Ephesus – The Backsliden Assembly
Rev. 2:1-11
It is generally considered that each message to each assembly has a typical prophetic word for the time of writing and a future fulfilment. In these letters to the assemblies, Yochanan addresses the immediate situation but also the assemblies are characteristic of each type of assembly throughout the Church Age.
Each future assembly would have a particular problem highlighted in the letters, but there are all aspects of the letters apparent in varying degrees at all Church Periods.
This assembly was becoming increasingly under the influence of the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, that was to develop later into Roman Catholicism.
Ephesus was typical of the assemblies from 70 C.E to 170 C.E. (Larkin p18). The influence of the Nicolaitan heresy was developed during this period.
Rev. 2:1 – The Greeting
To the messenger of the assembly in Ephesus write: “He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, He who walks among the seven golden candlesticks says these things:
The city
The name: Ephesus, means to let go or relax (Larkin p18).
It was considered the greatest city of Asia (Minor). Ephesus is now a city of ruins.
The port: Ephesus was located at the mouth of the Cayster River in what is now Turkey, Asia Minor. The port of Ephesus was the largest in the province of Asia.
Geographical status: Due to the mountainous terrain, several important trade and military roads met here. This ensured that Ephesus was a major centre for trade. It was considered as the Highway (Gateway) to Rome from the eastern Mediterranean.
Political status: Ephesus was a Roman free city. This meant that it did not have to house a Roman garrison and its costs. It was an assize city that was allowed to hold its own courts of justice.
Religious status: Ephesus was the centre of pagan worship and in particular, that of Artemis/Diana. The Temple of Artemis was one of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World. The city was renowned in the ancient world as being the centre of paganism/witchcraft. Many books of spells, known throughout the world as Ephesian Letters, were destroyed during Rav. Sha`ul’s visit (Acts 19:19).
Population: This was a very cosmopolitan city that was made up of a mixture of local indigenous people, travellers, tradesmen, Roman officials, pagan worshipers and the ‘trades’ usually associated with a major port.
In Scripture: Rav. Sha`ul went to Ephesus (Acts 19:1) and stayed there three years (c. Late 52 – early 55 C.E.)( http://www.sacred-destinations.com)(Acts 20:31). Timothy was with Sh`aul during his time at Ephesus (Acts 20:4) and served Sha`ul during his prolonged stay ((6)Fairbairn).
Sha`ul also called into the port of Miletus to speak to the elders of Ephesus on his third and final trip to Yerushalayim (Acts 20:17-38) ((2)Fairbairn p. 240). It is probable that Timothy was left with the elders at this time (c. 58 C.E.) (https://htdb.space).
A major factor in studying this letter is Sha`ul’s speech to the elders where he warns of attacks form without the assembly (Acts 20:29) and from within the assembly (Acts 20:30) and the warning to Timothy regarding false doctrines (1 Tim. 1:3).
Apostle Yochanan arrived there after Sha`ul’s death and stayed until his exile to Patmos as Leader of the assembly. Yochana’s First Epistle (c. 80 C.E.) was a circular letter to Ephesus and surrounding assemblies (Henry p. 1341). This letter resembles in style if not in content, the letters to the seven assemblies of Revelation.
ἄγγελος aggelos #G32 – a messenger or one who brings tidings from a monarch.
κρατέω krateō #G2902 – to take hold of with the idea of holding it completely. The Messiah holds the seven assemblies in their entirety in His right hand. The seven assemblies are considered to be symbolic of all the assemblies of Believers throughout history. Therefore, The Messiah is said to hold every single assembly in His hand. The right hand is the hand of strength so it represents The Messiah protecting His people.
περιπατέω peripateō #G4043 – to walk casually around. This has the idea of complete ownership. As with the stars, the candlesticks are said to be symbolic of all assemblies and therefore The Messiah is considered to live amongst the assemblies. The Messiah dwells amongst all assemblies of Believers, not confined to any one particular denomination.
Rev. 2:2, 3 – The Commendation
‘I know your works and your toil and perseverance, and you cannot tolerate evil men, and have tested those who call themselves apostles and they are not, and found false.’
κόπος kopos #G2873 – toil or labour to the point of exhaustion. Messiah begins by praising the Ephesian Assembly for their unceasing labour.
“Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who labour [kopos] in the Master. Greet Persis, the beloved, who laboured [kopos] much in the Master.” (Rom. 16:12). (cf 1 Cor. 15:10; Gal. 4:11).
Rav Sha`ul gives these examples of how the Believer must work: without ceasing and for the Master.
All assemblies were encouraged to support the poor amongst them. This may have led to assemblies being taken advantage of by unscrupulous fraudsters. Many itinerant preachers/prophets moved from area to area (very much as Sha`ul did) and relied upon local support. Although Sha`ul support himself as a tent or saddle-maker (Acts 18:3), he encouraged assemblies to help others (1 Cor. 9:9; 1 Tim. 5:18 quoting Deut. 25:4). Due to Yochanan’s long life of service, he must have come across many such false preachers. He exhorts the Believers to test all spirits as many will be false teachings (1 John 4:1). The Assembly had done this and found many to be liars.
‘You have perseverance and have endured for my name’s sake, and have not grown weary.’
ὑπομονή hupomonē #G5281 – steadfastness, endurance. The Messiah also commends the Ephesians for their endurance. This does not mean putting up with the situation but is perseverance in the face of adversity. The letter was written in c.96 C.E. when great persecution was sweeping through the Roman Empire. Even so, the Assembly were not renouncing their faith, but enduring for their faith in Yahusha.
Rav Sha`ul praises the assembly at Thessalonika for their patience and endurance (2 Thess. 1:4).
Ya`akov instructs Believers that patience produces faith (Jam. 1:3).
Rev. 2:4 – The Comdemnation (1)
‘But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.’
The Messiah goes onto what He has against the Assembly.
ἀφίημι aphiēmi #G863 – to desert, abandon. The Messiah stated that they have left their first love. This may have several meanings:
i) That the love for the Messiah that existed in a Believer upon salvation, was a hot fire. It led to a willingness to follow and serve the Messiah no matter what befalls the Believer. Their ardour had cooled down.
ii) That although they still worked hard and endured persecution, they did so mechanically and not out of love and the joy of serving Messiah.
iii) That their success and perseverance was being put down to their own hard work and were no longer relying upon the grace of Yahuah.
The original ardour has cooled off, but like any marriage, the relationship required continual labour and patience to make it work (Henry p. 1380).
Rev. 2:5 The Warning
‘Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I am coming to you swiftly, and will move your candlestick out of its place, unless you repent.’
The warning comprises of several imperatives:
i) Remember – The Messiah calls the Assembly to look back from where they started and compare to where they were. They first served the Messiah out of love, but then were serving out of religion. The word ‘remember’ was used to jolt the Assembly out of their spiritual lethargy. This was similar to the wake-up call experienced by the Prodigal Son (cf Luke 15:17).
ii) Repent – After remembering, the Assembly was called to repent and acknowledge that they had lost their purpose for serving. Each member of the Assembly had to take personal responsibility and return back to the Messiah (cf Luke 15:18).
iii) Do – Remembering and repenting were only a means of bringing back the Assembly to the place from where they had gone astray. After realising their error, the Assembly was commanded to carry on what they had started out to do, in a manner acceptable to the Messiah.
If the Assembly was not prepared to repent of its ways, then the Messiah would cause it to fail.
“No man, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a cellar, nor under a basket, but on a stand, that those who enter in may see the light.” (Luke 11:33). This was exactly what had happened to the Assembly. The candlestick should only be the method by which all may see the Light. Of itself, the candlestick has no power. It is only when the source of light is kindled, is the candlestick of any use. The Messiah was, therefore, saying that because the love and joy of serving Him had gone, the community was only seeing a gathering of religious people, and not Him. They were no different than the many pagan temples in Ephesus.
If the Assembly did not repent, the Messiah would remove His Spirit and they would die. Throughout their persecution, it was their love of the Messiah and His grace that had helped them to endure. As that love had gone, there was nothing to support the Assembly through tough times. This would take place quickly and without further notice, as would an army fall upon its conquests.
Rev. 2:6 – The Commendation (2)
‘But this you have, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.’
The Nicolaitans can be considered as a sect following Bil`am.
בִּלְעָם Bil`am (Hebrew) = בָּלַע bala` – to swallow up (conquer) + עַם `am people
Νικόλαος Nicolaus (Greek) = νῖκος nikos to utterly vanquish (conquer) + λαός laos
people.
The name Bil`am had an evil connotation to the early assemblies from the original account (Num. 22:1-24:25) and the term Nicolaitans would have been more acceptable to the early congregants. The purpose of Bil`am was to draw the Yisra`elites away from Yahuah thus incurring His wrath or loss of protection, so that their enemies may prevail over them.
The doctrines of the Nicolaitans can be summarised as follows:
The Law is ended, there are no laws, rules or regulations and so they could do whatever they wanted or for the appearance of piety to cherry-pick the laws they wished to follow:
i) Flesh is evil and spirit is good, and as a spirit being, a man could do whatever he liked to the body as it did not matter:
ii) Grace is all-sufficient and would protect them. Antinomianism – if sin is an opportunity for Yahuah to display His Grace, the more a person sins, the more opportunity for Yahuah to display Grace:
iii) They wanted Believers to compromise the teachings given to them so that the difference between the pagans and themselves would lessen, making it more attractive for non-Believers to join them. This was mostly aimed at the upper levels of society ((1)Barclay Revelation):
iv) They wanted to introduce a system of hierarchy in the clergy that was man-inspired and not Yahuah -called. There would be no direct access to Yahuah through the mediation of the Messiah, but had to go through the priest, bishop, Mary or dead saints.
The Messiah praises the fanaticism in which they detest the works of the Nicolaitans. Although Believers must show meekness and love towards sinners, they must always show ruthlessness against sin. Nevertheless, zeal must be coupled with patience (Henry p1380).
“One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sins: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall a matter be established.” (Deut. 19:15). Believers must nor jump to a hasty conclusion, but carefully weigh up the evidence (cf 2 Cor. 13:1).
“Do not judge, so that you will not be judged. For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you.” (Matt. 7:1, 2). The Messiah warns the Assembly that although they have rightly judged the false teachers, they themselves will be likewise judged.
Rev. 2:7 – The Promise
‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Ruach says to the Assemblies. To him who overcomes I will give to eat of the Tree of Life, which is in the Paradise of `Elohiym.’
Ears
ἀκούω akouō #G191– means not only to hear but to consider, understand and to act upon what has been said and is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew שָׁמַע shema #H8085.
i) Him: this personalises all the letters. The Messiah addresses the warnings and promises of this and all the other letters to each and every Believer throughout the ages;
ii) Assemblies: this generalises all the letters. The Messiah addresses the warnings and promises to each and every Assembly throughout the ages.
The promise is given to those who endure to the bitter end.
There will be a more severe judgement against those who have heard the Word of Yahuah and reject it than to those who have not heard. “That servant, who knew his lord’s will, and did not prepare, nor do what he wanted, will be beaten with many stripes, but he who did not know, and did things worthy of stripes, will be beaten with few stripes. To whoever much is given, of him will much be required; and to whom much was entrusted, of him more will be asked.” (Luke 12:47, 48).
Their reward for obedience was that they would eat of the Tree of Life. The first mention of this Tree was in Gen. 2:9, “Out of the ground Yahuah `Elohiym made every tree to grow that is pleasant to the sight, and for food; the Tree of Life also in the midst of the garden, and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.” Man, in his unfallen condition was allowed to eat freely off the Tree of Life. It was only upon the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil that there was a prohibition against eating its fruit. “Yahuah `Elohiym commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, you shall not eat of it; for in the day that you eat of it you will surely die’” (Gen. 2:16, 17).
“So He drove out the man; and He placed Keruvim at the east of the garden of `Eden, and the flame of a sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the Tree of Life.” (Gen. 3:24). Man lost not only access to the Tree of Life, but to all of Gan Eden as punishment for his disobedience to Yahuah `Elohiym. It would only be by his obedience to Yahuah through His Son/Messiah that Man would again have access to the Tree of Life.
“Happy is the man who finds wisdom…She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her. Happy is everyone who retains her.” (Prov. 3:13a, 18).
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. He who is wise wins souls.” (Prov. 11:30).
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when longing is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.” (Prov. 13:12).
“A gentle tongue is a tree of life, But deceit in it crushes the spirit.” (Prov. 15:4).
The examples above what Scripture considers the Tree of Life shows that this Tree supplies all that Man may need to live a useful and productive life. Each one is a reference to the Messiah.
“If a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be put to death, and you hang him on a tree; his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall surely bury him the same day; for he who is hanged is accursed of Yahuah; that you do not defile your land which Yahuah your `Elohiym gives you for an inheritance.” (Deut. 21:22, 23).
Many theologians consider the Cross at Golgotha to be the Tree of Life.
When the Master told the Penitent Thief that “….Today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43), the original meaning of paradise is that of a large pleasure garden or park full of wonderful flowers, trees, fruit, plants and wild but not dangerous animals. These are visions of Gan Eden, the Millennial Kingdom and Heaven. The Messiah will re-install that which was lost at the Fall.
Paradise is where the Messiah is.
Smyrna – The Persecuted Assembly
Rev. 2:8-11
This assembly was typical of assemblies from Diocletian in 170 C.E. to Constantine in 312 C.E. The early Church Fathers were moving away from the teachings of the Tanakh and the Jewishness of the style of worship. In this period, it can be seen that the ‘Christian’ church wanted to disassociate itself from any connection with the Jews who were seen as being anti-Rome and Caesar.
Rev. 2:8 – The Greeting
“To the messenger of the assembly in Smyrna write: The First and the Last, who was dead and has now come to life says these things:
The city
Name: Smyrna means myrrh, the ointment of death (Larkin p.21).
Smyrna is still a thriving port and city now known as Izmir.
It was a city of major commercial, religious, political and cultural importance.
Geographical status: Smyrna was the chief rival to Ephesus as a commercial centre, commanding the Hermus Valley and served by the safest harbour in the Eastern Mediterrean Sea.
Political status: It was a free city and the first city ever to erect a temple to the goddess Roma and was chosen over Ephesus to build the first temple to Tiberius.
Religious status: It was considered the most beautiful city in all of Asia Minor, surrounded by the Pagos Hills covered by wonderful buildings and pagan temples and within the city were temples to Zeus, Cybele, Apollo, the Nemesis, Aphrodite and Asclepios ((1)Barclay p.90).
Population: It was a cosmopolitan city with a very large and influential Jewish community.
Polycarp was Bishop who was martyred in 155 C.E. probably instigated by the Jews.
The original city was destroyed in 600 B.C.E. and remained in ruins until 200 B.C.E. (dead but now alive (1)Barclay p.91).
Titles of the Messiah
i) The First and Last refers to the Messiah begin from eternity past to eternity future (cf 44:6; 48:12; Heb. 13:8).
ii) He who was dead and is alive again.
γίνομαι ginomai #G1096 was. This is of a temporary nature meaning became.
Dead – the Master’s death purchased salvation;
ζάω zao #G2198 – alive. This is an aorist action, one that was in the past and thoroughly completed and permanent.
Alive – the Messiah applies this salvation to a Believer’s life (Henry p.1381)
Rev. 2:9 – The Persecution
“I know your works, oppression and your poverty (yet you are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say there are Yehudim and are not, but are an assembly of haSatan.”
θλῖψις thlipsis #G2347 – pressure. This denoted the torture of piling heavy stones on to the victim’s chest.
πτωχεία ptocheia #G4432 – abject poverty or destitution.
i) Believers were generally from the lower classes or slave castes;
ii) Believers’ homes and businesses regularly attack and destroyed;
iii) Believers were under constant threat of arrest at the whim of the governors and imprisonment usually ending in death ((1)Barclay p.96).
iv) Believers work tirelessly for Messiah. Although they may be temporally poor, they are spiritually rich ( 10:4) (Henry p.1381).
Those calling themselves Yehudim by virtue of their physical descent from Abraham were accused by the Messiah as blasphemous. This was because true Yehudim, by spiritual descent from Abraham, were considered by Sons of Yahuah and not of haSatan (cf Matt. 3:9; John 8:22).
The Yehudim were probably the main instigators of the persecution (cf Acts 13:50; 14:2, 5, 19; 17:5). These were due to slanderous accusations of:
i) Cannabalism when ‘eating’ the body of the Messiah and ‘drinking’ His blood;
ii) Agape love feasts were orgies;
iii) Destroyers of family relationships;
iv) Atheists by not worshipping in local temples;
v) Disloyal to Rome and the Emperor by not swearing annual allegiance and oath to ‘Caesar as lord’;
vi) Inciting arson by their end time’s view of the world ending in flames.
Rev. 2:10 – The Exhortation
“Do not be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you in prison, that you may be tested, and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life.”
The Messiah has experienced the worst that haSatan (through Man) can accomplish, but has come through as the perfect example for Believers.
Although there is an assurance that Believers will be persecuted (Matt. 13:21; Mark 4:17), nevertheless there is an equal assurance of their reward (Rom. 4:21).
The reference to ten days may refer to:
i) The Ten Great Persecutions from Nero in 64 C.E. to Diocletian 310 C.E.;
ii) The last ten years of fiercest persecution under Diocletian;
iii) Ten days referring to a short but severe period that was imminent (Larkin p21).
The Messiah calls the Assembly to be loyal unto death. The citizens of Smyrna knew what it meant to be faithful as the city was rewarded for its loyalty to Rome and Caesar. The Messiah promises two rewards for this faithfulness:
i) Crown of Life – this means that the crown was made from life (cf James 1:12) and is the martyr’s crown. This crown is utterly suitable as the crown is given for their poverty and of life who gave up theirs for the sake of the Messiah.
στέφανος stephanos #G4735 – This is the type of crown worn by:
a) A victorious athelete upon winning the race. Believers are called to win the race (1 Cor. 9:24-27).
b) A magistrate for loyal service. The Believers will receive the crown for faithful service to the Messiah and fellow Believers.
c) Banqueters at a feast. Believers are called to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb ( 19:9).
d) Pagan worshippers going to temples. Believers may have to wear an earthly ‘crown of thorns’ before they get the heavenly ‘crown of life’ and access to the presence of Yahuah ((1)Barclay p101).
ii) Not hurt by the second death ( 8:38, 39; Rev. 20:6, 14; 21:8). This is an eternity of dying.
Rev. 2:11 – The Warning
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. He who overcomes will not be harmed by the second death.”
The Second Death is that of all unrepentant sinners at the end of the Millennial Reign and is when they are all cast into the lake of fire for all eternity (Rev. 20:11-14). The First Resurrection takes place immediate prior to the Snatching Away of Believers (1 Thess. 4:16). Over these the Second Death had no hold (Rev. 20:6).
Ears
Please refer to Ephesus – The Backslidden Assembly – Rev. 2:7 – The Promise
Pergamos – The Immoral Assembly
Rev. 2:12-17
This assembly was typical of assemblies from Constantine in 312 C.E. to Pope Boniface III in 606 C.E. This was the time of the establishment of Roman Catholicism and the Pope declaring himself the ‘Universal Bishop’. This is the era when the ‘Church’ finally separated from its historic teachings after the Council of Nicea in 325 C.E. and established the man-made primacy of Roman Catholicism.
Rev. 2:12- The Greeting
“To the messenger of the Assembly in Pergamos write: ‘He who has the sharp two-edged sword says these things:”
The city
Name: Pergamos comes from the meaning of a citadel or having first-class courage (abrim-publications.com).
Pergamos was badly damaged by an earthquake in 262 C.E. and finally sacked by the Goths (Galatians).
Geographical status: It was built on a hill above the Caicus River.
Although it was not on any of the major trade routes, Pergamos was considered the greatest city in the Roman province of Asia (Minor).
Political status: It was the capital of the Seleucid Kingdom from 282 B.C.E. and remained so even after it became a Roman province ((1)Barclay p.106). As capital, it was the seat of the Roman Proconsul. Two-edged sword – the Proconsul had the ins gladii that was a two-edged sword. This was symbolic of the ultimate power of life and death without any recourse to judicial procedure. As powerful as Rome was, the Messiah was all-powerful.
Pergamos was a centre of culture, housing the ancient world’s second largest library after Alexandria.
Commercial status: It was here that vellum parchment was first made but otherwise of no other commercial significance.
Religious status: The Nicephorium was a magnificent grove of trees within which was built shrines to Zeus, Athene. Apollo, Ascelpios, Dionysus, and Aphrodite ((2) Fairbairn p192).
Rev. 2:13 – The Persecution
“I know your works and where you dwell, where haSatan’s throne is. You hold firmly to my name. and did not deny my faith in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where haSatan dwells.”
κατοικέω katoikeō #G2730 – to permanently dwell. This is opposed to the term used by Keefa when describing those of the Diaspora as sojourners (parepidēmos). The Messiah was saying to the Assembly that after they had fled from persecution, they had to make a permanent stand for the Messiah.
There is no general consensus as to who Antipas refers.
πιστός μάρτυς pistos martys #G3144 & #G4103 – faithful witness
To Zeus Philios. The altar was set up on a prominent in front of the Temple of Athene and was most likely the subject of the description of the Throne of haSatan (now in Berlin).
To Asclepios. This was considered the Pergamene god and pilgrims from throughout the world flocked there for healing by the priest/doctors.
i) Asclepios known as Asclepios Soter (Saviour). Asclepios emblem was an entwined serpent. Although this may have been considered by Jews as a symbol of the Fall ( 3:1-24), it would also be a reminder of healing in the Wilderness (Num. 21:6-9).
ii) Dea Roma the goddess of Rome. As the administrative centre of the region, where the oath of ‘Caesar is lord’ overseen.
a) This was more a politico/religious oath meant to unify all the citizens and the different nations and tribes of the Roman Empire.
b) Caesar worship was never meant to be the exclusive religion and religious tolerance was promoted throughout the Empire.
The Throne of haSatan would most likely be a reference to this centre of Caesar worship where Jews and Believers were forced to deny Yahuah as the one true `Elohiym. The refusal to make the oath would incur retribution and persecution.
When the Persians conquered Mesopotamia in 539 B.C.E. under Cyrus the Great (famousdaily.com), there was a distribution of captives from that area to other parts of the Persian Empire (cf Ezra 1:1-11) including Asia Minor. From Bavel via Pergamos and Asia Minor, the religious cults of sun, Saturn and haSatan worship expanded into Rome by 133 B.C.E. (kotipetripaavola.com)
It can also refer to the altar of Zeus, which was transferred from Pergamos to Berlin in 1901 (https://grandmageri422.me).
Rev. 2:16 – The Warning
“Repent therefore, or else I am coming to you quickly, and will make war against them with the sword of my mouth.”
The word ‘quickly’ denotes the suddenness of the Messiah’s coming; it will be swift and without any further notice.
The Messiah says that He will make ‘war against them’. It is those who are following the teachings of the Nicolaitans and Bil`am that He will come against. Therefore the Assembly must clearly separate themselves so as not to be numbered with them and suffer as a consequence (cf Psa. 1:1-6).
The sword is a symbol of the Word of Yahuah (Heb. 4:12; Eph.6:17). The Messiah’s word was one of:
i) A conviction of sin;
ii) An invitation to repent;
iii) An assurance of salvation ((1)Barclay p.112).
Rev. 2:17 – The Promise
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Ruach says to the Assemblies. To him who overcomes, to him I will give of the hidden man(na), and I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows but he who receives it.”
Ears
Please refer to Ephesus – The Backslidden Assembly – Rev. 2:7 – The Promise
The man(na) is:
i) A Jewish symbol of the blessings of the Messianic Reign;
ii) Yahuah given to those who are obedient ( 16:15; Psa. 78:25);
iii) A symbol of the Broken Body of the Master (John 6:31-35) and the Messiah would thus be giving them the Bread of Life ((1)Barclay p. 119).
The White Stone
i) Rabbinic tradition states that all precious stones were heavenly gifts and that the white stone represents righteousness (cf 3:5; 7:9; 19:8; 20:11);
ii) Stones were a common means of keep a count or tally in business. This may be a reference to the Believers in the Assembly were to be acknowledged as being part of the faithful;
iii) Black and white stones were a common method of passing judgement in a court: black for guilty and white for acquittal;
iv) White stones were used as tessera, means of identification whereon symbols or names may be painted:
a) To denote a client who has the right of free gifts from a patron;
b) To denote a victorious athlete giving free access to future games;
c) To a gladiator who has been given the right to retire (rest from fighting) because of his past proven record of continual valour in the arena;
d) Stones were commonly used as protective charms where a god’s name would be written on the stone ‘guaranteeing’ protection both in life and death ((1)Barclay p. 120).
On the stone would be written a new name.
καινός kainos #G2537– new with regards to never having been before (cf Rev. 21:1 new heaven). This is in contradistinction to νέος neos #G3501 – new with regards to quantity (cf Col.2:16 new moon)
The name represents the character of a person. With a new name comes a change in character (cf Gen. 17:5; 32:28). This reflects the new status in the Messiah.
Thyatira – The Negligent Assembly
Rev. 2:18-29
This assembly was typical of assemblies from Pope Boniface III in 606 C.E. to the Reformation 1520 C.E. Roman Catholicism became the world’s dominant religion during this period and assumed it peak just prior to the Reformation.
Rev. 2:18 – The Greeting
“To the angel of the assembly in Thyatira write: ‘The Son of Yahuah, who has His eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished brass, says these things:”
The city
Geographical status: a strategically important city. It was located in the valley connecting the Hermus and Caicus Rivers and the surrounding land was extremely fertile. It was on the roads connecting Pergamos, Sardis, Philadelphia, Smyrna and Byzantium. These roads formed part of the Imperial Post Road throughout the Roman province of Asia ((1)Barclay p125).
It was a frontier city established to protect the capital, Pergamos. Although it was a difficult city to defend, being on a broad flat area, its role was to delay attacking forces long enough for Pergamos to prepare for the invasion.
Political status: Being close to the capital, Pergamos meant that it had no real political importance.
Religious status: It was not of significant religious importance.
Population: There was so large a Macedonian population that it was considered a Macedonian colony ((6)Fairbairn p.277).
Commercial status: Due to the fertile region and pure mountain rivers, the city was a major commercial centre. It was world renowned for the purple/scarlet dying of cloth.
The many trades and crafts led to the establishment of powerful trade guilds. Not to be a member of the relevant guild would have made any form of trading virtually impossible. These guilds would hold communal meals in temples or at homes but certainly using meat sacrificed to idols. These meals often deteriorated into drunken orgies.
In Scripture: This was the city from whence Lydia (so named after the area close to Thyatira) came. She is considered the first Gentile convert by Sha`ul in Philippi (Acts 16:14).
The Messiah
i) Son of Yahuah: this is a declaration of His authority and by what right He over the assembly.
ii) Daniel’s vision ( 10:6): this is a declaration that the message is from Yahuah;
A) Flaming eyes:
a) for the wrath at having to look upon sin;
b) the eyes that burns into the heart of Man and sees his thoughts ((1)Barclay p128).
B) Brazen feet: judges in perfect wisdom and acts with perfect strength (Henry p. 1383).
Rev. 2:19 – The Commendation
“I know your works, your benevolence, service, faith, patient endurance, and that your last works are more than the first.”
The works:
i) Benevolence: their desire to do good to people especially fellow Believers;
ii) Service: the faithfulness of the leadership to the Word of Yahuah;
iii) Faith: in the grace that enables and equips for service’
iv) Patience: their longsuffering and endurance of the rigours of service;
v) Fruitfulness: their being not satisfied with what has been done but presses on to other deeds.
Rev. 2:20 – The Condemnation
“But I have this against you, that you tolerate your woman, Izevel, who calls herself a prophetess. She teaches and seduces my servants to commit sexual immorality, and to eat things sacrificed to idols.”
Izevel
The woman known as or referred to as Izevel would have been well known within the congregation. She may have been:
i) The wife of the leader of the assembly, although this is quite tenuous;
ii) The oracle Sambathe who would have had great in the city but would not be from within the congregation;
iii) An un-named but self-proclaimed prophetess and teacher;
iv) An un-named woman whose character brought to mind the wife of King Ahab (1 Kgs. 16:31). These would be:
a) not native to the city but has quickly gained power and influence;
b) from a pagan background;
c) ruthless in obtaining her personal ambitions.
d) usurps the authority of the leadership by proclaiming her ‘divine’ calling or her superior lineage or intellect.
Teachings of Izevel
i) These may be considered as the teachings of the Nicolaitans (page 4);
ii) Spiritual fornication ( 34:15; Deut. 31:16; Matt. 13:39);
a) drifting or leading others way from the one true `Elohiym;
b) Believers not to be exclusive in worship.
iii) Physical fornication;
a) the norm for Greco-Roman society;
b) antinomianism;
iv) Eating of meat offered to idols:
a) guild meals would invariably contain meat sacrificed to idols (Acts 21:25; 1 Cor. 8:1-13);
b) fellowship meals would buy meat from the market place with the better cuts that may have originated from meat sacrifices.
Rev. 2:21, 22 – The Condemnation (2)
“I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. Behold, I will throw her into a bed, and those who commit adultery with her into great oppression, unless they repent of her works. I will kill her children with Death, and all the assemblies will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.”
Izevel proclaimed herself as a prophetess. She is cast onto her bed, symbolising the area of her sin. However, the warnings are rejected and her punishment is pronounced and is certain. Those who are being led astray are given the opportunity to repent and renounce the works of Izevel. Nevertheless, those who will not reject her teachings are likewise condemned. Their punishment will be all the various plagues and pestilences that resulted in sin and will be heaped up on them. This will act as a warning to all assemblies throughout the ages that no sin, personal and corporate, can be hidden from the Messiah (cf Rev. 2:18).
Therefore, the Risen Messiah uses her sin against her and her ‘children’ (cf Job 4:8; Prov. 5:22; Hos. 8:7; Gal. 6:7).
Rev. 2:24 – The Promise (1)
“But to you I say, to the rest who are in Thyatira, as many as do not have this teaching, who do not know what some call ‘the deep things of haSatan,’ to you I say, I am not putting any other burden on you.”
The teaching of Izevel is associated with haSatan and its false doctrines (1 Tim. 4:1). All those who have succumbed to its temptations will be subject to the same punishment as Izevel (and ultimately haSatan). Those who have remained faithful to the Messiah will have no other work put upon them. However, this does not mean they do not have any work but are still commissioned to proclaiming the Good News using what they have always displayed (v19).
Rev. 2:25-27 – The Promise (2)
“Nevertheless, hold firmly that which you have, until I come. He who overcomes, and he who keeps my works to the end, to him I will give authority over the nations. He will rule them with a rod of iron, shattering them like clay pots; as I also have received of my Father:”
The overcomer is the one who perseveres and endures until the task is completed (or the Believer dies and goes to be with the Messiah).
Works
The leadership must use the following in order to carry on the works of the Messiah:
i) charity – to do good to all men especially to Believers;
ii) service – the faithful leadership to the Word of Yahuah;
iii) faith – in the grace that enables and equips for service;
iv) patience – longsuffering and endurance to the rigours of service;
v) fruitfulness – to be not satisfied with what has been done but ready to press on (Henry p.1383).
The nation
This is a direct reference to the Messianic Psalm 2:7-9. Yahuah gave the Son authority over the nations. There is the promise from the Risen Messiah that the overcomer will be rewarded by a harvest of souls.
Rev. 2:28 – The Promise (3)
“and I will give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.”
Morning Star
i) ithe promise of resurrection as surely as the morning star rises after the night;
ii) the morning star is the brightest as it can be seen during the day. The overcomers will be those who have been made righteous ( 12:3);
iii) the promise of the Messiah Himself.
Ears
Please refer to Ephesus – The Backslidden Assembly – Rev. 2:7 – The Promise
Sardis – The Hypercritical Assembly
Rev. 3:1-6
Sardis was typical of the assemblies from 1520 C.E to 1750 C.E. (Larkin p25). This can be considered as the Reformation Period Assembly that was distinguished by a ritualistic assembly having a form of godliness but denying its power (2 Tim. 3:5).
Rev. 3:1a – The Greeting
“And to the messenger of the assembly in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of `Elohim, and the seven stars says these things:..”
The city
Name: Sardis means to come out of or to escape from. However, this is in a plural form indicating two cities; the upper and lower.
The original (upper) city was located in the River Hermus valley and was established on a precipitous outcrop of the Mount Tmolus range, having high sheer cliffs to three sides.
The later (lower) city was built upon the River Pactolus, a river rich in alluvial gold, being the source of the wealth of its best known resident, King Coeseus ((1)Barclay p144).
Political status: It was the capital of the Kingdom of Lydia and the vastly rich and militarily powerful Lydian (Ludim) Empire. It was a Roman assize town with the right to hold its own magisterial courts.
Commercial status: It was the centre of Lydian woollen dying industry from where it was thought that the craft of wool dying was discovered (Barclay p145). The deep blood red sardian gemstone takes its name from the scarlet/crimson/purple dye famous in Lydia (https://www.biblestudytools.com).
Religious status: Sardis was famous for the Temple of Cybele. The acropolis in the upper city was built by Alexander the Great to honour Olympian Jove ((6)Fairbairn p103).
It was considered to be the first city of converts made by the Apostle Yochanan (Henry p1364).
Population: It was Hellenized after Alexander, The once powerful city was in a state of degeneration in the late 90s C.E.
Scripture: The Ludim were considered a powerful, warlike nation in the 6th. Century B.C.E. (Jer. 46:9). They were the descendents of Lud, the son of Shem ((6)Fairbairn p104).
The sardis gemstone is referred to on the Chief Priest’s breastplate.
The Messiah
i) Has seven Spirits of Yahuah (cf 1:4);
a)Seven-fold gifts of the Ruach ( 11:2) or demonstration of power of the Ruach ((1)Barclay p146).
b) The completeness of the gifts of the Ruach and His universal presence
ii) Has seven stars referring to His complete ownership of all assemblies at all times.
Rev. 3:1b – The Condemnation
“…I know your works, that you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead”
The Messiah accuses the assembly of hypocrisy. It had the outward signs of a thriving congregation with no internal schisms caused by false doctrine and free from external persecution ((1)Barclay p148). This led to the assembly being lethargic and prosperity giving rise to hedonism and loss of vitality (cf 1 Tim. 5:6).
Rev. 3:2, 3a – The Counsel
“Wake up, and keep the things that remain, which you were about to throw away, for I have found no works of yours perfected before my `Elohiym. Remember therefore how you have received and heard. Keep it, and repent…”
Watch
Although thought to be impregnable, the (upper) city of Sardis was besieged and sacked by the Persians under Cyrus and then by the Greeks under Alexander. The false sense of security offered by its location led to failure to keep effective guard.
Watchfulness is frequently commanded in Scripture:
i) To stand continually on watch for the attack of the enemy (1 Peter 5:8);
ii) To watch and pray lest temptation strikes with success ( 26:41);
iii) To watch for the return of the Messiah ( 24: 42, 43; Mark 13:37);
iv) To watch out for false doctrine, prophets and teachers (Acts 20:29, 30);
v) To watch our conduct and attitudes in life because the Messiah is watching Believers ((1)Barclay p150).
Strengthen
The small remnant of faithful Believers are called to keep strong even though it is a struggle when the majority of the congregation are pleasure-seekers and unwilling to give up the easy life for one of service (Henry p1364). They must exhort the others to labour for the Messiah as this had yet to be completed
Remember
This verb sense is in the present imperative i.e. to keep on remembering. The assembly is not called to remember what they had received, but how they had received it. That is, they were saved by someone telling them of the Good News and that it was incumbrant for all Believers to pass on the message of salvation.
Hold fast
This verb sense is in the present imperative i.e. to keep on holding fast (1 Cor. 16:13; Gal. 5:1; Phil. 1:27) to how they received salvation.
Repent
This verb sense is in the aorist imperative i.e. a one-off action to turn back. This has to be a one-off action as they cannot keep turning back if they carry on the same course. This would not be true repentance.
Rev. 3:3b – The Warning
“…If therefore you will not watch, I will come as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.”
To fail to keep watch would remind the listeners /readers of the history of Sardis where the upper city was besieged and sacked twice because of the lack of keeping an adequate guarding of the walls.
Rev. 3:4-6 – The Promise
“Nevertheless you have a few names in Sardis that did not defile their garments. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes will be arrayed in white garments, and I will in no way blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.”
Throughout history, Yahuah has always had a remnant of Believers to carry on the work and testimony of the Messiah (cf 1Kgs. 19:18).
Garments
i) Unsoiled – the Believers who keep the faith pure are said not to have defiled their garments (cf James 1:27).
ii) White – this is a sign of:
a) Purity (Song 5:10);
b) Righteousness ( Isa. 61:10);
c) Sins forgiven ( Isa. 1:18);
d) Robes of the Presence ( Rev. 4:4; 6:9-11; 7:9, 13-15);
These righteous overcomers are given the white clothes and dressed by the Messiah. They do not do so by their own strength nor by any of their works but only made possible by the cleansing Blood of the Lamb (Rev. 7:14).
The Lamb’s Book of Life
“Yet now, if you will, forgive their sin and if not, please blot me out of your book which you have written. Yahuah said to Moshe, ‘Whoever has sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.’” (Exod. 32:32, 33). Moshe asks Yahuah to remove his name rather than those who had sinned from Yahuah’s Book. Therefore, Moshe must have been aware of the existence of such a Book.
“Let them [the wicked] be blotted out of the book of life, And not be written with the righteous.” (Psa. 69:28). It is my belief that upon conception, every person is entered in to the Lamb’s Book of Life. Until a person’s final breath the name remains. If a person dies in a state of un-repentance their name is blotted out. However, if a person has repented and called upon Messiah to be saved then their name will remain in the Book. This will also take into account the status of a child that has died at an early age or a person that has some form of learning disability. The age of accountability will depend upon three factors:
i) The child’s access to sound teaching (Godly parents & grand-parents, youth church attendance, school);
ii) The child’s ability to understand the teaching;
iii) The child’s ‘innocence’ being corrupted by others.
“There will in no way enter into it anything profane, or one who causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Rev. 21:27). “He who overcomes will be arrayed in white garments, and I will in no way blot his name out of the book of life,” (Rev. 3:5a).
“All who dwell on the earth will worship him [the Beast], everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been killed.” (Rev.13:8). Those who worship the Beast will not be found in the Lamb’s Book of Life. I believe that this means that the Book of Life only becomes The Lamb’s Book only at the end of time. By then, all who would repent have done so and these will not be blotted out. By inference, those who would not repent will be blotted out.
“And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” (Rev. 20:12 KJV). Some translations refer to the dead opening the books inferring that each person had their own book. There is no Scriptural indication as to who opened the books. It is clear, however, that one of the books held a record of the life of the person and this would also include words as by these we are told that we are justified or condemned (cf. Matt. 12:36, 37).
“Take this book of the law, and put it by the side of the ark of the covenant of Yahuah your `Elohiym, that it may be there for a witness against you.” (Deut. 31:26).
“Then Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) called Barukh the son of Neriyah; and Barukh wrote from the mouth of Yirmeyahu all the words of Yahuah, which he had spoken to him, on a scroll of a book.” (Jer. 36:4).
“He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on Him. He began to tell them, ‘Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’” (Luke 4:20, 21).
“He said to them, ‘This is what I told you, while I was still with you, that all things which are written in the law of Moshe, the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me must be fulfilled.’ Then He opened their minds, that they might understand the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:44, 45). It is my belief that the ‘books’ or scrolls of Rev. 20:12 are three in number: “and the books (at least two) were opened: and another book (at least a third) was opened,”. The three books being i) the deeds of a person, ii) the Lamb’s Book of Life and iii) The Torah in its entirety being the Book of Moshe (Pentateuch), Prophets and Writings and the B’rit Hadashah (Renewed Testament). The Judge of All will take note of what is written in each book before passing sentence. There can be no evading the truth because the times when a person heard the Good News of Messiah will have been written down and the response noted. A negative response will mean that a person’s name will not appear in the Lamb’s Book of (Eternal) Life.
Confession
A person has to right to come into the Presence only when their sins have been confessed and forgiven (cf Psa. 32:5). The Believers are called to confess their new faith before men and will result in the Messiah confessing them to Yahuah (Matt. 10:32; Luke 12:8) in the presence of His angels.
Ears
Please refer to Ephesus – The Backslidden Assembly – Rev. 2:7 – The Promise
Philadelphia – The Missionary Assembly
Rev. 3:7-13
Philadelphia was typical of the assemblies from 1735 C.E to 1900 C.E. (Larkin p26). This period typifies the revival church after the near-fatal Sadrdis Period of the Reformation. This is the period of the great missionaries George Whitefield, John Wesley, Charles G. Finney and D. L. Moody (Larkin p.26).
Rev. 3:7 – The Greeting
“To the angel of the assembly in Philadelphia write: ‘He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one can shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says these things:
The city
Name: Philadelphia means the one who loves his brother. This name was to change several times over the centuries. The name from ancient times showed the continual civic characteristic for the well-being not only of its citizens but also for the surrounding areas (Henry p. 1385).
Geographical status: Philadelphia was built on several hills by the slopes of Mount Tmolus and close to the River Cogamus (Fairbairn p.230). It is on the edge of the Katakeaumene – Burned Land, This is a volcanic plain with rich, fertile soil. However, this volcanic region was highly susceptible to major earthquakes and constant earth tremors.
It was built on the borders at the junction of the provinces of Mysia, Lydia and Phrygia.
Commercial status: The city was located on the main Roman post road from the port of Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Phrygia and onto eastern Asia. The post and military road was kept in good repair and relatively free from bandits, thus becoming a great commercial highway.
The fertile soil was ideal for the growing of vines for wine production.
Political status: Of no particular importance other than being a major city on the Roman post road into eastern Asia. Although it was a border town, it did not hold a garrison of Roman soldiers.
Religious status: Of no particular importance but was the last city of the region to fall to Islam.
Population: Originally Macedonian but there were several large transportations of exiled people from Babylonia and Mesopotamia. These included a large Hellenized Jewish community.
Due to the continual volcanic activity, many people lived outside of the city or moved to and fro from the danger of the city to the relative safety of the open fields.
Scripture: Not mentioned outside of this passage.
The Messiah
i) His nature: He who is holy, separated from all others. This was an attribute of Yahuah only (cf 6:3; 43:15).
ii) His character: He who is true. ἀληθινός#G228 alethinos that which is real or genuine. All the shadowy types in the Tanakh find their anti-type in the reality of the Messiah ( 10:1).
iii) His authority: He has the Key of David, the symbol of government.
The Key of David
Elyakim was given the Key as a sign of His Yahuah-given temporary authority to rule the kingdom on behalf of Yahuah (Isa. 22:20-25). This gave the holder complete authority as to whom may come into the royal court. The Messiah now holds this key permanently after been given the authority by Yahuah (Matt. 28:18). He alone has the authority to admit people into the Kingdom of Yahuah (John 17:2).
Rev. 3:8 – The Commendation
“I know your works (behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one can shut), that you have a little power, and kept my word, and did not deny my name.
The open door that no man can shut is a symbol of:
i) The Messiah opening:
a) the door of opportunity to proclaim the Good News. Philadelphia was known for its Hellenizing outreach to the surrounding areas. The assembly at Philadelphia were now called to reach the surrounding cities because of the opportunity given by the Messiah ((1)Barclay p163). As the assembly was faithful in the work given to them by the Messiah, their reward was still more work ( 25:14-30).
b) the door to:
1) the Church Temporal by laying down the conditions of entrance with Him. This door was opened by the Messiah during His earthly ministry.
2) the Church Triumphant by laying down His life as the condition of entrance with Him. This door was opened at the foundation of the world ( 1:3-6; Rev. 13:8). This door He closes to all who reject Him and His atonement (Henry p. 1385).
ii) The Messiah Himself. He refers to Himself as the Door through whom everyone who enters the Kingdom of Yahuah must pass (John 10:7, 9).
iii) Entering into the heavenly Throne Room. All Believers have access to the Father through the Son by prayer. It is only by the shed Blood of the Lamb/Messiah that we have full access into the presence of Ha`Elyon ( 10:19-22).
Little power
μικρὰν #G3398e mikran – comparatively + δύναμιν #G1411e dynamin – power of numbers. The little strength of the Believers in the assembly is due to their small numbers.
The full force of this verse is not apparent until it is read in the Greek: you have a little power, and yet you have kept my word. The Messiah is saying that in spite of all the persecution, trials, workload and powerful enemies, the Believers have carried on His work obediently of witnessing of the Messiah. The Messiah can and does use what little Believers have to offer (Mark 13:19; 2 Cor. 12:9, 10).
Rev. 3:9, 10 – The Promise (1)
Behold, I give of the synagogue of haSatan, of those who say they are Yehudim, and they are not, but lie. Behold, I will make them to come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.
The synagogue of haSatan
Those who say that they are of Yahuah’s people but lie are said to be of the assembly of haSatan. They are those:
i) who profess to worship Yahuah but:
a) really follow false gods;
b) do so in a false manner (John 4:24; Phil. 3:3). Philadelphia was the home of a large Hellenistic Yehudim community whose ancestors came from Bavel and Mesopotamia. They proclaim their Yehudim ancestory but promote the Greek pagan culture ((5)Fairbairn p.231).
ii) who call themselves Yehudim but the Pharisaic Yehudim who look upon themselves as spiritually superior. As they are of Abraham’s physical seed and their mechanical obedience to the Law of Moshe and the traditions of their fathers, they consider themselves as Yahuah’s people ( 3:9; Luke 3:8);
iii) who call themselves ‘Christian’ who likewise consider themselves as spiritually superior because of their mechanical obedience to the creeds, doctrines and traditions of the Church Fathers and are saved from the wrath to come ( 7:21-23).
Both the Pharisaic Yehudim and the supercilious ‘Christians’ that have persecuted Yahuah’s remnant will have to come before Belivers, not to worship, but to repent (Isa. 60:14; Rom. 9:6-9).
Those of the synagogue of haSatan will want to know in truth, the Risen Messiah when persecution or trials beset them. They can only look upon the true Believers and the peace they possess even under persecution. They will know that the blessings of the Messiah are solely due to the love the Messiah has for His followers.
See also Smyrna – The Persecuted Assembly – Rev. 2:9 – The Persecution
Because you kept my command to endure, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, which is to come on the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
The Messiah assures Believers that a time of persecution will soon come upon the world. When the trials beset the Believers, they are called to remember how the Master endured. He serves:
i) as the perfect example of endurance;
ii) to inspire, not only to endure, but to push onto greater things ( 12:1, 2);
iii) as a guarantee that the Messiah is with the Believers through the trials ( 31:6, 8; Heb. 2:17).
This may be a reference to the Snatching Away of Believers.
Rev. 3:11 – The Warning
I am coming quickly! Hold firmly that which you have, so that no one takes your crown.
The Messiah’s return is imminent.
i) This is used to warn:
a) those who fail to continually look to His return ( 24:48-51; Rev. 2:5);
b) those who do not believe or want to believe that there is a God and judgement awaits them after death (1 Pt. 4:5);
c) those who are too busy with life today to wonder about life tomorrow.
To all of these, the Messiah’s return will be like a lion falling upon its prey (2 Thess. 1:7-9).
ii) This is used to comfort the oppressed:
a) in that all the suffering will be for a short time;
b) will be vindicated ( 90:13; 94:3; James 5:8).
Those who do not endure, their crowns will be taken from them, This is not a loss of salvation, but a loss of heavenly reward. Their crowns will be given to others found to be more worthy (Gen. 49: 4, 8; 1 Sam. 16: 1, 13; Isa. 22:15-25; 1 Kgs. 2:25; Acts 1:25) ((1)Barclay p.168).
Rev. 3:12, 13 – The Promise (2)
He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my `Elohiym, and he will go out from there no more. I will write on him the name of my `Elohiym, and the name of the city of my `Elohiym, the new Yerushalayim, which comes down out of heaven from my `Elohiym, and my own new name.
The Believer will be made:
i) a pillar in Yahuah’s temple. That is, by their faith and conduct the remnant will be made a support and example to all who follow on ( 2:9);
ii) Residents of Philadelphia were constantly living in fear of earthquakes, having to go out into the fields for safety during a tremor. Those in the Messiah need not to fear for their lives both temporal and eternal. They will be given a shalom above all understanding (John 14:27).
The Name
i) The name of YHWH:
a) The cities of the province of Asia erected a column in the temple upon which was inscribed the name of a long-serving, faithful priest along with his father’s name;
b) Slaves were branded with the initials of their owner/master;
c) The name of YHWH (Yahuah) was put upon the children of Y`isra`el (type of the spiritual Believers) ( 6:22-27) as opposed to the House of Ya`akov (carnal-minded).
ii) The name of the New Yerushalayim:
This denotes the rights, privileges and duties of citizenship. These citizens will never be separated from the presence of Yahuah (Eze. 48:35).
iii) The name of the Messiah ( 19:12):
iv) On every Believer’s forehead will be:
a) written the name of Yahuah (14:1);
b) written the (new) name of the Messiah ( 22:4);
c) the Seal of Yahuah (John 6:27; Rev. 9:24) that is, His Spirit ( 1:13).
Ears
Please refer to Ephesus – The Backslidden Assembly – Rev. 2:7 – The Promise
Laodicea – The Self-deceived Assembly
Rev. 3:14:22
Philadelphia was typical of the assemblies from 1900 C.E to the present. Most of the assemblies of the present era can be seen to be self-deceived in that they are wealthy yet poor.
Rev. 3:14 – The Greeting
“To the angel of the assembly in Laodicea write: “The Ameyn, the Faithful and True Witness, the Head of Yahuah’s creation, says these things:
The city
Name: A city at this location has had several names but probably as a result of subsequent devastating earthquakes. When it was rebuilt, the city was named in honour of the benefactor ((4)Fairbairn p.59). There were several Laodiceas in the Roman Empire, and this city was known as Laodicea on the Lycus. The benefactor at the rebuilding of the city standing at the time of the Letter was Antichus Theos whose wife was called Laodice.
Geographical status: Located in the Roman province of Phrygia, close to the Lycus River and the hot thermal springs of Hierapolis.
It was situated at the cross-roads of the main highways from Ephesus to east Asia, Pergamos/Hermus Valley to Pisidia and Pomphylia and the coast at Perga, and eastern Caria to central/west Phrygia.
Commercial status: The location and road systems made the city of great commercial and strategic importance boosted by Pax Romana (the Peace of Rome).
i) A great banking and financial centre, one of the wealthiest cities of the Roman Empire ((1)Barclay p. 174);
ii) A great centre of the garment trade, both expensive, luxurious dyed woollen and cheap mass-produced clothes;
iii) An important medical centre, centred around the Temple of Men (the Carian god). The temple was also the main social, administrative and commercial area. It was world-renowned for the manufacture of eye-salve and ear-salve.
Political status: The city was given a Roman Coventus, a meeting of local dignitaries appointed by the Roman Praetor or Proconsul, approved to settle civil disputes.
Religious status: The Temple of Men was located here.
Population: A cosmopolitan mixture of people including a large Jewish community of over 7,500 males. Near-by Hierapolis housed archives of the Congregation of Jews, exiled from Mesopotamia ((1)Barclay p. 176).
Scripture: Col. 4:12-18 refers to a letter from Laodicea (v16 – (4)Fairbairn p.59). This letter was to be read out in the Colossae Assembly and the Letter to the Colossians Assembly to be read out in the Laodicean Assembly. The Laodicean Letter may have been written by Sha`ul (Henry p.1386). Sha`ul’s Letter to the Ephesian Assembly may have been a circular letter sent out originally to Laodicea and on to the other local cities, such as Hierapolis ((2)Barclay p.80). Sha`ul warns Archippus to take greater care over his ministry (Col. 4:17). Archippus was later known as the first Bishop of the Laodicean Assembly ((2)Barclay p.176 quoting The Apostolic Constitutions 8.46).
The Messiah
i) He is the Ameyn:
a) the `Elohiym of Truth (Isa. 65:16). There is total integrity and all His promises are to be relied upon;
b) many statements of the Master recorded by the Apostle Yochanan in his Good News account starts with Ameyn, Ameyn (John 1:51; 21:8).It was a means that the Master had of drawing the listeners attention to what He is about to say.
ii) He is the True Witness that must:
a) have first-hand knowledge of events;
b) be truthful;
c) be able to relate events succinctly;
iii) The cause of Creation (John 1:3; Col. 1:15, 18).
Rev. 3:15-17 – The Complaint
“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of my mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing;’ and do not know that you are the wretched one, miserable, poor, blind, and naked;
Lukewarm
ψυχρὸς psychros #G5593 – cold to the point of freezing.
ζεστός zestos #G2200 – hot to the point of boiling.
Cold (ψυχρὸς psychros) is usually associated with the fast flowing run-off from the mountains, fresh with very little bacteria. Hot (ζεστός zestos) water would kill off any bacteria.
χλιαρὸς chliaros #G5513 – tepid. Water that is lukewarm can be hazardous to health. This water would probably be indicative of standing, stagnant pools of water, promoting the growth of bacteria. The action of spewing out the tepid water may have been an automatic reaction to drinking warm water.
i) Indifference to the Messiah;
ii) Indifference to their own condition (Prov. 18:11; Matt. 13:22);
a) great commercial wealth although they were spiritually bankrupt;
b) manufacturers of eye-salve although they were spiritually blind;
c) luxurious garment trade although they were spiritually naked.
Rev,3:18 – The Counsel
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, that you may become rich; and white garments, that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see.
The wealth offered by the Messiah was one that could not fail (Matt. 6:19, 20). The gold and silver that has been refined by fire (Zech.13:9), but true faith was more desirable than these (1 Pt. 1:7).
In spite of the eye-salve and ear-salve production, only the Risen Messiah can truely open blind eyes and deaf ears (Isa. 42:18-20).
The white raiment is indicative of the Messiah (Mar. 9:3) and of His righteousness (Rev. 4:4).
See also Sardis – The Hypercritical Assembly – Rev. 3:4-6 – The Promise
Rev. 3:19 – The Chastening
As many as I love, I reprove and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent.
The Messiah’s love shows in:
i) This Letter is proof-positive of the Messiah’s love for the Laodicean Assembly;
ii) That the Messiah is willing to take the trouble to chastise the congregation;
iii) That the Messiah wants to open the eyes of the miscreant in order to bring about repentance (2 Sam. 12:1-14; 1 Cor. 11:32).
Rev. 3:20-22 – The Promise
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me. He who overcomes, I will give to him to sit down with me on my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.”
He who knocks
At the door as:
i) The Judge: Believers are encouraged to be patient with one another ( 5:21) as the Messiah’s return is imminent (James 5:9);
ii) The Lover: The Bridegroom will soon come for His Bride and He expects her to be ready and waiting (Song 5:2-6):
iii) The Seeker: The Seeker of the lost appeals to every man that there is an eternal reward for all who seek after Him ( 11:6).
iv) The Diner: The Messiah will be able to sit down and have the meal of all meals ( 19:17).
v) The Usher: The Messiah admits people into the presence of Yahuah. All through the remainder of Revelations, he heavenly court is a scene of either worship or one of judgement. The Messiah’s death made a door through which everyone gains access to the throne of Yahuah:
a) For worship of Believers who have accepted the sacrifice of the Lamb ( 4:4-11);
b) For judgement of un-Believers who have rejected the sacrifice of the Lamb ( 20:11-15).
See also Philadelphia – The Missionary Assembly – Rev. 3:8 – The Commendation
Ears
Please refer to Ephesus – The Backslidden Assembly – Rev. 2:7 – The Promise
References and Credits
In using these references, it is in no way agreeing to or condoning the theological viewpoint of the authors. However, the historical, cultural, linguistic and academic scholarship of the authors is universally considered to be of the highest order.
(1)Barclay Rev. W.(1960) The Revelation of John Vol.I, St. Andrew Press, Edinburgh.
(2)Barclay Rev. W.(1959) The Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians, St. Andrew Press, Edinburgh.
(2)Fairbairn Rev. P. The Imperial Bible-Dictionary, Vol. II, Blackie & Son, London.
(4)Fairbairn Rev. P. The Imperial Bible-Dictionary, Vol. II, Blackie & Son, London
(5)Fairbairn Rev. P. The Imperial Bible-Dictionary, Vol. V, Blackie & Son, London
(6)Fairbairn Rev. P. The Imperial Bible-Dictionary, Vol.VI, Blackie & Son, London.
Henry. Rev. M. (1828) An Exposition of the Old and the New Testament, Vol. III,
J.R. & C. Childs, London.
Larkin C. (1919) The Book of Revelation, Moyer & Lotter, Philadelphia, PA.
Strong J. (1994) Strong’s New Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, World Bible Publishers Inc., Madison.
Strong J. (1996) The New Strong’s Complete Dictionary of Bible Words, Thomas Nelson, Nashville.
https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/sardine-stone/
https://biblehub.com/interlinear
http://www.famousdaily.com/history/cyrus-the-great-of-persia-conquers-babylon.html
https://htdb.space/1897/r2222.htm
http://www.kotipetripaavola.com/seatofsatan.html
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/reference/ephesus-paul
KJV The Authorized Version or King James Version (KJV), 1611, 1769.
Outside of the United Kingdom, the KJV is in the public domain. Within the United Kingdom, the rights to the KJV are vested in the Crown.
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