THE SEVEN CHURCHES (Revelation 2:1-3:22)

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There are expectations to the Christian walk. The church is not a building nor are all its members.  Only those with a genuine faith in Jesus Christ belong to Him and are a part of His church. (Matthew 13:1-42) The children of Israel were warned multiple times by God, the pre-incarnate Jesus and the prophets, regarding obedience and their call to holiness and separation from the practices of the pagan nations. Jesus is likewise reminding the Gentiles churches in the Church Age through these letters. All is open and exposed before an all-seeing Jesus, who searches the seen and unseen.

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Jesus had overcome the world [John 16:33], but each church is given a promise by the Spirit to those who overcome ("nikōnti" in Greek means to win, conquer; the word "nike" or "victory in a struggle" is derived from it). 1 John 5:1-5 tells us "1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God [salvation], and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." Believers overcome the accuser [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb [Jesus] and the word of their testimony [eternal life is in the Son of God] (Revelation 12:10-12).

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When Jesus say "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches," he implies that there is no option; it is a command and a blessing to hear what Jesus has in mind to share.  What is bread unless it is physically ingested?  What is God's Word unless it is spiritually consumed? (Matthew 4:1-4)  We consume the Word by hearing. (Isaiah 55:10-11, Luke 8:4-15, John 8:47) To truly hear, is to listen and heed by application to one's life. (James 1:22-25)

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Also, Jesus states that what He is relaying, is what the Spirit says.  The Triune God speaks in one accord.

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These seven churches were located along the "Roman Road" in Asia Minor (Turkey). Asia Minor was absorbed into the Roman Empire in 129 BC. The governor, Manius Aquillius began to expand this road system into his province for military and commercial purposes.  The list of churches are in order of closest to Patmos and moving in a clockwise rotation.

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EPHESUS: (Revelation 2:1-7) - TRUE REPENTANCE IS POSSIBLE DURING THE TRIBULATION

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City: The name "Ephesos" in Greek does not have a meaning, but sounds similar to the Greek words "arestos" (desirable) and "epitrepo" (permitted). Located in the ancient land of the Hittites, many Scholars believer it was the ancient city called "Apasa". Over the years and with many conquests from several nations, the Ionian Greeks captured it from the Persians.  It was originally a harbor village, but over the years silt buildup at the mouth of the Cayster River due to deforestation of the surrounding land required additional engineering to utilize the port, which eventually became unusable.  It also held the temple to Artemis/Diana (one of the famous “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World”). It is estimated that it had a population of 250,000 and was the most important city in the region as a cultural/tourist hub.  Acts 19:23-41 gives background on the silversmith riot (around 55 BC) due to the conflict between "the Way" (Christianity) and the worship of Artemis. Today, the city and evidence of its church lies in ruin.

 

Characteristics of Jesus:

• He holds the seven stars in his right hand. (Exodus 15:6 - ability to destroy, Psalm 118:15-16 - does mighty things Isaiah 41:10 - His righteous, Acts 2:33 - place of honor)

• He walks among the seven golden lampstands. (walking = Jesus is active among each of the seven churches; he replaced the showbread of the presence of God located across from the golden lampstand in the Tabernacle. (Exodus 25:30. John 6:35, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26); Aaron, the first high priest was responsible for cutting the wicks and replacing oil in the lamps (Leviticus 24:1-9). Jesus, our high priest, can either ignite or extinguish the flames of the churches.

 

Church: Enduring faith and works.  The church was founded by Paul with christian Jews fleeing persecution in Israel; devoted and active church; persecuted by synagogues and trade unions. Paul authored a Epistle and Timothy became their chief pastor.

 

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Good: good deeds, hard work, perseverance, intolerant of wick men

Rebuke: "You have forsaken your first love" - Like an sturdy oak tree that starts to hollow on the inside, how can the Spirit move if there is no love? Unlike the Thessalonians, who were praised by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 1:7-10, the Ephesians lost sight of his encouragement in Ephesians 5:1-2 "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."  Isaiah 63:7-14, Hosea 14, Jeremiah 3 are similar rebukes of spiritual adultery. We are reminded that the greatest commandment, as outlined in Matthew 22:34-40, is "to love the Lord your God will all your heart [morality, wisdom and choice], soul [consciousness, cognition of sin, personality] and mind [knowledge, understanding, wisdom and attitude]" and the second greatest commandment is "to love your neighbor as yourself."  Jesus also said in John 14:15-31 "If you love me, 'keep my commandments' and 'obey my teachings'. "  Jesus is warning that they have great deeds, hard work and perseverance, but no love.  1 Corinthians 13 says, "If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing."  There was a need for less intellect and more heart.

Message: "Be faithful [return] to your first love."

• "first love" - The Ephesian church was known for its love for all the saints (Ephesians 1:15-23). They were steadfast on truth, but neglected their love and devotion to God that is the basis of that truth and so it diminish. The first love for Believer's is the love we have primarily for God and secondarily for others [as Christ has loved] (Matthew 22:36-40, John 13:34-35).

  • heart = center of morality, wisdom and choice

  • soul = our consciousness, cognition of sin and our personality

  • mind = knowledge, understanding and attitude. The brain is not the mind.

  • Believers are called to love God with all three.

• "Consider how far you have fallen!" - Jesus tells us to remember, a retrospect that thinks back to a time where love was fresh and new and compared with the now. (Matthew 13:44-46, Hebrews 10:19-35)

• "Repent!" - ["metanoeó" in Greek means to change within and think differently after] Retrace and get back to the path where love of Jesus Christ spurs pursuit. (Luke 22:60-62) To acknowledge our sin is to agree with God. (Psalm 51:10-12) The Prodigal Son parable (Luke 15:11-24)

• "Do the things you did at first" - get back to the basics, refocus, sanctify your physical and spiritual eyes and ears, control your tongue, earnestly seek the Lord (Jeremiah 3:12)

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Spirit's message to those [believers] who overcome [complacency or neglect in your relationship with Christ]: "I will give [removed the barrier] the right [as an adopted child of God - John 1:12-13] to eat from the tree of life [an actual tree producing fruit that supernaturally imparts eternal life by sustaining the physical body when continually consumed] (Genesis 2:8-9, 2:15-17, 3:1-24, Revelation 22:1-2), which is in the paradise of God [in the immediate or current place called Heaven]."  While these Christians could not lose their salvation, what about "the lost" or "the harvest" that need to know about Christ, but who would end up emulating their loveless faith; theirs would be a simulated faith with no access to the right of an adopted child of God based on their own works.

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SMYRNA: (Revelation 2:8-11) - SATANIC FORCES ARE AT WORK NOW AND IN THE TRIBULATION TO PERSECUTE AND KILL BELIEVERS

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City: The root words for Smyrna is "myrrh", the spice used to prepare bodies for burial after death. It can also mean "bitter". It was 40 miles north of Ephesus with a seaport at the mouth of the Hermus River. Unfortunately, it was a center for emperor worship. During Domitian's reign, every Roman citizen was required to worship him under penalty of death. Polycarp, the church bishop, was martyred for not worshiping Caesar.

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Characteristics of Jesus:

• He is the First and the Last. (Isaiah 44:6, Hebrews 12:1-3, 1 Corinthians 15:45) Jesus is greater than those who oppress them.

• He died and came to life again. (1 Corinthians 15); Some of them will follow in Jesus' footsteps for their faith.

 

Church: Afflicted and oppression by Jews and demonic forces produced poverty.

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Good: poor in spirit, endure persecution for the sake of Christ, spiritual rich. Typical poverty is the lack of resources that restrict ones ability to achieve basic living conditions expected by the world.  An even worse poverty is having the ability to achieve self-sufficiency, but outside oppression prevents achieving what is possible. In the case of believers in Smyrna, they were oppressed by evil forces that influenced the Jewish Community to persecute and inflict economic sanctions on believers in Jesus Christ. Through their suffering, believers accumulate "the riches of God's grace and in heaven".  In a similar manner, Christ had the ability [and perhaps was even tempted] to take the throne of David that would meet the expectations of the Jewish nation, but for the sake of Jews and Gentiles, Jesus rejected their vision and pursued obedience to the will of His God and Father, so that all who believed may be saved through Him. (Matthew 5:3-12, 6:19-20, Romans 2:29, 12:12,  2 Corinthians 8:9) 

Rebuke: none, but warned that some will suffer, even die for their faith. (Matthew 16:24-25, Luke 9:24)

Message: "Be faithful [steadfast and persevere] in your suffering"

• "crown of life" - in ancient times, victorious athletes and soldiers received crowns. the second death has no victory over believers.

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Spirit's message to those [believers] who overcome [endures suffering, even unto the first death (biological) for your faith in Jesus Christ]: [You will endure the physical and emotional pain of suffering while on Earth for my Name's sake, but,] You will not be hurt at all by the second death [Revelations 2:11, 20:6, 20:14, 21:8 means eternal separation from God for rejecting the gift of Jesus Christ, and bearing the due punishment and wrath of God in Hell or the lake that burns with sulfur and fire]."

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PERGAMUM: (Revelation 2:12-17) - TRIBULATION SAINTS MUST BE FAITHFUL TO CHRIST IN THE MIDST OF THE FALSE god (THE BEAST)

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City: In Greek, the name means "height or elevation, citadel" and was situated at the top of a hill. Located 65 miles north of Smyrna. It was the center of religion and also of emperor worship, boasting three temples to the practice and such worship was compulsory. There were temples to Dionysus and Athena, along with a Temple and great altar to Zeus. Also people in need of healing and medical treatment would go to an Asclepion, named after the Greek god Aesculapius, who was said to have healing and resurrection powers by using the blood of Medusa. Mud bathes and snakes were used in the worship/healing process.  The snake is still used today as a medical symbol. The city also boasted of a library second only slightly by the one in Alexandria, Egypt.

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Characteristics of Jesus:

• He has the sharp, double-edged sword. (Isaiah 49:2, Matthew 10:34-39, Ephesians 6:17, 2 Timothy 3:16-17,  Hebrews 4:12) The Roman soldiers may have swords, but Jesus's sword is never dull, reserved for judgment and divides the faithful from the unfaithful.

 

Church: Existed in the midst of much paganism and occult practices

 

Good: holding fast to your faith in the midst of Satan's domain / throne. (James 1:1-18) The Greek word for Satan is "satana", which is based on the Hebrew word "hassatan" meaning "the Adversary".  Unlike this word for the personification of the Evil One, the word "satan" in Hebrew can also generally describe someone who is "an adversary, stands opposed, or an accuser". Jesus is similarly described in Numbers 22:22 as "lesatan" because God was angry with Balaam for going with Balak and the angel of the Lord (pre-incarnate Jesus) "stood in the way of", or "opposed" the path waving a sword to stop his progress and only his donkey could see it. Since Jesus has designated this city as the center for hostility toward Christians and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, how much more did they need the power of the Holy Spirit to sustain them? God's chosen are sometimes placed to be a light in the middle of unfriendly areas.  Noah, Abraham, Lot, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Samson, Daniel, Isaiah, Nehemiah, Jesus and the Apostles.

Rebuke:

• Some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam (Numbers 22-25, 31:1-24, Joshua 13:22, 2 Peter 2:15-16, Jude 11) whereby wealth or being able to just earn a living was gained by adopting the pagans worship practices, such as eating food sacrificed to idols and sexual immorality. There is a difference between greater rewards and eternal rewards. Balaam knew God's blessing covered the Israelites. The riches offered by Balak, King of Moab, prompted Balaam to inquire with God.  Balaam was told by God the 1st time not to go with Balak (Numbers 22:12).  God sees the heart so when Balaam inquires the 2nd time, he tells him to go, but it was a test (Numbers 22:20).  God was angry with Balaam for going (Numbers 22:22) . Ultimately, Balaam did not curse the Israelites, but he did provide a method of temptation to Balak by suggesting the Moabite women to seduce the men of Israel to sin.

• Some hold to teachings of the Nicolaitans (Acts 6:5), which blurred the lines of occult, pagan worship and Christianity. No teachings are deeper than the Word of God.

Message: "Be faithful [true] in your witness. Stop compromising with pagan practices in you worship of the one True God or I will also be against the you." (John 12:48)

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Spirit's message to those [believers] who overcome [the pagan practices and stays true to Jesus' name]: I will give some of the hidden [in a golden jar, in the Ark of the Covenant, in the Holy of Holies, behind the veil, inside the tabernacle/temple, now in Heaven (Revelation 11:19), but spiritually it is Jesus, hidden in Heaven, but accessible through salvation in Him (John 6:30-51)] manna [white flakes ground into bread that sustained the Israelites in the wilderness but did not give eternal life (Genesis 14:18-20, Exodus 16:31, Numbers 11:7-8, Psalm 31:19-20, Psalm 105:40)]. Look to eat the manna, not food dedicated to pagan idols. Hidden manna will sustain, but hidden sin will destroy.  I will also give them a white stone [if accused of a crime, a white stone meant innocent and black stone meant guilty; also, it was used as a sign of victory to athletes or reward for conquering] with a new name (Isaiah 62:1-2, Isaiah 65:15, 2 Corinthians 5:17) written on it, known only to the one who receives it." Another interpretation gives reverence to the Urim, believed to be a diamond stone with YHWH's name written on it that was placed underneath the breastplate of the ephod near the heart of the high priest [Aaron], and was used to received an oracle from God [or "light" to illuminate the message from God]. (Exodus 28:15-30)

 

THYATIRA: (Revelation 2:18-29) - TRIBULATION SAINTS MUST BE CAREFUL TO NOT FOLLOW FALSE RELIGION (THE FALSE PROPHET)

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City: May be related to the word "thygater" meaning "daughter.  The city was known to have many trade guilds which incorporated many pagan rituals and celebrations into their guild meetings, including that every guild doubled as social or religious clubs with their own god. It was 42 miles inland on a flat plain and conducive to trade. It had a Temple for Apollo (music, arts, Sun), twin brother of Artemis, with similar pagan practices. The apostle Paul met a merchant named Lydia in Phillipi who was from Thyatira and traded in fabric with purple dye. The bronze-smith guild in the city was the largest manufacturer of bronze helmets for the Roman army.

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Characteristics of Jesus:

• Son of God. (Psalm 2:7-12, Matthew 3:17, Matthew 16:15-16, ​Matthew 27:38-44, John 3:16 John 19:1-7) - Reiterates His divinity and title; the same claim that brought charges of blasphemy from the Sanhedrin.

• His eyes are like blazing fire. (Daniel 10:6, Hebrews 4:13, Isaiah 5:20) He sees all and gives judgment.  There are no secrets from Him.

• His feet are like burnished bronze. Feet invoke movement, Bronze invokes judgment. Both mean swift justice. (Daniel 10:6)

 

Church: increasing in faith and service

 

Good: good deeds, love and faith, service and perseverance, doing more than at first. His acknowledgement is an encouragement to continue. (Hebrews 5:12-14, 2 Peter 1:5-8)

Rebuke: Tolerate sin - Jezebel's (a false prophetess) teachings of sexual immorality and eating food sacrificed to idols. learning occult deep secrets. Those that follow these practices will be destroyed. She was a type of Jezebel, wife of the King Ahab (1 Kings 16:29-34)

Message: "Be faithful [remain] in service and to my will." (Matthew 28:18-20, John 14:23)

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Spirit's message to those [believers] who overcome [the words of false teachers and prophets who seek to lead them astray]: I will give authority over nations. (Psalm 49:14, Daniel 7:18, 27, 1 Corinthians 6:2-3, Revelation 20:4-6)  I will also give the [only] morning star. - A new beginning in Jesus Christ at his second coming, who rose again on the 3rd morning in power and glory. (Psalm 30:5, Luke 24:1-8, Revelation 22:16)

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SARDIS: (Revelation 3:1-6) - THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES LIFE AND POWER TO THE CHURCH AGE SAINTS AND TRIBULATION SAINTS

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City: Sardis is named after the Sardius stone, a reddish-orange natural stone that was used to represent the Tribe of Reuben on the Ephod breastplate of the the Jewish High Priest. The city was the capital of the Lydia nation. It was rich from gold deposits nearby and in John's day, it was a center for the wool industry. Because Sardis is located in a strategically high location, it was thought that it was safe from invaders and needed little safeguarding.  Twice in its history, the lack of guards keeping watch and actually falling asleep allowed the city to be sacked by both the Persians and the Greeks. Archeological evidence shows Jewish and Christian were able avoid persecution for not participating in emperor worship, which may have stemmed from the vast amount of wealth and a less-than-fervent effort to be sacred or set apart from the pagan practices.

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Characteristics of Jesus:

• He holds the seven spirits of God. (Isaiah 11:1-2) The seven spirits are the Holy Spirit, which gives everything needed to do and accomplish God's will.  Since Jesus is God the Son, the Holy Spirit is imparted by Jesus. He does not hold the Holy Spirit based on its works, for it is worthy by itself.

• He holds the seven stars.​ The focus is still on Jesus and His ability to select and continue "holding" the stars (ministers) or let them go based on their effectiveness and works [deeds].  There is no independence for Christ for those who are called to lead. The harvest of the lost is plentiful, but the workers who will reap are few. (Matthew 9:35-38)

 

Church:

 

Good: none, except a reputation for being alive; only a few are worthy. Everyone has worth [to be loved and saved], but not everyone is worthy [to do what is required in order to receive what is deemed precious by the Giver]. (Proverbs 14:12, Ecclesiastes 10:1, Matthew 7:21-23, 2 Timothy 3:1-9)

Rebuke: You are a dead church (Ephesians 2:1-10, Ephesians 5:13-15, James 2:14-26).  There is a cost to being alive in Jesus that perhaps most members of this church were not willing to pay. (Luke 9:57-62) Good works bring glory to God. (Matthew 5:14-16) The Lord can bring the "dead" back to life. (Ezekiel 37:1-14) There is a connection to the use of the words "wake up" and "dead".  To the Jewish mind, sleep and death are similar. John 11:11 shows that Jesus used this word association in reference to Lazarus when he told his disciples "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” (Genesis 47:30, Psalm 13:3; 90:5, Daniel 12:2, Job 7:21; 20:11; 21:26) The Holy Spirit gives life and makes resurrection possible, so likewise a church body without the Holy Spirit is dead. (Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:5-13)

Message: "Be faithful [produce fruit] with the power of the Holy Spirit or be cut off" Those that are not connected to Jesus through the Holy Spirit and produce fruit will be removed (Matthew 7:15-20, John 15:1-8)

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Spirit's message to those [believers] who overcome [their quenching of the Holy Spirit]: (1 Thessalonians 5:12-22, 2 Timothy 1:6-10) The Holy Spirit will be active during the Tribulation and there will be Tribulation Saints. (John 3:5, 2 Thessalonians 2, Revelation 7:9-14) They will be dressed in white [holy and worthy, perfection, purity] (Ephesians 4:1-6, Colossians 1:9-14). The few that were worthy demonstrated faith that pleased the Lord. Outward and ceremonial cleanliness was very important in their culture, but Jesus calls us to be clean on the inside. (Isaiah 1:18, Matthew 5:21–30, 23:25-26, Mark 7:14–23)  I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life (Exodus 32:32-33, Psalm 56:8, Psalm 69:19-28, Psalm 139:16, Daniel 12:1, Revelation 20:11-14), but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. (Matthew 10:32-33, Mark 8:34-38, 2 Timothy 2:11-13)

 

PHILADELPHIA: (Revelation 3:7-13) - AN AUTHENTIC AND HOLY RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD WILL EXEMPT THE CHURCH AGE SAINTS FROM THE TRIBULATION

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City: City was founded by King Attalus. Its Greek name means "love or loyalty to his brother" and serves as a reminder that he would not betray his brother to Rome.  The area is subject to earthquakes since it was built on a fault line.  It had many temples dedicated to Greek gods.  Dionysus (The god of wine) was very prominent. Believing Jews were locked out of the synagogue in their persecution.

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Characteristics of Jesus:

• He who is holy and true.

  • To be holy ['hosios" in Greek"] is to have an intrinsic or divine character based on divine truth and law. It is a person "who showed their own loyalty to the covenant.  They did the right things – living according to the stipulations of the Law – for the right reason: their deep relationship to the covenant God." (1 Thessalonians 2:10, Hebrews 7:26) 

  • To be true ["alēthinō" in Greek"] is to be authentic/real on the inside and outside, to who you are and what you represent. (1 John 5:20)

• He who holds the Key to David. (Isaiah 22:20-25, Matthew 16:19, Act 15:15-18) - Keys are a sign of authority. The key to David is the authority to rule from the throne of Israel and as stated in Acts, rule over both Jews and Gentiles. I believe this letter must be viewed in conjunction with the Isaiah verse to understand the message.   The Isaiah verses discuss the following:

  • (v 1-4) - Instead of seeking God in the valley where God delivers his revelation or prophecy, the people are unconcerned and content to watch from on-high in Jerusalem while their leaders leave them to a future destruction from a far-off enemy. [Assyria]

  • (v 5-14) - Jerusalem's defenses are not ready nor prepared for its destruction. Instead of crying out to God, they act as if all is well and plentiful. [The Northern Kingdom in Samaria has already fallen to the Assyrians so they are aware of the imminent danger of invasion.]

  • (v 15-24) - addressed to Shebna, a chief official to King Hezekiah, who served as Secretary, which is basically second-in-charge only to the king, like Joseph as chief-vizier to Pharaoh. (Genesis 41:37-40, 2 Kings 18:17-19:7, Isaiah 36:1-37:7) According to De Vaux, Roland (1997) "Royal Secretary" Ancient Israel: its life and institutions, the role of Secretary was "... both the duties of private secretary to the king and secretary of state [worked with outside governments]. In addition, the royal secretary exercised some fiscal duties [treasurer]." This role also include his stewardship of the palace.  A palace in ancient times represented civil authority while a temple represented spiritual authority.  The Lord verbally undressed Shebna for not doing his civil duty to preparing the King and the people for Assyrian's aggression.  In due time, he will be stripped of his authority and it will be given to Eliakim, the palace administrator. [Eliakim is a type of Jesus Christ at end-times, where all authority [civil and spiritual] will be given to Him to protect Israel from the armies of the Anti-Christ.]

  • (25) - Eventually, the peg [Eliakim] driven into a firm place [the throne of David - Judah] (Jeremiah 33:17, Isaiah 9:6-7) will fulfill his duties, but the load hanging on the peg [Jerusalem and the Southern Kingdom] will fall.  In contract to this, Jesus [the real "peg"] is also driven into the holy place [king and high priest] and its load will never fall (Ezra 9:8 "“But now, for a brief moment, the Lord our God has been gracious [or shown grace] in leaving us a[n escaped] remnant and giving us a firm place ["ya·ted" is "peg" in Hebrew] in his sanctuary [holy place], and so our God gives light [enlightenment] to our eyes and a little relief in our bondage.)

• He who opens what no one can shut and who shuts what no one can open. (Job 12:14, Isaiah 22:22)

  • Ultimate, this person decides who has access to the king.  Keys control access and authority.  Jesus, not the Mosaic Law nor circumcision nor ancestry, is our "key" to directly access God. (Romans 5:1-11, Hebrews 7:25)

 

Church:

 

Good: Because you have little strength, kept my word and not denied my name, Jesus [the key] has left the door open. (Matthew 7:7-8, John 10:7-10) Also, v10 states that they "kept the word of My perseverance." This refers to God the Father's appointed time for Jesus to act as judge for the wickedness of sin.  Rather than trying to address this false holiness of their community in their weakness, they endure with patience for judgment. Those identified will be justified by the lips of these false Jews at a future time and they will be kept from the hour of trial [the entire period of time known as the Tribulation or 7-weeks of Daniel]. (Luke 17:20-37, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

Rebuke: There were probably many Jews professing Christ in the church that continued to hold to Judaism's definition of a Jew. Paul, in Romans 2:17-29 identifies the characteristics of a real Jew.  Dependence on Rabbinical law and circumcision does not define a Jew.  A true Jew involves circumcision of the heart, by the Holy Spirit.  In this sense, Gentiles can also be true Jews who believe in the Messiah. By dismissing Gentile believers, they have caused God's name to be blasphemed among unbelieving Gentiles. (Isaiah 52:5, Ezekiel 36:22) Jew who profess Christ are true Jews.  Those who do not are "liars" and false Jews who rely on the Old Testament covenant and Mosaic Laws for righteousness. (John 8:31-47) Access to the line of David [ruler, promised Messiah from the line of David] requires everyone to go to the one with the key [Jesus]. The false Jews cannot shut the door that Jesus has opened, but neither can they access the door until they become true Jews.  The city may have had a large portion of its church filled with false Jews and only a remnant of true Jews.

Message: "Be faithful [true circumcision of the heart] to the covenant relationship with God"

 

Spirit's message to those [believers] who overcome [false holiness ans relationship]:

• "I will make a pillar [have a permanent relationship] in the temple of my God [in His presence]. Never again will they leave it." (Revelation 7:15 states "... they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple ["naō" in Hebrew means "the place of divine manifestation", which is not a physical temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence [or "skēnōsei" meaning "to spread His tabernacle or dwelling in intimate communion.  John, in Revelation 22:22, clearly states "22 [in the New Jerusalem] I did not see a temple ["naon"] in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple ["naos"].")  Also, this pillar will be made of people, not stone, and will not be subject to the earthquakes you experience in the city.

• "I will write on them [as a piller has writing on it] the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name." There will be a new heaven, new earth, new city, and believers will have new sinless bodies.

  • Name of my God: Denotes ownership and adoption. (Romans 8:14-16, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 7:21-24, Galatians 4:1-7, Revelation 1:1

  • Name of the city of my God: Denotes access and citizenship (Matthew 5:17-20, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Philippians 3:20-21)

  • My new name:  Denotes a shift from earthly ministry of salvation and heaven's door to that of judge/ruler with all authority given to him by God. Jesus will have a new name that no one knows (Revelation 19:12)

 

LAODICEA: (Revelation 3:14-22) - TO BE A TRIBULATION SAINT, ONE MUST CHOOSE JESUS CHRIST

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City: In Greek, the name mean “the people” and “justice," or “the people ruling.” It was a center for all trades, financial, medical, artistic, education and religious activity [they had an industry for refining gold].  Because of their vast wealth, after an earthquake in 60 AD, the city refused financial assistance from Rome to rebuild. It lacked a consistent source of water and because if its close proximity (Colossians 4:13-16) had aqueducts to supply cold river water from Colosse and hot springs water from Hierapolis. By the time the water arrived, it was "lukewarm".  Additionally, the high mineral content of the water, if consumed directly, would induce "vomiting".

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Characteristics of Jesus:

• The Amen - Used as "Verily" or "Truly" (see Psalm 41:13) and also means "so be it". Also, the Hebrew word "amén" implies both "true" and "faithful" so that his title as a witness is complete. Jesus was perfectly obedient and is the entire and exact fulfillment of God's promises, purposes and judgment in scripture.  He is asserting and confirming the will of God by serving as God's AMEN statement at the end of all things old and the beginning of what will be made new. (Isaiah 65:16 - God of truth ["be·lo·hei a·men"], 2 Corinthians 1:19-20)

• The faithful and true witness. A witness is defined as someone who testifies based on knowledge from personal observation or experience. To be a witness in a legal sense, it required 2-3 witnesses to testify in a dispute. A false witness is doomed to the same punishment that the falsely accused would have received. (Deuteronomy 19:15-20, John 8:17-18, 1 John 5:6-11) Jesus' ministry and earthly life pulled back the veil of God's character, purposes and thoughts for his creation. God testified about Jesus in the Old Testament as Jesus fulfilled all prophecies of the Messiah. Jesus testified about what His Father / God has said and the new covenant for Jews and Gentiles through Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 43:9-12)

• The ruler of God's creation. The Greek word for ruler is "arché" meaning "beginning of all things, the initial starting point, the origin, the active cause of, first or supreme". All authority was given to the Son of God and His words are final. (Daniel 7:13-14, Matthew 28:18-20, John 1:1-3 & 5:19, Philippians 2:9-10, Colossians 1:16-18, Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 1:2-3)

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Church:

 

Good: none

Rebuke:

• You are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold. In the context of this passage, a liquid that would be placed in the mouth at a certain temperature represents levels of expectation and satisfaction. A hot or cold drink has with it different levels of expectation as a refreshment or quenching of thirst.  To drink a lukewarm liquid would neither meet expectations nor satisfy. This group of people in the church were lacking the spiritual expectations for a professing faith in Jesus. They were a false witness to be rejected. (Matthew 24:1-2)

• Revelation 3:17 says "You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked."

  • wretched ["talaipóros" - means significant hardship]; spiritually anxious; without joy and comfort (Galatians 5:22-23, Philippians 4:4-7)

  • pitiful ["eleeinos" - means in great need of mercy]; spiritually without humility (Exodus 34:6-7, Deuteronomy 7:9, Psalm 25:10, Proverbs 28:13, Micah 6:8, 7:18-19, Matthew 12:7, James 2:13, 3:17)

  • poor ["ptóchos" - means to crouch like a beggar]; spiritually bankrupt; no salvation (Ezekiel 36:26, 1 Timothy 2:6; Mark 10:45, Romans 6:23, 10:9, Colossians 2:13-14)

  • blind ["tuphlos" - means to darken like smoke]; spiritually without light (Psalm 119:105, Matthew 6:22-23, John 1:6-13, Ephesians 5:11-14)

  • naked ["gumnos" - means poorly clothed]; spiritual exposure of guilt and sin (Isaiah 61:10, Romans 13:14, Ephesians 4:22-24)

  • They boasted of satisfaction and self-sufficiency in their [lukewarm] wealth, but could not self-reflect on their great need for salvation. They refused to acknowledge their iniquity and were warned that they will receive their just due. (Hosea 12, Proverbs 3:5-6)

    • Hosea 12:8,14:  "8 Ephraim boasts, “I am very rich; I have become wealthy. With all my wealth they will not find in me any iniquity or sin ... 14 But Ephraim has aroused his bitter anger; his Lord will leave on him the guilt of his bloodshed and will repay him for his contempt."

Message: "Be faithful ["zéloó" means zealous  / warmth] to the truth of my salvation witness." Jesus asked them to figuratively buy [focus on] commodities of spiritual gold [cannot be tarnished] and white garments [righteousness that is a gift of grace], not what can be bought with money. (Isaiah 1:18, 61:10, 1 Corinthians 15:53-64, 1 Peter 1:3-7)

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Spirit's message to those [believers] who overcome [self-sufficiency and self-deception in the flesh]:

• "I will give the right to sit with me on my throne" To sit on a throne is to be a ruler. If they thought they had riches before, now they see in the coming age how rich they are in his grace. (Luke 22:28-30, Romans 8:5-17, Ephesians 2:1-10)

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