The Revelation of Jesus Christ
“The Compromising Churches”
Review
John wrote this book under direct orders from Jesus. Jesus appeared to him and commissioned him to write what he saw, what was and what was about to take place. This forms a simple outline of the book. John wrote during a time of severe tribulation and testing among those who chose to follow Christ and His teaching.
I. Prologue 1:1-20 (Things which you have seen)
The Prologue in chapter one records what John the 90 some year old Apostle saw (and heard) including a manifestation of Jesus far different that what John had known previously.
The theme of the book describes the coming of Jesus and the events leading up to that return.
II. Messages to the Seven churches 2-3 (Things with are)
John wrote about the current condition of the church and Jesus’ message to seven specific churches in Asia that represent issues and struggles applicable to all churches in every age up till the return of Jesus.
Jesus followed a similar pattern in all seven messages.
A. The Message to the church in Ephesus 2:1-7
Church of solid doctrine without serious devotion
Church of perseverance without passion
B. The Message to the church in Smyrna 2:8-11
The Suffering Church
Jesus spoke to this church as the Ever Present One; the beginning and the end. He spoke as one who Himself had proven faithful to the end in the face of unspeakable suffering. He had no correction only instruction. Stop fearing future suffering. Be faithful to the unto death.
C. The Message to the church in Pergamum 2:12-17
Background of the city & church
Pergamum stood at an elevation of 1,000 feet, forty-five miles to the north of Smyrna.
It was known for its education, medicine, library of nearly 200,000 scrolls, and parchment production.
In the year 133 B.C., Pergamum (Pergamos, NKJV) became the capital of the Roman province of Asia. This city is forty-five miles north of Smyrna, and is built upon a high rock outcropping, a natural fortress. It had become, by the time of the first century, the center of emperor worship in the Roman world. There are many impressive temples in Pergamum—to Zeus, Athena, Nikephoids, Dionysus—but the city was most famous for its temples to Asklepios.
We have no information as to who evangelized this city. All we know is that a church had been established in this pagan capital right under Satan’s nose (if he had one). There is still a church there today.
In Pergamum, Christians daily faced the pressures of a pagan society. If they refused to accept an invitation to attend a feast in honor of a pagan deity, they would not only be shunned, but they would lose their jobs or businesses. People would call them outcasts not fit to live on this earth. But for faithful believers there is no one higher than their Lord, no human law that takes precedence over God’s law, and no teaching that supplants the gospel.
1. Characteristic 2:12
12 And to the angel (pastor) of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this:
Literally this would read: “the one who has the sword, the double-edged one, the sharp one.”
Jesus refers to the image He revealed in the first chapter (1:16). The symbolism of the two-edged sword in the secular world symbolized authority and power. It indicated that authority to authorize capital punishment. This image indicate that it was not the Romans or even Satan who held the power of life and death and government but Jesus who would wield that precision sword against the enemy. Even though Jesus identified this city as the location of
“Satan’s throne”, Jesus still stood as the absolute ruler. At His coming, Jesus will come with a two-edged sword (19:15) and execute His judgment on all and rule the world with a rod of iron.
In the Christian world, the two-edged sword symbolizes the “Word of God”. Jesus speaks the truth and discerns the very thoughts and intents of the heart.
12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. Hebrews 4:12-13
It is the truth that defeats the lies of the enemy (sword of the Spirit Eph 6:17).
2. Commendation 2:13
13 ’I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.
I know where you live (permanent residence or dwelling). I am completely aware of your circumstance. I have a clear perception of your situation (perfect tense = perceived and still perceive.)
What was their circumstance? Many towns or cities chose some event or person or object to distinguish them from other towns.
I am sure that the distinction of Pergamum attached by Jesus did not headline any chamber of commerce brochures. They lived “Where Satan’s throne is”. “Throne or seat” represented a seat of power and control and rule. Satan is not omnipresent. He may be able to travel quickly and extensively but he can only be in one place at a time.
Contrary to most people’s perception, Satan’s present center of operations is NOT hell.
Hell is his ultimate destiny not his current dwelling. He commands a vast army of well-networked sorry soldiers spread out all around the globe to do his work, but he himself can only be at one place at a time. Ephesians references a power structure in Satan’s kingdom.
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12
He is the present ruler of the earth. He is called the “prince of the power of the air.” Jesus called him the “ruler of this world.” John talked about his power in his letters.
19 We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. 1 John 5:19
How should we interpret this reference?
There are many views among Bible teachers. It could have been a reference to the major temples to the gods located in the city. It could have referenced Zeus’ temple which resembles a throne. It could be a reference to emperor worship centered in Pergamum. (First temple)
It could be a reference to the fact that Satan had exerted great influence in that city to the point where Christians were being killed. The reality is, many cities had temples to some of the same gods and promoted emperor worship and killed Christians. Whatever the reference was, it resonated with the readers. Perhaps, for some reason, Satan actually operated from that location which could only have been known by Jesus. It is a fact that Satan and his designated rulers do exert ether influence over regions and cities. An angel warrior told Daniel (10) of his fierce opposition by the demonic “prince of Persia.” This might explain why some areas are so resistant to the gospel. Satan seeks to establish strongholds all around the world.
Perhaps you have been in places where there seemed to be a tangible darkness and evil.
It seems Satan gains more and more influence over our world as we approach the end times.
Remember, in the days of Noah every man’s heart was evil continually.
5 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Genesis 6:5
The New Testament compares the end time conditions to the conditions of Noah’s day. Jesus wanted them to know that He completely understood their circumstance and how difficult it was to live in such a place. He also understood and commended their continual commitment to His name and refusal to deny their faith in Him even in the face of severe persecution and the execution of their brother Antipas. He comments them for continuing to hold fast in such a turbulent climate. “hold fast” = continually grasp, seize, keep, retain.
We will either be influenced by or be an influence in our community. We know very little of Antipas other than what Jesus stated here. Faithful witness! Martyred for that faithful witness.
According to tradition, he was roasted to death inside a brass bull during the persecution instigated by Emperor Domitian.
Jesus commended them for maintaining their commitment to Him in a difficult place.
It is a powerful reminder of the fact that Jesus would build His church and the gates of hell, yes even the capital city of Satan, would not stop it. In spite of their tenacious grip on their fundamental belief in Christ, their walk with Christ was a different thing.
3. Correction 2:14-15
14 ’But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality. 15 ’So you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
Remember, this church was not a new church. Like Ephesus, they had been in existence for nearly forty years. Even though they had not overtly rejected Christ, the constant exposure to the corruption in the city had compromised their daily behavior. They allowed a false teaching to infiltrate their assembly. Jesus didn’t say that the church as a whole was practicing these things but they allowed these false teachers to go unaddressed in their assembly making them culpable and most likely influencing some members. Eventually, their false teaching would cause more and more members to stray from the truth. Belief (derived from teaching) ultimately determines behavior.
Jesus referenced two names; one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament.
1 - Ones Holding the Teaching of Balaam. (Balaamites)
2 - Ones holding the Teaching of the Nicolaitans.
The word for “hold” is the same word used earlier describing the churches commitment to the name of Christ. To grasp, seize, keep, retain. This was not just a passing fad or a temporary lapse. These particular teachers were champions and promoters of their false teaching. The present tense participles indicated an ongoing practice; a strongly held world-view.
It was still going on.
What was their strongly held belief or teaching? Balaam was a prophet of God in name only.
He lived during Israel’s trek to the Promised Land recorded in the book of Numbers (22).
When Israel camped near the land of Moab (descents of Abraham’s nephew Lot Gen19:30-38) east of the Dead Sea (Modern day Jordan) Balak the king of Moab became concerned. He consulted with his elders and decided to contract a soothsayer or prophet. It seems that Balaam had earned a reputation for successful blessings and cursing. He lived in Iraq near the Euphrates River. (600 miles from Moab)
Balak sent a delegation laden down with the “divination fees” hoping to entice Balaam to come with them to Moab and pronounce a curse on Israel. Balaam is a confusing Biblical figure. He appears to have had knowledge and respect of Yahweh even though he was not Hebrew. Balaam preached some of the most profound truths of the Bible, yet it is clear that his heart was not right and became a negative example of corruption and evil.
17 "I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; a star shall come forth from Jacob, A scepter shall rise from Israel, and shall crush through the forehead of Moab, And tear down all the sons of Sheth. Numbers 24:17
Besides here and in Numbers, Balaam’s error is also mentioned by both Peter and Jude.
The error of Balaam
Even though God would not allow Balaam to curse Israel, Balaam coached Balak how to get God to fight against Israel by enticing them to sin against God with idolatry and immorality.
1 While Israel remained at Shittim, the people began to play the harlot with the daughters of Moab. 2 For they invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. 3 So Israel joined themselves to Baal of Peor, and the LORD was angry against Israel. Numbers 25:1-3
15 And Moses said to them, "Have you spared all the women? 16 "Behold, these caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, so the plague was among the congregation of the LORD. Numbers 31:15-16
These are the same sins mentioned by Jesus taught by the false teachers and tolerated by the church. Peter and Jude compared the end time false prophets to Balaam.
13 They are stains and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, as they carouse with you, 14 having eyes full of adultery that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed, accursed children; 15 forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16 but he received a rebuke for his own transgression, for a mute donkey, speaking with a voice of a man, restrained the madness of the prophet. 2 Peter 2:13-16
11 Woe to them! For they have gone the way of Cain, and for pay they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. Jude 1:11
It seems that Balaam remained in the area and died when God brought judgment on Moab.
The heart of Balaam appeared to be greedy and materialistic.
The teaching of Balaam appeared to be moral compromise.
kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality.
The church in Ephesus stood firmly against such heretical teaching in the church. Pergamum did not and, as we will see, neither did Thyatira. Jesus identified two unacceptable issues in the church. They compromised their testimony and corrupted their lives by becoming entangled in the corruption of the community. At the urging of these false teachers, believers at Pergamum and Thyatira continued to participate in the feast and celebrations in the local temples. These celebrations included heavy drinking, eating the sacrificial meals of raw meat and blood, including sexual immorality with the temple prostitutes in order to get in touch with the gods.
God calls us to live differently. God calls Christians to a higher standard. Jesus told them to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. The church in Pergamum failed to address moral compromise in the church. The lines of difference between pagan and penitent became appallingly blurred. The sin of Thyatira was similar except Jesus exposed a false prophetess named Jezebel. Her teaching lead to the same result – sexual immorality and participation in pagan rituals.
They too demonstrated some admirable qualities.
19 I know your deeds, and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your deeds of late are greater than at first.
Yet they too displeased Jesus by failing to deal with blatant ungodly teaching and practices.
4. Action 2:16a
16 ’Therefore repent;
Jesus warned them to get their thinking straightened out. Change your way of thinking. The Thyatira faithful were encouraged to hang on to the end.
5. Consequence 2:16b
or else I am coming to you quickly and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth
Change your thinking or I am on my way to confront the problem. This is not the Second coming. This is a disciplinary visit. The sword shows up again. This time He comes to purge compromise and confront the false teachers.
Specifically, Jezebel is in for God’s judgment.
21 ’I gave her time to repent, and she does not want to repent of her immorality. 22 ’Behold, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds. 23 ’And I will kill her children with pestilence, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.
God will not let compromise go on forever. There will be judgment. The reference to the bed may be an image reversal. Rather than a bed of immorality and pleasure seeking related to the pagan rituals, she will end up on a bed of sickness. God dealt severely with the compromise of the people who violated God’s laws in Numbers. Twenty-four thousand died in a severe plague.
6. Call to pay attention 2:17a
17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
7. Promise to overcomers 2:17b
To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.
He closed the letter with an encouraging word of promise to the true believers. John’s perception of an overcomer is clear from his earlier writing.
5 Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:5
These persecuted Christians could look forward to God’s supernatural provisions. Jesus was the manna.
32 Jesus then said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread out of heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread out of heaven. 33 "For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world." John 6:32-33
35 Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. John 6:35
Jesus also promised a white stone engraved with a special name. The white stone had significance in many different areas.
• It was used as an admission ticket to event and festivals.
• It was used in court to indicate an acquittal.
• It was presented to victors in the games securing them maintenance at public expense.
• It was issued to a special guest (invitation) with a special name engraved.
• It was issued to priests and Levites before they entered ministry to indicate purity.
There is pertinent application in most of these for the beloved believer.
• Admission to heaven
• Acquitted through the blood of Jesus
• Victor or overcomer with eternal provision at God’s expense
• Invited guests to the marriage supper with a special name engraved invitation by Jesus.
• Purity of life through the righteousness of Jesus Christ
Jesus promised the believers (overcomers) at Thyatira leadership in the Kingdom.
He promises them the “morning star”. Jesus calls Himself the “Bright Morning Star” in Rev 22.
Jesus promises new unhindered fellowship with Himself to every true follower.
APPLICATION
In this age of tolerance we have lost the edge. Christianity was birthed in a cesspool of immorality. The contrast between the pagans and the followers of Christ was night and day.
The consequences of decades of unrestrained sexual immorality on the health of the family and society had taken its toll. That difference was a tremendous source of testimony. Communities were transformed as they saw the passion and practice of the Christians.
The Christian community became a transforming influence that affected the whole world.
Today that influence has become hindered by a compromise in life style. The church has either taken on a shrill and harsh legalism or a powerless compromise in the matter of faith and practice. The pulpit has become a place to make people feel good and fill buildings or fund “ministries” rather than proclaim the teaching of Jesus and confront the soul destroying behavior of our culture. In the name of tolerance we avoid confronting any sinful behavior.
We sidestep making “moral judgments”. Purity is avoided rather than admired. Belief in Christ has been completely divorced from daily life. What we do on Sunday among the faithful differs greatly from what we do with friends during the week.
Here is God’s view.
11 Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. 12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:11-12
1 Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. 4 In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 1 Peter 4:1-5
14 Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? 16 Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, "I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. 17 "Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE," says the Lord. "AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you. 18 "And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me," Says the Lord Almighty. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1
There are a multitude of verses dealing with purity. Moral purity and fidelity toward God both of which these churches became lax.
1 Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more. 2 For you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 5 not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you. 7 For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. 8 So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to wise men; you judge what I say. 16 Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ? 17 Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread. 18 Look at the nation Israel; are not those who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar? 19 What do I mean then? That a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? We are not stronger than He, are we? 1 Corinthians 10:14-22
God urges us not to make those who sin comfortable whether they be believers or unbelievers. That is not the atmosphere of the church today. We are urged to make every effort not to offend. Don’t talk about sin. Don’t tell people they are sinners. Just talk about the love of God. We shouldn’t judge others.
15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 1 Peter 4:15-17
Have we embraced the teaching and practice of Balaam and the Nicolaitans and Jezebel?
Embracing practices dedicated to idols that reject Jesus as Lord or our life
Engaging in immoral activities that deaden the soul
We live as if it is acceptable to confess Jesus and still participate with the world and join them in their practices. We find no problem seeking pleasure in what the pagans pursue for fleshly pleasure.
4 You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: "He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us"? 6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." James 4:4-6
15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:15-17
The desire for pleasure, possessions and prominence is God given before the original rebellious choice and horribly twisted after. Satan has turned a natural God-engrained desire and twisted it to our detriment and God’s displeasure.
Lust of the flesh = Desire for pleasure without self-control or God-ordained boundaries.
Lust of the eyes = Desire for Possessions without sacrifice or contentment
Pride of life = Desire for prominence without service or humility.
God’s fulfillment of these desires will all culminate in the renewed heaven and earth. For now, we are called to live a life of simplicity and passion to serve God and others. When our lifestyles no longer differ from the broken world around us, we forfeit our witness.
Engage in the same morally questionable activities
Entertain the same thinking
Addicted to the same soul-numbing substances and activities
Pursue the same materialistic dreams
Live for the temporal rather than the eternal
Seek to selfishly disengage rather than sacrificially engage our community
Live according to the course of this devil-directed world
It is time to repent and allow God to change our thinking and change our heart.
D. The Message to the church in Thyatira 2:18-29
1. Characteristic 2:18
18 "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze
2. Commendation 2:19
19 I know your deeds, and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your deeds of late are greater than at first.
3. Correction 2:20
20 ’But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.
4. Action 2:24-25
24 ’But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them—I place no other burden on you. 25 ’Nevertheless what you have, hold fast until I come. Revelation 2:24-25
5. Consequence 2:21-23
21 ’I gave her time to repent, and she does not want to repent of her immorality. 22 ’Behold, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds. 23 ’And I will kill her children with pestilence, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.
6. Call to pay attention 2:29
29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
7. Promise to overcomers 2:26-28
26 ’He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS; 27 AND HE SHALL RULE THEM WITH A ROD OF IRON, AS THE VESSELS OF THE POTTER ARE BROKEN TO PIECES, as I also have received authority from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star.
