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The Seven Churches of Revelation
Lesson 1: Revelations 1; 2:8-11
(Rev. Barry Johnson and Rev. Rodney Johnson)
Introduction
Hello everyone and welcome to lesson one of our study of the letters to the seven Churches from the book of Revelation. Many people hesitate to read this book because for them it’s scary and it has a lot of symbolisms in it. I understand this thought as I too do not understand some of the imagery that John uses to describe what he was shown. However, as we go through the message to the seven Churches, you will see that those messages are pretty clear and, more importantly, they are applicable to all Churches today. There are seven specific messages that Jesus gave to John for the seven Churches of Asia. Of the seven messages, there were only two Churches that Jesus did not find fault in how they were operating as a Church, what they were allowing to happen in their congregations or in their service to Him. We are going to start with those two Churches so that when we get to the other five we will reference back to the differences between the Churches that Jesus did find fault with and the two that He did not find fault with.
As Rodney said, our focus in the next seven lessons are limited to the seven churches that are covered in chapters two and three and what they can teach us about the Body of Christ today. The challenges that each of the churches faced and the specific instructions that Jesus gives to them will be our focus in these lessons. When these lessons are complete, it is our prayer that, as we look at the churches, you will be able to clearly identify the characteristics of a church that Jesus commends and the characteristics of a church that He condemns. And to help you do this, I’m going to identify the common themes that will be seen in each of the churches. I’m going to list them with very little explanation at this point. First is the phrase “I know thy works.” The second is “He that has ears to hear, let him hear.” Third, is the repeated call for “repentance.” The fourth theme is how Jesus hates the doctrine that teaches we can be saved and, at the same time, live immoral lives. And we will see this when Jesus talks about the false teachings of the Nicolatians, Balaam and Jezebel. And, finally, we are going to see the promises that Jesus gives to those who overcome the issues in that church.
Now, before we start with the first Church, we want to set the stage by quickly reading through the first chapter. So get your Bibles out and turn with us to the first chapter of the book of Revelation and we will begin reading at verse one. As we read through the verses we will provide some context/commentary that will help set the stage for the book in general and the seven Church specifically. Let’s Begin.
“1The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John, 2who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.” It is important to understand that the book of Revelation is not John’s revelation as some refer to it. It is the revelation of Jesus Christ that He shared with John. John just recorded everything that he was told and saw. Another point I want to make is this: when you think of the imagery that John recorded, remember he was seeing future events. Just consider how someone would describe an airplane flying in the air 2000 years before they existed. He would attempt to describe it based on his reference points. Again, I am sharing this just as a point of consideration as you read this book of prophecy.
That’s an excellent point Rodney and it explains why most who read the book and try to interpret it talk about symbolism. And it’s also a reason why what is often said may not have any scriptural foundation.
Let’s continue. “3Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.” For all of you who have not read this book because you’re afraid of it, you’re missing a blessing. There is a blessing attached to reading and heeding the things mentioned in this book, especially those things told to the seven Churches.
Rodney, I also like how the Amplified Bible renders this verse. “Blessed (happy to be envied) is the man who reads aloud [in the assemblies] the word of this prophecy; and blessed (happy, to be envied) are those who hear [it read] and who keep themselves true to the things which are written in it [heeding them and laying them to heart], for the time [for them to be fulfilled] is near.”
Amen Barry! Let’s continue with verse four. “4John to the seven churches that are in Asia: ‘Grace to you and peace, from Him Who is and Who was and Who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, 5and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him Who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood, 6and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father, to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7BEHOLD, HE IS COMING WITH THE CLOUDS, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen.” John does a great job of describing Jesus for the readers. He wants to make sure that everyone who reads this book will understand Who Jesus is; what He did for us; and what He will be doing soon. Jesus is coming back and everyone will see Him, even those who did not and still do not believe on Him.
Rodney, I’d like to point out something and that’s the phrase “even those who pierced Him.” I find it interesting that Jesus wanted this detail included in the narrative. He is making it known that the Roman soldiers who participated in His crucifixion will know that He’s coming back. In a way, He’s singling them out. I just find that interesting.
Barry that is an interesting point. And you know what? They will remember what they did to Him for all eternity. Talk about a life changing decision! Verse eight continues, “8I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.’ 9I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, 11saying, ‘Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.’ 12Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; 13and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash.”’ John makes it clear that he would be recording what would be told to him. Now he begins to describe what Jesus looked like in the vision. Barry why don’t you pick it up here.
Rodney, one thing that I don’t want us to miss is why John was in prison on Patmos – “because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.” Refusing to yield and compromise on the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ is what got John thrown into prison. That was his only crime.
Barry that is a great point. It tells us that even though John was in prison on an isolated island, Jesus knew exactly where He was and was with Him. How many times have we felt totally alone while thinking that maybe Jesus had forgotten us in our situation? That will NEVER happen!
Rodney, you’re absolutely right! Let’s continue. “14His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire. 15His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters. 16In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength. 17When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, ‘Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, 18and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades. 19Therefore write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things. 20As for the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.”’ In verse 20, Jesus says the seven stars are angels and the seven lamp stands are the seven churches. The word “angels” in the Greek is aggelos, which simply means “a messenger.” Now keeping everything that we have read so far in context, the word “angels” cannot mean a spiritual being with no physical body serving in a leadership capacity over a church. So, the question is why not? The seven churches that John is writing about were seven literal churches and there is not one reference in the New Testament that gives an angel authority over Christians. In fact, we see just the opposite in Hebrews 1. In verses 13 and 14 we read: 13But to which of the angels (aggelos) has He ever said, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet?” 14Are they (angels) not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:13-14) The angels, or messengers that Jesus was speaking to are the “pastors” of the churches. With all of this in mind, Rodney is going to lead the discussion about the Church of Smyrna. Rodney.
As Barry said we will begin with the letter to the Church of Smyrna. Please turn to Revelation chapter two and we will begin with verses eight and nine. It reads, “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The First and the Last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this: 9 I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” (Revelation 2:8-11) As Barry just said, this letter was written to the pastor of the Church of Smyrna – and every other pastor who is leading one of Christ’s churches. John makes sure the pastor knows that what he is about to receive is coming directly from the mouth of Christ. The book of Revelation reveals to us what is important to Jesus as it relates to His Churches and those claiming to follow Him. In verse nine Jesus says this to the Church of Smyrna: “9 I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.”
This Church was not a Church that had a lot of money. They were actually struggling, but Jesus said that they were rich. I want you to remember this in the weeks to come because there was a Church that did have a lot of money and Jesus had a problem with that Church. What Jesus says in this one verse shows us that He has a most intimate knowledge of everything that pertains to His Church. The word “tribulation” in this verse is of a general significance and probably includes all that they suffered in any form, whether from persecution, poverty, or the blasphemy of those that opposed them. Jesus understood everything that they were facing. We are not told why this church was poor materialistically but Jesus said that they were rich in His eyes. It is important to understand the significance of what Jesus told this “poor” Church. He said they were rich, not in this world's view, but in a more important respect, in the grace and favor of God.
We equate riches and blessings with material things but that is so far from the truth spiritually. Poverty is no proof that the favor of God is being denied a Church or person, and there are some things in it that is actually favorable to the promotion of a right spirit towards God which is oftentimes not found where there is abundant wealth. Our Savior was exceedingly poor, and not a few of His most devoted and useful followers have had as little of this world's goods as He had. We should understand that being poor – not having as much as someone else – does not mean we cannot be cheerful and/or happy. I think I would be ok if Jesus told me “I know your poverty, but you are rich.”
Rodney, as you were sharing this, my mind went back to what Paul said in Philippians 4. I’m reading from the NKJV. In verses 11 through 13 it says 11Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Amen Barry!!! Jesus also says that He knows about “the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” The word here does not refer to blasphemy against God, but to the bitter reproaches they were receiving from others. While the reason for these reproaches is not stated it was obviously on account of their beliefs. Have you ever had someone treat you differently because you identified as a Christian? This was a constant battle for the early church. Jesus here was referring to those who called themselves Jews but were not as they were of the synagogue of Satan. The idea seems to be that although they professed to be Jews, they were not true Jews as they indulged in a bitterness of reproach which showed that they had not the spirit of the Jewish religion. There were Jews in all parts of Asia Minor, and the apostles often encountered them in their journeys, but it would seem that there was something which had particularly embittered those of Smyrna against Christianity.
For example, the believers of Smyrna were being slandered by the Jews, which made their lives very difficult. The Jews had an agreement with Rome which exempted them from claiming Caesar as lord because of the one God of Israel. And they were looking for ways to kick Christians out of the synagogue. So they slandered them by saying they were having orgies in their gatherings. When the believers held communion and said this is Jesus’ body and His blood, the Jews accused them of being cannibalistic. When the believers called each other brother and sister, the Jews said they were anti-family. They only cared about each other. Family was important to Rome. They also did other things to marginalize them. So you can see, they were constantly dealing with attacks on their beliefs and how they practiced their faith – and, financially, they were poor! Jesus said while their persecutors called themselves Jews they deserved rather to be called of the synagogue of Satan. The synagogue was a Jewish place of worship, but the word originally denoted the assembly or congregation. The meaning here is plain. They worshipped in a synagogue and professed to be the worshippers of God, yet they were not worthy of the name, and deserved rather to be regarded as being in the service of Satan.
Before I turn it over to Barry to finish the verses pertaining to this Church and to close us out, I want to make mentioned of this one fact. Jesus said these Jews were Jews in name only but in reality they belonged to Satan. It is important for us to know that Jesus knows our hearts individually and as a Church body. He knows what is important to us. He knows if our worship is genuine, or if we are just going through the motions. We can fool each other, but we cannot fool Him. Jesus has a standard and it is up to each of us to meet it. There are many people who state that they are Christians who could also be members of the synagogue of Satan. Just because a person says they are a Christian does not make them one. Just because a person has been baptized and attends Church faithfully does not make them a Christian. If you think I am telling you what I believe, let me remind you of what Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-27: “21Not every one that says unto Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of My Father Who is in heaven. 22Many will say to Me in that day, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name? And in Your name have cast out demons? And in Your name done many wonderful works?’ 23And then will I profess unto them, ‘I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity.’ 24Therefore whosoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him unto a wise man, who built his house upon a rock. 25And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26And every one that hears these sayings of Mine, and does them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand. 27And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. (Matthew 7:21-27)
Close
Rodney, there are many people on their way to hell and the lake of fire simply because they choose not to do what Jesus said. They go to Church every Sunday. They attend Bible Study. They attend all of the special services that the Church may have. All of these “activities” will not get them into heaven if their hearts are not aligned with Christ. Man says everyone who gets baptized will go to heaven. Jesus never said this! Let finish this. Verse ten says, “10Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.” (Revelation 2:10-11)
“Do not fear what you are about to suffer.” We know that Smyrna is a church that Jesus held in high regard and I really want to draw your attention to what He says in the first part of the verse. Churches, congregations, individual believers, who are walking hand in hand with Jesus, who refuse to agree with what the Bible disagrees with, are going to suffer persecution. And this persecution, oftentimes, will come from other Christians. For example, the Bible only supports marriage between a man and a woman. But, there are Christians who support same sex unions and will criticize and label Christians who believe what the Bible says. That’s an example of suffering. That’s an example of persecution. And it’s happening inside the “family.” A Christian who tolerates what God does not tolerate is in sin.
“Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison…” How is it possible for Satan to do this? We saw examples of this in some of the things that Rodney talked about earlier. The Roman prisons are nothing like what we see today. They were part of Rome’s sewage system. Not only were they filled with excrement, but they were also filled with rats. If you were fortunate enough to survive, you were then fed to the lions.
“Tribulation for ten days.” – A short period of time.
“Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” This does not mean that everyone would eventually face horrible deaths. This is partly true. But the overall message is this: “Once we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are to be faithful to Him for the rest of our lives. And when we do this, we are promised a “crown of life.” I’m not sure what it involves, but I do know that every Christian will not receive it. That doesn’t mean they won’t go to heaven, it simply means this is a promise they won’t receive.
When I read “crown of life” my thinking this is a special award for those who are martyred for Christ. Many die while serving Him, but not as many are killed FOR serving Him.
I like that view Rodney because it certainly fits with other passages of scripture. And as you and I talked about earlier – faithfulness means standing firm on the truth of the gospel regardless of the consequences. Well, maybe we didn’t say it quite like that. ? And let also say this: living close to Jesus will not keep the storms from coming. The storms will never stop. But living close to Jesus will give us the endurance we need to weather the storm!
“He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.” A Christian is not automatically an overcomer. Being an overcome is a choice. Being an overcomer requires sacrifice. The only instructions that the believers in Smyrna received was they would be persecuted and they needed to be strong unto death. Now listen to what I’m about to say: There was no promise of rescue from the persecution or from death. This is so contrary to what we hear in a lot of churches today, especially as it pertains to suffering and persecution. So, what did they have to overcome? They had to overcome the temptation to quit in the midst of the suffering and the persecution. And the promise of enduring and overcoming – not dying spiritually after you have died physically.
Rodney, do you have any further thoughts before I close with prayer?
I just want to stress to everyone that being a Christian in today’s society does not mean what we are necessarily hearing from those who say they are Christians. It is the responsibility of each of us to search the Word for ourselves. I cannot get into heaven based on what my parents believed. Their faith can’t save me. What people “believe” about Jesus can’t save me. I must do the work myself because it is only what I believe and how I act on that belief that will help me align myself to Christ and be saved. That is the message that comes through strongly and clearly in Jesus’ message to these seven Churches of Asia.
