“The Book of Revelation Chapter 2”
Introduction: When our Lord Jesus Christ appeared to the Apostle John on the Inland of Patmos, the first part of His Revelation was the Seven Letters to the Seven Churches in Asia. In this lesson we are going to study the messages of Jesus Christ that He gave to the Apostle John about the seven churches of Asia. Jesus is in the midst of the Churches (Revelation 2:1) and with his eyes like a flame of fire (Revelation 2:18) He judges the churches. Now in this second Bible Study today, we will discuss some facts and the history about each of these Seven Churches too. Then we will also read the scriptures that pertain to each verse of the King James Version of the Holy Bible of our lesson. By doing this we will try to answer each passage with a comment for each verse. In our Bible Study we should always try to look for “key-words” and “phrases” in each passage of that verse.
First– They are local churches of Asia during the time of 95 A.D.
Second– These are represented local churches coexisting in every age of church history.
Third– They represent prophetic ages of the church, from the apostolic church of Ephesus to the lukewarm church of Laodicea?
Since these seven letters follow the same pattern, we will study all seven of these letters simultaneously. The pattern of these letters are as follows.
a) Introduction Jesus- “These things saith He”
b) Message of Jesus- “I know thy works”
c) Promises of Jesus- “To him that overcomes”
Revelation Chapter 2:
I) The Church in Ephesus is known as the Loveless Church.
1) (Read) (Chapter 2:1); Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; (KJV)
1) Explanation: (Chapter 2:1); Unto the Angel or (Pastors) of the church of Ephesus write.
(Now the Ephesian Church represents the apostolic time period, which did close out around A, D. 100). These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, (Now all the Pastors belong to our Lord Jesus Christ, that is, if they truly are of the Lord Jesus Christ). Who walks in the midst of the seven golden candle sticks. Now I tell you that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church. (Colossians 1:18) (KJV)
1) Comments: (Chapter 2:1); This is the message to Ephesus the church at the end of the apostolic age. Each letter is addressed to the messenger (Angel) of the church to be read in the local assembly (Revelation 1:3). Ephesus was the capitol of Asia at this time and was the capitol of heathen idolatry in (Acts 19:1-40). Paul had established this church about 40 years before this letter to Ephesus was written. This church was spiritually “on fire” and it was in the midst of the most pagan cities of Asia. Jesus commended them for their good works. But Jesus also condemned them for leaving their first love. There are three New Testament books written around this church, (Ephesians) and (II Timothy). Prophetically this church represents the apostolic church from the days of Christ to 170 A.D. Jesus is represent, holding (keeping- (Jude 1:24); (I Peter 1:5) the seven stars (angels-messengers) in (Revelation 1:20) in his right hand (security- (John 10:28-30). Yes; Jesus walks in the midst of the church at Ephesus.
2) (Read) (Chapter 2:2); I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: (KJV)
2) Explanation: (Chapter 2:2); I know thy works, Jesus said. (Now I tell you it is repeated to all Seven Churches; it implies Divine knowledge). And thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil. (They are the ones that have departed from the true Doctrine). And thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars. (Now this can present the Doctrinal soundness of Ephesians Believers).
2) Comments: (Chapter 2:2); This is the message to Smyrna the church that was under persecution. Jesus tells the church of Smyrna I know your works, your tribulation, and your poverty, (but you are also rich). I know of your blasphemies of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are of Satan. Jesus tells them to, not be afraid of any of those things which they are about to suffer. Jesus also tells them to be faithful until death and He will give them a crown of life. And again Jesus tells us in verse eleven that who ever has an ear, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. (Revelation 2:11)
2) Extra Comments: (Chapter 2:2); Here is a little bit of history about the church of Smyrna. This church was about forty miles north of the city of Ephesus. This city is not named anywhere else in the New Testament; Smyrna has for its root meaning bitterness and means Myrrh, anointment associated with death. Prophetically this church represents the-persecuted church from 170 A.D. to 312 A.D. Jesus is represented in the church as the first and the last (Revelation 1:17), (Revelation 3:14), (Revelation 22:13) which was dead, (the man Jesus died for our sins – (I Corinthians 15:3-4) and is alive forever more. Jesus is the Living One, a name ascribed to Jehovah the only true God of Israel. Read- (Revelation 1:18)
3) (Read) (Revelation 2:3); And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. (KJV)
3) Explanation: (Chapter 2:3); And hast borne, which means that they set a course, and did not deviate from that course). Also they hast patience. (They continued to believe when things were not going well for them). And for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. (Now they were diligent in their efforts, and would not quit).
3) Comments: (Chapter 2:3); This is the message to Pergamos the church that is known as the compromising church. Jesus tells the church of Pergamos I know your works, I know where thou dwellest, and even where Satan’s throne is. But I have a few things against you, because thou has them that worship the doctrine of Balaam and thou has cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel. Also to eat things that were sacrificed unto idols and to commit fornication. Jesus tells them to repent, or He will come unto them quickly and destroy them with the sword of His mouth. Jesus warns them to hear what the Spirit has to say unto the churches. Here Jesus said to him that shall overcomes I will give him to eat of hidden manna, and also a white stone that has a new name written on it which no man knoweth, except the one that received it.
3) Extra Comments: (Chapter 2:3); Here is just a little bit of history about the church of Pergamos. Now Pergamos was a wicked and idolatrous city where idols were worshipped publicly with sexual and perverted practices. Prophetically this church represents a worldly church brought together by Constantine about 312 A.D, to 606 A, D. When Boniface III, was crowned, “UniversalBishop” in the Harlot Church. The sharp sword represents the Words of Jesus. (Read) (Ephesians 6:17), (Hebrews 4:12), (Revelation 2:16), (Revelation 19:15).
4) (Read)–(Chapter 2:4) Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. (KJV)
4) Explanation: (Chapter 2:4) Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee. (Now I tell you that something is wrong, despite their zeal). The Lord Jesus tells because thou hast left thy first love here. (You have not “lost” your first love, but rather you have “left” your first love. Now it refers to a departure from the Cross, and is so serious that it will lead the Church to ruin unless Repentance is forthcoming).
4) Comments: (Chapter 2:4) The Apostle Paul had once commended the Church at Ephessus for its love for God and others. (Read) – (Ephesians 1:15), but many of the church founders had died, and many of the second-generation believers had lost their zeal for God. They were a busy Church and the members did much to benefit themselves and the community, but they were acting out of the wrong motives. Now the work for God must be motivated by your love for God or it will not last.
5) (Read) (Chapter 2:5); Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. (KJV)
5) Explanation: (Chapter 2:5); Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen. (Now this means they fell from Grace, which means they had stopped depending on Jesus Christ and the Cross.) (Galatians 5:4) And repent, and do the first works; (Then go back to the Cross); or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. (Now Jesus Christ is the source of the Light, but the Cross is the means. They are to come back to the Cross, or else the Light will be removed).
5) Comments: (Chapter 2:5); Now, for Jesus to, “remove your lampstand from its place” would mean the Church would cease to be an effective Church. Just as the seven-branched candlestick in the temple gave light for the priests to see. Now the Churches were to give light to their surrounding communities. But Jesus Christ warned them that their lights could go out. Now Jesus Himself would extinguish any light that did not fulfill its purpose. The Church had to repent of its sins.
6) (Read) (Chapter 2:6); But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate. (KJV)
6) Explanation: (Chapter 2:6); But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate. (The word “Nicolaitanes” means “Laity Conquerors.”
Now there are Preachers who exploit the people instead of spiritually developing them, which all false doctrine does. Now I tell you that the Lord Jesus hates this, and we should hate this also.
6) Comments: (Chapter 2:6); The Nicolaitanes were believers who compromised their Faith in order to enjoy some of the sinful practices of the Ephesian society. Now the name Nicolaitans is held by some to be roughly the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word for “Balaamites.” Now Balaam was a prophet who had induced the Israelites to carry out their lustful desires. (Read) – (Revelation 2:14) Now when we want to take part in an activity that we know is wrong, we may make excuses to justify our behavior, saying that it isn’t as bad as it seems or that it won’t hurt our Faith. Now I tell you that our Lord Jesus Christ has strong words for those who look for excuses to sin.
7) (Read) (Chapter 2:7); He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (KJV)
7) Explanation: (Chapter 2:7); He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Now here the Holy Spirit is saying that the Church must come back to the Cross). To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (Now the Christian can be an over-comer only by placing his Faith exclusively in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the Cross, which gives the Holy Spirit latitude to work).
7) Comments: (Chapter 2:7); Now two trees had been in the Garden of Eden and the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. (Read)– (Genesis 2:9) Now eating from the tree of life brought eternal life with God; and eating from the tree of knowledge brought a realization of good and evil. When Adam and Eve ate from the tree of knowledge, they disobeyed God’s command. So they were excluded from Eden and barred from eating from the tree of life. Now eventually, evil will be destroyed and everyone will eat from the tree of life and will live forever. This is the believers or saints that have been saved by their Faith and their believed in Jesus Christ’ when He paid the price on the Cross by death and resurrection for all mankind.
II) The Church Smyrna is known as the Persecuted Church.
8) (Read) (Chapter 2:8); And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; these things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; (KJV)
8) Explanation: (Chapter 2:8); And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write. (Now this refers to the Martyr Church, with the time span being approximately from A.D. 1OO to about A.D. 300). These things saith the first and the last. (Now Jesus Christ is the beginning of things referring to Creator, and the End of all things referring to His total and complete control). Jesus which was dead, and is alive. (Now this refers to the Cross and the Resurrection).
8) Comments: (Chapter 2:8) Now the city of Smyrna was about 25 miles north of Ephesus. This Church was nicknamed “Port of Asia” because it had an excellent harbor on the Aegean Sea. The Church in this city struggled against two hostile forces; 1) a Jewish population strongly opposed to Christianity, and 2) a non-Jewish population that was loyal to Rome and supported the emperor worship. Now persecution and suffering were inevitable in an environment like this.
9) (Read) (Chapter 2:9); I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. (KJV)
9) Explanation: (Chapter 2:9); I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich). (The Smyrna Church was poverty stricken outwardly, but the Lord Jesus Christ proclaimed them spiritually rich. Now the Church at Laodicea claimed to be rich, but our Lord Jesus Christ said they were poor). And I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not. (Now from this verse we learn that God doesn’t consider the Jews who rejected the Lord Jesus Christ as truly Jewish). But are the synagogue of Satan. (Now the worship of Christ rejecting Jews is concluded by the the Lord to be Satanic).
9) Comments: (Chapter 2:9); Now persecution comes from Satan, not from God. The Devil, will cause believers to be thrown into prison and event killed. But remember, the believers need not fear death, because it will only result in their receiving the crown of life. Now Satan may harm their earthly bodies, but he can do them no spiritual harm. Read- (Job 1:6-12) The “Synagogue of Satan” means that these Jews were serving Satan’s purposes, not God’s, when they gathered to worship.
10) (Read) (Chapter 2:10); Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. (KJV)
10) Explanation: (Chapter 2:10); Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. (Now this is believed to represent the ten major persecutions that Rome hurled at the Church of that day, thus spanning about 200 years). Jesus said to be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. (Now there were many that paid with their lives).
10) Comments: (Chapter 2:10); Now Satan may harm their earthly bodies, but he can do them no spiritual harm. The “Synagogue of Satan” means that these Jews were serving Satan’s purposes, not God’s, when they gathered to worship. Now the “Ten days” means that although the persecution would be intense, it would be relatively short. Now it would have a definite beginning and end, and God would remain in complete control.
11) (Read) (Chapter 2:11); He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. (KJV)
11) Explanation: (Chapter 2:11); He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Now the Spirit is saying that, at times, there may be suffering). He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. (This refers to the Lake of Fire.) (Revelation 21:8)
11) Comments: (Chapter 2:11); Now pain is part of life, but it is never easy to suffer, no matter what the cause. Jesus commended the Church at Smyrna for its Faith in suffering. Then He encouraged the believers that they need not fear the future if they remained Faithful. Now if you are experiencing difficult times, don’t let them turn you away from God. Instead let them draw you toward a greater Faithfulness. Now always trust in God and remember your Heavenly rewards. (Read) – (Revelation 22:12-17)
III) (The Church of Pergamum is known as the Compromising Church.
The Church Settled in the World) (Revelation 2:12-14)
12) (Read) (Chapter 2:12); And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; these things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; (KJV)
12) Explanation: (Chapter 2:12); And to the Angel or (Pastor) of the church in Pergamos write. (This referred to as the State Church, which laid the groundwork for the Catholic System; its timespan was approximately A.D. 300 to A.D. 500). These things saith He (Jesus) which hath the sharp sword with two edges. (Now this is a symbol for the Word of God).
12) Comments: (Chapter 2:12); The city of Pergamum was built on a hill 1,000 feet above the surrounding countryside, creating a natural fortress. It was a sophisticated city, a center of the Greek culture and education, with a 200,000-volume library. But it was also the center of four cults, and it rivaled Ephesus in its worship of idols.
The city’s chief god was Asclepius, whose symbol was a serpent, and who was considered the god of healing. Now people came to Pergamum from all over the world to seek healing from this god.
13) (Read) (Chapter 2:13); I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. (KJV)
13) Explanation: (Chapter 2:13); I know thy works, and where thou dwellest. (God knows our dwell spiritually). He even knows where Satan’s seat is. (Satan had become part of this Church). Also thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith. (Now despite the terrible condition of this Church, some were holding fast to the Lord Jesus Christ and were continuing to look to the Cross). Even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. (Now this persecution came from within the Church).
13) Comments: (Chapter 2:13); Now this was the center for four idolatrous cults; 1) Zeus, 2) Dionysis, 3) Asclepius, and 4) Athene. Pergamum was called the city “Where Satan has his Throne.” This city was surrounded by worshiping of Satan and the Roman emperor as god, the church at Pergamum refused to renounce their Faith, even when Satan’s worshipers martyred one of their members. Now they firm against the strong pressures and temptations of the society is never easy without our Lord Jesus.
14) (Read) (Chapter 2:14); But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. (KJV)
14) Explanation: (Chapter 2:14); But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. (Now this Church was committing Spiritual adultery, meaning they had shifted their Faith from the Cross to other things, with money being the underlying cause, which refers to the State Church).
14) Comments: (Chapter 2:14); It was not easy to be a Christian in Pergamum. Now the believers experienced great pressure to compromise or leave the Faith. Now there is room for differences of opinion among Christians in some areas. But there is no room for heresy and moral impurity. Now there is sin everywhere, such as pornography, sexual sins, gossiping and lying, stealing and many others too. So don’t tolerate sin by bowing to the pressures of our society. Always trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for His help and have Faith because He cares and loves you and will never leave you comfortless or forsake you. Jesus said, let not your heart be troubled; ye “believe in God, believe also in me.” For, in my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will “come again,” and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also. And where I go ye know, and the way ye know. Now Jesus said unto Thomas, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:1-6)
15) (Read) (Chapter 2:15); So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. (KJV)
15) Explanation: (Chapter 2:15); So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. (Now at Ephesus, it was the “deeds of the Nicolaitanes,” and now it’s the “doctrine.” This refers to unscriptural Church Government, which grossly exploited the people).
15) Comments: (Chapter 2:15); Now the phrase in verse fifteen that Jesus said; “which thing I hate.” Now our Lord Jesus Christ takes the doctrine seriously. Jesus hates all compromise with immorality “Balaamism.” (Revelation 2:14) Now Jesus Christ hates those who would lord it over the common people as the Nicolaitans did. (Read) (Revelation 2:6); The Doctrinal purity should never be compromised for political or social acceptance. Now with the elevation of Christianity as the state religion in A.D. 325, the Church became rich and powerful. Now it was suggested at that time that the world was getting better and better, and that Jesus Christ’s Kingdom had already begun, and that Jesus would come at the end of the next thousand years.
16) (Read) (Chapter 2:16); Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. (KJV)
16) Explanation: (Chapter 2:16); Repent; (This means to come back to the Cross). Jesus said or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. (Now this will bring to bear the Word of God, and the part that speaks of Judgment).
16) Comments: (Chapter 2:16); Now Jesus said, repent, or I will come unto thee quickly. Now this sword is God’s Judgment against the rebellious nations and all forms of sin. (Read) – (Revelation 19:15-21)
17) (Read) (Chapter 2:17); He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. (KJV)
17) Explanation: (Chapter 2:17); He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Now the Spirit is saying that all Church Government must, without fail, be Scriptural). To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone.
And in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. (This refers to the fact that Believers shall receive a new name, in harmony with the perfect renewal of our being).
17) Comments: (Chapter 2:17); Now the “Hidden manna” suggests the Spiritual nourishment that the faithful believers will receive. Just as the Israelites traveled toward the Promised Land. God provided manna from Heaven for their physical nourishment. (Read) (Exodus 16:13-18) Now Jesus was the bread of life in (John 6:51), and provides Spiritual nourishment that satisfies our deepest hunger. Now it is unclear what the white stones are or exactly what the names on each will be. Because they relate to the hidden manna, they may be symbols of the believer’s eternal nourishment, or the eternal life. Now the stones are significant because each will bear the new name of every person who truly believes in Jesus Christ. Now they are the evidence that a person has been accepted by God and declared worthy to receive eternal life. Now a person’s name represented his or her character. God will also give us a new name and a new heart.
IV) The Church of Thyatira is known as the Church in idolatry. (Revelation 2:18-29)
18) (Read) (Chapter 2:18); And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; (KJV)
18) Explanation: (Chapter 2:18); And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write. (Now this is called the “Papal Church,” thus signifying the beginning of Catholicism; this began about A.D. 500 and continues unto this day and hour). These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass. (Now this presents Jesus Christ in the role of Judgment, and Jesus must be concerned about the Church going into idol worship).
18) Comments: (Chapter 2:18); Now Thyatira was a working man’s town, with many trade guilds for cloth making, dyeing, and pottery. Now Lydia, the Apostle Paul’s first convert in Philippi, was a merchant from Thyatira. (Read) (Acts 16:14) This city was basically secular, with no focus on any particular religion.
19) (Read) (Chapter 2:19); I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. (KJV)
19) Explanation: (Chapter 2:19); I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience. (Now some in this Church, as wrong as it was, they continue to love the Lord Jesus). Now the Lord Jesus knew who they were). Here Jesus said, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. (Now “works” are mentioned twice, with the last being in a negative sense, and meaning they were depending on this instead of Jesus Christ and the Cross).
19) Comments: (Chapter 2:19); Now the believers in Thyatira were commended for growing in good deeds. Now we should not feel satisfied when our church only rejoices in the salvation of its members or in the comfort of gathering for worship. We should grow in love, faith, and acts of service. Because the times are critical, we must spend our days wisely and Faithfuly.
20) (Read) (Chapter 2:20); Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. (KJV)
20) Explanation: (Chapter 2:20); Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. (Now the Lord Jesus Christ is speaking here of Spiritual fornication and adultery, which means they had forsaken our Lord Jesus Christ and the Cross for other things). (Read) (Romans 7:1-4)
20) Comments: (Chapter 2:20); Now in the pagan temples, meat was often offered to idols. Then the meat that wasn’t burned was sold to shoppers in the temple marketplace. Now eating food offered to idols wasn’t wrong in itself, but it could violate the principle of sensitivity toward weaker Christian brothers and sisters who would be bothered by it. (Read) – (I Corinthians 8:1-13)
21) (Read) (Chapter 2:21); And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. (KJV)
21) Explanation: (Chapter 2:21); And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. (The Church did not heed the message, and in fact, they continues in their “Salvation by works” unto this day, which, of course, is wrong. (For by Grace are we saved through Faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the Gift of God. Not of Works, lest any man should boast). (Ephesians 2:8-9)
21) Comments: (Chapter 2:21); Now Jezebel was unwilling to repent. The word “Repent” means to change our mind and the direction from following our way to follow God’s way, from sin and its disastrous consequences to God and eternal life. In His mercy, God has given us time to decide to follow Him.
Now I warn you that only our stubborn willfulness stands in the way of coming to God’s saving Grace.
22) (Read) (Chapter 2:22); Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. (KJV)
22) Explanation: (Chapter 2:22); Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. (Now the “bed” refers to false teachers who taught Salvation by works, which was Spiritual adultery. Now again, there was a warning to repent).
22) Comments: (Chapter 2:22); The Church was condemned by our Lord Jesus for both sexual immorality and idolatry. Now unless they repent, those in this current age, of which the church in Thyatira is a symbol, that will live right on into the Great Tribulation which Jesus predicted and John describes in (Revelation 6:1-17). The fact that all true believers in Jesus Christ will be “Raptured” before the Tribulation begins will make it easy for the unsaved leadership that remains in the Churches to formulate the global religion of the
23) (Read) (Chapter 2:23); And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. (KJV)
23) Explanation: (Chapter 2:23); And I will kill her children with death. (Now this speaks of a Spiritual death), and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts. (Now the Spirit is a continuous ongoing searching the heart). And I will give unto every one of you according to your works. (Now one can look at the works of an individual and ascertain exactly where their Faith is. (Now always remember that true works proclaim the Fruit of the Spirit).
23) Comments: (Chapter 2:23); Now we can not hide from Jesus Christ; He knows what is in our hearts and minds, and still Jesus loves us. The sins we try to hide from God, we need to be confessed our sins to Him and ask Him toforgive us of all our sins.
24) (Read) (Chapter 2:24); But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. (KJV)
24) Explanation: (Chapter 2:24); But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine. (They have not succumbed to the teaching of Jezebel). And which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak. (Now the teaching of “Jezebel” was Spiritual adultery, which was a departure from the Cross and is labeled here as “the depths of Satan”). I will put upon you none other burden. (This meaning their total burden was the opposing of the “Jezebel teaching,” which was a tremendous responsibility within itself).
24) Comments: (Chapter 2:24); Now the phrase in this verse is; “who have not known the depths of Satan.” This verse, further clarify the fact that there will be, right up to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, some in the Church who do not adhere to pagan doctrines and practices. Now He who searches the minds and the hearts in, (Revelation 2:23). God will be the one who truly knows who is trusting in the finished work of Jesus Christ for Salvation as opposed to those who are trusting in their church to give them salvation. Now we should always remember that Salvation is not a corporate experience. It is our individual matter of a personal Faith in Jesus Christ alone that guarantees our being taken in the Rapture. (Read) – (I Thessalonians 4:13-18)
25) (Read) (Chapter 2:25); But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. (KJV)
25) Explanation: (Chapter 2:25); But that which ye have already hold fast too. (This means to hold to the Cross, and don’t allow your Faith to be moved to other things till I come. (This meaning the Rapture of the Church, the believers in Christ).
25) Comments: (Chapter 2:25); Now we should hold tightly to the basics of our Christian Faith and view with extreme caution that any new teaching that turns us away from the Holy Bible. Now we as Christians should always have fellowship of our Church, or our basic confession of the Faith should always remain firm in our Lord Jesus Christ.
26) (Read) (Chapter 2:26); And he that over cometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: (KJV)
26) Explanation: (Chapter 2:26); And he that over cometh, and keepeth my works unto the end. (Now is is “His Works,” and not our works; it is pure and simple, it is what our Lord Jesus Christ did at the Cross on our behalf). Also to him will I give power over the nations. (This speaks of the coming Kingdom Age).
26) Comments: (Chapter 2:26); Now our Lord Jesus says that those who overcome and those who remain faithful until the end and continues to please God. They will rule over OUR Lord Jesus Christ’s enemies and reign with Him as He judges evil. (Read) – (Revelation 12:5); (Revelation 19:15); (Revelation 20:3-4)
27) (Read) (Chapter 2:27); And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. (KJV)
27) Explanation: (Chapter 2:27); And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers. (Now this refers to the fact that the Saints of God in the coming Kingdom Age under Jesus Christ will rule the nations, and not allowing evil to prevail or even to take root). Here our Lord Jesus is telling us, even as I received of my Father. (Now in the day of His coming, we shall share in His Power and Glory of His Victory).
27) Comments: (Chapter 2:27); Now the phrase in this verse. “He shall rule them with a rod of iron.” The overcomers even in this unfaithful church are promised to be a part of that Kingdom over which Jesus Christ shall reign when He comes again. Now these churches mentioned in the book of Revelation refers not just to the first century churches, but to periods of church history, and the overcomers in the church of Thyatira will still be alive and functioning in His name when Jesus comes. Since Jesus has not yet come, it is obvious that the primary message to these seven churches is to the ages, not just to the churches themselves, most of which have long become extinct. Of the seven churches, the last four will symbolically be alive and still functioning when Jesus Christ returns, and He will rescue or save the Faithful out of them all.
28) (Read): (Chapter 2:29); And I will give him the morning star. (KJV)
28) Explanation: (Chapter 2:28); And I will give him the morning star. (The “Morning Star” is the bright planet (Venus), which is the most beautiful and leads on the morning, and the harbinger of the day. (Now this says the coming Kingdom Age will be glorious beyond compare).
28) Comments: (Chapter 2:28); Now Jesus said that he will give him the morning star. Some think this and the reference to the morning star mentioned in (II Peter 1:19) may indicate that those who are alive just before His return and who study the prophetic Scriptures will have that “morning” or “daystar” arise and give them Spiritual insight that the time is at hand. Now Simeon and Anna had such a Spiritual premonition; and they were able to see the Christ child in His first coming. Now it is possible that such a Spirit of anticipation may spring up in the hearts of many just before He returns for His Church.
29) (Read) (Chapter 2:29); He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (KJV)
29) Explanation: (Chapter 2:29); He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Now the Spirit is saying that to leave our Lord Jesus Christ and the Cross is to commit Spiritual adultery, which will result in Spiritual death).
29) Comments: (Chapter 2:29); Now the phrase in this verse; “hear what the Spirit says to the Churches.” Those who would overcome are challenged by this phrase seven times in the book of Revelation. His Faithful “overcomers” will be ready for His return, regardless of the condition of the church of which they are a part. Now hearing and obeying God’s Word is essential if we are to overcome the enemy.
A) Now as we come to the end of this second chapter in the book of Revelations, I would like to ask you a question about the condition of “Your Soul”. If you were to die before this day comes to an end; “where would your Soul spend eternity at? Now this is probably the most important question in your life. Would you like to ask Jesus to save you now? If so just keep on reading and the next few verses will tell you how to be saved.
B) Now all you have to do is just sincerely pray a simple prayer like this one here. “Please God, I confess to you my sins and need Jesus in my life right now. I will turn away from my sins and place my Faith in your Son Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Amen.”
C) Then you should share your Faith in Jesus Christ with other Christian friends or a pastor. Now by becoming a Christian, this is your first step on that long life’s road of a Spiritual growth and your service to sharing God. The second step is to follow Jesus Christ in a believer’s baptism by immersion in water and joining a local church that teaches the true Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
D) Now this concludes our Bible Study on the chapter two of the Book of Revelation. Next week we will continue our lesson studies in the chapters three of the Book of Revelation. Please be much in prayer for me as I try to teach this last book of the Bible. Also there will be a list of questions below about each chapter of the Book of Revelation. By answering these questions each week you will find that your knowledge about each chapter of the Book of Revelation will began to increase and your desire to learn more about our Lord Jesus Christ too.
Note: I pray that this Bible Study lesson about the Churches in chapter two will help your studies and under standing of Gods’ word in the Bible. Please feel free to pass them on to other people if they have helped you.
Your, Brother in Christ
Frank Rose