Or, A Disclosure From Jesus Christ

About What Must Shortly Come To Pass

by Tom Stewart .

Chapter 1: A

Chapter 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira

" 1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith He that holdeth the seven stars in His right hand, Who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;"

A messenger carrying letters to the Seven Churches from the Apostle John on the island of Patmos, which is about 30 miles off the coast of Turkey and opposite the nearest port of the ancient city of Miletus, would land at Miletus and proceed northward about 25 miles to Ephesus. If a systematic distribution of the letters of the Revelation would take place, then a messenger would continue to the other six churches. After Ephesus, the messenger would go on "thirty more [miles] to Smyrna, and sixty-five more to Pergamos. Then moving inland in a rough semicircle southeastward, he would reach Thyatira forty-five miles away and Sardis thirty miles farther south. Turning farther inland he would come to Philadelphia about twenty-five miles away and eventually to Laodicea fifty miles beyond Philadelphia and farthest from the coast" (from Marshall Neal's Seven Churches: God's Revelation to the Church Today , pp. 3-4).

Throughout each of the letters to the Seven Churches, the LORD of the Candlesticks (or, lampstands) variously depicts some aspect about His character that the Apostle John saw when he "turned to see the Voice that spake with [him] " (Revelation 1:12). Here, the LORD Jesus is described as holding the "seven stars in His right hand" -- a picture of His ownership and control of all the messengers of all the local assemblies. "Christ is the Head of the Church: and He is the Saviour of the body" (Ephesians 5:23). His walking "in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks" signifies His complete presence in His Church. " 22 And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the Head over all things to the Church, 23 Which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all" (1:23).

" 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:"

The LORD describes each of the Seven Churches' condition with the omniscient statement: "I know thy works" . " 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do" (Hebrews 4:13). This is only another statement that illustrates the divinity of the LORD Jesus. "The LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart" (1Samuel 16:7).

Ephesus-- the church of the Apostle John-- was described as a patient and working church, i.e., "I know... thy labour, and thy patience" . "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the LORD" (1Corinthians 15:58). Apostolic Ephesus was well-taught. Ephesus could "not bear them which are evil", and had "tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and [had] found them liars". "20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. 21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the Truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the Truth. 22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son" (1John 2:20-22).

" 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for My name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted."

Further, Ephesus was an unfainting church, i.e., "hast borne, and hast patience, and for My name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted" . A grand characteristic of the true Christian is perseverance. Humanly speaking, every Christian ought to be exhorted and expected to continue in faith until the end. "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved" (Matthew 24:13). Divinely speaking, the Saints are "kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1Peter 1:5). And, the Apostle John adds in his First Epistle that only those who continue in obedience are given the Divine Testimony of their sonship. "And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His Commandments" (1John 2:3).

" 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy First Love."

Ephesus had fallen out of love with the LORD Jesus Christ. The "God [that] is Love" (1John 4:16) declared, that "without Me ye can do nothing" (John 15:5), and that "without Charity, [you are] nothing" (1Corinthians 13:2). As much as Ephesus had been a working church and a well-taught church, Ephesus had now become a loveless church, i.e., "thou hast left thy First Love" . Fallen-Out-of-Love Ephesus had forgotten the "great Love wherewith He loved us" (Ephesians 2:4), and now was only going through the motions of orthodoxy. We all would do well to keep on remembering the " unsearchable riches of Christ " (3:8) in every aspect of our lives and beg Him for " grace to help in time of need " (Hebrews 4:16), if we would avoid this sad condition of Loveless Ephesus.

" 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent."

Since love is the foundational reason for human action, Loveless Ephesus was in a backslidden, unrevived condition, i.e., "thou art fallen" , only detectable to the eyes of an Omniscient God. Only a relatively short time earlier, the LORD Jesus had restated the principle of love that was known to even the Old Testament Jew. " 37 Thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and Great Commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (Matthew 22:37-39).

The solution to anyone who has fallen out of love with the LORD Jesus is to:

(1) remember "from whence thou art fallen" , i.e., that you have actually sinned,

(2) repent, i.e., change your mind and heart about your past actions and present condition, and

(3) repeat, i.e., "do [again] the first works" of love and faith. "Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of Hosts" (Malachi 3:7).

Coupled with the LORD's exhortation to repent, is a threat-- repent " or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent" . Would our LORD threaten us so? Yes. Threaten the sinner and comfort the righteous. " 19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: 20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it" (Isaiah 1:19-20). But, what if they never repent? Then, they never knew Christ. "And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity" (Matthew 7:23). Remember, the righteous always ultimately repents after backsliding. " 6 But Christ as a Son over His own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end... 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end" (Hebrews 3:6,14).

" 6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate."

The LORD did not refuse to admit that even backslidden Ephesus hated the "deeds of the Nicolaitans" at that present hour-- even as He hates their deeds. Is this commendation for backslidden Ephesus? Not really. Though the action of hating the "deeds of the Nicolaitans" was a right thing, without love, it was unworthy of reward. " 13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire" (1Corinthians 3:13-15).

Some suggest that the "deeds of the Nicolaitans" was an advocacy of control by an elevated priesthood, because the word Nicolaitan comes from the Greek words nikao (conquer) and laos (people). Others conjecture that the word Nicolaitans comes from the Hebrew word nicolah (let us eat), i.e., to eat things offered to idols. Whatever the case was, through understanding of God's Word, we will learn to hate what God hates. "Through Thy Precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way" (Psalm 119:104).

" 7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the Tree Of Life, which is in the midst of The Paradise of God."

That only those who are presently walking with the LORD could pay heed to the message to the Seven Churches, is evident by the phrase, "he that hath an ear" . A "new creature" (2Corinthians 5:17) has the new ears to hear "what the Spirit saith unto the churches" . All others will not understand. "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are Spiritually discerned" (1Corinthians 2:14).

The LORD Jesus addresses His Seven Churches as Ultimate Overcomers, i.e., "to him that overcometh" . "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son" (Revelation 21:7). Christ, Who is the "Wisdom of God" (1Corinthians 1:24), is a "Tree Of Life to them that lay hold upon [Him] : and happy is every one that retaineth [Him] " (Proverbs 3:18). Therefore, the LORD Jesus offers Himself as our Reward for overcoming, as well as all the bounties of Heaven, i.e., "I [will] give to eat of the Tree Of Life, which is in the midst of The Paradise of God" .

" 8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the First and the Last, Which Was Dead, and Is Alive;"

Ancient Smyrna is today the modern port and manufacturing city of Izmur, Turkey-- anciently named for its trade in the anesthetic and embalming herb, myrrh. Known as a political center of Asia Minor, it took its obligation of Caesar worship seriously, especially when Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna, was martyred by burning in 155 AD. When the proconsul pleaded to Polycarp to save his own life by denying Christ, Polycarp responded: "Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He never did me wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King and Saviour?" It is reported that the city's Jews were so anxious to see Polycarp dead that they violated their own Sabbath to haul the faggots (wood) for the fire. Like the LORD Jesus, Polycarp "witnessed a good confession" (1Timothy 6:13) of how the LORD's people live and die.

The LORD portrays Himself as "the First and the Last, Which Was Dead, and Is Alive" because of Smyrna's special need for grace in persecution. "The LORD is My Helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me" (Hebrews 13:6). Suffering and persecution are God's appointed tools to sanctify His people. Though this concept may startle contemporary professing Christians, it was employed by the Father in the sanctification of His own Son. "Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered" (Hebrews 5:8). "For it became Him [the Father] , For Whom Are All Things, and By Whom Are All Things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make The Captain Of Their Salvation [the LORD Jesus] perfect through sufferings" (Hebrews 2:10). How can our sanctification and growth in grace be any less than that of the Sinless Son Of Man? [See our article, " http://whatsaiththescripture.com/Prophecy/Prophecy.Martyrdom.html">Martyrdom: They Loved Not Their Lives Unto the Death --- http://whatsaiththescripture.com/Prophecy/Prophecy.Martyrdom.html">New Window for a discussion of this very sober subject.]

" 9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan."

The LORD's omniscience-- "I know thy works" -- should be a great comfort to the Saints. "Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him" (Matthew 6:8). Suffering Smyrna benefits from the wrath of Satan, because "all things work together for good to them that love God" (Romans 8:28). Now Persecuted Smyrna becomes Sanctified Smyrna, because God's people learn more about the LORD Jesus' "riches in glory" (Philippians 4:19) when we are motivated by "tribulation" .

Sanctified-Through-Suffering Smyrna had "tribulation, and poverty" , yet was "rich" . The Greek word ptocheia is translated "poverty" -- having nothing at all. "Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him?" (James 2:5). Having nothing at all has the tendency to force us to depend upon the LORD Jesus for all. " 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:12-13).

The Apostle Paul instructed us concerning the characteristics of a true Jew. "But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God" (Romans 2:29). Consequently, Suffering Smyrna's Jewish persecutors-- who assisted in Polycarp's martyrdom-- were of the "synagogue of Satan" . Hostility to Israel's rejected Messiah will finally turn against His people. "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you" (John 15:18). "These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (16:33).

" 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a Crown of Life."

It seems that every time the LORD speaks to us, He must tell us to not fear. "Fear none of those things which thou must suffer." John's First Epistle also reminds us, "There is no fear in Love; but perfect Love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in Love" (1John 4:18). Prison in the time of the Apostle John was normally to wait for trial or execution-- and not the punishment itself. [See our article, " http://whatsaiththescripture.com/Prophecy/Tribulation.Survival.Guide.html">Tribulation Survival Guide --- http://whatsaiththescripture.com/Prophecy/Tribulation.Survival.Guide.html">New Window, to see the relationship of faith to survival during the Tribulation Week.]

"Ten days" seems to be a determined period of testing, as it was with Daniel eating the king's meat. "Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink" (Daniel 1:12). Our testing will not go on forever. Our LORD will never let us go beyond our capacity to keep from sinning. "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is Faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make A Way To Escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (1Corinthians 10:13).

"Faithful unto death" means that our LORD has sovereignly chosen some of us to be His martyrs. Ours is not to question His judgment, but to ask for His grace to "suffer as a Christian" (1Peter 4:16) and die, "having obtained a good report [i.e., the LORD's approval] through faith" (Hebrews 11:39). Though our Reward is the LORD Himself, He does proffer gifts upon His overcomers. "I will give thee a Crown Of Life." The Epistle of James discusses this same crown, but does not attach martyrdom as a qualification. "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the Crown of Life, which the LORD hath promised to them that Love Him" (James 1:12). Lovingly enduring trial and temptation-- even unto death-- seems to be the requirement for the Crown of Life. [See our article, " "http://whatsaiththescripture.com/Prophecy/Judgment.Seat.of.Christ.html">The Judgment Seat of Christ --- http://whatsaiththescripture.com/Prophecy/Judgment.Seat.of.Christ.html">New Window , for a fuller discussion of this Crown and other rewards for the Saints.]

" 11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the Second Death."

If you have spiritual ears, then you are obligated to hear the Spirit's message. "For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath" (Matthew 13:12). Overcomers "shall not be hurt of the Second Death" , which is the fate of those cast into the "lake which burneth with fire and brimstone" (Revelation 21:8). We are given the blessed assurance that God will not suffer the rules to change after we get to Heaven, and allow us to "be hurt of the Second Death" . "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the First Resurrection: on such the Second Death hath no power" (20:6).

" 12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith He which hath The Sharp Sword With Two Edges;"

The small Turkish town of Bergma, 60 miles north of Smyrna, is ancient Pergamos. This city was built on a mountaintop, and it was famous for the invention of the animal skin parchment known as the Pergamene sheet. The city's religious worship was to Aesculapius (healing), Zeus (savior), and Caesar (patriotism). "He which hath The Sharp Sword With Two Edges" describes the LORD Jesus as one with authority. "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in Heaven and in Earth" (Matthew 28:18).

" 13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast My Name, and hast not denied My faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth."

The LORD's omniscience speaks of the commendable actions of the church in Pergamos "wherein Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was slain among you" . "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward His Name" (Hebrews 6:10). "Satan's seat" and "where Satan dwelleth" point out the extremely evil environment of Pergamos. Though Christians live in the world, they are not of the world. "I have given them Thy Word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world" (John 17:14).

" 14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication."

Unfortunately, Pergamos was a worldly church because of its toleration of those who held the "doctrine of Balaam" . Balaam was the ungodly seer who was hired by Balak to curse the children of Israel in their wilderness wanderings. Balaam ended his counsel to Balak with the recommendation that the best way to defeat Israel was to corrupt Israel by intermarriage with the Moabites, and to draw Israel into eating the sacrifices in the worship of their idols. " 1 And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. 2 And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods. 3 And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel" (Numbers 25:1-3). Thus, Balaam deviously proposed to use Jehovah's anger against Israel to destroy Israel. "Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully" (Jeremiah 48:10). May we always remember that God's hatred of our sinning and worldliness will always move Him to deal with us. "They provoked Him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they Him to anger" (Deuteronomy 32:16).

" 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate."

Laying-Down-Stumblingblocks Pergamos compounded its sin by also tolerating the "doctrine of the Nicolaitans" (cf. 2:6). It is never right, loving, or Christian to tolerate sin in the body of Christ. The Apostle Paul wrote pointedly concerning the lack of dealing with a wayward church member at Corinth. " 1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. 2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. 3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, 4 In the name of our LORD Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our LORD Jesus Christ, 5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the Day Of The LORD Jesus " (1Corinthians 5:1-5). [For more on this topic, please see our article " http://whatsaiththescripture.com/Fellowship/How.to.Deal.with.Backslide.html">How to Deal With Backsliders --- http://whatsaiththescripture.com/Fellowship/How.to.Deal.with.Backslide.html">New Window ]

" 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with The Sword Of My Mouth."

Compromising Pergamos had to cease and desist with its "politically correct" toleration of both the doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaitans, i.e., "repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with The Sword Of My Mouth" . "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the LORD, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you" (2Corinthians 6:17). This sounds much the same as the warning to the professed Christians to disassociate themselves from Babylon before its coming destruction. "And I heard another Voice from Heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues" (Revelation 18:4).

" 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the Hidden Manna, and will give him a White Stone, and in the Stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it."

Spiritual ears will hear and obey the Spirit. Overcomers will "eat of the Hidden Manna" and not things sacrificed to idols. "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them" (Ephesians 5:11). Unlike "being black-balled", receiving a "white stone" is a sign of acceptance. "Even unto them will I give in Mine House and within My Walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an Everlasting Name, that shall not be cut off" (Isaiah 56:5). Our LORD is speaking to us "good Words and comfortable Words" (Zechariah 1:13). [See our article, " http://whatsaiththescripture.com/Promises/Exceeding.Promises.html">Exceeding Great and Precious Promises --- http://whatsaiththescripture.com/Promises/Exceeding.Promises.html">New Window to see how our God uses His Promises to meet our every need and sanctify us.]

" 18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son Of God, Who hath His eyes like unto a flame of fire, and His feet are like fine brass;"

Thyatira's modern name is the city of Akhisar. This Turkish city is about 45 miles from Pergamos and 30 miles from Sardis. It was a natural stopping point for the caravans that traveled the important roads that passed through the city. Lydia, Paul's first recorded convert in Europe, came from Thyatira. She was a "seller of purple" (Acts 16:14), for which expensive purple dye Thyatira was famous.

Notice that the LORD Jesus represents Himself as a God of Judgment with:

(1) a strong claim to His divinity, i.e., "Son Of God" -- "Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and ye perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little" (Psalm 2:12),

(2) searching eyes "like unto a flame of fire" -- the "Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God" (1Corinthians 2:10), and

(3) feet of judgment, i.e., "fine brass" , which is an even more refined brass than regular brass; thus, denoting more processing and judgment-- "in righteousness He doth judge and make war" (Revelation 19:11).

" 19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first."

Thyatira's virtues had been increasing, i.e., the "last to be more than the first" . Growth is a sign of life. "But the path of the just is as the Shining Light, that shineth more and more unto The Perfect Day" (Proverbs 4:18). Growth is also commanded. "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2Peter 3:18).

" 20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce My servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols."

However, growth stopped by the presence of sin, because "ye cannot serve God [grow] and mammon [sin] " (Luke 16:13) at the same time. When we are engaging in our sin, we have "eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin" (2Peter 2:14). These are the circumstances exploited by false prophets and prophetesses. " 9 That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the Law of the LORD: 10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits" (Isaiah 30:9-10).

" 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not."

Even Thyatira's Jezebel was given a chance to repent-- but to no avail. " 6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, 7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation" (Exodus 34:6-7).

" 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds."

Thyatira was typically a defeated church. She had already committed her spiritual adultery. She was sleeping with the enemy. " 9 And they that escape of you shall remember Me among the nations whither they shall be carried captives, because I am broken with their whorish heart, which hath departed from Me, and with their eyes, which go a whoring after their idols: and they shall lothe themselves for the evils which they have committed in all their abominations" (Ezekiel 6:9).

" 23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am He which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works."

God will certainly bless the Righteous with Godly children. "And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children" (Isaiah 54:13). Likewise, to the disobedient, God will curse their children, i.e., "I will kill her children with death" . If they are old enough to sin, then they are old enough to be judged! "Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him" (3:11).

" 24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden."

Sleeping-With-the-Enemy Thyatira had to be a divided church for there to be some that had "not known the depths of Satan" . These had escaped unscathed from sin. But, rather than lecturing them on how to deal with their backslidden brethren, the LORD put upon them "none other burden" . "For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust" (Psalm 103:14). He was just as concerned about these that had " not known the depths of Satan " as He was the sin of the others in their church, and He desired that they would make it to the end without succumbing to sin. Therefore, He dealt gently with them. "A bruised reed shall [the LORD Jesus Christ] not break, and the smoking flax shall He not quench" (Isaiah 42:3).

" 25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come."

To the faithful of Thyatira, He counsels more to maintain than to increase. To "continue in the faith" (Acts 14:22) is an achievement, and is not to be despised. "For who hath despised the day of small things?" (Zechariah 4:10).

" 26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:"

Overcoming for the faithful of Thyatira is to simply finish the race. But, remember, this is acceptable. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" (2Timothy 4:7). All that finish will be given "Power over the nations" . "But the Saints of the most High shall take the Kingdom, and possess the Kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever" (Daniel 7:18).

" 27 And he shall rule them with a Rod Of Iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of My Father."

The weakest Saint is capable of accomplishing whatever task the Master has appointed, i.e., "he [the Overcoming Saint] shall rule them with a Rod Of Iron" . "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13).

" 28 And I will give him the Morning Star."

Again, the Motivation and the Reward is the LORD Himself. Our LORD Jesus is the "Bright and Morning Star" (Revelation 22:16).

" 29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."

Notice that the message is not just to Thyatira, or to just the Seven Churches, but to all the churches-- that means you and I. "Teach me to do Thy will; for Thou art my God: Thy Spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness" (Psalm 143:10).

Chapters

Letter From the LORD of the Candlesticks </p>

" 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to shew unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass; and He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John:"

The Greek word apokalupsis is translated as "revelation" or disclosure of the truth of things previously unknown. Our growth "in grace, and in the knowledge of our LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2Peter 3:18) also yields to us-- as a by-product-- knowledge of "things which must shortly come to pass" . The Father reveals to the Son, who reveals to His "angel" , who reveals to "His servant John" , who reveals to God's "servants" . This exactly coincides with our LORD's Promise to His disciples. "Howbeit when He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all Truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come" (John 16:13).

" 2 Who bare record of the Word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw."

A faithful witness-- as the Apostle John was-- is merely to recount accurately what he has been told. "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the Earth" (Acts 1:8).

" 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand."

A special Promise attends our reading, hearing, and keeping of the Revelation, i.e., acting in faith about what we heard. "But whoso looketh into the Perfect Law of Liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed" (James 1:25). No man is a fool who acts as though the message of the Revelation concerns us here and now, "for the time is at hand." [See our article, " http://whatsaiththescripture.com/Promises/Exceeding.Promises.html">Exceeding Great and Precious Promises --- http://whatsaiththescripture.com/Promises/Exceeding.Promises.html">New Window , to see how our God has ingeniously designed His Promises to sanctify His people.]

" 4 John to the Seven Churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from Him Which Is, and Which Was, and Which Is To Come; and from the Seven Spirits which are before His Throne;"

The Revelation is in the form of a letter to the "Seven Churches which are in Asia" , i.e., the modern nation of Turkey, which is in Asia Minor. The Apostle John begins with a greeting from the Triune God-- the Father, the Spirit, and the Son. The Father is The Ancient Of Days (Daniel 7:9,13,22)-- "from Him Which Is, and Which Was, and Which Is to Come." The "Seven Spirits" point to the perfection of the Holy Spirit.

" 5 And from Jesus Christ, Who is the Faithful Witness, and the First Begotten of the Dead, and the Prince of the Kings of the Earth. Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood,"

Greetings from the Son, "who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession" (1Timothy 6:13). Jesus has the distinction of being the first to rise from the dead. "And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins" (1Corinthians 15:17). And, if this "Prince of the Kings of the Earth" , who "loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood" , arose from the dead, then so also will we. "But every man in his own order: Christ the Firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at His Coming" (15:23). [See our article, " http://whatsaiththescripture.com/Fellowship/He.Will.Subdue.Our.Iniquit.html">He Will Subdue Our Iniquities --- http://whatsaiththescripture.com/Fellowship/He.Will.Subdue.Our.Iniquit.html">New Window , for a discussion of how anyone can be worthy and ready to meet God at any time.]

" 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."

A Kingdom Of Priests was the LORD's original intent for His people Israel, as well. "And ye shall be unto me a Kingdom Of Priests, and An Holy Nation" (Exodus 19:6). Again, our God's desire for His Church is our assumption of the duties of a Kingdom Of Priests. "Ye also, as Lively Stones, are built up a Spiritual House, an Holy Priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ" (1Peter 2:5). And, of course, "God" the Son has "His Father" , God "which is [also] in Heaven" (Matthew 23:9).

" 7 Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the Earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen."

Our LORD Jesus Christ is the One who "cometh with clouds" . No other event in the history of creation will focus more attention on One Person than the Second Coming of the LORD Jesus Christ. "And then shall appear the Sign of the Son of Man in Heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the Earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of Heaven with power and great glory" (Matthew 24:30). If anyone is able to wonder or question if the LORD Jesus has appeared the Second Time, then it definitely did not happen-- because at His Second Coming " all ... shall see Him" (24:30).

" 8 I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, saith the LORD, Which Is, and Which Was, and Which Is to Come, the Almighty."

Without a doubt, the LORD Jesus Christ claims to be God. "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God" (Philippians 2:6). The very idea of being "Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending" places Jesus-- the speaker of Revelation 1:8-- in the role of the Eternal ( "Which Is, and Which Was, and Which Is to Come" ) and "Almighty" God. "Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and His Redeemer the LORD of Hosts; I am the First, and I am the Last; and beside Me there is no God" (Isaiah 44:6).

" 9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the Kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the Word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ."

The Apostle John, the "disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 21:20), suffered exile to the island of Patmos (which means, "my killing"), a rugged and bare island in the Aegean Sea off the coast of modern Turkey, probably around 95 AD in Domitian's persecution of the Christians. "Yea, and all that will live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2Timothy 3:12). John was an elder or presbyter in the Church of Ephesus, before and after his stay on Patmos. John suffered "tribulation" like all of our brethren, "for the Word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ" . He practiced what the early disciples preached. "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common Salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the Saints" (Jude 3).

" 10 I was in the Spirit on the LORD's day, and heard behind me a Great Voice, as of a Trumpet,"

The Apostle John's experience parallels that of being Raptured, i.e., hearing "a Great Voice, as of a Trumpet" . This reminds us of the Apostle Paul's letter to the Thessalonians. "For the LORD Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first" (1Thessalonians 4:16). Some believe that this indicates a Sunday ( "LORD's day" ) Rapture; however, it could also mean that the Rapture will only occur for those who are walking "in the Spirit" , in readiness for the event-- or both. "And to wait for His Son from Heaven, Whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come" (1:10).

" 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the Seven Churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea."

These Seven Churches could be reached by traveling to each in succession, i.e., first Ephesus, then Smyrna, and continuing through the list until arriving at Laodicea. The serial nature of the list of Seven Churches gives rise to comparing them to a serial or chronological list of periods representing the totality of Church History, as well as a chronological list of Tribulation Week Progress. Our LORD is able to lay much truth in store for those who are willing to "search out a matter" (Proverbs 25:2). "But without a parable spake He not unto them: and when they were alone, He expounded all things to His disciples" (Mark 4:34). [See the " http://whatsaiththescripture.com/Prophecy/Thy.Hidden.Ones.html#REVIVAL DURING">Tribulation Saints' Experience: Revival, Persecution, or Deliverance? --- http://whatsaiththescripture.com/Prophecy/Thy.Hidden.Ones.html#REVIVAL DURING">New Window section of our article, " http://whatsaiththescripture.com/Prophecy/Thy.Hidden.Ones.html">Thy Hidden Ones" --- http://whatsaiththescripture.com/Prophecy/Thy.Hidden.Ones.html">New Window , for a discussion of the Seven Churches representing 7 successive periods of Church History, as well as Tribulation Week Progress.]

" 12 And I turned to see the Voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;"

The Voice that spoke with John, belonged to the LORD Jesus. The "seven golden candlesticks" allude to the candlesticks of the Sanctuary for the nation of Israel. This seven branched candlestick, known as the menorah, may be seen represented on the Arch of Titus at Rome, taken as the spoils of war (70 AD). "And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it" (Exodus 25:37). Though Israel ultimately failed to hold the "Law [that] is Light" (Proverbs 6:23) up to the world, the Church has received a similar commission to bear the Light-- as "seven golden candlesticks" -- to the world. A candlestick is not the light; however, it does lift up the flame, which gives off the light. And, that Light is Jesus Christ, Who said, "I am the Light of the World" (John 8:12).

" 13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle."

The LORD Jesus is here described in the attire of a priest and judge, like Aaron's robe, "for glory and for beauty" (Exodus 28:2). Fastening the garment higher on the body-- "about the paps" , i.e., the chest-- than the waist, allowed for greater movement, as well as greater dignity and majesty. "And righteousness shall be the girdle of His loins, and faithfulness the girdle of His reins" (Isaiah 11:5).

" 14 His head and His hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and His eyes were as a flame of fire;"

Again, it is "not robbery" (Philippians 2:6) for the LORD Jesus to consider Himself the equal of the Father, because the Son of God is here described in the same fashion as the Father-- the Ancient of Days. " 9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of Days did sit, Whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head like the pure wool: His Throne was like the fiery flame, and His wheels as burning fire... 13 ...behold, One like the Son of Man came with the clouds of Heaven, and came to the Ancient of Days ..." (Daniel 7:9,13).

" 15 And His feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and His voice as the sound of many waters."

The LORD Jesus' feet are likened to "fine brass" , which symbolize divine judgment. The "brasen altar" (Exodus 38:30) and other articles associated with the sacrifice for sin (27:2-4) were made of brass. The power and majesty of the LORD Jesus' Voice in judgment is compared to the "sound of many waters" . "The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea" (Psalm 93:4).

" 16 And He had in His right hand seven stars: and out of His mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and His countenance was as the sun shineth in His strength."

This reminds us of how Christ, the Good Shepherd (John 10:14), holds His flock eternally secure in His hand. " 27 My sheep hear My Voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: 28 And I give unto them Eternal Life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand" (John 10:27-28). Jesus, the Eternal Word, Who "was made flesh" (John 1:14), here represents His Words like unto a "sharp twoedged sword" -- an offensive weapon for slaying the enemy. "And out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations" (Revelation 19:15).

The brilliance of the LORD Jesus' "countenance" was seen also by the unconverted Saul on the Road to Damascus. " 13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a Light from Heaven, above the brightness of the sun , shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. 14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a Voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And He said, I Am Jesus Whom thou persecutest" (Acts 26:13-15).

" 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. And He laid His right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I Am the First and the Last:"

Notwithstanding the close relationship of the Apostle John to the LORD Jesus, it was more than meeting an old friend when he recognized the LORD Jesus. John "fell at His feet as dead" . Just as the prophet Isaiah was frozen with disdain for himself at the sight of the Holy God, i.e., "Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts" (Isaiah 6:5), John had to be comforted by the LORD to even be able to continue the interview.

" 18 I Am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I Am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."

Unmistakably, this is the very Jesus who was crucified on Calvary. "I Am He that liveth, and was dead." If we can believe that He was dead and now is alive, we have His Word that He is now "alive for evermore" . "Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over Him" (Romans 6:9). So thorough is His mastery over death and hell that He possesses their key and control-- because He is the Almighty God. "He that is our God is the God of Salvation; and unto GOD the LORD belong the issues from death" (Psalm 68:20).

" 19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;"

John is given an outline for the Revelation, which he is to record. "The things which thou hast seen" refers to chapter 1-- the Glorified Christ. "The things which are" corresponds to chapters 2 and 3-- the History of the Church. And, "the things which shall be hereafter" deal with chapters 4 through 22-- essentially Daniel's 70th Week (Daniel 9:24-27). [See our article, " http://whatsaiththescripture.com/Timeline/Seventy.Weeks.of.Daniel.html">The Seventy Weeks of Daniel --- http://whatsaiththescripture.com/Timeline/Seventy.Weeks.of.Daniel.html">New Window , for a development of the entire 70 Weeks prophecy.]

" 20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in My right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the Seven Churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the Seven Churches."

The Greek word aggelos is primarily translated as "angel", but sometimes it is translated as messenger. That the "seven stars" , which are the "angels of the Seven Churches" , could be their pastors, may be inferred from the reference of Daniel 12:3 to those who "turn many to righteousness" . These who "turn many to righteousness" are compared to the "stars for ever and ever" . "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever" (Daniel 12:3). But, the idea that the "seven stars" are angelic beings is just as agreeable, for we know that even small children are given angelic watchcare. "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in Heaven their angels do always behold the face of My Father which is in Heaven" (Matthew 18:10). Again, the "seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the Seven Churches" . See the above remarks concerning Revelation 1:12.

Question: Why should you study this Book?

Answer: "That the God of our LORD Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him:
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened ;
that ye may know </p>

what is the hope of His calling, and
what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe,

according to the working of His mighty power,
Which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the Heavenly Places,
Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come."
Ephesians 1:17-21