A simple approach (to understanding Revelation) Chapters 2 & 3 – The messages to the 7 churches, as well as “he who has an ear”…

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(same as last week – review) Introduction

1. What typical impressions/reactions are associated with Revelation (in 1 word)? • Mystery, fear, & confusion seem most common.

2. But what does the word revelation actually mean? • “Revelation” means something revealed.

3. That seems quite a strange contrast. • Why don’t we have a strong sense of clarity & confidence about it?

4. The primary goals of this study are to: • Boost clarity and confidence about the book, and to • Counter the commonly associated mystery, fear, & confusion.

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But How? While acknowledging the possibility for multiple meanings, this study keeps it Simple by Focusing on 1st/primary meaning, to the original recipients, using a simple approach.

This is to practice the principle “Let the simple explain the complex”. The Simple Approach is this:

1. Focus on what’s presented as literal (and take it as such - what if it means what it says?). 2. Let pictures be just that (word pictures - get big picture, reserve judgment on details). 3. Patiently practice those, unless & until scripture explains the literal meaning of a picture.

As applied to Revelation, the Simple Approach lends some Keys to understanding its message.

1. (Focus on literal) Let the 1st 3 verses mean what they say. Let Jesus set the context (when He says things like this generation, soon, time is near, quickly, to the 7 churches in Asia, etc., let’s take Him at His word).

2. (Let pictures be) Get the big picture. Revelation is full of apocalyptic (picture) language. To get a fresh perspective, let’s Let go of prior conclusions (RE end, world, coming, death), and Practice restraint regarding the many details in Revelation’s pictures. Let’s AVOID SPECULATION for the purpose of this study.

3. (Let Word explain) Watch for little verbs (is, are, tell). Let Jesus or angel (via John) explain the literal meaning of pictures. Let Revelation answer its own questions (which actually happens often in Rev).

(Please see Week 1 notes for more detail.)

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Here is a map of the region at the time. The churches are named in a clock-wise circuit starting in Ephesus. All the cities of the 7 churches are in Asia Minor, which is modern day western Turkey. * On a personal note, if you ever get an opportunity to go on a 7 churches tour, know that it can be a

wonderful, enriching experience. This week we cover Chapters 2 & 3, which contain the messages from Jesus to these 7 churches.

While rich with teaching about His knowledge, awareness, expectations, love and care, and more, they also strongly reinforce the significance and imminence of whatever they are “about to” endure…

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Chapter 2 Ephesus/Smyrna 2:1-11 2:1-7 Ephesus

• 2:1 Remember that this is Jesus. 1:5 Note the reference back to the imagery of Chapter 1 and consider the significance (comfort & fear) that He Holds the Angels and Walks among the Churches. 1:16 & 1:20

• 2:2-6 He knows they have Endured, but have Left. Left what? Their “first love” – not Him, but their deeds for Him. He says they need to repent, indicating this is sinful, otherwise He is coming, to remove them (their lampstand). We’re not sure about the Nicolaitans. They seem to have been known for teaching and practicing loose living – ‘abandoned to pleasure & self-indulgence’.

• 2:7 Have an Ear? Hear. Overcomers to Eat of Tree of life. Gen. 2:9 & 3:22-24, Rev. 22:14 2:8-11 Smyrna (History – Home of large concentration of hostile extremist Jews, &

temple of Dionysus – god of wine. Reputation – zealots, in party town. Think fire & water.) • 2:8 Again, Jesus – the First & Last, who was Dead and has come Alive. 1:17-18 He knows

death, and that death is not the end. • 2:9-10 Think of the comfort. He knows, He’s aware of their tribulation (already) &

poverty (but that they’re rich), and what they’re dealing with. He says do not fear, what they’re about to suffer (yikes) – tribulation for “10 days”. Remember picture language – figurative – big picture – not long. Dan. 1:12-15, Job. 19:3, Gen. 31:7,41 Be faithful until death, and He’ll give crown of life. James 1:12

• 2:11 Have an Ear? Hear. Overcomers not hurt by second death (Rev. 20:6,14 & Rev. 21:8).

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Chapter 2 Pergamum/Thyatira 2:12-29 2:12-17 Pergamum (History – Home of renowned expensive library, and

center of state religion & temple/seat of Caesar worship.) • 2:12 Jesus, with the 2 edged sword out of His mouth. 1:16

• 2:13-16 He knows, they hold fast, even where they live and amidst severe persecution. Not sure about Antipas beyond what’s written here. However, some are following Balaam/Nicolaitans Num. 31:8,16, 2Pe. 2:15, etc., and need to repent, or else He’s coming quickly (can’t be 2nd coming, or their repentance wouldn’t stop it).

• 2:17 Have an Ear? Hear. Overcomers get hidden manna, white stone (judges would vote by putting white [innocent] or black [guilty] stones in a bag), & new name.

2:18-29 Thyatira (History – Home of trade guilds,

especially copper & purple [remember Lydia]. Acts 16:14,40) • 2:18 Jesus, with eyes of fire & feet of burnished bronze. 1:14-15

(note connections to copper trade, familiar to them) • 2:19-25 He knows, their perseverance, and they’re doing more (vs. Ephesus). He also

knows “Jezebel” and those who follow her, and will kill them. She’s had time to repent, but won’t. On the rest, who do not hold to her teaching, He knows them as well, and places no other burden on them – nevertheless hold fast until he comes.

• 2:26-29 Have an Ear? Hear. Overcomers given authority (with Him who shall rule with a rod of iron Psalm 2:7-8, Rev. 12:5 & 19:15), and the “morning star” (Jesus Himself). 22:16

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Chapter 3 Sardis/Philadelphia 3:1-13 3:1-6 Sardis (History – Very secure fortress, literally cliff-top, yet conquered multiple times.)

• 3:1 Jesus, who has the seven Spirits 1:4 & 5:6 and the seven stars 1:16. • 3:1-4 He knows, they have a name they’re alive, but they’re really dead. So if they do not

wake up, He will come, like a thief 2Pe. 3:10. Still, He also knows a few are worthy. • 3:5-6 Have an Ear? Hear. Overcomers clothed in white (vs. “soiled”). He will not erase

their name from the book of life Rev. 21:25-27, etc., and Jesus will confess his name (the overcomer’s).

3:7-13 Philadelphia

• 3:7 Jesus, who is holy and true 6:10, and has the keys of David 1:18 & Isa. 22:20-22. • 3:8-11 He knows, their deeds. He’s given them an open door, because they have a little

power, and have kept His word. He’ll make their Jewish persecutors bow to them. He, says to them “I will also keep you” from that hour, which is about to come on the whole world. He is coming quickly (blessing for them).

• 3:12-13 Have an Ear? Hear. Overcomers will be pillars in His temple, inheriting the name of God, and of the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven Rev. 21:2.

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Chapter 3 Laodicea 3:14-22 3:14-22 Laodicea (History – Hot springs are within view on adjacent mountainside [modern

Pamukkale in Turkey]. They undertook a massive project to build aqueducts to bring hot water down to Laodicea, but by the time the water finally arrived… it was lukewarm. They were also renowned for their black wool & eye disease medicine, on account of which they were also physically rich, to the point they rebuilt from a major earthquake with no outside help, and were proud of it.)

• 3:14 Jesus, the faithful witness 1:5, the beginning of creation 21:6, 22:13, etc. • 3:15-16 He knows, their deeds as well, that they’re lukewarm, so he will spit them out. • 3:17-18 They say they’re rich, but don’t realize they’re poor, blind, & naked, etc. So, He

advises that they, (1) buy gold from Him, (2) white garments to clothe themselves, & (3) eye salve to see. (Physical vs. Spiritual) They’ve conformed to the world around them (their city).

• 3:19 In love, He reproves and disciplines, so He pleas for them to be zealous and repent. • 3:20 He stands at the door and knocks, so that if they will open, He will come in and dine

with them. He always wants & calls for people to return to Him, come back, etc. • 3:21-22 Have an Ear? Hear. Overcomers to sit with Him on His throne. 4:1-2

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Chapters 2 & 3 Summary While there is a personal and specific message for each church, the messages are also packed with

principles for any believer, and follow a distinct pattern with the following elements: 1. Reinforcement of who the message is from – Jesus – & who He is – Present & Powerful,

recalling powerful details from the earlier images. The details mentioned either have personal significance, and/or are linked in some way to the message to each church .

2. He knows and cares. He praises them for what they’re doing well (those which are). He rebukes them for what they’re neglecting or overtly doing wrong. He knows the few who are not giving in to the many, and offers special comfort and encouragement to them.

3. He calls those who are practicing sin (overtly or neglectfully) to repent, and those who are keeping His faith to hold on. He’s always beckoning, always wanting people to turn. But if they won’t, He warns each that He is about to come, quickly, etc.

4. He reinforces the blessings due those who will respond in repentance – often mentioning imagery and details which will be reused later in Revelation to add significance to the nature of these blessings.

The messages here are powerful, and replete with principle and application for any believer – he who has an ear. However, they are also full of reminders, to them, that something is coming soon! While some hints are given as to the nature of what it is, He doesn’t come out and say it. People generally don’t have much trouble in these chapters. The next several are where we especially need to remember our keys, and practice patience to get the big picture.

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A simple approach (to understanding Revelation)

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