Revelation 2:18-29

The Prophetic Section

THYATIRA

18 Tertullian and Epiphanius say that there was no ecclesia in Thyatira when John wrote these letters. On this ground many rejected this prophecy in early times. There is no difficulty in this if we recognize the fact that, in spirit, John was transported into the day of Jehovah. Then there will be an ecclesia in Thyatira which will correspond perfectly with the epistle addressed to it.

20 This is an allusion to the period of the Kings (1Ki_16:31). The error of Balaam (2Pe_2:15; Jud_1:10; Jud_1:13) becomes the state religion ( cf. Rev_9:20-21; Rev_17:2; Rev_17:4; Rev_18:3). The fact that Ephesus (Rev_2:6) and Pergamos (Rev_2:14) and Thyatira are all warned against this evil shows that the worship of the wild beast will revive the seductions of idolatry.

23 Death, here used for an epidemic disease (plague, cf. black death). See Rev_6:8.

23 "Kidneys and hearts" is a Hebrew phrase signifying purity of motive.

24 The depths of Satan are in contrast to the depths of God (1Co_2:10). The latter are explored by the spirit and are unknown to the soulish man. Satan's depths are found in consecrating the most debased passions to religion. Every appeal to the senses, whether to the eye, in magnificent buildings and ritual, or to the ear by the mesmeric influence of music, or to the taste in suppers and banquets, or to the lower sensual appetites, is a descent into the depths of Satan. In the beginning he appealed to the woman through her senses (Gen_3:1; Gen_3:6). His desire for worshipers leads him to offer them the strongest sensual inducements disguised under the sacred sanction of divine worship.

27 The shepherd's mace was a heavy club with a thong to hold it securely to his wrist, and a large head, bristling with spikes, at the end. He carried a crook for the sheep and a club for their enemies (Rev_12:5; Rev_19:15). He will rule with rigor. Israel, not the body of Christ, will rule the millennial earth.

27 In the East pottery was crushed into bits to make a kind of cement.

28 The Morning Star is especially appropriated by the Son of David (Rev_22:16). He is the Herald of approaching day. A place in the earliest phase of the kingdom is awarded the conqueror.

SARDIS

1 The seven spirits of God are literal. They are seen under various figures, according to the connection. Before the throne they appear as torches of fire (Rev_4:5). On the Lambkin they are seen as seven horns and seven eyes (Rev_5:6). They are commissioned for the entire earth. The stars are limited to the ecclesias.

3 Christ's coming is presented under various figures. He comes as a thief in the day of the Lord (1Th_5:2; 2Pe_3:10; 2Pe_16:15). The Lord warned His disciples of this aspect (Mat_24:42-44; Luk_12:39). When they shall say "peace and security" then sudden destruction will come upon the unwatchful (1Th_5:3). But we are not in darkness that it should overtake us as a thief (1Th_5:4; 1Th_5:11).

5 Any man, woman, family or tribe who turned from Jehovah to worship the gods of the nations was to be rubbed out (Deu_29:18-20).

David rubs out the names of some of his mighty men because they did not remain true to him (2Sa_23:8; 2Sa_23:39), Joab, once over all the host (2Sa_20:23), and Ahithophel were also erased. Here too, life and position depend on conduct. Our life is hid with Christ in God (Col_3:3).

5 The scroll of life is referred to six times in this book. It contains the names of those who do not worship the wild beast (Rev_13:8; Rev_17:8). It is opened at the great white throne (Rev_20:12) and any whose names were not found written in it were cast into the lake of fire (Rev_20:15). Those enrolled in it may enter the new Jerusalem (Rev_21:27). Those who take from the sayings of this prophecy will have their part taken from the log of life (Rev_22:19).

PHILADELPHIA

7 David's key (Isa_22:15-25) refers to the deposing of Shebna and the raising up of Eliakim to be the treasurer of the temple, or minister of the court (See Isa_36:22). This letter moves in the temple, where the treasures are, where safety is found, and where worship is carried on.

9 It is impossible to escape the inference that the Philadelphian ecclesia is composed only of Jews who are members of God's synagogue. As every other consideration points in this direction we may conclude that all of these ecclesias are Jewish. Each will worship in a synagogue, which has a "messenger" who will read to them.