The Revelation of Jesus chapter Two.

Pause for thought

Revelation carries the promise of blessing to all who read it but a warning to anyone who would add or take from its message 22:18-19

Revelation is a prophetic book, it’s futuristic but relevant for every age of the church. It is believed that Antipas was martyred in A.D 92. (2:13) this helps with dating Revelation, with the destruction of the Temple in A.D. 70 well before Revelation was written, raising questions about the Preterist and partial preterist views?

Revelation was written to seven churches in the first century A.D. But the message is still relevant to todays churches with similar problems. The Lord commended six of the seven churches and rebuked five. Nothing is ever hidden from the Lord who walks in the midst of the golden lamp stands.

Ephesus
praised for her hard work and perseverance, rebuked for forsaking her first love, they were to remember and repent.

leaving the first love can happen when the church becomes orthodox, giving place to form rather than genuine heart worship 2:4.

The Nicolaitans which means “laity conquerors” were false teachers who exploited the people, instead of spiritually developing them they promoted all kinds of immorality. It is thought by some commentators that these so called “ministers” were responsible for dividing the church between clergy and laity 2:6

Smyrna Praised for their faith suffering persecution and poverty, no rebuke, just remain faithful and don’t fear.

Synagogue of Satan. We’re Jews who claimed to be true Jews who followed God, but we’re in darkness because they rejected Christ and the gospel, persecuting the true church 2:9

Pergamum. Praised for their faith, but rebuked for compromise, told to repent.

Persecution was within this church as well as outside, satan had got a foothold through the false Nicolaitans teaching causing sexual immorality which was a great stumbling block, just like in the days of Balaam who caused Israel to sin. The result of their compromise was the martyrdom of a church member Antipas.2:13-15

Thyatira Praised for their faith, Love, and service, rebuked for immorality, need to repent.

They failed to test Jezebel who claimed to be a prophet. she was false and her words caused devastation in this church. Let’s all be sure we test everything that purports to come from God.

God promises to all who overcome the wiles of the devil The Morning star the herald of a new day! 2:28

A verse to remember

Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches.

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