Revelation (Written)

Saturday, 5 September 2020

Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Revelation 2:4

The Lord, speaking to the church at Ephesus, has provided two verses of compliments to them for their efforts. However, He now notes a negative aspect of their conduct, saying, “Nevertheless.” He has been speaking well of them, but this introduces words for their correction. That is firmed up by saying, “I have this against you.”

The word “this” isn’t in the Greek. It simply says, “Nevertheless, I have against you that…” The directness of the statement ignores that it is one thing or ten things. It simply forces the mind to consider that, despite all the good things they have been commended for, the Lord is not pleased with the direction they are heading. One issue can be considered “a little leaven” as Paul calls it in 1 Corinthians 5 (and again in Galatians 5). And as he says both times, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.”

The Lord expects what He has to say to be corrected. Doing more good works in other areas will not cure what is wrong, nor will it cover it over. The yeast will spread, and the entire church will be destroyed. And the thing that He finds deficient is “that you have left your first love.”

The words go back to what occurred with Israel in the Old Testament where the Lord said to Jerusalem through the prophet Jeremiah –

“Go and cry in the hearing of Jerusalem, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord:
“I remember you,
The kindness of your youth,
The love of your betrothal,
When you went after Me in the wilderness,
In a land not sown.”’” Jeremiah 2:2

The word Jesus uses, aphiémi, gives the sense of abandoning, leaving, neglecting, and so on. What had happened is that their labors, attention to doctrine, and so on that are noted in the previous two verses became what consumed their time and energy. This was so much the case that they had actually neglected their love for the Lord who saved them in the first place.

What may be the case is that many years earlier, the last time that they had seen Paul, he gave them this final note of instruction –

“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35

The word for “weak” can mean physically or spiritually. Prior to Paul’s letters, it is always used in the gospels and Acts as indicating those who are physically weak, diseased, sick, and so on.

It is just speculation, but for all we know, they may have gone back to the town after meeting with him and said, “we need to set up a ministry to support the weak, just as Paul said.” In this, they diligently set forth to do what was right, but got so caught up in the ministry that they forgot the purpose of the ministry – to proclaim the gospel and to love the Lord who first loved them.

In fact, Paul’s final words to them in his epistle said, “Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen” (Ephesians 6:24). They had, in fact, failed to take that closing statement to heart. In their zeal to do good works, they had forgotten their first love. Their efforts became the focus, and a social gospel took over. In essence, “We will do good in order to be considered good.”

But, without Christ Jesus in the mix, and without a heart dedicated to Him, their efforts were slowly becoming mere vanity. This needed to be correct before they completely departed from any real relationship with the Lord of the church.

Life application: Getting notes of approval and encouragement is always exciting and uplifting. Here comes the boss, telling you in front of everyone else that you’ve been doing great things for the company while you brim with pride and confidence. And just then he stops and says, “Nevertheless…”

The Ephesians must have read the first few sentences and thought they were in tight with the Lord – “Look at our works, our labor, our patience, our doctrine, and our perseverance. We’ve dotted every ‘I’ and crossed every ‘t!’” But Jesus says that with this type of discipline and stamina, they had let something far more valuable slip to the wayside, love for Him.”

The church was so heartily into doing good deeds, helping others, taking care of needs, checking the visitor’s doctrine, and moving forward in self-confident assurance, that they’d forgotten the very heart and purpose of all of their labors – Jesus Christ. As you think on this, don’t say to yourself, “That will never happen to me.” If you look back and carefully analyze your situation, it may have already happened.

Bible study is meant to reveal Christ to us, not to become a match where we out-study, out-learn, and out-do everyone else. Church outreach isn’t intended to make the church look better; it’s to demonstrate Jesus to the surrounding area. Church services (get ready for this one) aren’t meant to be uplifting to us or to lead us to some higher point of emotion; they are intended to worship Jesus Christ. There can be far more heartfelt love and worship of Jesus in a church with no instruments at all than in a church with an orchestra or band. The purpose of worship isn’t to uplift us; it is to … worship.

Worship means honoring the Lord as divine and showing Him respect by engaging in acts of prayer and devotion to Him. This is an upward-directed action. The church in Ephesus was doing many good deeds, but their hearts, thoughts, and eyes had become misdirected from their first Love. They began to only engage in horizontally directed actions. Let us constantly evaluate ourselves, keeping Christ Jesus at the center of all we do.

Lord Jesus, remind us again today and every day that our service, our devotion, our heart, and our love belong first and always to You. Please keep our hearts from being misdirected into deeds that are cold and without love. Instead, rejuvenate us each day with Your Holy Spirit, filling us with the desire to bring You the worship You are due. Amen.

Friday, 4 September 2020

…and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Revelation 2:3

In the previous verse, there were five commendable points in the Ephesian church – their works, labor, patience, intolerance of evil, and testing of those who proclaimed to be apostles. Jesus now turns these around and restates His words in a positive way concerning the fortitude of those who have so conducted themselves.

Taken together they read –

“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; ³ and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.” Revelation 2:2, 3

In seeing this, the words can be more clearly evaluated. Jesus begins with, “and you have persevered.” The word gives the sense of bearing a burden. They had picked up the load they had been charged with and carried it. What is borne is debated. Whether it was the accusation of false teachers (as noted in the previous verse, they would not tolerate evil and may have faced accusation because of it), persecution from others, or the heavy weight of the labors of the ministry, they were faithfully faithful to not only lift the load, but to continue with it despite its weight.

From there, it next says, “and have patience.” It is the same word found in the previous verse, also translated as “patience.” As seen, the word signifies perseverance, steadfastness, and so on. One could rightly think of “constancy.” They remained unswerving in their ability to exhibit patience.

It next continues with, “and have labored for My name’s sake.” This looks to the previous verse where Christ acknowledged their labors. The words now explain that they were done for the sake of His name. In other words, whatever labors they accomplished as a body, some of which may have been the same type found in any general setting, these were openly acknowledged as being done for Christ’s name and not simply for the normal advancement of human life.

In this, they not only labored, but they “have not become weary.” The normal pattern of human labor is to work until tired, and then give up. However, instead of allowing the toil to wear them out, they remained invigorated and steadfast in their efforts. Charles Ellicott succinctly states it as, “They had toiled on to very weariness without wearying of their toil.” This is the correct sense of what is stated.

Life application: Those at Ephesus continued on despite what must have been long, tedious, or difficult circumstances. It is what perseverance implies. It is like continuing up the side of a mountain after the point of exhaustion is reached. The goal is what matters.

Further, through their struggles for His name’s sake, they waited patiently for the fruits of the labors to be realized. Instead of losing heart and getting redirected to something less important, they waited with the assurance of the coming actualization of their efforts.

And the perseverance and patience they demonstrated was reflected in their tireless efforts. This is highly commendable in any situation because fatigue and frustration can easily tire out the strongest athlete in any type of race, but this was a race of the highest order – for the name of Jesus. In this, they followed Paul’s example in 1 Corinthians 9 –

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. ²⁵ And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. ²⁶ Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. ²⁷ But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Christ found these things commendable in the church at Ephesus. As this is so, He will find the same attributes commendable in our conduct as well. Let us heed what the Lord says, and then let us apply these positives to our own actions.

Thank You Lord for the positive examples of perseverance and endurance that are given in Scripture. In reading them, we can know how to act as well. Certainly, the things You have found commendable there will also be found worthy in us. And so, may our hearts desire to apply these lessons to our conduct in all we do. In this, we will be pleasing in Your sight, and will be commended by You on the day You evaluate our lives! Amen.

Thursday, 3 September 2020

“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; Revelation 2:2

Jesus, addressing the church at Ephesus, now provides them with a compliment. The church in Ephesus is unique in that it is the only church detailed in three different locations in the New Testament. It is mentioned in Acts 18:18-19:41, it is the addressee in an epistle of Paul, and it is addressed as one of the seven letters to seven churches here in Revelation.

These positive words of the Lord can be broken down into five thoughts. The first one is, “I know your works.” This is a common theme for all seven churches. It is Jesus’ way of saying, “I know what you are doing – whether good or bad, whether of faith or not, etc.”

Nothing is hidden from Him, and the words are intended to convict them of this. It reflects the “eyes like a flame of fire” that were noted in the first chapter. His eyes pierce through all things, seeing what we may think we can hide. The word “works” simply speaks of actions that carry out a desire or purpose.

The Lord knows what the churches have been doing in this regard. For now, knowing their works, He next continues with, “your labor.” The word carries with it a sense of toil, and by implication the things that come along with that, such as pains and weariness. He knows what they labor at, and He is approving of it.

Next, He notes, “your patience.” This word signifies perseverance, steadfastness, and so on. The word “constancy” comes to mind. They remain unswerving in their ability to wait. However, this patience is not without limits. The Lord positively states concerning this “that you cannot bear those who are evil.” In other words, their patience is correctly directed, and will not stand for evildoers. It is a high mark of commendation to note an attribute such as patience, and yet to note what that patience will not tolerate. This then is what is reflected in Johns own words –

“If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; ¹¹ for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” 2 John 1:10, 11

The Lord next says, “And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not.” An apostle is someone sent by another. If they claimed to be apostles of Christ, it means they have claimed that they were sent by Christ. At the late date of the writing of this letter, it is surmised that only John was left of those designated apostles. But even if the word is more broadly used, such as “an apostle of John,” which someone could claim, those at Ephesus were diligent to test them and see if it was true. They immediately rejected those who were not.

With that stated, the verse finishes with, “and have found them liars.” Regardless of who they claimed sent them, the Ephesians were careful to reject any who did not present a true message. This is reflected in the warning of Paul to the Corinthians –

“But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. ¹³ For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. ¹⁴ And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. ¹⁵ Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.” 2 Corinthians 11:12-15

The Ephesians were able to spot such people and reject them. Their claims were found false.

Life application: Taking some of the Lord’s points directed to the Ephesians, we can consider our own state in relation to them. At times, the fruits of our labors don’t come quickly, and we tend to fall away from the effort because it appears there is no reward for the task. However, striving patiently will usually end in seeing maturity of those fruits. Such was the case in Ephesus.

Also, how many churches, in an attempt to be “inclusive,” allow perversion, greed, idolatry, etc. to enter into their fellowship? We need to be careful to never allow even the slightest amount of yeast to enter into our doctrine or into our fellowship.

Concerning the testing of those who claimed to be apostles, or have any other type of authority, we need to size them up, listening carefully as visiting people speak. We need to then check what they have said against the standard, meaning Scripture.

As a summary, we can –

1) Strive to emulate that which is commended in Scripture, and

2) Stand against false doctrine and false teachers. But unless we know our Bibles well, these things are impossible to accomplish. And so, we are to be well-grounded in its teachings.

Lord Jesus, Your word tells us of the things You hold as commendable in the church. Help us to remember these things, and then to act upon them in our own congregations – assisting in right deeds and labors, being patient in what we do, standing up against evil, and testing visitors’ words and actions against Scripture. May You be pleased with how our churches are run. Amen.

Wednesday, 2 September 2020

“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,
‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: Revelation 2:1

As was noted in the previous verse, which closed out Chapter 1, the word “angel” is certainly to be taken as “messenger” and signifying the leader of the congregation. Understanding that, Chapter 2 begins with a note “To the angel of the church of Ephesus.”

The word “church” as used already, and as is used here, is from the Greek word ekklésia. It signifies an assembly or a congregation. It comes from two words signifying “called out.” In this, it is especially signifying those who have been called out from the world and to the fellowship of His kingdom through the gospel.

The church of Ephesus was a real, historical church first mentioned in Acts 18:19. The church began with Paul’s standard entry into the local synagogue to reason with the Jews. Eventually, the church departed from the synagogue and took up its meetings at the school of Tyrannus, being comprised of both Jews and Greeks.

The church ultimately became a predominantly Gentile congregation as is evidenced by Paul’s words in Ephesians 2:11 where the focus is on Gentiles. And yet, the words of Paul there show that it is one gospel shared between Jew and Gentile. It is important to understand these facts so that one does not fall into the heresy of hyperdispensationalism.

That same church continued on at the time of John, and it is this church whom Jesus addresses first in His words to “seven churches” (as stated in the previous verse). To know more about the area of Ephesus, and some of the cultural and geographical history of the location, a review of the commentary of Albert Barnes or Vincent’s Word Studies will provide many details.

Understanding who is being addressed, Jesus next states, “These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand.” Stating this first, just as He opens the letter, is to show that the leader of the church is right within the power of His grasp. Christ is the Head of the body, the church (Colossians 1:18). Therefore, whatever occurs in relation to the church falls under His control. This does not mean that He is responsible for the events, but that He has the power to take action concerning all that occurs. This is certain based on the content of the letters.

Further, the word translated as “holds,” means “to place under one’s grasp.” Thus, it signifies to put under control. For example, it is the word used when John the Baptist was arrested. The ultimate control of the church, meaning any recognized church at any time, is under the power and authority (symbolized by the right hand) of Jesus Christ.

Jesus continues the verse next, saying, “who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands.” As noted in the preceding verse, the seven lampstands “are seven churches.” We are being given symbolism of the state of any church at any given time, represented by seven generalized churches. Each is called forth as an example of any church with similar problems.

The verb in this clause is a present participle, “walking.” He is actively coursing through the churches, not sitting around waiting for angels to give him a report every 30 days. It is a note which should be taken to heart. The things that go on in a church are being watched and evaluated at all times. We may forget that the Lord is there, but that does not mean the Lord is absent. He is actively searching out what occurs in His church in Sarasota, Florida, and He is actively searching out His church in Vientiane, Laos. If it is a true church, the Lord is evaluating it.

With this introductory verse of the seven letters to seven churches, it is a good time to note the similarity of all seven letters in the following verses. The Pulpit Commentary notes that placing each side by side will reveal the following six generalities. They say –

“These common elements are:
(1) Christ’s command to the seer to write;
(2) his title, which in most cases is taken from the descriptions in Revelation 1;
(3) the praise, or blame, or both, addressed to the angel, based in all cases on intimate personal knowledge – ‘I know thy works;’
(4) the charge or warning, generally in connexion with Christ’s coming;
(5) the promise to the victor;
(6) the call to each individual to give ear.”

Life application: After this opening, the letters (with two exceptions – Sardis and Laodicea) have a word of commendation, and then a note about the state of the church which leads to a word of correction (with the exception of Smyrna and Philadelphia where no correction is noted). After any correction, a note of encouraging approval and a challenge to persevere is normally given to close out the letter.

This style of writing can be equated with a sandwich. The bread is at the beginning and the end, and anything you may or may not like is in the middle. This type of letter eases into correction and eases out of it, and is a good way of dealing with difficult issues. In the cases where no easing in (or out) occurs, it is because the church is in such a bad state that any commendation may be taken as approval when no approval is due. As these letters represent problems systemic throughout the church age, we can easily determine what type of church we are in when compared to these seven letters.

Look around you as you attend your church. Have you allowed perversion to creep in? It is addressed in these letters. Have you allowed wealth and comfort to replace a heart for Jesus? It is in these letters. Unfortunately, we can normally see deficiencies in other churches better than we can in our own. Jesus holds the stars in his hand – they are under His authority. Jesus also walks among the churches, noting deficiencies, commending, rebuking, and so forth. He is ready to remove the lampstand from whatever church turns away from the truth of His gospel and His word.

Lord Jesus, we are Your people and the sheep of Your pasture. Please bring to our attention the deficiencies in the churches that we attend, and put it in the hearts of Your people to correct those areas that are weak. May we strengthen that which is acceptable and good. Thank You for being attentive to the state of each church and each individual as well. Amen.

Tuesday, 1 September 2020

The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches. Revelation 1:20

John is in the process of writing “the things which are” from the previous verse. That is now explained by the Lord, saying, “The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands.” In the Greek, there is a difference in these words than of those in verse 1:16. There it said, “in His right hand.” Here, it says, “upon My right hand.” Thus, it appears as if His hand is open, and resting upon it are these seven stars.

The word “mystery” does not signify something unknowable. Rather, it signifies something that cannot be known until it is revealed. For example, the gospel, the rapture, the uniting of the church with Christ, and so on, were called mysteries by Paul. None of those things could be known apart from them being revealed by God.

So it is true with this. Jesus has these objects which typologically represent something else. In the Old Testament, there was a menorah, a table of showbread, an altar of incense, the veil, the Ark of the Covenant, and so on. All of those things were merely types and shadows of other things found in Christ. For example, the veil is said explicitly in Hebrews 10:20 to be the flesh of Christ. The meaning of the implements is unknown, and it cannot be known without God revealing it. But now, Christ is going to do so.

In this, He says, “The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches.” The translation is not correct. In the Greek, there is no article before “churches.” It says, “The seven stars are the angels of seven churches.” The general nature of the words provides us with insight into the fact that what will be said to them is a generalization of any church at any given time which will then fall into one of the seven categories set forth by the Lord. There were many more churches than just these seven at John’s time, but the Lord selected these for His specific reasons.

Next, the word “angels,” in both Hebrew and Greek, signifies “messengers.” It can speak of divine or human messengers. In this case, there are quite a few possibilities as to what is being referred to. A few for reference are:

1) Heavenly beings. The term is certainly used this way many times in Revelation and elsewhere in the New Testament. But this then begs the question as to why John would be instructed to write to these beings to repent, or refer to them in human terms such as being “alive” and “dead” (meaning in a spiritual sense), and so on? Heavenly angels do not control churches, nor do they communicate with churches. Angels are ministering spirits as described in Hebrews, but John would not be writing such things to a ministering spirit.

2) The angels are actually a representation of the church itself. In other words, John is writing to a church that is represented by the people in the church. However, this is shown to be incorrect because the churches are called “the seven lampstands” in this verse. Therefore, they are two separate entities. Further, this is again confirmed in verse 2:5 where the Lord says that unless certain action is taken, He will take the lampstand away. The address is in the singular, meaning to the “angel.”

3) The angels are the leaders of the individual churches. This is not without precedent. In Daniel 12 it says this of proper teachers –

“Those who are wise shall shine
Like the brightness of the firmament,
And those who turn many to righteousness
Like the stars forever and ever.” Daniel 12:3

Similarly, such a term is used of false teachers in Jude –

“These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; ¹³ raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.” Jude 1:12, 13

Therefore, this is the most likely meaning of the word “angels” here, and thus a better translation for the verse would be “messenger.” This is how the word in Hebrew, malak, is translated in Malachi 2:7 when speaking of the priest in Israel –

“For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge,
And people should seek the law from his mouth;
For he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.”

The seven “stars,” symbols of authority, represent the seven leaders of the church. They are the messengers of the word of God and the gospel message to the body of believers.

Understanding this is the case, the next words of Jesus are, “and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.” Again, the translation is incorrect. There is no article before “churches.” It should read, “and the seven lampstands which you saw are seven churches.” Again, the generalization is given to avoid misanalysing what is being conveyed. Error has arisen in many commentaries because of the improper inserting of a definite article which does not belong in the text.

It is certain that all true leaders are under the authority of Christ. Likewise, all true churches – even with their many problems – are a part of the one true church. The representation of Christ having seven stars in His right hand, and also walking among the seven golden lampstands, must be taken as symbolic of all true leaders and all true churches throughout the church age. Seven then – the number of spiritual perfection – is given to represent all of the true church.

The seven lampstands represent the churches. As a lampstand issues forth light, so the churches are intended to issue forth light as well. This is the intent of what is said. And this is exactly how Paul explains the gospel in 2 Corinthians 4:4 and 2 Timothy 1:10, meaning “light.” The church is the focal point for where that gospel message is to be proclaimed.

Life application: After this verse, there are only 21 exciting chapters left. The coming pages are gloriously filled with the splendor of God, the majesty of Jesus Christ, and the judgment of the ages coming upon an unrepentant world. In the midst of this is the salvation of God’s long-wayward and yet beloved people Israel.

Before that, there will be the letters to review that John has been instructed to write. Of those churches, a lot of negative words from Jesus will be conveyed to its leaders. However, having lampstands indicates that the churches are accepted by Jesus as functioning properly, at least to some degree. A lampstand is intended to give light. If a church is failing to be a light as intended, then the lampstand is removed.

This has certainly occurred over the ages as individual churches fail to properly preach and teach the gospel. When a church apostatizes, or “falls away” from the truth, it is no longer a valid church and its lampstand is removed; it becomes a haunt of darkness and uncleanliness. Be sure to evaluate the church you are in right now. Is it following the Bible? Is it straying? Has it completely left the Lord’s commands? Take time to evaluate where you attend and, if necessary, make the move to a congregation the Lord would approve of.

Lord Jesus, in Your hand is all of the rule and authority over Your church. Help the churches that we attend to be properly functioning ones that will bring You and Your glorious gospel the honor it is due. Help us to be responsive to the needs of our congregations, and to be people who will help keep our churches in line with Your word. May it be so to Your glory. Amen.