasks too light….We give to it exactly the number of hours which we please.  We may well keep this word (kopos), all that it signifies, viz., labor unto weariness, in mind.” (Trench, from Meyer’s Am. Ed.)

3.         Rev.14:13

a.         Ergon – follows after us.

b.         Kopos – receive rest from.

4.         “Strenuous painful toil endured with patient steadfastness brings forth commendation and praise” (Hailey).

5.         Compare with 1 Thess. 1:3.

C.         Cannot endure evil men…test those who call themselves apostle….

1.         “If they will not be transformed let them be transferred.” (Hailey)

2.         I am not sure what the test was, but it could be related to 2 Cor.12:12.

3.         The false teacher could be gnostics (not much is know about what they believed in the first century but here is a list of some of their later beliefs) (Tnydale Series on Second Peter).

a.         Emphasis on knowledge which emancipated them from the claims of morality.

b.         Arrogance towards “unenlightened” church leaders.

c.         Interest in angelology; divisiveness; lasciviousness.

d.         Perverted the grace of God into license, confident that the true “pneumatic” could not be affected by what the flesh does.

e.         No duty to civil or ecclesiastical authorities – had they not been delivered from the old aeon and its powers.

4.         It is unlikely they were claiming to be part of the original twelve apostles, but possibly their successors or at least equal in authority.

a.         Acts 20:28-30

VERSE 3

A.        They had grown weary in doing the work, not of doing the work.

VERSE 4

A.        But I have this against you….

1.         Even though the outside looked perfect, Jesus used His “penetrating eye of fire which is the eye of Love and the “searching the light of the eyes of fire” to find that which is was against.” (Morgan)

B.         First love.

1.         A good parallel is Judg.2:7,10-11.

2.         Results (?) of “first love” (J. Miller).

a.         A new and wonderful experience.

b.         Entered into with a whole heart.

c.         Has the purest of motives.

d.         Gives unselfishly of itself.

e.         Lasts as long as it is nourished.

3.         Ways the Ephesians previously showed love.

a.         Acts 19:19-20 – burning of magical books.

b.         Acts 20:36-38 – love shown for Paul in parting.

c.         Eph.1:15 – love for all the saints.

4.         A good parallel could be made to the love of a newly married couple, they go out of their way to help, not because of duty, but because of love.

5.         They could have been doing many good works out of duty but without the love that should motivate them – compare v.2 with 1 Thess.1:3.

6.         Tradition holds that John, living in Ephesus and too feeble to walk, would be carried into the assembly saying, “Little children, love one another.”

7.         “(John) recognizes the appalling danger of a religion prompted more by hate than love.” (Caird)

8.         “Their religion had become a lifeless, mechanical, ritualistic thing, to be done out of a sense of cold duty rather than of glorious privilege, motivated more by fear than love.” (J. Tolle)

9.         “Where love for God wanes, love for man diminishes, and where love for man is soured, love for God degenerates into religious formalism.” (G.R. Beasley-Murray)

10.        The church in Ephesus was “doing” (outward), but not “being” (inward).

11.        A church needs more than “book, chapter and verse”; it needs the love that searches for the “book, chapter and verse” and the love which fulfills the “book, chapter and verse.”

C.         What the “first love” exactly is, no one knows.  It is not even known if it refers to something in particular.  A sound opinion is it refers to the zeal found in new converts to convert others.

VERSE 5

A.        Remember…the deeds you did at first.

1.         Their formula for remedying their lost “first love:”

a.         Remember (Mental) – where you have fallen.

b.         Repent (Spiritual) – entails the emotion of love.

c.         Repeat (Physical) – lit., “first deeds” (ergon).

1)         This is the key to the “first love” and discovering what it is.

2.         Others assume that they repented because of the letter of Ignatius around twenty years later.

a.         “the church…in Ephesus…worthy of all felicitation.”

b.         “(your) well-beloved name which ye bear by natural right…by faith and love in Christ Jesus.”

B.         Coming to…remove your lampstand…unless you repent.

1.         The lampstand can be compared to our names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

a.         As we have the ability to call ourselves Christians and yet be removed from the Book of Life, so can a congregation of people still exist without being the Lord’s.

b.         The lampstand represents Christ’s approval (to some degree) that the congregation is in reality a church of Christ, and not simply a bearer of that name.

VERSE 6

A.        You hate the deeds (ergon) of the Nicolaitans….

1.         The enthusians which hates, however, has to be on guard lest it be extended to doers as well as deeds.” (Beasley-Murray).

2.         Origin of the name Nicolaitans.

a.         Irenaeus – followers of Nicolas of Antioch (Acts 6:5)?

b.         Nicolas is simply the Greek counterpart to Balaam via etymology?

3.         History is incomplete about their origin, beliefs, and ultimate fate.

4.         Some believe they are the same as the Balaamites (see Pergamum).

VERSE 7

A.        He who has an ear…what the Spirit says to the churches.

1.         This is repeated in each epistle.

2.         The Spirit, though this be the Revelation of Christ, is pictured as speaking.  This shows the unity of Jesus and the Spirit, and also the process of inspiration.

3.         Note the plural, each church read the epistles addressed to the other churches.

B.         To him who overcomes.

1.         Overcome is the same word used in 6:2 for conquer.

C.         I will grant…the Paradise of God.

1.         The word Paradise is of Persian origin: parks/gardens of kings and nobles.

2.         The Paradise of Revelation contains,

a.         Tree of Life – 2:7; 22:2.

b.         River of the water of Life – 22:1.

c.         Throne of God and of the Lamb – 22:1.

                                                             QUESTIONS: Ephesus

1.         Use the basic pattern of Hendrikson (cf. Intro.VI.,A) and complete it for the church at Ephesus (H,T).

2.         What infamous god was located in Ephesus (H,C)?

3.         What does oida mean (H)?

4.         What is the difference between deeds and toils in Rev.14:13     (C)?

5.         Ephesus is not the only church which had to deal with false apostles, what other church in the Bible had the same problem (C)?

6.         Discuss how Judg.2:7,10-11 compares to the church in Ephesus (L).

7.         How long had the church at Ephesus been in existence (H)?

8.         In what previous ways did the Ephesians show their love (H)?

9.         What other apostle, besides John, do we know they had contact with (H,C)?

10.        What do you believe the first love is (O)?

11.        Did the church repent (as far as the evidence we have) (H)?

12.        What is the formula for regaining their first love (T,H)?

13.        Why do you think all the churches were to read and learn from what was written to the other churches (O)?

14.        Discuss briefly the Paradise of God (H).

15.        What practical applications can be made today from studying this congregation (A)?

                                                 SMYRNA: Poor and Persecuted

THE CITY OF SMYRNA

A.        Between 35-40 miles north of Ephesus.

B.         A prominent seat of Roman loyalty.

1.         Temple to Roma (goddess of Rome) established in 195 B.C.

2.         Temples also raised to Tiberius, Livia and the Senate.

C.         Temples to other gods.

1.         Cybele, the Mother of the gods.

2.         Dionysus (Bacchus).

a.         “Dionysus represented the mysteriously productive and intoxicating powers of Nature.  Powers which are exhibited most abundantly in the vine, which in the neighborhood of Smyrna is said to have borne fruit twice in a year.  he was regarded as the dispenser of joy and fertility, the dispenser of sorrow and care.  Hence the myth of his death and resurrection, which was frequently rehearsed and acted at Smyrna….The priests who presided at this celebration were given a crown.” (Pulpit Commentary)

D.        Claims to be the birthplace of Homer.

E.         Called “The Glory of Asia” and by Ramsay, “The City of Life.”

1.         The Muhammadans refer to as “The Infidel City.” (Pulpit Commentary).

F.         The original city was destroyed cir. 627 B.C., in ruins around 400 B.C., an rebuilt by Alexander the Great’s successors.

G.         “Christianity (?PDH) has held on here better than in any city of Asia.” (Robertson)

TEXT

VERSE 8

A.        The first and the last…and has come to life.”

1.         Ramsay believes this title of Christ very appropriate since the city had died, came back to life, and laid claims to being the “First City of Asia.”

a.         If anything that would be secondary.

2.         Christ’s title fits the theme of the epistle: A Faithful Life Conquers Death.

a.         “(F)aithful unto death…crown of Life.” – v.10

b.         “(T)hose who do not overcome…second death.” – v.11

VERSE 9

A.        I know….

1.         The use of oida shows Christ’s full knowledge.

a.         Because of His divinity.

b.         Because of His previous, same experiences.

1)         Tribulation – His whole life.

2)         Poverty – no place to lay His head.

3)         Blasphemy – Jewish trials.

4)         Death – Crucifixion.

5)         Some versions insert “deeds/works.”

B.         Your tribulation…poverty.

1.         Tribulation – “the word (suggests) the pressure of the stones that grind the wheat, or that force the blood out of the grape.” (Morgan).

2.         Poverty.

a.         The city itself was rich.

b.         “The word indicates actual beggary.” (Morgan)

c.         Many times Christians would loose their jobs because of their faith.

d.         Domitian would use the seizure of property as a form of persecution.

e.         Heb.10:34

3.         Nothing complimentary is said other than, “but you are rich.”

4.         Compare to Laodicea.

C.         Blasphemy…those who say they are Jews…the synagogue of Satan.

1.         The use of blaspheme is not only used to indicate speech against God, but as used here against the possessions of God – the saints.

2.         They were not Jews because they did not live up their name – Rom.2:28-29.

3.         The church (called out) against the synagogue (a bringing together); Christ versus Satan – the term synagogue is almost an exclusive Jewish term.

4.         The persecution mentioned in v.10 does not mention the antagonist, but it appears the Jews, though Romans probably involved, had to be guilty of this persecution.

a.         The execution of Polycarp (cir. A.D. 155 had both Gentiles and jews together saying, “This is the teacher of Asia, the father of the Christian, the puller down of our gods, who teacheth numbers not to sacrifice nor worship.” (The Apostolic Fathers)

VERSE 10

A.        Do not fear….

1.         Lit., “fear nothing.”

2.         It must be remembered that these words are so comforting because Christ “knows” from experience and He “has come to life.”

B.         Behold the devil…prison…tested…ten days.

1.         Devil – lit., accuser; this fits what he is doing here for he not only is behind the act of imprisonment but also the blasphemy.

2.         “There is nothing more remarkable in the records which have come down to us of the early persecutions, than the sense which the confessors and martyrs and those who afterwards narrate their suffering and their triumphs entertain and utter, that these great fights of affliction through which they were called to pass, were the immediate word of the Devil.” (Trench via Vincent)

3.         Prison

a.         “`Prison’ here is best understood as a general word for arrest, trial, fine, exile, or death….” (Hailey)

b.         “Prison in the ancient world was…a place of detention pending trial….Prison for a Christian meant that he had to prepare for his death.” (Caird, on emphasizing the severity of their punishment and that they were not simply to be put in prison “ten days”).

4.         Test

a.         Trench, in contrasting two synonyms, says, “the melancholy fact that men so often break down under temptation gives to peirazo a predominant sense of putting to the proof with the intention and the hope that the `proved’ may not turn out `approved’, but reprobate…and thus the word is constantly applied to the solicitations and suggestions of Satan.”

1)         Same word in Jms.1:13.

b.         This is contrasted to God who tests us that we may prove worthy.

c.         “While Satan would be tempting the believers, God, by this selfsame affliction, would be proving, testing, or trying them.” (Hendrikson).

5.         “Ten days” means a definite, but short period (contrast 20:2).

C.         Be faithful until death

1.         Lit., “Become faithful” until death.

2.         The idea is “keep on becoming faithful” (Robertson).

3.         The word faithful “comes from the root which means convinced.” (Morgan)

4.         “Until death” can be taken two ways.

a.         Faithful until the end of our lives – emphasis on time.

b.         Faithful even if it means our death – emphasis on strength (cf. Rev.21:11).

5.         Notice that Christ does not offer them an escape from their persecution, or a solution to eradicate their suffering.  His only promise is if they overcome.

6.         The weight of this letter is not commendation, but comfort – “I know.”

D.        Crown of Life

1.         Jms.1:12

2.         “A crown of flowers was worn by the pagan worshiper, a crown adorned the patron goddess, and the city had a crown of building on the crown-shaped acropolis of Mount Pagos.” (Hailey)

3.         There were also games (like the Olympics) celebrated there in which the victor would receive a crown.

4.         There are two words for our crown.

a.         Stephanos – the victor’s crown, or public honor (used here; 2:10; 3:11; 4:4; 4:10; 6:2; 9:7; 12:1; 14:14).

b.         Diadema – used of royalty (Rev.12:3; 13:1; 19:12).

5.         There have been inscription found at Smyrna of their pagan priests receiving a crown after their year of service is up.

VERSE 11

A.        See Ephesus v.7

B.         “Second death” used only in Revelation.

1.         He who is issuing the first death (Satan) will not escape the second.

2.         Not annihilation (20:10; 4:9).

                                                             QUESTIONS: Smyrna

1.         Use the basic pattern of Hendrikson (Intro. to 7 churches, IV.,A.) and complete it for the church at Smyrna (H,T).

2.         Do you think Emperor worship would be strong in this city?  Why or Why not? (H)

3.         In what two ways could Jesus say, “I know” (H)?

4.         Contrast this congregation with Laodicea (T,C).

5.         What does the word synagogue mean (?).

6.         Why do you believe the term “Synagogue of Satan” was used (O)?

7.         Even if these Jews had not been persecuting the Christians, what were they guilty of (L)?

8.         In what ways could the Christian’s poverty be caused (L)?

9.         Polycarp is a man who later was executed, what relationship, if any, did he have with John the apostle (L)?

10.        How do you believe the word prison is used (O)?

11.        Name three individuals/groups who are likely involved in their persecution (H).

12.        What possible meanings does “faithful unto death” have (H)?

13.        In what way were they rich (T)?

14.        Jesus said that the persecutors were not Jews, what did He mean (H)?

15.        Why do you suppose the author used the word crown (stephanos) and what possible allusion(s) could He be drawing (H)?

16.        Prove that the Second Death is not annilalation, and who will endure it (L).

17.        How does Christ’s title (v.8) relate to the rest of the epistle to this church (H)?

18.        What practical applications can be made today from studying this congregation (A)?

                                             PERGAMUM: The Devil’s Dwelling

THE CITY OF PERGAMUM

A.        Located 55 miles north of Smyrna.

B.         Eumenes II built a library that contained 200,000 volumes, was second only to Alexandria, and was responsible for the invention of parchment (vellum) as a writing utensil (the name “parchment” is derived from “Pergamum”).

C.         It has been described as:

1.         “A Cathedral-city, University-town (medicine), and Royal-residence.”

2.         The most illustrious of Asia.”  (Pliny).

3.         “The royal city, the city of authority.” (Ramsay).

D.        Capital:

1.         Of Seleucid Empire – 282 B.C.

2.         Of Roman province of Asia.

E.         “Christianity in Pergamum was confronted with three distinct types of pagan worship:  Popular Asiatic, Cultured Greek, Official Roman.” (Hailey)

1.         Popular Asiatic – Dionysus and Asculapios (Asculapios was the god of healing).

2.         Cultured Greek – Zeus and Athena.

3.         Official Roman – Emperor Worship.

a.         Pergamum was first city in Asia (A.D. 29) to erect a temple to Augustus.

b.         The Concilia, which had charge of the state religion and of incense burning, was located here. (Summers)

TEXT

VERSE 12

A.        The sharp two-edged sword.

1.         Lit., “the sword the two-mouthed the sharp.”

a.         This gives emphasis to each point (Robertson).

2.         Rev.1:16; 2:16.

a.         The sword proceeds out of His mouth.

b.         Heb.4:12

c.         Eph.6:17

3.         Can signify either protection or judgment or both. (Summers)

VERSE 13

A.        I know where you dwell…Satan’s throne.

1.         Dwell (katoikein) means permanent residence [as opposed to being a sojourner]. (Barclay)

a.         “The Christian’s life is not escape, but conquest.” (Barclay)

2.         “Satan’s throne.”

a.         Could be drawn from the false god Asclepias.

1)         His nickname was Soter – Savior.

2)         His insignia was that of a serpent (Rev.12:9).

b.         Could be taken from the false god of Emperor Worship.

1)         The Concilia was located there.

2)         Was a center of Emperor worship,

B.         Hold fast My name…where Satan dwells.

1.         “Hold fast” means to take hold of the whole as opposed to part.

2.         “My name” and “My faith (Lit., faith in Me) would both signify refusing the worship of the Emperor.

a.         Kurios Iesous and Kurios Christos (Eph.4:5) instead of Kurios Kaisar.

b.         There was a law under Domitian: “That no Christian, once brought before the tribunal should be exempted from punishment without renouncing his religion.”

3.         Antipas is nowhere else mentioned save here.  The tradition holds that he was slowly cooked alive in a brazen bull under the reign of Domitian.

4.         The word witness (martus or martur) changed meaning by the third century. (Robertson)

a.         KJV uses word martyr.

5.         Notice that Jesus gives to Antipas His own name (1:5) which might have some significance on v.17.

a.         In 1:5, lit., the witness the faithful.

VERSE 14

A.        Balaam…stumbling block.

1.         As with Ephesus, they had many commendations yet still a few condemnations.

2.         Balaam – “father of religious syncretism.” (Caird)

3.         The teaching of Balaam in the O.T. was one of materialism and sensuality.

a. Cf. Num.22-24,31; 2 Pet.2; Jude.

4.         Stumbling block – “the stick in a trap on which the bait is placed, and which springs up and shuts the trap at the touch of an animal.” (Vincent)

B.         Things sacrificed to idols and immorality.

1.         On sacrificing to idols, “The pagan gods may not be real gods, but that does not mean they do not exist, that their power is not a real power.  If the state claims to be divine, though its claim is false, its power is real, the Satanic distortion of the genuine authority given to it by God.” (Caird)

2.         Cf. 1 Cor. 8-10; Rom.14

3.         The immorality (fornication) can be literal or figurative.

a.         Figurative?

1)         It is used that way in the O.T. (Ezek.23).

2)         If the Nicolaitans, followers of Balaam and those of Jezebel are all the same group, the only type of harlotry Jezebel was explicitly accused of was figurative – 2 Kgs.9:22; 2 Chron.21:13.

b.         Literal?

1)         Num.31 shows that the counsel of Balaam meant literal fornication.

2)         Jezebel could also be accused implicitly since Baal was a fertility cult.

VERSE 15

A.        The Nicolaitans

1.         Some believe that all three groups are the same.  If true:

a.         Nicolaitans was their actual name (cf. v.6).

b.         Balaam and Jezebel would be apocalyptic or descriptive names.

2.         Comments on the two groups.

a.         “They are willing to make spiritual compromise  in order to further their material safety.” (Summers).

b.         “Their story is told in the phrase, wrong creed – wrong conduct.” (Summers).

c.         “They (church at Pergamum) made one big mistake, however, probably owing to the fact that they emphasized individual salvation at the expense of a Christian’s duty to be concerned about the welfare of the church as a whole: they neglected discipline.” (Hendriksen).

1)         This is a good quote though I am unsure where he got the information about them emphasizing individual salvation at the expense of the church.

VERSE 16

A.        Repent…coming to you…make war against them.

1.         “Though not all were Balaamites and/or Nicolaitans, they were commanded to repent of their indifference.” (Caird)

2.         War and make war appear more in the Apocalypse than any other N.T. book.

a.         “An eternal roll of thunder from the throne.” (Vincent on Renan)

b.         “The glorified Christ is in this book a Warrior, who fights with the sharp sword of the word.” (Robertson on Swete)

3.         Jesus commands all to repent, but the principle target of His judgment is the false teachers, make war against them.

VERSE 17

A.        He who has an ear….To him who overcomes.

1.         Cf. v.7

B.         Hidden manna.

1.         There are many different views.

a.         Christ is the bread of Heaven (Jn.6:31-33; 48-51), hidden in that He is withdrawn from sight and the Christian’s life is hid with Him in God (Col.3:3).

b.         The satisfaction of the believer’s desire when Christ shall be revealed (1 Jn.3:2).

c.         Allusion to the Ark of the Covenant.

1)         There was a Jewish legend that Jeremiah, when the temple was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, hid the pot of manna in a cleft in Mt. Sinai until the appearing of the Messiah.

d.         Heavenly food (Ps.78:24-25) – “a man must abstain from seductions of earth if he wishes to enjoy the blessings of heaven.” (Barclay)

e.         The bread of the Lord’s Supper.

f.          It basically means life (i.e. eternal) as does the tree of life (2:7), the crown of life (2:10), and book of life (3:5).

C.         I will give him a white stone.

1.         White is the color of Heaven – 1:14; 3:5; 7:9; 14:14; 19:8,11,14; 20:11.

2.         There are many possibilities.

a.         The urim (lights) and Thummim (perfection) used by the High Priest for judgments.

b.         The stone or pebble used in voting (Acts 26:10), white stands for acquittal, black for condemnation.

c.         A signet which because of its form and/or character assures entrance.

d.         The practice done by the priests in order to decide who offers the sacrifice.

e.         The writing of a candidates name on a stone or bean for election.

f.          The rabbinic legend that precious stones fell from heaven with the manna – precious gifts.

g.         Colored stones were used in calculations, i.e. counted among the faithful.

h.         Charm or amulet.

I.          The stone that given a man upon his release from slavery.

j.          Given to victors and warriors for their triumphs

D.        A new name…which no one knows but he who receives it.

1.         Some say it is the name of Christ/God (3:12).

2.         Some say it is a name for himself and which is not the name of Christ/God.

3.         It could be a combination of both, Antipas received the title (name), My Witness, My Faithful One, which is a name of Christ (1:5); Christ could give us all new names which belong to Him and which then become our private names (even though Antipas’ was announced).

4.         It was a common practice in the O.T. to give new names for new positions, i.e. Abram-Abraham.

5.         Barclay points out that there are two words in the Greek for new.

a.         Neos – “new in point of time…and yet exactly like any number of things.”

b.         Kainos (used here) – “not only new in point of time, but also new in point of quality (3:12; 5:9; 21:1,5).

                                                           QUESTIONS: Pergamum

1.         Use the basic pattern of Hendriksen (Intro.VI.A.) and complete it for the church at Pergamum (H,T).

2.         Why would Emperor Worship be prevalent in Pergamum (H)?

3.         Give possible reasons as to why Jesus call Pergamum Satan’s throne (H).

4.         The word martus/martur changed meaning by the third century.  Give both the old and new meaning (L).

5.         Caird calls Balaam the “father of religious syncretism,” what is “religious syncretism” and how does that connect with Balaam [both in the O.T. and here] (L)?

6.         Compare and/or contrast the teachings of Paul and John on eating sacrificial meats – Acts 15; 1 Cor.8,10 (C).

7.         Do you believe these three groups (Nicolaitans, Balaamites, and followers of Jezebel) are one group, and is the immorality/fornication literal or figurative (O)?

8.         The Greek word for stumbling block is derived from a word meaning what (H)?

9.         What “one big mistake” did this church make (H)?

10.        Why do you suppose war and make war are found most often in the Revelation?

11.        On the meaning of the hidden manna, which one(s) do you believe possible and which one(s) do you believe improbable (O)?

12.        Same as #11, except white stone (O).

13.        Same as #11, except new name (O).

14.        What practical applications can be made today from studying this congregation (A)?

                                               THYATIRA: Jesus Against Jezebel

THE CITY OF THYATIRA

A.        Around 40 miles SE of Pergamum.

B.         It was founded by Seleucius I.

C.         Trade was its biggest fame; Ramsay lists these guilds: wool workers, linen workers, makers of outer garments, tanners, leather workers, dyers, bakers, slave dealers and bronze-smiths.

D.        The color of purple was a very prominent trade (Acts 16:14).

E.         The principle pagan deity was Tyrimnos, which was associated with Apollo, and represented the sun-god.

TEXT

VERSE 18

A.        The Son of God.

1.         Son of God “is a summation of the total description of Jesus in chapter one.” (Hailey)

2.         Son of God “prepares the way for the quote of Psalm 2 in which the Messiah is addressed by God as `My Son.’” (Caird)

a.         Rev.21:7.

3.         Summers breaks down the verse in analysis:

a.         Son of God – Infallible.

b.         Piercing eyes – Omniscient.

c.         Feet as bronze – Strong.

4.         The term Son of God prepares the path for Jesus to give authority to those who overcome – vv.26-27.

B.         Who had eyes like a flame of fire…feet…like…bronze….

1.         According to Summers the eyes anticipates verse 23 – searches the minds and hearts.

2.         Eyes like a flame of fire could allude to the Sun-god Apollo.

3.         The bronze statement might hint at the guilds of which one was of the bronze-smiths.

4.         “By these statements He practically announces the fact that He is coming in judgement which is strong and pure.” (Morgan)

VERSE 19

A.        I know …deeds …love …faith …service … perseverance…deeds are greater….

1.         “More praise is given in the case of Ephesus and Thyatira when blame follows than in the case of Smyrna and Philadelphia when no fault is found.” (Robertson)

2.         Deeds can be good or bad, but here clarification is made by expounding what their deeds (Whole life and conduct) were.

3.         Faith could refer to their faithfulness (Gal.5:22).

4.         True love is not stagnant towards fellow Christians, but rather shown in service (diakonian).

5.         This congregation stands polarized to Ephesus and Sardis.

a.         Ephesus had lost their first love, but Thyatira is commended for their love and service.

b.         Ephesus was told to do the deeds you did at first while Thyatira bettered their’s.

c.         Sardis had a name for good but was not, while Thyatira was known because she had increased her works.

VERSE 20

A.        Tolerate…Jezebel…immorality and eat thing sacrificed to idols.

1.         In this way again Thyatira stands opposite of Ephesus which could not endure evil men (2:2).

2.         “This woman was not a real prophetess, but a false one with loud claims and loose living.” (Robertson)

3.         Hailey asks three questions in connection with Jezebel:

a.         Is this an individual or group?

b.         Is this the same as the Nicolaitans or followers of Balaam?

c.         What relationship did she share in the commended works?

4.         Jezebel is not the real name but could have been chosen because:

a.         She brought in Baal worship which consisted of both literal and figurative fornication.

b.         The wrongs being committed could be done for the sun-god Tyrimnos, and Baal has been described as a sun-god (among other descriptions).

c.         Jezebel helped corrupt the people of God.

5.         Beasley-Murray tries to answer how the church was lead away, “Its problems arose from the many trades and craftsmen’s guilds in the city.  Every craftsman and trader naturally belonged to his appropriated guild.  The meetings of these societies included a common meal, dedicated to a pagan deity, and frequently ended in sheer debauchery and licentiousness.”

a.         It is possible that Jezebel was a gnostic; therefore convincing these Christians that fleshly immorality would not affect the spirit allowing them to keep their friends, jobs and guilds without losing their Christianity.

b.         A comparison, to some degree, could be made to present-day Unions, Masonic lodges, and fraternities

6.         Eph.5:11

VERSE 21

A.        I gave her time to repent…she does not want to….

1.         “Time given to repent, which should be recognized as opportunity for salvation, is too often taken as indifference on God’s part.” (Hailey)

a.         2 Pet.3:9

2.         Two of God’s greatest gifts to man are His sacrificed Son and time.

3.         If time is not cherished, we will perish.

4.         This verse shows that even God limits His patience.

VERSE 22

A.        Behold…bed of sickness…those who commit adultery…unless they repent.

1.         “The scene of the sin is also the scene of the punishment.” (Vincent)

2.         Bed is a Hebraism for becoming ill. (Beasley-Murray)

3.         Those who commit adultery with her.

a.         Literal or figurative (as with morality).

b.         Most likely with her means “as she does.”

4.         Jesus is still giving hope for her to repent though “she does not want to.”  Tribulation will come unless they repent for punishment is conditional upon the lack of repentance.

VERSE 23

A.        And I will kill her children with pestilence.

1.         Another way of reading this is kill with death (Rev.6:8).

2.         Who the children are is uncertain.

a.         Actual children.

b.         Those who are different from the ones who committed adultery.

1)         Possibly being those who are completely indoctrinated since they are her offspring.

2)         These would suffer death.

c.         Those who are the same as those who committed adultery.

3.         The three (or one progressive in thought in extent) punishments mentioned.

a.         Jezebel cast into a bed (of sickness not found in Greek).

b.         Those who commit adultery into tribulation.

c.         Her children to be killed with death.

VERSE 24

A.        The rest…who do not hold this teaching…deep things of Satan, as they call….

1.         There were others in this congregation who did not hold to this false doctrine, but they did practice indifference.

2.         Deep things of Satan

a.         It is possible that this was a sect of the gnostics because deep things indicates knowledge of which the gnostics prized higher than morality.

b.         It is uncertain if this sect prized themselves on knowing things of Satan, or whether God is ridiculing them because their prized knowledge belongs to those who are Satan’s.

1)         Why this knowledge might be counted as valuable by them:

a)         By understanding sin we can better combat it.

b)         By being closer to it we will have more opportunity to fight it.

c)         By understanding the depths of sin we can understand the depths of grace.

c.         They felt they could “touch pitch without being defiled and handle fire without being burnt.” (Caird)

3.         2 Pet.2:18; Jude 16.

4.         Burden (Baros) – “heavy toil pressing like weight.” (Vincent)

VERSE 25

A.        Hold fast until I come.

1.         “There is no place to slow down, digress, or give up in the service of Christ.” (Hailey)

2.         This coming from Jesus, as with the other epistles, is not the final judgment, but rather an intermediate punishment.

VERSE 26

A.        He who overcomes…keeps my deeds until the end…I will give authority….

1.         He who overcomes (conquers) has earned authority through the promise of Christ.

2.         Keeps my deeds appears only here in the N.T. (Vincent)

3.         This is the beginning of a quote from Psalm 2 (The Septuagint).

VERSE 27

A.        He shall rule…rod of iron…received from the Father.

1.         Hailey believes that Christian rule now since Christ rules now.

2.         Hendrikson believes this authority is given on Judgment Day.

3.         The line of progression moves from the Father to the Son to those who overcome.

4.         Rev.7:17; 12:5; 19:15; Eph.2:16; Rom.5:17.

5.         Rev.3:21 has a similar promise to those who overcame at Laodicea.

VERSE 28

A.        And I will give him the morning star.

1.         It could mean “a new day as the morning star represents a new physical day.

2.         It possibly could refer to Christ – Rev.20:16

3.         Beasley-Murray points out that Venus (The morning star) was the symbol of victory and sovereignty in the Roman armies.

a.         “If then the morning star was the sign of conquest and rule over the nations…it embodies in symbol the prophecy cited from the psalmist.”

VERSE 29

A.        He who has an ear….

1.         Hailey points out that the order has been reversed for the rest of the epistles – here, he who has an ear comes after he who overcomes.

                                                             QUESTIONS: Thyatira

1.         Use the basic pattern of Hendriksen and complete it for the church at Thyatira (H,T).

2.         Name two “ladies” who are prominent in our knowledge of Thyatira (C,T).

3.         Name some reasons that could possibly explain Jesus’ self-designation (H).

4.         Why do you think Jesus gave more praise to Ephesus and Thyatira than Smyrna or Philadelphia (O)?

5.         How does this congregation with Ephesus and Sardis (T,C)?

6.         In v.19 service is commended to these Christians.  Name some practical way in which Christians can serve today (A).

7.         How would you answer the three questions of Hailey (O)?

8.         Since it seems that gnostics were the erring sect, what did they teach about fleshly desires (H,L)?

9.         What is their punishment conditional upon? (T,H)?

10.        What relationship do you believe Jezebel’s “children” had to those who committed adultery with “her” (i.e. are they the same?) (O)?

11.        Name some possible reasons that “Jezebel” might have given for knowing the deep things of Satan, and what do you think of these reasons (H).

12.        When do you believe Christians rule (H,O)?

13.        What practical applications can be made today from studying this congregation (A)?