“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 - December 16, 2022

Revelation 3:1-22 "He that has an ear" (Part Two)

II. Sardis—Revelation 3:1–6 The word “Sardis” means “remnant” or “those who escape.” This church has a name that it is “alive” but God says it is spiritually dead. The challenge is to “wake up” as in Ephesians 5:14. This wakening pictures a remnant of true believers, even in Sardis. This “awakening” returns to the Word of God that had been “received and heard.” Those who overcome are clothed in the white garments of imputed righteousness (Rom. 4:3–5; 2 Cor. 5:21). The book of life contains the names of those who trust in Christ alone (Rev. 20:12). Historically, Sardis pictures the Reformation Church of 1500–1700 A.D. The awakening of men like John Huss, John Wycliffe, Martin Luther, and others brought a return to the Word of God as the only authority of faith and the truth of salvation by faith in Christ alone. Also, the individual priesthood of every believer (1 Pet. 2:5–9) delivered them from the tyranny of the Roman priesthood. Note: 1. An active church from the program’s standpoint, but dead through lack of doctrinal instruction and spirituality. 2. Warned to remember what they received and heard (i.e., John’s teaching). 3. There were, however, a few faithful in Sardis. VI. Philadelphia—Revelation 3:7–13 “Philadelphia” means “brotherly love.” This church reflected the biblical teaching of John 13:34–35. The Christ who holds the “keys” of history sets before this church an “open door” of service (cf., 1 Cor. 16:9; Col. 4:3). This missionary-minded church would have victory over the “synagogue of Satan,” and because of faithful perseverance would be kept from the “hour [time] of trial.” The overcomer is promised a permanent place of service in God’s eternal temple—bearing the name of God. Historically, Philadelphia represents church history of 1700–1900 A.D. During this time, we have the great mission outreach of the Wesleys, Taylors, and Careys, among others. China, India, and Africa became centers of great evangelistic work. This missionary zeal will continue until the Rapture removes the true Church from Tribulation. This is verified in 1 Thessalonians 1:9–10; 4:13–18; 5:9, as well as Rev. 1:19 and Rev. 4:1. In addition, the word “church” is mentioned all the way up to Rev. 4:1 (a picture of the Rapture), and from here, Israel becomes the focus. The reason for this is that the Tribulation is the “time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jer. 30:7) to refine and regenerate the nation of Israel. Note: 1. The missionary church—having the “open door” of evangelism. 2. The key regarding Philadelphia is the recurrence of the words “kept My word” in Rev. 3:8–11. 3. They were small, yet mighty through doctrine. VII. Laodicea—Revelation 3:14–22 Here, we have the final of the seven churches. The name comes from laos (“the people”) and kike (“rights”)—thus the “human-rights” church. The apostasy of this church is found in that it was “lukewarm.” The cooling of love for Christ begun in Ephesus has now become total apostasy and indifference. This church prided itself on its wealth, riches, programs, and buildings; but Christ was completely left out (Rev. 3:20). Jesus Christ vomits this apostate organization from His mouth (Rev. 3:16). Yet still the offer of grace was extended to anyone who will receive it (Rev. 3:18, 20. Interestingly, Laodicea was home of an eye salve of the ancient world. As the “Amen,” the faithful witness, Christ is the source of light from the Word. He promises those who would come out of this apostasy, fellowship (breaking the bread of life together) and ultimate exaltation in His throne (Rev. 3:20–22). Historically, Laodicea represents the “modernistic” church. Whatever the name or designation, it places a premium on riches, programs, buildings and, above all, “human rights.” The social church has become man-centered and has pushed Christ out of His rightful place “in the midst of the churches.” In this age of complacency, Christ continues to call His people out from apostasy and into the true riches of His grace and fellowship. Note: 1. Lukewarm: apathetic to Christ, His Word, and the plan of God. 2. A very large, wealthy local church. They had buildings, finances and crowds but divine viewpoint calls them “naked, wretched, miserable, poor and blind” (Rev. 3:17). 3. They are believers (Rev. 3:19) but apathetic. The solution is positive volition to fellowship with Christ around His Word. May we all, by His grace, return to the purity of faith in Smyrna, a fragrant aroma to God. May we regain that “lost love” for Him and reach out with the missionary zeal of Philadelphia. The door is still open!

Scripture References: Revelation 3:1-22

Class Notes