“He that has an ear” — Revelation Chapter 2 – Basic Training Bible Ministries

As we study the message of Christ to the seven churches, we will do well to keep in mind four interpretation aides given by Dr. C. I. Scofield:

Local meaning—these are seven actual churches existing in John’s time and to which he ministers.
General meaning—these conditions may be found in churches throughout the Church Age, and this gives us a key for evaluating a local church by the “mind of Christ,” (1 Cor. 2:16).
Personal meaning—each message includes the challenge “to him who overcomes” and “[him] who has an ear.” Thus, we can evaluate our own lives by this.
Prophetic meaning—these seven churches are chosen in this order to illustrate church history from the time of John to the Rapture.

Two major trends are seen running through this account. First, there is the purifying process going on for those who are true believers—the “overcomers” by faith, 1 John 5:4–5. Second, there is an increasing apostasy of dead human religion. At the Rapture, the Body of Christ is removed, but apostate Christendom goes on to become the “great whore” of Revelation 17.

Ephesus—Revelation 2:1–7

The church of Ephesus was founded by the Apostle Paul (Acts 18:18–21; 19:1–20). John came there before the destruction of Jerusalem and made Ephesus the center of his circuit ministry. “Ephesus” means “beloved,” yet this church is rebuked for losing its love for Christ. They had many good “works” but had “fallen” from their occupation with the person of Christ.

Historical Ephesus illustrates church history from 35–100 AD. Note Satan’s attempt to infiltrate the church through the Nicolaitans. The word comes from niko (“to conquer”) and laos (“the people”). This attempted establishment of a “church hierarchy,” which distinguished between “clergy” and “laity,” was repulsed in the first century.

The warning to the believer who “has an ear” and would be an “overcomer” is to constantly maintain personal fellowship and love for Christ as the greatest of spiritual priorities. Obviously, we can only love the Living Word by loving and living the written Word. Revelation 2:5 gives the road of recovery as remembrance, repentance, and return to first acts of love for Christ. Here, we see the beginning of the cooling process leading to the Laodicean church.

Note:

Commended for endurance, their stand against false apostles and the Nicolaitan heresy.
Condemned for reversionism—the “first love” from which they had “fallen” was the sound doctrine of the book of Ephesians.

Smyrna—Revelation 2:8–11

“Smyrna” means “myrrh,” which was a gum or resin that was crushed to give off a fragrance. Myrrh was also used in embalming the dead. This church was persecuted and suffered greatly. Christ greets them as the One “who was dead, and came to life.” This poor church was rich in God’s sight, for they were faithful in spite of suffering, slander, and death. They are promised the “crown of life” (James 1:12). Note here Satan’s two-fold attack of external persecution and internal infiltration by legalistic Jews whom Christ calls the “synagogue of Satan.”

One of the great martyrs of Smyrna was the Pastor Polycarp, who was a student of John. He was burned at the stake, and won the crown of life!

Historically, Smyrna represents Church history from 100–300 A.D., a period of great persecution by Rome. At this time, Christianity was despised by the world as a collection of ragged, poor, deluded people, yet they were rich before God. When we come to Laodicea, we find a large, rich, respected church that is naked in God’s sight. Is there any question where we are today?

Note:

This is the edified church.
This suffering church endured the most and lasted the longest.
Encouraged but not condemned.
Smyrna had many great teachers and a maximum number of believers in maturity.

Pergamos—Revelation 2:12–17

“Pergamos” is a compound word meaning “married, exalted.” Pergamos was a rich, influential city of Asia Minor. Yet the church was worldly. She is greeted by Him “who has the sharp two-edged sword,”—the Word of God (Heb. 4:12). She has permitted the infiltration of three heresies. One, Satan had set up his throne here. We find that the teaching of the Babylonian mysteries were actually carried to Pergamos about 133 B.C. These teachings begun in ancient Babylon, would in time become so assimilated by Apostate Christianity as to become “Mystery Babylon.” Pergamos was the center of Caesar worship. Second, the doctrine of Balaam had gained a foothold (Num. 22–25). This was basically a teaching of compromise with the world—Balaam taught Israel to intermarry with the heathen—thus a “marriage” of the Church and the world. Third, the Nicolaitans who were repulsed by Ephesus are accepted in Pergamos.

What begins in apostasy as “deeds,” develops into “doctrines,” which in time becomes “denominations.” The overcomers will receive the “hidden manna,” the deep things of Christ (John 6:31–33; Col. 1:26), and the “white stone,” representing the vote of approval from God.

Historically, Pergamos represents church history from 300–500 A.D. Constantine made Christianity a “state religion” so that it became joined to the heathenistic practices of Rome.

During the period of this apostate union, Damasus, the Bishop of Rome (an unbeliever) was given the title of Supreme Pontiff of the Babylonian mysteries which came to Rome from Pergamos. Thus Satan’s program to “assimilate” the Church through infiltration took a great step forward. This was the age of “heresy,” yet even here there were “overcomers” who stood against the tide, and died a martyr’s death!

Note:

It is the “surrounded” church.
Pergamos was one of the most evil cities of the Ancient World. It was here that Satan had his headquarters on earth.
There were many strong believers in Pergamos, but they were surrounded by religious apostasy.
They are condemned for allowing apostasy into the church. Idolatry and rituals of ceremonial sex had infiltrated the church.

Thyatira—Revelation 2:18–29

The Son of God greets this church with flaming eyes and feet of judgment! Though there is some approval in Rev. 2:19, the church has become a haven for “Jezebel,” an actual woman who became prominent as a teacher and led people into idolatry and immorality. Though God gave her “time to repent” she would not. She is a preview of the “great whore” (Revelation 17) and so will be cast “into great tribulation” along with her children, i.e., apostate Christendom.

Even in Thyatira some remained faithful, Rev. 2:24–29. They are to hold fast to truth and are promised great authority in Christ’s kingdom for standing against the usurped authority of this Jezebel. They will be decorated with the “morning star,” the reflected glory of Jesus Christ (compare Dan. 12:3, 2 Pet. 1:19).

Historically “Thyatira,” which means “continual offering,” speaks of the age of Romanism, 500–1500 A.D. In Romanism the “once-for-all” sufficiency of the cross is denied for a continual offering of works, penance, and sacraments as a means of salvation. Just as Jezebel will not repent, neither will this system of idolatry as the “Babylon” of the future (cf., Jer. 51:8–9, Rev. 18:4). The “deep things of Satan” are the Babylonian teachings perpetuated by the Roman Church.

Note:

Again, commended for production and service under pressure.
However, again as others, condemned for allowing apostasy to enter, along with demonism and occult practices.
Warned to hold fast.

Gene Cunningham - January 28, 2003

Hebrews 12

Heb 2:9-18 Seven great undertakings of Jesus as a man 2nd great undertaking -- His valiant leadership Heb 2:10 He is the God-Man. Captain of their salvation. Prince-leader. Fitting: to take appropriate action, includes his whole life. Heb 10:5 It’s the altar that sanctifies the gold, not the other way around. There was no sacrifice other than Himself that could satisfy God’s justice and wrath. Heb 10:4 Everything was made through Him and for Him. He came to lead us into His glory. He created us to share His glory with us. isa 43:7 psa 8:1-9 gen 1:26-27 He came to lead us into a far greater glory. His glory is an everlasting, divine glory. Bringing, leading many sons to glory. Only in sonship does He lead, we can only be led if we are a son/daughter. We are glorified by trusting Jesus Christ. Rom 8:29 rom 8:1 eph 1:6 To us, He is our Captain. Archegos: Prince-leader, a hero who had proven himself, founder of a school, chieftain of a tribe or clan, commander who blazed a trail to follow, he took a position he didn’t have to take, but he humbled himself for his people. By His suffering He identified with us, by our suffering by faith we are identified with Him. 2ti 2:11-13 He as the Captain is made perfect through sufferings. How could the God-Man be made perfect if He was perfect at birth. Heb 4:15 Tempted, yet without sin. How can we say He needed to be made perfect? It was the right thing for Him to do for our sake, it was fitting for Him. He took the appropriate action for our need teleies: perfection in practical terms, maturity, adequately equipped, prepared to fulfill their purpose Battle in Gethsemane was last test to prepare Jesus for the cross. isa 18:12-14 “I will’s” all the way through the passage, it’s the beginning of the rebellion, the conflict we are in now. Jesus was temped but overcame, “not My will by Your will be done” He arrived at the goal and purpose of His life, and was sufficient, and was made that way through His suffering. Made perfect: includes His whole life, isa 53:3 He was so compassionate and tolerant because He understood the ravages of sin, He knew the destruction it had on their soul. It was voluntary Phi 2:6-7 it was by divine design Heb 5:8 so He could be compassionate to us Heb 2:11 His cleansing work. We are not ashamed to call us brothers. God loves us, and He likes us, we are accepted in the Beloved. We should seek to live that righteousness out. We should not be ashamed by our brothers either. Jesus continues to sanctify us. He’s the one who does it. We don’t do it. He does it on the basis of His work on the cross. We receive it. By grace through faith. That continues for our whole spiritual life. col 2:6 Luk 7:36-50 If you don’t think you have that many sins to deal with, you won’t love Jesus very much. We need to realize our own spiritual poverty, and we have to cry out every day for His mercy. Sanctification: Heb 10:9-10 Once for all, cleansed, then separated, set apart unto God. Heb 10:14 On the foundation of the once for all cleansing, we are being sanctified joh 14:10 col 1:13 Things are dealt with as a family member for the purpose of restoring fellowship, not for condemnation. How long are you going to be growing? As long as you life. Everyday there will be more. We all have the responsibility to allow Him to do the work. We can refuse. 1Th 5:23 He and He alone can accomplish this. In every part, completely. Spirit, soul, body. God works from the inside out. Rom 12:2 renewing of your mind, it’s an ongoing process. The body part is at resurrection. He’s not ashamed to call us His brothers and sisters, why are we so ashamed of our brothers and sisters and Him? Heb 2:9-18 Sacrificial death Heb 2:9, prince leadership Heb 2:10, cleansing work Heb 2:11, great love for His family Heb 2:11-13 psa 22:22 He introduced that we can speak of God as Father. To the Jews at the time they didn’t think they could speak God’s name. isa 8:17 He lived by faith as we must. The quotes look at before, during, and after. One day, He will lead us to the Father. 5th great undertaking: His defeat of the devil Heb 2:15 Partake, we share everything in common. He shared in a limited way, without the sin nature. Power: ruling authority. When Adam died, he forfeited our authority to Satan 2Co 4:4 How did He destroy the devil’s power? He rose again, He proved He had power over the grave, He was resurrection. Death couldn’t hold Him, death can’t hold us. Absent from the body, present with the Lord. 2Co 5:8 They are waiting for us to come to them. Rom 6:6 6th great undertaking: liberates the captives Heb 2:15-16 To set us free from a contract col 2:14 He doesn’t give aid to angels, but to the seed of Abraham. We will be superior to angels and judge them at the judgment. Satan hates that. His rebellion was to the revealed will of God for us. The five things Satan says he will do, are things we are given in Christ. Five is the number of grace. To aid, to take hold of for the purpose of helping. 7th great undertaking: His merciful priesthood Heb 2:17 Jesus is a merciful and faithful High Priest. The grace of God begets mercy. Truth begets faithfulness. Propitiation is the satisfying of God’s righteous demands. He is merciful. Paul started using mercy and merciful more and more as he grew. Qualifications of a high priest, was to be a sinner. Heb 5:1-5 Too many people in the church now have the attitude of the Pharisee instead of the tax collector. If you are here, weary and beaten, look to Jesus. If you are unsaved and you fear His judgment, look to Jesus in faith. You can have Him right now. Jesus will never turn you away. If you have doubts and fears and burdens, lay them at His feet, knowing that He cares for you. He always greets us with open arms.

Scripture References: Hebrews 2:10, Isaiah 53:3, Romans 6:6, Hebrews 10:9-10, Psalms 8:1-9, Hebrews 2:9, Isaiah 18:12-14, Hebrews 2:15, Luke 7:36-50, Isaiah 43:7, Hebrews 2:9-18, Hebrews 4:15, Isaiah 8:17, Colossians 2:6, Hebrews 5:1-5, Hebrews 10:4, Romans 12:2, Ephesians 1:6, Psalms 22:22, Hebrews 2:11, Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 10:5, Colossians 1:13, Romans 8:1, Hebrews 2:11-13, Hebrews 5:8, Colossians 2:14, Hebrews 2:10, John 14:10, Romans 8:29, Hebrews 2:11, Philippians 2:6-7, Hebrews 2:15-16, Hebrews 2:9-18, Hebrews 10:14, Genesis 1:26-27