LESSONS FROM REVELATIONS - Parts 1 & 2

By William R. Cunningham
Sunday November 23, 2003

INTRODUCTION

We are going to discuss the lessons that we learn from the letter to the seven churches in the book of Revelation.� We will analyze the scripture and determine, not only its message, but what it can tell us about living a Christian life or whatever may be received from the letters to the churches.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Written: about AD 95

Author:� John the Apostle - John was exiled on the Island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea.� It is believed that he wrote the book after he was released from exile due to the past tense of his writing (For instance, "was on the island of Patmos" - 1:9)

Purpose:� To give the New Christians hope in the midst of their persecutions. It reveals the person of Jesus Christ.

Literary Style: Revelation is written in a writing style called apocalyptic literature.� Apocalyptic literature is an ancient style of writing using much imagery and was usually written in the name of an ancient hero.� Because apocalyptic literature is highly pictorial and symbolic, we should be careful not to get stuck on the details of this book.� Always seek the main message.� The title of the book Apokalupsis (The Revelation) means to uncover, to unveil.

The Delivery: The message given to John was visual.� The visions included many signs and symbols that even John didn't understand.� He used illustrations to describe these things.� The events in Revelations are not necessarily chronological.

Major Sections of Revelation: There are Two Major Sections of Revelation:� Things that are (Chapters 1 - 3) and things to come (Chapters 4 - 22).

Interpretations of Revelation

There are at least four different interpretations of Revelations that have developed over the centuries.

• Preterists - Revelation is only applicable during the period that John wrote it.�
• Historists - Revelation is applicable from then to the end of the world.
• Futurists - Revelation is applicable mainly during the period when Jesus Christ comes again.
• Spiritualists or Idealists - No historical or futuristic application. Revelation figuratively describes the principles of divine government for all times.� It illustrates the constant clash of good and evil.

Some Keys to help you Understand Revelation

Keep in mind that the Bible, including Revelation, is meant for everyone. Revelation is almost thought of as a separate work of the Bible.� It isn't.� Consider the following when STUDYING Revelation:

1. Study the Old Testament references that Revelation gives.
2. Rid yourself of preconceived ideas about Revelation and the topics therein (Ex. Rapture, Coming of Christ).
3. Remember the purpose of Revelation, which was to give hope and realize that reading Revelation is a blessing to you.

Interpretations of the Millennium

The book of Revelation deals with the apparent second coming of Jesus Christ.� This second coming is associated with a period of a thousand years, i.e., the millennium.� There are many interpretations of the millennium period (See Chapter 20).� Let me list them below.

• Amillennialism - The thousand years is figurative.� This interpretation, from the Alexandrian school of theology (Third century), believes that the millennium has already begun with the first coming of Christ.� The prophecy will be consummated in his second coming followed immediately by the eternal state.� The Roman Catholic Church and the protestant reformers adopted this view.
• Postmillennialism - Jesus will come after the thousand years.� This view has been predominantly abandoned because of 20th century world events.
• Premillennialism (chiliasm) - The thousand years is literal after Jesus returns and sets up his kingdom on earth and reign as king.

Eschatology

Eschatology is a division of systematic theology dealing with the doctrine of last things such as death, resurrection, the second coming of Christ, the end of the age, divine judgment, and the future state.� Differing interpretations of eschatology is dependant on the literalness of the interpretation of the subject prophecy.� These views differ also according to the view of God in eschatology.� Eschatology is not designed to satisfy curiosity, rather to provide an intelligent comprehension of the future as a guide for a present program, and a sure ground for hope.�

Theories about the Rapture

Many believe that Christians will be taken up in an instant to be with Jesus before He returns or during the time of his return.� This brings up many theories as to Christians in the tribulation.� The second coming of Christ is referred to in the New Testament by different Greek words, which are listed below.

1. Parousia - emphasizing the presence or arrival of someone (1 Thessalonians 4:15, 2 Thessalonians 2:1)
2. Epiphaneia - To shine forth, to appear upon.� In Greek it is used to indicate the appearance of God to men (1 Timothy 6:14, 2 Timothy 4:1,8, Titus 2:13).
3. Apokalupsis - To uncover, to unveil, to reveal (The title of this Book)

The word rapture does not exist in the Bible.� It comes from a Latin word used to translate a Greek word in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 - "Caught Up".� There are two occurrences of a rapture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 18 and Revelation 19.� There are about five views of the rapture.

1. A-Tribulation - There is no literal tribulation period.� This implies that a rapture will not exist.
2. Post Tribulation - 1 Thessalonians 4:13 and Revelation 19 refer to the same event.
3. Mid-Tribulation - Jesus will return for the church age believers in the middle of a seven-year tribulation period.
4. Partial Rapture - Spirit filled believers will be raptured before the tribulation and carnal believers afterward.
5. Pre-Tribulation - Jesus will get his people before the tribulation and then return to earth to set up His Kingdom for 1000 years.

It is always very important to remember that no one knows when the end will come (Matthew 24:36 - 51).

THE LETTER TO EPHESUS (2:1-7)

Ephesus was the capitol of Asia Minor and the center of land and sea trade.� It was also a pagan city engulfed in idolatry and sexual immorality.� The Temple of Diana was located there (One of the seven wonders of the ancient world).� The major industry was the manufacturing of idols of Diana.� Ephesus was also a melting pot for many nations since it was so prominent in trade.

DIANA was the Roman goddess of the moon; identified with Artemis, her Greek counterpart.� The Diana of the Ephesians (Acts 19:24-35) was a combination of the Greek Artemis and the Semitic (i.e., Arabic and Hebrew) goddess Ashtoreth, the patroness of the sexual instinct.� Her images were lascivious.� Her special worship was centered in the great temple at Ephesus.

The fact that the stars were in Jesus' hand indicates his authority over the churches.

The Message to Ephesus

The angel could be a Heavenly messenger, Earthly messenger/minister, or Personifications of the prevailing spirit of each church.

What did this church Do Right?

Didn't tolerate wicked men, Tried all proclaimed apostles to see if they were true, Persevered, Endured many hardships for the Gospels sake, and they Didn't Give up

What Did They Do Wrong?

They LEFT their first love.� They were busy doing works not out of love.� They were a busy church that eventually left the love of God.� The Ephesians church was doctrinally strong and SERVICE oriented.� The church lost its focal point, which is Jesus Christ.� This is the case, I believe, of many churches today.

The removing of the lampstand symbolized immediate judgment.

NICOLAITANES were a heretical sect within the church that had worked out a compromise with the pagan society.� They apparently taught that spiritual liberty gave them leeway to practice idolatry and immorality.� Tradition identifies them with Nicolas, the proselyte of Antioch (One of the first seven deacons).� A similar group in Pergamum held to the teaching of Balaam, and some at Thyatira were followers of the women Jezebel.

What Were They To Do (Verse 2:5)

The church was told to remember where they came from and to go back to their previous state of agape love and then to repent and do the first works.� The first works could be the things that they did in the beginning or it could mean the number one priority works of the saints.

Verse 2:7

"Overcome" means to be victorious by believing, persevering, remaining faithful, and living as one who follows Christ.� Basically a true believer (1 John 5:4-5).� There is a reward for overcoming.

The tree of life will be in the New Jerusalem (City of God).� The tree of life seems to represent life itself.� See also Ezekiel 47:12.

Lesson Learned

We see here the importance of evaluating where you are in your Christian walk

We also see the importance of remaining true to the Christian ministry in regards to a church and church activities.� It is easy to be diverted from the ministry with a plethora of other activities, however good they might be.� It is important that we remain focused in our ministry of the Word of God to people and fulfill the one true commission of the church.

Community activities are very good but we should not forget our real purpose.� The purpose of the church is to promote the Lord Jesus Christ to those who do not know Him so that they might be saved.� Our job or responsibility is to make disciples of people all over the world.

THE LETTER TO SMYRNA (2:8-11)

Smyrna was a city on the west coast of Asia Minor possessing a well-known port.� Smyrna was famous for science, medicine, and its majestic buildings and an excellent Harbor at the Aegean Sea.� Smyrna was occupied by Jewish people opposed to Christianity and by Non-Jewish people dedicated to Rome.� The church there was the center of persecution because of these social surroundings.� Smyrna was also the center of emperor worship.

God comforted the church at Smyrna because they would suffer more persecution and they must hold on until the end.

Lessons Learned

I often wonder why these and others had to go through the persecution in the first place.� Why didn't God simply eliminate the hardships for their sakes?� God could have done it but chose not to.� Instead, God encouraged them to endure the persecution that would come.

This also gives us some clues that sometimes we simply have to go through persecution for the overall good.� Imagine a world where we did not go through hardships or every time a hardship came then God would pull us out and rescue us from it.� One of the thoughts presented in the problem of pain (Why does God allow evil) is that the pains we face are sometimes necessary.� It seems apparent that the persecution that the early church had to endue was necessary.

�The Letter to Pergamos� (2:12-17)

Pergamos was built on a hill 1,000 feet above the surrounding countryside.� It was a center of Greek culture and education and it had a library of over 200,000 volumes.� Pergamos was also a center for four cults (Zeus, Dionysius, Aslepius, and Athene) and emperor worship.� The main God of the city was Asclepius, a God of Healing.� The symbol of Asclepius was that of a serpent (This symbol is used in medicine today).� People came from all over to be healed by this God.� Even the medical priests of the medical school dedicated to Asclepius were associated with the worship of this God.� Pergamos was also a center for the teachings of the Balaamites and Nicolaitans.�

A temple of Augustus was erected in 29 B.C. making Pergamos an official place for emperor worship.

A massive alter to Zeus was located in Pergamos.� Zeus was the chief of the Olympian Gods.

"Sharp sword with two edges" - This usually represents judgment.

"Satan's Seat" - Because of the various forms idol worship and the emperor worship, Pergamos was said to be the Seat of Satan.� The place was engulfed in satanic practices.

What did they do Right?

They remained true to Jesus. They didn't deny the faith.

Antipas was killed because of his faith in Jesus Christ.� It is said that he was slowly roasted to death in a bronze kettle during the reign of Domitian.

What did they do Wrong?

They tolerated people in the church that taught or were part of the Balaamite and Nicolaitan practices.

The doctrine of Balaam (Numbers 22 - 25, 31:16) - Balaam was a diviner (Soothsayer) who was asked by the king of Moab (Balak) to curse the people of Israel.� He was a prophet for profit due to his motives.� He was the catalyst that caused the people of Israel to worship idol Gods (Numbers 31:16).� The Doctrine of Balaam is that of compromise for profit.

"Hidden Manna" (Verse 17) - This could mean the nourishment that believers would receive in heaven.

"The white stone" - The meaning to this is uncertain.� Each overcomer will receive the white stone with a name only the possessor knows.� Some believe the stone is a type of ticket into heaven.

Lessons Learned

We see here how important it is to be diligent to protect the true Gospel that is taught in churches.� We should guard against false teachings that are perpetuated in the churches, i.e., to the people.� We are held accountable to tell the truth and to ensure that the truth is told.

This scripture does not say how we are to do this.� However, we should consider how serious a matter this is.� If a person responds to a false Gospel thinking that they are responding to the true word of God and we know of this, then we are just as guilty as the one telling the lie in the first place.� At the very least we should instruct the person receiving the lie in the truth.

This also implies that we should ensure that we know the truth and are not living according to a lie.� This is why it is important to evaluate our own Christian walk (See 2 Corinthians 13:5; Matthew 7:1-5)

THE LETTER TO THYATIRA (2:18-29)

Thyatira was a workingman's city.� It had many trade guilds each with its own God.� Thyatira was not the center of any particular worship.� Christians with a trade were pressured into worshiping the god of that particular guild because job security (and guild success) was at stake if one didn't worship the "guild God".� Thyatira was well known for its cloth industry and special dyes.� Thyatira also had a temple to Artemis (Diana).

What did they do Right?

This church possessed the following commended attributes:� Love, Faith, Works, Service, and Patience.� The church was commended for their good deeds as well as their faith.

What did they do Wrong?

They allowed a "Jezebel" to teach and cause sexual immorality in the church.� She also caused them to eat things that were sacrificed to idols.� See a discussion on this issue in 1 Corinthians chapters 8 and 10.

The unburned meat that was sacrificed to idols was sold to shoppers in the heathen temple market.� Eating meat sacrificed to idols was not wrong in itself, however it could cause a new Christian to stumble.

It is not certain whether there was a particular women named Jezebel or that it represented someone or a teaching group.

Jezebel:� She was the wife of King Ahab (King of Israel).� She managed the king and had about 850 pagan priests under her control.� She was a very evil woman who tried very hard to have Israel worship her pagan gods.� In the end she died a brutal death.� See 1 Kings 16:31 - 2 Kings 9:37.

Notice God's patience with this "Jezebel" in Revelations 2:21 (See Psalms 103:8‑11).

The false teaching of a women or a group of people was causing some of the saints to go astray and commit fornication.� They were seduced by this women "Jezebel" to commit sexual sins.� This could also symbolize doing those things that are not of God - a type of fornication/adultery.� Those responsible for this false teaching and those who partake in the teaching would receive much tribulation.� Note that the people would not receive the tribulation if they repented of their sins.� To repent means to change your mind about what you were doing.

"Her children" in verse 23 most likely refers to the followers of the false prophetess.

"Reins and hearts" - This is translated minds and hearts.� In this particular time period an organ of the body stood for an attribute or component of the soul.� The reins (kidneys) were the seat of emotions and the heart stood for the center of the intellect.� Notice that God searches both our hearts and minds (See Psalms 139)

We will be rewarded according to our works (verse 23). Also see Matthew 16:27.

Verse 24

"The depth of Satan" - This could refer to satanic insight by people.

The true believers in Thyatira would have no more burdens placed on them.� They were encouraged to stay strong and keep the faith until Jesus Comes.

Verse 26

Those who keep the faith (overcome) will be given authority over the nations.� (See Psalms 2:8,9).� We will share in the victory of Jesus Christ over the nations.� We will rule (Shepherd) these nations with him (See Psalms 2:9).

Note that Psalms 2:8-9 is quoted in verse 27 and is structured like a supporting clause in the text.

Morning Star (Verse 2:28)

The morning star refers to Jesus Christ in Revelations 22:16

It appears to refer to the Light of Christ that rises in a person's heart from a revelation of Him in 2 Peter 1:19.

Lessons Learned

Again we see the importance of maintaining integrity in teaching in the church.� In this case, the problem led to sexual immorality.

Just because all is going well in your life (you're receiving your blessings, you study your bible, and you live a godly life) doesn't mean that God is totally pleased with you.� God will deal with you in whatever part of your life needs to be corrected or developed.� This is the case with some of the churches in Revelation. In some areas they were doing well but in others they were admonished by God.� Always evaluate yourself to verify that you are on the right track (See 2 Corinthians 13:5).

THE LETTER TO SARDIS (3:1-6)

Sardis was a wealthy city.� It had two locations: One on a mountain and the other in the valley below.� There is evidence of emperor worship, paganism and occult practices.� Sardis was the capitol of ancient Lydia and the first center to mint gold and silver coins.

What did they DO right?

They did nothing right.� The only thing to their credit was their reputation.� Evidently they started off with integrity as probably all churches did.

What They Did Wrong?

The church at Sardis was alive in reputation only.� In reality they were dead (spiritually) because of the idol worship and the like.� The church compromised with its pagan environment causing it to lose its true identity with Christ.�

The church was called to "Wake Up" and repent.� Judgment will come swiftly and suddenly if the church doesn't repent.

There were some people there who were true to God.� They will be with Christ dressed in white (clean) along with those who had overcome.

Lessons Learned

It is easy for a church and an individual to get so caught up with the cares of the world and to fall for deception that we totally remove ourselves from the true path of God for us.� It is easy, though mostly progressive, to stray away from the truth and practice ungodliness.� Some churches today exist mainly as community entities or political platforms.� Some people are merely motivated by religion and not the true work of the ministry.

Again we should evaluate ourselves to see if we are indeed in the faith or if we have strayed away from that faith.� At the very least we will be able to correct ourselves.

THE LETTER TO PHILADELPHIA (3:7-13)

Citizens of Pergamos founded Philadelphia.� The purpose for founding the city was to make it a center to spread the Greek language and culture throughout the Asian province.� Philadelphia was named in memory of Attalus II, King of Pergamum who was called Philadelphus ("lover of his brother") because of his loyalty to his brother and predecessor Eumenes II.

Philadelphia was the gateway to the Plateau of Asia Minor and it kept barbarians out of the region.� It was the center of Hellenism (Jews who spoke Greek and most likely accepted Greek culture) and was located in a beautiful valley.� However, Philadelphia was located on top of a fault and an earthquake in AD 17 destroyed the city.� This same earthquake destroyed Sardis also.� For about 20 years Philadelphia was tormented by this earthquake's aftershocks.

There is some evidence that the religious life at Philadelphia was affected by its pagan environment (Greek culture).� Its coins show pagan gods and the god of wine and revelry (Dionysus) was worshiped there.

The church of Philadelphia was successful at resisting Mohammedanism while other cities fell to this religion.� The church was relatively small and not very strong.� Philadelphia still exists today and even has a bishop over several churches.

Note: No blame is given to Philadelphia.� They are only commended and encouraged.

The key of David (verse 3:7)

This represents the fact that Jesus is the Prince of the House of David, that is, God's people (Hebrews 3:2-6).� Reference:� In Isaiah 22:20‑22 Eliakim will be given the keys to the house of David (God was setting him up to be the king of Judah).� He would become the steward over God's people.� The keys in Isaiah probably refer to the control of the entrance to the royal palace or the overseeing of God's people.

Verse 3:8

The "Open door" was probably a door of opportunity.� Even with their strength, they used it and remained faithful to Jesus Christ.

Verse 3:9

"The synagogue of Satan" - Metaphor for unbelieving and hostile Jews (See Romans 2:28-29).

Verse 10

"Keep you from" - The Greek word for this phrase can mean to keep you from undergoing or to keep you through the experience.

Verses 11 - 13

We see the blessings of the overcomer.� We will have a special identity by the three names (The Name of God, the Name of the new Jerusalem, and the Name of Jesus Christ).

Lessons Learned

Evidently the church at Philadelphia was true to the Christian faith.� They were commended and encouraged.� It is also interesting here that there is a different path prophesied in regards to coming persecution.� Here the Lord says that he would keep them from the trial that would come upon the whole world to test the people.� They would be kept from this as a direct result of their faithfulness to the Gospel and the Way of God.

THE LETTER TO LAODECIA (3:14-21)

Laodicia was a very wealthy city during Roman times. It was the ancient capitol of the province Phrygia.� It was a part of a tri-city metropolitan area, which included Collossae and Hierapolis.� It was widely known for its banks, medical school, and textile industry.� It lacked a good water supply, and therefore its water came from a mountain about five miles away and was nasty because it traveled through stone pipes.� The physicians at Laodicia developed an ointment for the ears and powder for the eyes (These were called salves).� The physicians were loyal to Asklepios, the serpent God, as in Pergamos.� It was a center for emperor worship.

Verse 3:14

The Amen:� Amen means to confirm or support.� General - "So let it be" or "truly� indeed".� This represents truth, one that is faithful and trustworthy (John 14:6).

"The beginning (or ruler) of God's creation" - The Greek word "beginning" or "ruler" can also mean first in rank (See Proverbs 8:22, John 1:3).

Verse 15

"Cold nor Hot"

Cold water refreshed the people at Collossea (The site of a church).� Hot water provided healing properties (medicinal) at Hierapolis (The site of another church).� The water supply at Laodicia was warm and nasty because of the journey through the stone pipes as mentioned earlier.

What does "Hot" and "Cold" represent?

Jesus says that he wished they (The Laodicians) were either hot or cold.� It is commonly thought that Hot represents Christians, cold represents non-Christians, and lukewarm represents a "fence straddler".� If that were the case then Jesus was condoning a non-Christian by giving them a stamp of his approval.� He said that he wished they were one or the other.� Why didn't he say, "I wish you were Hot".� It is not God's will that any should perish, that is, he wants all to be saved (See 2 Peter 3:9).� Therefore, the Hot and the Cold probably represent something else.

Hot and cold are illustrations or symbols used to describe two church conditions, Collossea and Hierapolis.� The lukewarm represents an undesirable condition just as the lukewarm water that traveled through the pipes was undesirable.� Jesus was saying that he wished they were like the church at Collosea, which had cool water, or like the church at Hierapolis, which had hot water.� Jesus used an illustration that the Laodecians would relate to and understand.

Verse 16

"Spit you out of my mouth (Vomit)" - Jesus would reject the Laodician church just as one would spit out nasty warm water.

Verse 17

Laodicea was a wealthy city and perhaps conceited.� Material wealth has nothing to do with spiritual matters (Matthew 6:19-24).� Don't let blessings blind you of the blesser.� The church didn't realize how bad a condition they were in.� This is why it is so important to examine ourselves periodically to see if we are on track with the word of God and his will (2 Corinthians 13:5).

The church, according to Jesus, was wretched (miserable, lowly), pitiful (worthless), poor, Blind, and naked.� The Laodicians believed that they were not associated in any way with these things.� They thought that they were proud, high and mighty, self sufficient, and Rich.� They were also known for their salve (medicinal ointment) and clothing.

Verse 18

Jesus instructs them to get His richness, clothes, and salve for their spiritual recovery.

Verse 19 - 20

Jesus rebukes (corrects) whom he loves.� All they had to do was repent.� Since Jesus says that he was on the outside knocking, we can conclude that the church was probably not gathering in Jesus' name or for worship of God (Matthew 18:20).� Church may have been a social club for the rich and famous (both actual and perceived) and the proud as some churches are today.

Those who overcome would participate with Jesus in His sovereignty (See Ephesians 2:6).

Lessons Learned

Sometimes we can become so proud of our church that we lose sight of what the church is all about.� The Laodiceans were proud because of their material prosperity.� However, they were very poor spiritually.� They were admonished to repent of their condition.� They needed to be able to see clearly because their conceit had blinded them of the true spiritual condition hat they were in.

Again we see the importance of evaluating ourselves to see if we are of the faith or if we have strayed away.

SUMMARY

The book of Revelation is a great book in that it tells us that those who read it are blessed.� The book of Revelation was written to give the church hope during a time of persecution.� We also see the various spiritual conditions of the church.� In a short period of time some of the churches became corrupt in that they were not true to the faith.� There were various levels of infidelity, but the result was the same for each.� They were no longer operating as a true church of God.

One thing that is very clear to us from the messages to these churches is that we have to be careful to evaluate ourselves to see if we are true to the faith. Sometimes departure from the faith is gradual and we drift off course not realizing that we are headed in the wrong direction.� Therefore, 2 Corinthians 13:5 becomes more real to us as we see the state of these churches.� It could happen to any of us so we should be on guard and be alert to false doctrines that would take us away from the truth.