Revelation (Written)

Tuesday, 15 September 2020

But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Revelation 2:14

Jesus, the One who “has the two-edged sword” (verse 12), began his words to the church at Pergamos with a note of approval concerning their conduct. That was because of their previously having held fast to His name and not denying His faith. He now will speak to them of their failings. He begins with, “But I have a few things against you.”

In this, He is showing that past deeds cannot cover over present failings. This is an important point because it is reflective of many churches throughout the ages. “This church is 147 years old and was started by the great pastor Ermine Evangelist.” Or, “This church was the first church to send missionaries to the Amfalula Islands in the South Pacific.” Such things are irrelevant if the present church has moral failings.

In the case of Pergamos, the Lord continues with, “because you have there those who hold to the doctrine of Balaam.” Balaam is a figure first found in Numbers 22. Being a diviner, he was summoned from his home located near the Euphrates River to come to the land east of Canaan in order to curse Israel.

In the story, he first refuses but eventually comes. When he arrived, he was unable to curse them, but instead blessed them several times. After this, it appeared his presence in the biblical narrative had ended, but it was not so. He reappears in Numbers 31 and is found to have been behind a scheme to seduce Israel, weakening their morals and causing a disruption in the allegiance of many toward the Lord God.

This is where Jesus picks up the narrative concerning Balaam, saying that he “taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel.” The word translated as “stumbling block” is skandalon. One can see the modern word “scandal” in it. It can signify a snare, an occasion to fall, an offense, and so on. The idea of a stumbling block is something that causes a person to trip.

In the winter, frost heaves up rocks in the fields. They may push up just an inch or two, and the grass makes them unnoticeable. But, a person walking in the field will catch his toe on it and tumble over. It is something that seems insignificant, but which can cause great offense (a scandal).

However, a person (or a group of people) who stumble are in a different category than those who fall. To stumble signifies needing correction. To fall will often mean one is beyond remedy. The situation in Pergamos is that of stumbling, but it is not too late for them to correct their deficiency. And so, Christ defines what they are doing which is similar to what Balaam did. It is “to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.”

The instruction for avoiding or eating things sacrificed to idols is a subject which is too long to fully explain here, but it is first set forth in Acts 15, at the Council in Jerusalem –

“For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: ²⁹ that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.” Acts 15:28, 29

The “things offered to idols” is speaking of consuming such things. This was an intermediate step concerning these things during the early establishment of the church. Paul’s letters will qualify this order, explaining the matter is to be based on a person’s conscience. He discusses the matter of foods in great detail in Romans 14. He then specifically refers to things sacrificed to idols in 1 Corinthians 8, and again in 1 Corinthians 10.

To get a fuller understanding of what is and what is not allowed, and what the importance of those things are in relation to others – both within and without the church – one can refer to the Superior Word commentary on those passages.

The second issue, that of “sexual immorality,” is prohibited throughout Scripture. Sex is intended to be between a man and woman within the bonds of marriage. If that limitation is maintained, nothing unfavorable will result in regard to impurity or judgment. As Hebrews says –

“Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” Hebrews 13:4

To go beyond that is to be considered inappropriate. So firm is the Lord in this regard that sexual immorality is noted even on the very last page of Scripture –

“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. ¹⁵ But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.” Revelation 22:14, 15

Life application: In Numbers 25, the harlotry of Israel is recorded. At that time, it says that twenty-four thousand died in the plague sent by the Lord. After that, in Numbers 31, vengeance was taken upon the Midianites, and Israel destroyed them along with Balaam who was the instigator of what happened. As it says –

“And they warred against the Midianites, just as the Lord commanded Moses, and they killed all the males. ⁸ They killed the kings of Midian with the rest of those who were killed—Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, the five kings of Midian. Balaam the son of Beor they also killed with the sword.” Numbers 31:7, 8

The question is, could Pergamos expect any less if they failed to handle the situation? No! And this is certainly the reason why the particular symbolism of Jesus was presented to the congregation – “These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword” (2:12).

In other words, the sword was the chosen description of Christ for this church indicating that the same judgment of Balaam was destined for those who failed to repent of their misdeeds. Jesus is not the “cosmic pushover” that He is often portrayed as being. He is the Lord God Almighty and will punish disbelievers and those who arrogantly put His grace to the test. He is holy, He is just, and He is righteous. He is Jesus.

Lord Jesus, you know each one of us intimately and you know the secret faults of our hearts and our deeds. Turn our hearts to You and away from that which is dishonorable and wicked. Especially Lord, please help us with our personal struggles, be they drug, alcohol, gambling, sexual, or other addictions. Through You we can gain victory. Amen.

Monday, 14 September 2020

“I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. Revelation 2:13

The Lord now begins to specifically addresses the church concerning their actions. As before, He says, “I know your works.” The Lord is aware of all that a church does – both good and evil. Next, He adds in the thought, “and where you dwell.” The implication, without going any further, is that the location itself is a part of either something positive or negative. Otherwise, there would be no reason to state this. In explanation of the words, the Lord next says, “where Satan’s throne is.”

The idea is that Satan has authority and rule in Pergamos. It explains why Jesus said, “and where you dwell.” There are certainly many temptations, there was much wickedness, and many trials because these things would have been faced by those of the church. Additionally, as was noted in the previous verse, it was a city of many temples to pagan deities. This would have certainly caused friction between the Christians and those who worshiped false gods.

If they were to venture into the city and proclaim the gospel, those who heard could easily become enraged over the thought that their gods were no gods at all. This is what happened in Acts 19 concerning the temple to Diana, goddess of the Ephesians. The people became so enraged at the message Paul proclaimed that a riot ensued.

Despite facing such troubles at Pergamos, in the place where Satan’s throne was said to be, the Lord commends the church, saying, “And you hold fast to My name.” The words are reminiscent of the words of Peter in his first epistle –

“If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. ¹⁵ But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. ¹⁶ Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” 1 Peter 4:14-16

Despite whatever trials they faced at Pergamos, the throne of Satan, the believers were not willing to hide the fact that they were followers of Christ. They clung to their identity as such and were unwilling to back down, obviously despite great challenges or persecution. Otherwise, there would be no reason to note this. As a confirmation of that, He then says, “and did not deny My faith.”

It is the mark of the Christian. Believers do not have a “god” in front of them made of wood or stone. Rather, believers have faith in what they do not see. The Lord ascended after the completion of His earthly ministry, and all we have is the story of His coming contained in the Scriptures which tell of Him. Thus, faith is the essential point of Christian life. The believers at Pergamos were unwilling to deny their faith in what they believed, “even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr.”

Nothing is known of Antipas outside of Scripture with the exception of some obviously made up fables. One translation of the name is, “Instead of All.” Therefore, the name could be a designation of someone who was willing to die in order to save others in the congregation. This is wholly speculation, however. Either way, he is called “My faithful martyr.”

Some translations say, “My faithful witness.” The reason is that the Greek word martus signifies someone who is a witness, and this is how the word is usually translated. However, in saying “martyr,” it conveys the thought that he was not only faithful in his witness, but he gave his life for it in the process. As Jesus next says, “who was killed among you.”

This is where we derive our modern term of martyr. It is an acknowledgment that a person not only bore witness to the faith, but that they did so to the point of death. One can speculate that in some uprising that occurred, this individual was willing to lay down his life rather than to deny his faith in the Lord Jesus. It is a note of high honor for his faithful stand. And to highlight it even further, the Lord again says, “where Satan dwells.”

By saying this a second time, it highlights and accentuates the thought. It is similar to verse 5 where Jesus says to repent, and then at the end of the verse He again says, “unless you repent.” Despite all of the wickedness that Satan could throw at the believers in Pergamos, Antipas was willing to stand boldly in the face of it and offer his life rather than to deny the faith.

Life application: Antipas was so grounded in the faith that he willingly held fast, even to the point of death. If, in fact, he did this to save others, it is then reminiscent of the words of John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” Whatever the truth is about Antipas’ martyrdom, the people of Pergamos held fast to the words and truth of Jesus and did not deny him, even in the face of what occurred.

Around the world today, Christians are being martyred in huge numbers. These faithful believers will be remembered by Jesus and rewarded on the Great Day of Judgment that lies ahead. Satan roams about, seeking to destroy all he can, and his attacks on the faithful continue. 

Even in lands that were once bastions of promoting the gospel, persecution has begun to take root. But more, even within churches this is becoming true. Those who hold to the true gospel are facing persecution from others who promote false gospels.          

This trend will only increase as the world turns against what Scripture proclaims. But fear not, Jesus will right all wrongs. It is He who holds the keys to death and Hades.

Lord Jesus, surely we are weak, but through faith in You we can be strong. This is true even in the midst of persecution and trial. Today we say a special prayer for those Christians who are facing death at the hand of Your enemies. May they be strengthened by Your comforting Holy Spirit. We know that You are not inattentive to their state, so please give them strength in their trials. Amen.

Sunday, 13 September 2020

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write,
‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:’” Revelation 2:12

The words of the Lord are next directed “to the angel of the church in Pergamos.” The name Pergamos is properly, Pergamum. It is derived from the Greek word purgos, meaning a tower or fortified structure, such as a castle. Charles Ellicott gives a brief description of the location –

“Unlike Ephesus and Smyrna, Pergamos was not distinguished as a commercial city. Its importance was due to other causes. A striking cone shaped hill rose from the plain which bordered the northern banks of the Caicus. The hill was considered sacred. Its value as a strong natural fortress was early recognised, and it was used as a keep and treasury where local chieftains deposited their wealth. Its greatness as a city dated from Eumenes II., who was given by the Romans a large surrounding territory, and who fixed Pergamos as his royal residence. Under his auspices a splendid city—rich in public buildings, temples, art galleries, and with a library which rivalled that of Alexandria—rose into being. It has been described as a city of temples, ‘a sort of union of a pagan cathedral city, an university town, and a royal residence.’ It retained its splendour even after it passed by bequest to the Roman Republic, and was declared by Pliny to be a city unrivalled in the province of Asia.”

For a longer and more detailed description, Vincent’s Word Studies can be referred to. The address to the angel of Pergamos begins with “These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword.” The meaning of this was explained in the commentary on Revelation 1:16, which can be referred to.

Life application: As recorded by an ancient witness, Pergamos was “given to idolatry more than all Asia.” There were temples, including the one dedicated to Zeus who was called Soter Theos, or the Savior God. When Caesar worship became acceptable, it was the first city in the area to build a temple dedicated to Augustus. Pergamos was also famous for its medical schools. The god of health, Asclepius (symbolized by a serpent), was noted there as well. It is into this setting that the church is addressed.

The two-edged sword, as noted in Revelation 1:16, is representative of an instrument that is effective in cutting in both directions. It is also effective in deep thrusts. As noted in the commentary on 1:16, the Old Testament Hebrew uses a term similar to the Greek, “the mouth of the sword,” for its edge. The New Testament describes the sword as both the Spirit of God and as the word of God (the Bible). Jesus is getting ready to explain the symbolism that goes along with the sword and how it pertains to the church – both internally in the church (cutting in one direction) and externally (cutting in the opposite direction) in the surrounding area “where Satan’s throne is” (Revelation 2:13).

God is an impartial judge. When the church errs, it receives judgment too. We can’t openly flaunt sin in the church and expect to get away with it. The Bible notes, in both testaments, that judgment begins at the house of the Lord. Only after wickedness and disobedience are taken care of in God’s house does He turn to remove it elsewhere. Let us remember this lesson as we conduct our lives in His presence!

Righteous and holy is the Lord God Almighty. Just and true are His judgments. May we, the sheep of Your fold, be obedient to Your word and both walk and act in line with what You determine for each of us. Help us to live our lives as honest and faithful Christians – to Your glory. Amen.

Saturday, 12 September 2020

“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.” Revelation 2:11

Jesus repeats the words previously spoken to the church at Ephesus, saying, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” To understand the significance of this statement, refer to the comments of verse 2:7. In short, it is a call out to the churches to pay heed to His words.

He then next says, “He who overcomes.” Again, as before, to “overcome” is something that occurs when one 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 those who do overcome, Jesus says, that he “shall not be hurt by the second death.”

This is a phrase that is new to Scripture. It can’t be fully understood without referring to its explanatory verses found later in Revelation –

“Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.” Revelation 20:6

“Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. ¹⁵ And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:14, 15

“And He said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. ⁷ He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. ⁸ But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.’”  Revelation 21:6-8

The “second death” is the Lake of Fire. It is the final state for all humanity apart from God. Jesus is the only way to avoid this fate. To believe in Him is to overcome. To overcome means that they have been spared from this second death. They have moved from spiritual death to spiritual life. It is the reconnection to God that was lost at the very beginning when Adam sinned. Through faith in Christ, one is born again. The reconnection is made, and its effects are eternal.

Life application: One must overcome in this life and “he who has an ear” should pay close attention to the warning. This is our one big chance to get it right. The book of Hebrews makes this perfectly clear in verse 9:27 – “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, …” Jesus, through the eternal Spirit, calls out to the churches and warns us of the consequences of not calling on Jesus as Lord.

When speaking to the people of Israel in a discourse about the judgment of the nations, Jesus says that the Lake of Fire was designed for the devil and his angels –

“Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’” Matthew 25:41

The purpose for man was eternal life in the presence of God. However, God granted man free will. Adam used it and the spiritual connection to God was severed. In order to have that repaired, we are expected to use our free will wisely. Those who want to live apart from God now will live apart from God for all eternity. The Lake of Fire is eternal. It is man’s default position. When God judges, no one will be able to complain that the judgment was unfair.

Now, while there is breath in your lungs, is the time to call on the name of Jesus and get right with God. The switch from the default position is only possible through Him. Anything else will result in the eternal sadness of the “second death.”

Lord God, thank You for Jesus and His cross. We know that without it there would be no hope at all. But because He prevailed over death, we too can prevail over it. For those who receive Him, there is the promise of eternal life. May we be careful to spend our time getting this word of reconciliation out to those who so desperately need to hear it. All glory to Jesus who makes these things possible! Amen.

Friday, 11 September 2020

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. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10

Jesus just told the church at Smyrna that He was aware of their difficult state. Now, He lets them know that their immediate prospects will seem to be even worse than what they are already facing. But this should not be unexpected.

Jesus let His early followers know that they should expect tribulation (John 16:33). Paul, on several occasions, reminded believers that this was to continue to be expected (e.g. 1 Thessalonians 3:4). The same is true in the other apostolic writings as well (e.g. 1 Peter 4:12 and so on). Now, Jesus directly tells the church that difficulties are just ahead, saying, “Do not fear.”

The words, “Do not fear,” when spoken by the Lord literally permeate Scripture. When the Lord says this, it is to be considered the highest form of surety that despite what lies ahead, He is already aware of it and will be with his people through it. For example, when Jacob was set to leave the land of Canaan for the last time, the Lord was with him –

“So He said, ‘I am God, the God of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there. ⁴ I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again; and Joseph will put his hand on your eyes.’” Genesis 46:3, 4

Again and again, the Lord speaks these same words to His people at points in time when fear would be the normal and expected reaction. For those at Smyrna, what was coming would be more than one trial, but a set of them, as He says, “any of those things which you are about to suffer.”

This group, who had already faced struggle, was set to have more tribulations heaped upon them, even to the point of suffering. With this unfortunate news stated, the Lord then expands on the thought, saying, “Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison.” What appears to be the case, because He just mentioned the “synagogue of Satan,” is that the non-believing Jews of the area would be the motivating factor in what was about to occur.

The devil (v.10) and Satan (v.9) are the same being, and therefore it is possible – without being dogmatic – that they would devise some sort of scheme, causing those in the church to be arrested and cast into prison. It is a logical assumption.

The book of Acts carefully records the early establishment of the church. One of the points that is clearly evident is that Christianity was identified as a subsect of Judaism. Under the Roman Empire, Judaism was considered religio licita, or an accepted form of worship. When Christianity sprouted out of that, the Jews – time and again – tried to distance themselves from it. However, again and again, the legal decision came back allowing Christianity under the greater umbrella of the Jewish faith.

Because of this, it was allowed to spread and blossom. It is apparent that at times the Jews would run in and out of favor with the government. As this occurred, it affected believers as well. Here in the letter to Smyrna, it appears that the non-believing Jews will be able to exert enough influence that these believers would be apprehended and imprisoned. Jesus then says the reason for it. It is so “that you may be tested.”

This is something that the Lord has allowed many times in His church. Such testing is not for the Lord’s knowledge. He knows who are His. It is also not a test of individual salvation – something decided when one comes to Christ in faith. Rather, the testing served at least two major purposes. The first was strengthening of personal faith that already existed, and the second is to refine the church as a body.

Peter speaks of these things in his first epistle –

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷ that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, ⁸ whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, ⁹ receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:6-9

The author of Hebrews refers to such things in Hebrews 10:32-36. With the knowledge that these things were surely coming upon them, the Lord next says, “and you will have tribulation ten days.” The term “ten days” or “ten times” is not necessarily to be taken literally. It is an idiom found throughout Scripture to indicate a period of testing. In Genesis 31, Numbers 14, Nehemiah 4, and Job 19, the people explain their testing in this way, saying, “ten times.” Other similar uses of the number ten being used this way are also noted. For example, in Daniel 1 (which uses the same terminology as this verse in Revelation) they were tested for “ten days” –

“So Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, ¹² ‘Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. ¹³ Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants.’ ¹⁴ So he consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days.
¹⁵ And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies. ¹⁶ Thus the steward took away their portion of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.”

Jesus now uses this same terminology and applies it in the context of the suffering of those in Smyrna. In this testing of “ten days,” He exhorts them, saying, “Be faithful until death.” The One who Himself was faithful unto death makes a call to His people to act in the same manner. He is not asking them to do anything He had not already experienced. And just as He prevailed over death, so He holds the keys to allow the same for His faithful.

As He says, “and I will give you the crown of life.” It is a note of honor. James mentions the “crown of life” as well –

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12

Other crowns are also noted for believers in the New Testament, such as the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8) and the crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4). Such things are stated to give hope to believers as we anticipate the life that is truly life. What happens here, though maybe terrifying or tragic, is only a temporary trial. The Lord allows these things to strengthen us, refine His church, and to provide encouragement to others who are set to face such things as well.

Life application: As noted, throughout the Bible, the Lord admonishes His people to not fear. In 1 John 4, we are told, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”

Believers truly have no need to fear. Christ has prevailed over the greatest enemy of all, death and Hades. Thus, He alone has the power to save from death, and He has the power to cast into hell. As He says in Matthew 19, “… do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

For those in Christ, there is to be no fear of death, and there is to be no fear of hell. Death cannot hold us, and hell has no right to us. Jesus has prevailed over death and He promises the gift of eternal life to His faithful followers. Be encouraged in this. We serve a great and glorious God. He is Jesus.

How great it is, Lord, to know that nothing in the entire universe can separate us from You. You prevailed over death, and through faith in Your mighty accomplishments, we now have the promise of eternal security and eternal life. No fear here… we are servants of the Most High God! Amen.