Revelation 2 Part 2

Revelation 2 - 3 Observations 1. Ephesus He that holds and walks…This reference to Christ directs the church to consider the proximity of Christ to their care, perhaps to invoke their fledgling affections. Thou canst not bear them which are evil…here is the principal reason for their praise, as the church was plagued by erroneous teachers and charlatan apostles. Hast tried them which say they are apostles… The idea that this church is indicative of the first century church and its apostolic oversight is intriguing. The presence of those claiming apostolic authority in the early church was evident. Hast not fainted…Ephesus had been early established by Paul, tended to at length by Timothy, and entertained John for nearly 30 years, all the while repulsing the evil idolatry of the city, the wealth and prosperity of its culture, and the imposters of the faith seeking to undermine the gospels advances, which was clearly a prolonged and exacting battle. Thou hast left thy first love…such is the tendency of those that begin with such notable fervor, who have long engaged in warfare, having wearied in defensive pursuits; the affections wain over time if proper care is not given to stoke the embers of fervent love. From whence thou art fallen…it is a notable distance the church had traversed from the heights of impassioned love for her Beloved in the early days to her present wearied and wounded condition. Once her affections for Christ and His servants engendered tears in abundance. Long since those fevered tears had dried. Except thou repent…as affections cool the flame dies and the candle flickers. Inflamed affections for Christ need constant tending, lest their neglect leads to a loveless and empty religion. But this thou hast…this final note helps to engender hope for the church, one so close to Christ’s heart, one with such a storied reputation. He that hath an ear, let him hear…how vital is the Spirit’s fuel to keep the flame strong and constant in the church. 2. Smyrna The first and the last, which was dead, and is alive…a fitting view of Christ in light of this church’s exacting plight; Christ is sure to finish in us what He has begun and will deliver those from the tribulation in this world. I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews...Imposters were relentless, their assaults wearying, and their advances troubling, but Smyrna by Christ’s hand stayed firm. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer…what better charge to a church that was overrun but not overcome, who needed but hold for a bit longer. The devil shall cast some of you…those persecuted will not necessarily in this life see rest from trouble, yet the time is short, and Christ is at hand. Again, the resemblance of Smyrna to the post-apostolic church before the rise of Constantine is intriguing. He that overcometh shall not be hurt...fear not this life’s mortal threat, for we in Christ are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. 3. Pergamum The sharp sword with two edges…doctrinal purity was necessitated by Satan’s deception amidst them. Where Satan's seat is…antichrists were seated with authority but the church was unmoved. But I have a few things against thee…despite their good report there were concerns with actions that threatened their fortitude. The doctrine of Balaam…doctrinal purity, moral chastity, and separation from mixed idolatry were areas of great concern. Once more the likeness of this churches apostacy to the church in the days of the rise of the papacy and her errors are undeniable. Repent or else…the urgency of the situation was notable. To eat of the hidden manna…these are those special things reserved solely for the elect of God, those who persevere unto the end, which do not turn back from Christ. 4. Thyatira Eyes like unto a flame of fire…this view of Christ is appropriate to a church meddling in immoral deception. Thou sufferest that woman Jezebel…once more here is a church with a mixture of corruption and purity. I will cast her into a bed…beware for her allurements are the snares of death. I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts…He knows the heart. We cannot adulterate ourselves as a church. 5. Sardis A city celebrated for its wealth and magnificence. The seven Spirits…He sees what externally could not be seen. Thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead…thinking themselves alive, prosperous, they were yet dead. This is the church that appears well, does all things well, is prospering, even perhaps finding common standing with the world, but has no life within; this church is a corpse that appears to live. “This church had gained a great reputation; it had a name, and a very honourable one, for a flourishing church, a name for vital lively religion, for purity of doctrine, unity among themselves, uniformity in worship, decency, and order (Henry).” I have not found thy works perfect before God…notice there are no specific rebukes or praises, merely general statements. Here there works are corrupt and not of those Christ would find cause to address. “there is something wanting in them; there is the shell, but not the kernel; there is the carcase, but not the soul—the shadow, but not the substance (Henry).” Thou hast a few names…even among the hypocrites of Sardis were a few of note. I will not blot out his name…” by which is meant the choice of persons to everlasting life and salvation; and this being signified by a book, and by writing names in it, shows the exact knowledge God has of his elect, the value he has for them, his remembrance of them, his love to them, and care for them; and that this election is of particular persons by name, and is sure and certain (Gill).” “This church represents the state of the church from the time of the Reformation by Luther and others, until a more glorious state of the church appears, or until the spiritual reign of Christ in the Philadelphian period; under the Sardian church state we now are: (this was published in 1747, Ed.) that this church is an emblem of the reformed churches from Popery, is evident not only from its following the Thyatirian state, which expresses the darkness of Popery (Gill).” 6. Philadelphia A small, fledgling church, that far outshines Sardis.  there was a church in this place in the "second" century, in the times of Ignatius, who wrote an epistle to it, and which then had a bishop or pastor over it, whom he mentions (n), though not his name. And in the same century twelve Philadelphians suffered martyrdom at the same time Polycarp; in the "sixth" century, a bishop of this place assisted at the fifth synod at Constantinople; and in the "eighth" century, Stephen, bishop of the church here, was in the Nicene synod (p); and there are now very many that bear the name of Christians of the Greek Church in this place. He that openeth, and no man shutteth… Thou hast a little strength… The synagogue of Satan… they are carnal wicked men, under the influence of Satan, though they pretend to be religious men, and worshippers of God. Behold, I come quickly… 7. Laodicea The Amen, the faithful and true witness…of which the certainty of His judgment is true. Thou art neither cold nor hot:.a wretched condition. Knowest not that thou art wretched… As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten Behold, I stand at the door, and knock Doctrines I. The use of means. II. Doctrinal necessity. III. The perseverance of the saints. IV. A life of tribulation and threat. Uses 1. For our admonition let us look to love. 2. For our consideration let us consider the vital importance of the truth. 3. For our courage let us not grow weary in well doing. 4. For our censure let us beware our tendencies.