Revelation (Written)

Sunday, 20 September 2020

“I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. Revelation 2:19

Jesus once again states, “I know your works,” as He has in the first three letters. He is letting those in Thyatira know that He is monitoring them and evaluating their actions. From there, translations vary. Some state these as five various categories –

Works, love, service, faith, and patience.

Some state these as four qualifiers of “works.” In other words, the works are –

Love, service, faith, and patience.

In the Greek, the word “and” precedes “love,” and so the first option is most likely. The Lord is aware of the works of those in Thyatira, and of the other four attributes that they display. These four attributes are –

Love – This is to be taken as love in general. Their works included affection and benevolence towards those they ministered to. This is something mentioned by the author of Hebrews saying, “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10).

Service – The word diakonia gives the sense of waiting at a table. It stems from two words, dia (through) and konis (dust). Thus, it is one who scurries through the dust. In other words, it extends to the ministry of those who actively assist in duties in a willing attitude.

Faith – This can extend to both belief and faithfulness. HELPS Word Studies notes that it “is always a gift from God, and never something that can be produced by people. In short, 4102/pistis (‘faith’) for the believer is ‘God’s divine persuasion’ – and therefore distinct from human belief (confidence), yet involving it.” Those at Thyatira had displayed faith in a manner acceptable to the Lord.

Patience – The word gives the sense of “perseverance.” Those in Thyatira had remained steadfast in their efforts through whatever situation life handed them, be it ease or tribulation.

These attributes are acknowledged by the Lord as points to be complimented. And more, He says, “and as for your works, the last are more than the first.” This then goes back to the original thought concerning “I know your works.” Those works that they had accomplished were more abundant than when they had begun their walk of faith.

It should be noted, as has occurred in many verses already, there are differences in the Greek texts which cause the verse to be read somewhat differently. Reading a multitude of translations will help the reader see these differences and will give him a chance to reflect on which translation makes the most sense.

Life application: The works of those at Thyatira as individuals and collectively brought glory and honor to the Lord. They continued on doing good after the initial spurt of works normally sputters. So, we should likewise continue on, not letting slip that which we began doing.

They were growing in their good deeds. In their love, the things they did were being done for the honor of Jesus, not self. The love they had for the Lord wasn’t diminished and their works remained directed towards His glory. In like manner, we should keep our love towards Christ fresh and vibrant. In this, our labors of love will also reflect our love of the Lord.

In their service, the people were willing to do the jobs of service without fear of getting their feet dirty. Are we willing to humble ourselves in whatever manner is needed in order to serve others? If so, the Lord will be pleased with that expression of ourselves.

Their faith is noted just as the ancients were commended for it, as is recorded in Hebrews 11. Too often people get misdirected in their faith and everything else gets misdirected with it. But because of properly directed faith, their other areas of spiritual growth were also properly aligned.

Finally, their patience was the result of a close walk with the Lord and a clear communion with the Holy Spirit. When we have our eyes properly directed on the Lord and our minds and souls in fellowship with the Holy Spirit, we can work patiently through any suffering or affliction.

O God, if only we could consistently emulate those things that You find commendable in the people mentioned in the Bible. It is certain that we all fail You often in our thoughts, words and deeds. And so, help us in this. Strengthen us and give us the resolute and determined purpose to continue to grow in our spiritual walk. To Your glory we pray. Amen.

Saturday, 19 September 2020

“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write,
‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: Revelation 2:18

The words of Christ Jesus are now directed to the fourth of the seven churches. It is “to the angel of the church in Thyatira.” The name Thyatira is of uncertain origin. Charles Ellicott provides us with a description of the location –

“Thyatira was situated between Pergamos and Sardis, a little off the main road which connected these two cities. It was a Macedonian colony, founded by Alexander the Great after the overthrow of the Persian empire. The Macedonian colonists appear to have introduced the worship of Apollo, honoured as the Sun-god, under the name of Tyrimnas. It has been thought by some that the description here given of Christ—’the eyes of flame’—was selected in allusion to this worship of the Sun-god, under the form of some dazzlingly ornamented image. Certainly close commercial intercourse connected the daughter colony with its mother city. There seem to have been various mercantile guilds in the colony—bakers, potters, tanners, weavers, and dyers. The dye-trade was, perhaps, the most important. Lydia, the seller of purple, was in all likelihood connected with the guild of dyers; and her appearance in Philippi is an illustration of the trade relations of Macedonia and Thyatira. To her the Christian community at Thyatira may have owed its beginning. ‘She who had gone forth for a while, to buy and sell, and get gain, when she returned home may have brought home with her richer merchandise than any she had looked to obtain’ (Trench). The population was of a mixed character, and included, besides Asiatics, Macedonians, Italians, and Chaldeans.”

It is to the angel (meaning the leader) of this church that the Lord instructs John to write, saying, “These things says the Son of God.” Here, the Lord personally identifies Himself as the Son of God rather than the Son of Man (verse 1:13 & again in 14:14). Further, this is the only time He is referred to in this way in the entire book. Like the term “the First and the Last” (1:8) and “He who has the sharp two-edged sword,” (2:12), it is a clear reference to deity.

Just as Christ is the Son of Man – meaning He was born into the stream of humanity, so He is the Son of God – meaning He is begotten of the Father. It is this God/Man “who has eyes like a flame of fire.” This is the symbolism introduced in verse 1:14, and which was explained there as indicating judgment, purification, refinement, and so on.

His gaze can pierce through all things to determine what is hidden and secret as easily as that which is open and evident. In His burning eyes issues forth purification in judgment (as noted in 1:14) such as in the judgment of believers at the Bema seat judgment. In this case, Christ’s eyes are evaluating the entire church at Thyatira. But along with His eyes, it says, “and His feet like fine brass.”

This was noted in Revelation 1:15 and its significance was detailed there. The Greek word used to describe His feet is used now for the second and last time in Scripture – chalkolibanon. As detailed in the commentary on 1:15, the feet being described in this way speak of judgment on works. It is of these works that the Lord will next refer to.

Life application: Thyatira is the smallest of the seven cities being addressed, and yet it has some very big problems as will be seen.

Christ’s eyes burn through any attempt at hiding sin and get to the very heart of the matter, piercing deeply into the soul of man and into the workings of His churches. Nothing in creation is concealed before His piercing gaze.

Further, the judgment of Christ is absolute. It is without bias, it is based on an ultimate standard of perfection, and it is final when rendered.

Churches and congregants that fail to heed the symbolism of how Christ is depicted, and who ignore what that symbolism means in reality, are setting themselves up for real trouble. All humanity is accountable to Jesus Christ for their actions, and every church will be judged by Him in its actions as well. Let us pay heed and ensure that we are living in accord with what is learned here in these opening letters to these seven churches.

Lord, understanding that You see every sin, know every thought, and will judge every action, we ask that You guide us in our walk so that our lives will be acceptable to You. On our own, we mess up at every turn, but if we follow You, it is certain that our steps will be proper. Keep us from straying, and lead us on paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake. Amen.

Friday, 18 September 2020

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”’ Revelation 2:17

Now, for the third time, Jesus repeats the words previously spoken to both Ephesus and Smyrna, saying, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Refer to the comments of verse 2:7, if necessary. In short, it is a call out to the churches to pay heed to His words.

Next, He says, “To him who overcomes.” Again, it is the same idea as previously mentioned to both churches. A person “overcomes” when he believes in the finished work of Christ, meaning the God/Man. There is no other way to overcome than through what He has done.

For the one who overcomes, the Lord says, “I will give some of the hidden manna to eat.” It is debated what the meaning of the “hidden manna” is. However, to understand the original context of it, one can refer to this sermon from the Superior Word study on the book of Exodus. At the end of the sermon, the hidden manna is first explained – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1pFhhIQg48

Ultimately, the manna was given in Old Testament typology to picture Christ who sustains His people. He explicitly equates Himself to the manna in the wilderness in John 6:30-34 and 6:47-51. For example –

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. ⁴⁸ I am the bread of life. ⁴⁹ Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead. ⁵⁰ This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die. ⁵¹ I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.” John 6:47-51

In Colossians 3, those who have come to Christ are said to be hidden with Christ in God –

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. ² Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. ³ For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4

At this time, what is true about our relationship with God through Christ is hidden, but what is hidden will be revealed. God’s people will be glorified, and we shall partake of Christ’s sustaining influence for all eternity at that time.

Along with the hidden manna, Jesus also says, “And I will give him a white stone.” There are many opinions concerning what this is referring to, and countless ideas have been brought forth to explain exactly what is being conveyed.

One possibility is that in the culture of the time, and even in certain instances today, when a vote was cast, a white stone meant “not guilty.” Jesus handing us a white stone may mean that we are not guilty before God and we will never be judged for condemnation. This wonderful release from sin comes from Jesus’ shed blood. By trusting in Him, He has become our substitute. He bore the wrath that we deserve. However, this particular idea is not actually found in Scripture.

However, what may be referred to here is a reference found in Deuteronomy 27, where an altar was instructed to be set up and covered in lime (whitewash). On it, all the words of the law were to be inscribed. After that, the people of Israel were to stand on two separate mountains, and the curses for disobeying the law were to be called out while the people confirmed those things with the word “Amen.”

The last curse to be pronounced was, “Cursed is the one who does not confirm all the words of this law by observing them.” With that, the people were to confirm it with, “Amen.” Paul refers to that in Galatians 3:10, saying, “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.’”

The idea of this is that the “law brings a curse” because, as Paul says, “the just shall live by faith.” The one who overcomes, then, is given his own white stone – symbolized by this Old Testament altar of white stone – which declares the person “not guilty” because he has been imputed Christ’s perfect obedience to this law. Christ bore our guilt (2 Corinthians 5:21 and Galatians 3:13) in our stead.

Jesus continues, saying, “and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” The giving of a name indicates several things. The one who gives the name has authority over that person – to accept or reject. For example, the Lord renamed Abraham and Sarah. He renamed Jacob, and so on. In renaming them, He was giving them a new identification which was bestowed by Him, showing that He had accepted them.

Further, in giving a name, it signifies the new nature of that person. In the renaming of Jacob to Israel, the new nature is explicitly stated –

“Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.” Genesis 32:28

The Lord is saying that those who receive the white stone are His, and they have been given a new nature – one in which the law is fulfilled, adoption is granted, and full inheritance as sons is realized

Paul explains that the moment we trust in Jesus, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit which guarantees this will take place –

“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, ¹⁴ who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:13, 14

The stone is a physical token of this spiritual truth.

Life application: Christ has done the work – all of it – in order to redeem fallen man. All God asks of us is to accept what He has done, receive it, and be reconciled to Him. This is how one overcomes. In overcoming, all of the blessings promised by God are granted to His adopted children. Be sure to not miss the simplicity of what God offers. Just reach out, by faith, and receive it.

But, remember that there are warnings and admonitions in these seven letters as well. We cannot please God by disobeying what He has forbidden, or by doing those things that He hates. Let us put aside our misdeeds, come to God through Christ, and live holy lives to Him for all of our days.

It is beyond comprehension, O Lord, that You would do all the work to save us. All we have to do is, by faith, accept Christ’s deeds of righteousness in fulfilling the law on our behalf. How great is Your love that You have done this! Thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, given to us when we believe, and which is the guarantee of the good things to come for all eternity. Amen.

Thursday, 17 September 2020

Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. Revelation 2:16

Due to the tolerance of those who hold to Balaam’s doctrine, and to those who hold to the doctrine of the Nicolaitans – something Jesus says he hates – He now warns them, “Repent.”

The word “repent” signifies a changing of the mind. In the Bible, it is especially so in reference to accepting the will of God. One could say, “to think differently afterwards.” The people are doing one thing, Jesus warns them to not do that thing, and to think differently and no longer do what they had been doing. In this case, it is to no longer tolerate what Jesus finds displeasing. Should they fail to do so, He continues by saying, “or else I will come to you quickly.”

The word translated as “quickly” means “without delay,” “soon,” or “suddenly.” The Lord will not hesitate to take action at the most propitious moment, and when He does, it will be a decisive one. The warning has been given. If they fail to heed, He says He “will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.”

The word “repent” (above) is in the singular. He is talking to the leader of the church (the angel of verse 2:12 who represents the whole). He now says “them.” The leader is responsible for the actions of those in the church. He can expel them, correct them, etc. If he fails to do so, judgment will come.

Here we see the effective use of the sword mentioned in verse 12. There it said, “These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword.” The sword is the means of judgment for this church, just as it was for Balaam. Before Balaam committed his wickedness against Israel, the Lord withstood him with a drawn sword (see Numbers 22:23).

Eventually, Balaam brought Israel to conduct wickedness before the Lord (as Jesus noted in verse 2:14), and he was slain with the sword (Numbers 31:8 and Joshua 13:22). Jesus promises no less to those who fail to repent. The reason this is so is because they bear His name. In their vile actions, it is perceived that He is tolerant of such things. Judgment must come upon them because of this. What occurred with Israel is promised to also come about in His church.

Obviously, the sword here is being used metaphorically for some type of judgment. It could be some type of disease for those who practice the sins, it could be some type of persecution, or maybe it could even be some type of natural calamity. When it came, the people would be prompted to say, “We were warned.” His hand of judgment would be understood for what it was.

Life application: Jesus has just openly presented the sins of those in Pergamos and now He instructs them to “repent.” Our own deeds are what testify against us. The question has been asked many times in history, “Why does God send us to hell unless we do what He demands?” This question holds to the fundamental error of misunderstanding the nature of God and the nature of hell.

As previously noted, hell was a place prepared for “the devil and his angels,” not for man. Therefore, it is we who choose the path to hell. Instead of God saying, “If you don’t do what I say, I will send you to hell,” the Bible teaches that, “If you do what I say, I will keep you from hell.” Freewill is what makes the difference possible. Therefore, how we exercise our freewill is of eternal importance.

If we fail to wisely respond to His counsel, He will fight against us with the sword of His mouth. Remember from chapter 1 the lesson of the sword. The sword is noted as the power of the Spirit of God, and as the word of God, the Bible. Because this is so, the sword coming from Jesus’ mouth is authoritative, all-powerful, and able to consume anything which comes against it.

Peter speaks of this in his first epistle –

“For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God.” 1 Peter 4:17

This judgment, which begins at the house of God, will remove all who fail to make the right choice concerning their relationship with Christ. Again, this is our choice. Assigning blame to God for the consequences of our own actions is like a child blaming a parent when he steals a cookie after being told not to. It is incorrect thinking on our part.

Lord, help us in our confusion concerning the things that we don’t understand. Help us to make right decisions based on Your nature and Your character, and not from our limited perspective. You are the Creator, and we know that Your will, not ours, is what is right and good. Lead us in paths of right thought and right understanding. Amen.

Wednesday, 16 September 2020

Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Revelation 2:15

In the previous verse, Jesus said, “I have a few things against you.” He then went on to speak of the doctrine of Balaam which included a couple of negative things. He now finishes the list with, “Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.” The words are emphatic. A literal translation would be, “So have also you…”

It is debated what the intent of the emphasis is. It may be saying, “Just as you have those who hold to the doctrine of Balaam, so you also have those who hold to the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.” If this is the intent, then there is still another division which must be determined. Is the doctrine of Balaam the same type of doctrine as the Nicolaitans, or is it in a separate category? If it is the same, then what they taught is known. If it is different, then we can’t be sure what the Nicolaitans actually taught.

There are also two other options concerning the emphasis. It could be in relation to Israel. “Just as Israel was seduced by Balaam, so are you seduced by this Nicolaitan doctrine. This seems less likely because Jesus seems to be saying that they have those who hold to the doctrine of Balaam, and they also have those who hold to the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.

The final option is that this is referring to the Ephesian church (verse 2:6). In this, the emphasis is on the fact that not only did they have one major doctrinal error (that of Balaam), but they also have a second one (that of the Nicolaitans). It is a doctrine said to be hated by the church in Ephesus, but this church of Pergamos has accepted it. This last option is not to be quickly discounted, because Jesus next repeats what He said to the Ephesian church, stating, “which thing I hate.”

With these final words, there is a slight variation in source texts. Instead of “which thing I hate,” some texts say, “in like manner.” With this change, the various options above take on a stronger or less likely case as to which is correct, and it is difficult to be dogmatic concerning the actual intent of this particular verse.

No matter which variation is correct, the Lord is displeased with the conduct of those who hold to these aberrant doctrines. It is a stern note of warning that they must turn away from the path they are on.

Life application: Whatever the actual doctrine of the Nicolaitans was, what appears certain is that it took a stand against holiness. In coming to Christ, and by no longer being under the law, people then assume that they are free to exercise whatever moral perversion makes them happy. But this is untrue. In Christ, believers are made holy in order to conduct their lives in holiness. This is why Paul, writing to saved believers at Galatia, says the following –

“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, ²⁰ idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, ²¹ envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:16-21

The issue is not whether those who are saved will lose their salvation. Paul’s words indicate that those who are not saved, when presented with a false gospel, will never be saved. Christ died for sin. If people are told that their lives are not sinful, then they will never be cleansed of their sin.

Lord God, we have been separated from you because of sin. The good news of Jesus’ coming tells us that He dealt with our sin for us. Help us to be wise and call out to Him while we have the chance. And then after that, may You be pleased with how we conduct our lives, living in holiness and to Your glory alone. Amen.