REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 2:1 Revelation 2:1 consists of seven “letters” or royal edicts. Each follows a pattern: (1) The royal author describes himself in terms from ch. Revelation 1:1. (2) “I know” introduces the church’s condition, both positive (except for Sardis and Laodicea) and negative ... [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 2:4 THE LOVE YOU HAD AT FIRST. Either the church’s early love for Christ or the believers’ love for one another. Both meanings may be intended (compare Mark 12:29; 1 John 4:20). This lack of love resulted in a need to revive the compassionate WORKS YOU DID AT FIRST. REM... [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 2:6 NICOLAITANS. An otherwise unknown heretical group. They seduced God’s people to participate in idolatry and sexual immorality (vv. Revelation 2:14). They may have presented immorality as freedom in Christ (compare 1 Corinthians 6:12; 1 Corinthians 8:1). ⇐ ⇔... [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 2:7 TREE OF LIFE. A tree in the garden of Eden. It offered eternal life to the pure. Access to it was banned after humanity’s fall (Genesis 3:22). It reappears in the new Jerusalem (Revelation 22:1). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 2:8 The church in _Smyrna_ is encouraged to remain faithful as they endure persecution. Roman Smyrna (modern Izmir) was a harbor city. It was known for its temple to the Mother Goddess and its imperial cult temple to Tiberius. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByT... [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 2:9 YOUR POVERTY (BUT YOU ARE RICH). Materially poor, the Smyrnan believers were spiritually rich (compare James 2:5). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 2:10 The CROWN OF LIFE (that is, eternal life) is an image based on the laurel wreath given to victorious athletes. God promises it to those who love him (1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Timothy 4:6; James 1:12). SECOND DEATH. See Revelation 20:4.... [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 2:12 Believers at _Pergamum_ remained faithful during persecution, but they allowed false teaching. Pergamum was an important center for pagan and imperial religion. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 2:13 Pergamum had temples dedicated to “the divine Augustus and the goddess Roma” and to Asklepios (the god of healing, symbolized by serpents). It also had a large altar dedicated to Zeus. Emperor worship was also strongly emphasized, even required, in the province of... [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 2:14 BALAAM. A prophet who advised Moab’s king to tempt Israel into sexual and spiritual adultery (Numbers 25:1; Numbers 31:16). Likewise the NICOLAITANS were spreading sexual and spiritual unfaithfulness at Pergamum (see Revelation 2:6). ⇐ ⇔ [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 2:16 IF NOT, I WILL COME TO YOU SOON. Jesus’ threat refers to his disciplinary action against the church, as at Corinth (1 Corinthians 11:30). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 2:17 As God fed Israel in the wilderness, Christ supplies HIDDEN MANNA to THE ONE WHO CONQUERS. A WHITE STONE was given to winners of athletic contests to gain entrance to banquets. White stones were also used by jurors to vote for acquittal. The manna and the white sto... [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 2:18 _Thyatira_ is praised for its growing love but is criticized for its lack of discernment and for allowing false teaching. The city was a commercial center. Its main industries were metals and fabric (Acts 16:14). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("i... [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 2:19 Thyatira’s strengths and weaknesses are the opposite of those at Ephesus. This church is strong in LOVE evidenced in WORKS, but it lacks discernment and tolerates false teaching. The self-proclaimed PROPHETESS who encourages idolatry and immorality resembles JEZEBE... [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 2:21 The “prophetess” has many lovers and CHILDREN. These are spiritual children whom she influences. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 2:24 THE DEEP THINGS OF SATAN. Deceptive promises of secret spiritual knowledge through false religions. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 2:26 THE MORNING STAR is Christ (see Revelation 22:16). He is Israel’s ruler and rescuer. Balaam predicted his rise (Numbers 24:17). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]