Revelation. Vision 1. The 7 Churches.

Marilyn C

Marilyn C

Christ the Competent Administrator.

The Lord Jesus Christ, the founder and perfector of the Church is now shown as its competent Administrator. He is shown walking amongst the seven golden lampstands. Each lampstand fitted on to a common base representing the complete Church, the Body of Christ. The number seven in Hebrew means complete.

Thus looking back through history we can see that these seven churches are an overview, showing the entire history of its development and conflict against the enemy, while displaying Christ`s competence to meet all challenges, finally culminating in the completing of the mature Body of Christ, His glorious Church.


Thus the Lord Jesus Christ directs John to write to these seven churches in Asia who are representative of all the local churches, the believers who are the Body of Christ.

Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.


The Lord addresses each group particularly, giving words of commendation and encouragement or chastisement and warnings. Christ then counsels each group presenting Himself in clarity and truth. The response is but to repent & obey His Holy Spirit.

Each church, each group of believers would be encouraged, comforted or challenged by the Lord`s discernment of them. Then down through the centuries as other believers read, they also could receive what Christ is saying by His Holy Spirit.


Now finally today there are believers who have left their first love, as did Ephesus, servants being martyred, as in Symrna, others engrossed and overcome with worldly indulgences, and so on. But each phase has had a period when the outstanding characteristic that is stressed here has been the dominant aspect portrayed in church life.


Thus we see that the church of Laodicea, the final group of believers having to face `every wind of doctrine, ` being `tossed to and fro.` Yet the encouragement is to press on to maturity in Christ and to reach the unity of the faith (what we believe) and the knowledge of the Son of God. (Eph. 4: 13 – 16)
 
Christ`s Counsel to the Body of Christ. (Rev. 2 & 3)

We will now look at the Lord dealing with each of the 7 groups. He encourages & comforts, or warns & exposes error, while revealing Himself afresh to each group as the answer to their problem. If we are a part of the Body of Christ then even today we are to heed what the Spirit is saying.

Ephesus – Division. (Rev. 2: 1 – 7)

Christ reveals Himself to these believers as the preeminent one who has all power & authority walking in their midst.

`He who holds the 7 stars (angels), who walks in the midst of the 7 golden lampstands. (the Body of Christ)` (Rev. 2: 1)

7 in Heb. Means `to be complete.` Thus the complete Body of Christ.

He encourages & commends them for their patience, perseverance & testing of false apostles, & then points out a severe error –

“...you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen;” (Rev. 2: 4 & 5)

The believers had lost their `first love.` Their affection & allegiance was not on Christ, but on earthly support, so they had `fallen.` They looked more to their leaders rather than listening to the Lord. Divisions & factions had formed.

`I am of Paul,... I am of Apollos,` (1 Cor. 3: 4) `I hear that there are divisions among you,...` (1 Cor.11: 18 & 19)

Many of the early believers did however discern those who `lorded it over ` others and did not agree with their behaviour.

“But this you have, that you hate the deed of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.” (Rev. 2: 6)

Nicolaitan – Gk. Nikolaos, `nikao,` to conquer, and `laos,` the people. To conquer the people, or to lord it over them. ( 1 Peter 5: 3)

The Lord Jesus Christ then encourages the believers to listen to His Holy Spirit so they can be overcomes who will receive of His eternal life.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”(Rev. 2: 7)

To be overcomers they need to `hold fast to the Head,` Christ, & not look to men as their Head. (Col.2: 18 & 19)
 
2. Smyrna – Persecution (Rev. 2: 8 – 11)

Christ is not only the Commencer and Consummator of life as the First and Last, but also the conqueror of death. Where death reigns as the enemy`s power, all mankind are held in bondage. But Christ is the Originator of life as the First and the Overseer as the Last. He is also the Overcomer who was dead and is alive. So He presents Himself as the prevailing Victor that He may make His people victorious also.

“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, these things says the First & Last, who was dead, & came to life:..” (Rev. 2: 8)

In the martyr age (& for martyrs down through the centuries) the Church was confronted by the cruel power of the devil. Thus Christ unveiled Himself as not merely alive, but also immune from death`s power, and assures the same immunity to His people.

“I know your works , tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison,
that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days.” (Rev. 2: 9 & 10)

10 – Gk. Word `deka` - fig. for law, testing
Day – Gk. Word `hemera` - fig. meaning a period of time, judgement.

The `10 days` is symbolic of a period of testing time that the believers through the centuries will have to undergo until God brings judgement. To be an overcomer we are not to fear suffering but be faithful even unto death. Man may take our physical life, but it is the Lord who gives eternal life.

The second death refers not to the physical death but to the spiritual `death` of the unrepentant who will be cast from God`s presence forever.

“Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”(Rev. 2: 11)
 
3. Pergamos – False Doctrines. (Rev. 2: 12 – 17)

Christ is revealed to these believers, as their judge, with the authority of His Word.

`He who has the sharp two-edged sword.` (Rev. 2: 12)

He commends them for professing His name & not denying their faith in Him. However, in their midst are those teaching wrong doctrine.

The Doctrine of Balaam – Worldly (2 Peter 12 – 22)

`who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, & to commit sexual immorality.`(Rev. 2: 14)

Balaam was teaching Balak to corrupt God`s people by tempting them to defile their separation from the world & abandon their pilgrim character. Similarly certain people were teaching believers to behave like the world bringing them back into bondage. This is spiritual adultery. The Lord points out to the believers that they are `dwelling` in the world, `where

Satan`s throne is.`

“I know ....where you dwell, where Satan`s throne is.” (Rev. 2: 13)
`the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.` (1 John 5: 19)

World – Gk. Word `kosmos,` meaning the moral system, order of the world.

The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans – Hierarchical Control (`lording it over,` 1 Peter 5:2 & 3)

What were `deeds of the Nicolaitans` in Ephesus, now became a doctrine in Pergamos.

The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans.

Nikolaos – Gk. Words, `nikao` to conquer, & `laos` the people. To conquer the people.

Instead of local groups in homes ministering to one another, certain elders began `lording it over` many of the believers. This eventually developed into a hierarchical system of control, which we can still see today. This is the way the world operates & the Lord told his disciples they must not behave so.

`You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them,....Yet it shall not be so among you;` (Matt. 20: 25 & 26)

The Apostle Paul also saw this wrong behaviour of leaders & chastises the people for coming under such bondage.

`For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage,..` (2 Cor. 11: 20)

The solution is to repent & know Christ`s Character as exemplified by Paul who was -

`gentle among you, just as a nursing mother....` & `we exhorted & comforted,...as a father..` (1 Thess. 2: 7 & 11)
 
4. Thyatira – Idolatry & Witchcraft. (Rev. 2: 18 – 29)

Christ highlights His deity to these believers. He tells them that He is searching their motives & will judge those who are worshipping Satan.

`These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, & His feet like fine brass;` (Rev. 2: 18)

The Lord encourages & commends them for their works, love, service, faith & patience, but warns of the false prophets teaching heresy. The Apostle Peter also warned the early believers that there would be false teachers & false prophets rise up from among them who would bring in destructive heresies. These are works of the flesh – idolatry, sorcery,.....dissensions, heresies – (Gal. 5: 19 & 20)

` false prophets.....false teachers....who will secretly bring in destructive heresies..... & many will follow their destructive ways...`(2 Peter 2: 1 & 2)

The Lord then addresses this (spiritual) harlotry, sexual immorality, where people bow down & venerate other so-called gods, or in their hearts follow false doctrines. (Num. 25: 1 & 2)

“because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach & seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality ....I will cast her ...& those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation unless they repent of their deeds.”(Rev.2: 20 – 22)

Queen Jezebel, of the Old Testament is often used as an illustration of someone bringing in heresies of witchcraft & idolatry to the people. (2 Kings 9: 22) One of the main heresies was imagining there was a `Queen of Heaven.` ( Jer. 44: 17) Israel burned incense to this so-called deity, & venerated her image in the hope of protection. Even today this is a common practice keeping many in bondage.

The Apostle Paul also warns Timothy of these errors & gives some details of the false doctrines.

`in the latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits & doctrines of demons. ....forbidding to marry, ....profane & old wives` fables,` (1 Tim. 4: 1 – 7)

& `gullible women....always learning & never coming to the knowledge of the truth.`(2 Tim. 3: 6 & 7)

These people are continually looking for `secret knowledge` & teaching, beyond what God says in His Word. They do not have a firm foundation of the truth in Jesus Christ but are led on by their own fleshly desires.

There needs to be repentance, acknowledging Christ as the ONLY Son of God, not one among other Deities. It is He who `searches the mind & hearts,` His `eyes like a flame of fire` (2 Tim. 2: 15)
 
5. Sardis - Denominations. (Rev. 3: 1 – 6)

Christ comes to this group of believers telling them He is the one with the Spirit of God & the administrative power over the Body of Christ.

“These things says He who has the 7 (fold) Spirits of God & the 7 stars.` (Rev. 3: 1)

He exposes their trust in man-made denominations, a `name` they have made for themselves.

`I know your works, that you have a name,...` (Rev. 3: 1)

Name – Gk. Word `onoma,` authority. & `onomai,` renown, to derive advantage from.

Denomination – the act of naming. (The Concise English Dictionary)

Many in this group have prided themselves on their denomination rather than honouring the Lord Jesus Christ. They gain prestige from their allegiance to the organisation which has a standing in the world. They think that they are `alive,` but Christ says, they are `dead.`

The Apostle Paul speaks of such people who preserve all the outward form of religion, but don`t believe its true meaning.

`For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud... ....having a form of godliness but denying its power:` (2 Tim. 3: 5)

Paul speaks of this `power.` It is Christ Himself whom we humbly believe died for our sins & is now risen, giving us His new life by His Holy Spirit.

`we preach Christ crucified,....Christ the power of God...` (1 Cor. 1: 23 & 24)

The Lord then counsels these people to receive of the Holy Spirit, remembering how they first received life in Christ.

`Be watchful & strengthen the things that remain.....Remember therefore how you have received & heard; hold fast & repent.` (Rev. 3: 2 & 3)

Finally the Lord commends the few believers who have not put their trust in man`s denominations, but have looked to Him for their righteousness.

You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments, & they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.` (Rev. 3: 4)
 
6. Philadelphia – Christ`s Character and His Purposes. (Rev. 3: 7 – 13)

Christ reveals His Character (Holy) & His Purposes (True) to this group of believers, and then He opens up to them His riches of wisdom & knowledge.

`These things says He who is Holy, He who is true, .....See I have set before you an open door...` (Rev. 3: 7 & 8)

Christ`s Character

“`He who is holy .....` (Rev. 3: 7) Holy – Gk. Word `hosios,` meaning right by intrinsic or divine character.

As Christ reveals His divine character to these believers they are changed into His likeness. (2 Peter 1: 4) They are not partial or sectarian but have a love for all the brethren, the Body of Christ. This is shown by their name which reveals their character..

Philadelphia - `Philos` - fond, & `adelphos` - brother, meaning - love of the brethren.

They have a desire to see the Body of Christ come to full maturity.

`...speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ - `(Eph. 4: 15)

Christ`s Purposes

These believers are given the true riches in Christ, a full understanding of Him, His character & His purposes so they can help the Body of Christ come to full maturity. This is symbolised by `the key of David.`

`He who has the key of David, He who opens & no one shuts, & shuts & no one opens.` (Rev. 3: 7)

The key of David unlocked Israel`s national treasures, but Christ unlocks His treasures, the true riches of wisdom & knowledge of Himself. An `open door` means access to this true wisdom & knowledge of Christ. (Phil.3: 8 – 10)

Christ,..... in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom & knowledge.` (Col. 2: 3)

The wisdom & knowledge of Christ`s purposes involves an understanding of the 3 groups -

The Body of Christ, Israel & the Nations. ( 1 Cor.10: 32) Knowing Christ`s purposes for each group brings a clarity to God`s word. Christ & His purposes are the center, not us.

Believers then can clearly see what is happening on the world scene & speak confidently but humbly to others of what God is doing & why. This brings encouragement & growth in others. Then many who were in error will gain understanding, acknowledging that God says of the Philadelphia ones -

`I have loved you.` (Rev. 3: 9)
 
7. Laodicea - Man`s Character and his Purposes. (Rev. 3: 14 – 19)

Christ reveals Himself to this group as the Originator (Beginning) & the one who will Terminate all things, (Amen) plus the one who oversees all in between. It is His purposes that will prevail, not man`s.

These things says the Amen, ......the Beginning of the creation of God.` (Rev. 3: 14)

This group believe that by partnering with the world system they can transform & change the world bringing peace, hope & justice, through man`s efforts. This is shown by their name, which reveals their character & motives.

Laodicea - `Laos` - people, & `dike` - justice, meaning – the people`s justice.

This is spiritual adultery, joining with the world & not relying on the Lord.

`....friendship with the world is enmity with God.` (James 4: 4)

Friendship – from the Gk word, `philia` friendship & `philos` friend, associate, partner

This group also look to the world for leadership techniques & business strategies, measuring their success by worldly standards.

`I am rich, have become wealthy, & have need of nothing.` (Rev. 3: 17)

The Lord however chastises them quite severely saying that He sees them as -

`wretched, miserable, poor, blind & naked -`(Rev. 3: 17)

This group should have been a `Witness` to the world of the power of God to change people.

They should have been `faithful` to show that it is by His Spirit people are changed, & not by man`s efforts – promotions of organisations, entertainment, or big events etc.

They should have been `true` to God`s word declaring that He will judge the world, instead of saying that He is transforming it for the better.

The Lord `the faithful & True Witness` then addresses their watered down witness or `lukewarmness.` He tells them quite strongly, that unless they repent He will `vomit ` them out of His mouth.(Rev. 3: 16) He then counsels them to know Him as their source -

buy from Me gold....white garments...& anoint your eyes...`(Rev. 3: 18)

Gold - Faith in Christ & not in man. (1 Peter 1: 7)
White Garments - Christ`s righteousness not man`s efforts. (Titus 3: 5 & 6)
Anoint your eyes - Insight by the Holy Spirit into Christ`s purposes, & not man`s purposes. (John 16: 13)
 
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