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Revelation Chapter Two

 

I. Content of the Chapter

 

The Things which Are------the Lord’s Epistles to the Seven Churches (I)

I. The church of Ephesus------it typifies the church in the post-apostolic period (v.1-7)

II. The church in Smyrna------it typifies the church in period of being persecuted by the Roman Empire (v.8-11)

III. The church Pergamos------it typifies the period of the unification of the state and the church (v.12-17)

IV. The church Thyatira------it typifies the church that deviates from the way (v.18-29)

 

II. Verse by Verse commentary

 

Rev. 2:1To 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:

   YLT: “`To the messenger of the Ephesian assembly write: These things saith he who is holding the seven stars in his right hand who is walking in the midst of the seven lamp-stands -- the golden:”

   Meaning of Words: “hold”: control take lay hand on grasp; “Ephesus”: admirable relaxation cast satisfaction.

   Literal Meaning: “‘To the angel of the church of Ephesus write ” it is the second epistle written to the church of Ephesus in the New Testament. The first was written by Paul and in which the truth was abstruse showing that the spiritual level of believers in the church of Ephesus was high.

“‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:” Before the Lord spoke to churches in various places He describes whom He is and the descriptions are different to different churches. It shows that the descriptions are made aiming at the different conditions of the churches in various places.

   Spiritual Meaning: “‘To the angel of the church of Ephesus write ” the meaning of “Ephesus” is relaxation symbolizing that the condition of the church was slack to some extent. “The church of Ephesus” typifies that the spiritual conditions of the churches in “the post-apostolic period” (the last years of the first century) had already slowed down from loving the Lord fervently to working hard.

    Please note that the epistles written to the seven churches could be interpreted from four aspects: 1) the real spiritual conditions of the churches in the respective places at that time. 2) they typify the representative spiritual conditions of the churches in all the earth at different historical periods. 3) they show that it is possible for the churches from ages and from generations to have the seven different kinds of spiritual conditions. 4) to us believers in the last time the seven epistles could be our warning and exhortation.

He who holds the seven stars in His right hand who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:” It symbolizes that He is the high-priest who walks among all the churches and He holds the spiritual real power over the churches in various places.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Concerning preaching or writing books the Lord must clearly tell us first through His words that “write (or preach)…” and this way He shall accomplish what He initiates Himself.

2) The Lord take care of us the individual (stars) and the church the corporate (lampstands) and His hands and feet act for us.

 

Rev. 2:2I 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;

   YLT: “I have known thy works and thy labour and thy endurance and that thou art not able to bear evil ones and that thou hast tried those saying themselves to be apostles and are not and hast found them liars ”

   Meaning of Words: “labor”: toil; “bear”: carry take up; “test”: try; “liar”: false.

   Literal Meaning: I know your works your labor your patience” The Lord knows our conditions like the palm of His hand and He knows our good and bad points. “Works” specially refers to the matters in the administrative aspect of the church. “Labor” refers to serving diligently. “Patience” indicates that one fulfills his duty faithfully and uncomplainingly facing the troubles in the service and has patience to deal with them.

“And that you cannot bear those who are evil.” “Those who are evil” specially refers to the heretical false teachers (See 2Pet. 2:1-3; 2John. 7). The church of Ephesus cannot bear the false apostles.

And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not and have found them liars;” “test” refers to being not rash careless and taking precautious guarding against and searching (See Acts. 17:11). The common ways of testing are: 1) listening to their words (doctrines and teachings); 2) watching their behavior (walkings); 3) looking into their expressions (intentions).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord Jesus is omniscient and He knows all our conditions. The problem is that many believers fear that men know their conditions and do not fear of the Lord and therefore they act absurdly.

2) The church of Ephesus has many advantages: working faithfully and diligently carrying out an undertaking from start to finish and being knowledgeable and holding fast to the truth. Probably few churches are able to match her.

3) Satan has its false preachers and the church must see through and abandon them watchfully and continuously (See 2Cor. 11:1-4 12-15).

4) The church should be carful when receiving preachers and certain procedures of test are appropriate. Some churches invite men to preach merely by the introduction of one or two believers. The greater part of what they preach is disciplined however they get in touch with saints privately after the gathering and consequently they carry away many people who love the Lord but lack discernment. Afterwards the leaders of the church feel powerless and full of shame and it is too late to regret. 

 

Rev. 2:3 “and you have persevered and have patience and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary.

   YLT: “and thou didst bear and hast endurance and because of my name hast toiled and hast not been weary.”

   Meaning of Words: “weary”: tired dejected depressed.

   Literal Meaning: “and you have persevered and have patience” the patience in this verse and the “patience” in the second verse are the same word in the original however the former verse refers to the patience in the service in the church and the latter stresses on the patience towards the world i.e. enduring for the sake of the gospel and bearing the witness of Jesus Christ.

“And have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary.” “For My name's sake” refers to preaching the name of the Lord. “Labor” refers to working hardly to save men. “Have not become weary” refers to holding on straight to the end and never giving up easily.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) We should play fast and lose in preaching the gospel. Sometimes the effect may be not great however we should still keep on and there will be fruits surpassing every understanding at the season.

2) The Lord knows and remembers what we have done for Him.

 

Rev. 2:4 “Nevertheless I have this against you that you have left your first love.

   YLT: “`But I have against thee: That thy first love thou didst leave!”

   Meaning of Words: “against”: oppose withstand; “first”: original foremost.

   Literal Meaning: Nevertheless I have this against you ” the condition that the Lord was against them was very serious.

“That you have left your first love.” “First love” refers to the first love in the aspect of time and the foremost love in the aspect of quality (first and “the best” in Luke. 15:22 are the same word in the original). The church of Ephesus had many advantages worthy of the Lord’s praise however the advantages cannot make up for this disadvantage (See v.5). It shows that such disadvantage is quite serious. It is important to “labor for the Lord” without a doubt however if our labor is of responsibility instead of the love to the Lord the value of the labor shall fall short.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) A believer may serve the Lord zealously and even suffer for the Lord willingly however he may not truly love the Lord.

2) To obey is better than sacrifice and to hearken than the fat of rams (1Sam. 15:22). Everything that we do for the Lord shall be in vain if they are not of the love to Him.

 

Rev. 2:5 “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place--unless you repent.

   YLT: “remember then whence thou hast fallen and reform and the first works do; and if not I come to thee quickly and will remove thy lamp-stand from its place -- if thou mayest not reform;”

   Meaning of Words: “remember”: be mindful; “fall”: fail; “repent”: change the mind; “place”: area location; “remove”: move.

   Literal Meaning: “therefore” The Lord made the following three suggestions aiming at the disadvantage of the church of Ephesus:

Remember from where you have fallen;” it refers to investigating the cause which makes them leave their first love.

“Repent” means that their mind is going forward wrongly and they have to change their mind completely.

“And do the first works” means that what they do are good apparently however they are of no value because the motives for them are wrong. They must walk out of their first love as they did at first.

“Or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place--unless you repent.” “I will come to you quickly” does not refer to the second coming of the Lord but that the judgment shall come quickly. “Remove your lampstand from its place” means they no longer have the testimony of the church and cannot shine for the Lord on the earth.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Our first love to the Lord can be resumed just as our communion with God can be resumed (See 1John. 1:9).

2) There are three important conditions for resuming the “first love”: a) reading the Bible praying meditating and seeking the light from the Lord; b) admitting one’s sins repenting to the Lord changing the mind; c) obeying and putting into practice.

3) The function of the church and believers on the earth is being “the light of the world” (See Matt. 5:14). Once we lose this function we lose the value of our existence. How terrible!

 

Rev. 2:6 “But this you have that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans which I also hate.

   YLT: “but this thou hast that thou dost hate the works of the Nicolaitans that I also hate.”

   Meaning of Words: “Nicolaitans”: above the people the conqueror of the people.

   Literal Meaning: “But this you have ” while the Lord blamed them He still did not forget to give them the words of encouragement.

“That you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans ” “Nicolaitans” according to the original it is a new word made up of two words: “conqueror” and “people”. The two words compose “the conqueror of the people”.

“Which I also hate.” It means that the Lord hates the deeds of “the Nicolaitans”.

   Spiritual Meaning: “the deeds of the Nicolaitans” it means that the deeds of the hierarchy are above that of common believers and a minority of people become the intermediate class who take complete care of the spiritual service.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Usually we completely forget the merits of others when we blame them. However the Lord is not like us and He praises men before and after the blame. When dealing with others we should remember and learn from the strong points of others.

2) The Lord hates every idea and deed of the intermediate class in the church and therefore we should also hate them. However it is wrong that believers or preachers hold in the subconscious that certain things can only be done by a certain group of people.

 

Rev. 2:7He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.’”

   YLT: “He who is having an ear -- let him hear what the Spirit saith to the assemblies: To him who is overcoming -- I will give to him to eat of the tree of life that is in the midst of the paradise of God.”

   Meaning of Words: “overcome”: prevail get the victory.

   Literal Meaning: “What the Spirit says to the churches.” There are two points worthy of our attention: 1) formerly it is the Lord that spoke (See v.1) and now it is the Spirit that says. 2) formerly the words were said to the church of Ephesus and now the Spirit says to the churches.

“He who has an ear let him hear” It implies that many people have ears but do not hear and they hear but do not understand (See Is. 6:9).

To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.’” “Overcome” refers to overcoming the condition of the fall of the church (See v.4-5). “The Paradise of God” refers to the New Jerusalem in future (See 3:12). “The tree of life” refers to the trees on the two sides of a river of water of life in the midst of the street of the city of New Jerusalem which bore twelve manner of fruits and yielded her fruit every month (See 22:1-2). “Give to eat” indicates that one does not need to wait to foretaste it till future.

Spiritual Meaning: “from the tree of life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” it symbolizes that Christ is the provision of our life. Though common believers can enjoy Him only he who overcomes can enjoy Him fully (“twelve manner of fruits” refers to perfection; “yielded her fruit every month” refers to being unceasing and frequent).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The words written in the Bible are the words of the Lord however they are the objective words (logos). Only when they are turned to the subjective words and the words in season (rhema) through the communion of the Spirit will they be our personal provision.

2) The teachings in the Bible to every generation every church and everyone may be applicable to us however we cannot adopt them completely. Only through the interpretation and guidance of the Spirit will the teachings be applied to the needs for different conditions.

3) Usually our ears are itching ones that we only hear the words in which we delight and cannot hear the words that the Spirits says (See Matt. 13:13). Let’s ask the Lord to open our ears that we can hear His voice (See Is. 50:4-5).

4) The Lord Jesus says that I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly (John. 10:10). The reason why we have not enjoyed the life of the Lord abundantly must be that we are unable to overcome the corrupt conditions (it means that we have not overcome).

 

Rev. 2:8And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write These things says the First and the Last who was dead and came to life:

   YLT: “`And to the messenger of the assembly of the Smyrneans write: These things saith the First and the Last who did become dead and did live;”

   Meaning of Words: Smyrna”: myrrh bitterness.

   Spiritual Meaning: And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write ” the meaning of “Smyrna” is myrrh in the original and it symbolizes bitterness. “The church in Smyrna” typifies the churches that were persecuted by the Roman Empire from the end of the first century to the beginning of the fourth century.

“‘These things says the First and the Last who was dead and came to life:” “The First and the Last” symbolizes that: 1) the bitterness that we suffer is permitted by Him and everything is under His control and nothing will go beyond the boundaries that He has set. 2) He Himself had suffered bitterness and therefore He is able to sympathize with our bitterness (See Heb. 4:15) and He shall help us unto the end.

  “Who was dead and came to life:” it symbolizes that Christ’s life of resurrection shall be manifested upon those who are delivered unto death for the sake of Jesus (See 2Cor. 4:11).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (2Tim. 3:12). However everything is under His control and He who will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able but with the temptation will also make the way of escape that we may be able to bear it (See 1Cor. 10:13).

2) If we have been united together in the likeness of His death certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection (Rom. 6:5). If we died with Christ we believe that we shall also live with Him (Rom. 6:8).

 

Rev. 2:9I know your works tribulation and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not but are a synagogue of Satan.

   YLT: “I have known thy works and tribulation and poverty -- yet thou art rich -- and the evil-speaking of those saying themselves to be Jews and are not but a synagogue of the Adversary.”

   Meaning of Words: “tribulation”: persecution exhaustion; “poverty”: beggary; “blasphemy”: evil-speaking slander.

   Literal Meaning: I know your works tribulation” the Lord’s “knowing” is the greatest consolation. If men suffer bitterness and are not understood or sympathized by others they indeed suffer more. 

“And poverty (but you are rich)” “poverty” refers to the material shortness. “Rich” refers to the spiritual richness.

“And I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews” “who say they are Jews” indicates that they are the Jews according to the flesh however they are not the true Jews before God (See Rom. 2:28-29). Here it specially refers to those who are zealous in Jewish legalism. “The blasphemy” indicates that men cannot be saved if they do not keep the law (See Acts. 15:1 5 24). Some of them even made the excuse that Christians betrayed Caesar to make use of the hand of Romans to do away with them.

“And are not but are a synagogue of Satan.” “A synagogue of Satan” refers to those who are utilized by Satan (See John. 8:44).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Christians are a group of peculiar ones. The world see us suffer tribulation however seemingly but actually we have peace and joy in the Lord (See John. 16:33; Phil. 1:17-18) and we seem to be poor however we are rich (See 2Cor. 6:10).

2) Today there are a group of people calling themselves “Christians” in Christianity and they are not but a synagogue of Satan.

 

Rev. 2:10 “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.

   YLT: “`Be not afraid of the things that thou art about to suffer; lo the devil is about to cast of you to prison that ye may be tried and ye shall have tribulation ten days; become thou faithful unto death and I will give to thee the crown of the life.”

   Meaning of Words: “fear”: be afraid of be in awe of; “throw”: cast; “be”: become.

   Literal Meaning: “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer.” “Those things which you are about to suffer” Indicates that great persecutions shall come. “Do not fear” refers to not fearing persecution and tribulation (See Matt. 10:28).

Indeed the devil is about to throw some of you into prison that you may be tested” “the devil” apparently it is men that persecute however it is the devil that does it. “Some of you” indicates that not the whole church but a part of them shall suffer persecution. “Throw…into prison” refers to utilizing the political power to execute persecution. “That you may be tested” suffering tribulation is a kind of test (See 1Pet. 4:12-13) test our faith (See 1Pet. 1:6-7).

“And you will have tribulation ten days.” “Ten days” refers to a short period of time.

Be faithful until death” it indicates that the reaction that Christians should have is endurance instead of resistance when they suffer persecution (See 13:10; 14:12). “Faithful until death” means not loving their lives to the death (See 12:11).

“And I will give you the crown of life.” “The crown of life” indicates that the Lord has already prepared it for those who are faithful until death as the reward. They lose their life for the sake of the Lord and they shall find it (See Matt. 16:25) i.e. finding the excellent resurrection (See Phil. 3:11 in the original).

Spiritual Meaning: “and you will have tribulation ten days” it has two meanings: 1) it symbolizes that the tribulation that they suffered is perfect (the word “ten” in the Bible refers to perfection). 2) It typifies that the early church shall suffer “the ten great persecutions” from the Roman Empire and they really came true.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) “Fear” is the biggest reason why Christians fail and it makes us lose courage and faith (See Mark. 5:36) and be subject to bondage willingly (See Heb. 2:15).

2) Persecution is a “test” to Christians and the devil attempts to test us to make our faith fail through persecution and tribulation (See Luke. 22:31-32). God also tests us through them that our faith will be more precious (See 1Pet. 1:6-7).

 

Rev. 2:11He 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.’”

   YLT: “He who is having an ear -- let him hear what the Spirit saith to the assemblies: He who is overcoming may not be injured of the second death.”

   Meaning of Words: “hurt”: injure.

   Literal Meaning: He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Please see the note in v.7).

He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.’” “The second death” refers to being cast into the lake of fire (See 20:14). “Be hurt by the second death” refers to suffering the bitterness of fire. Though believers won’t be cast into the lake of fire probably they will suffer loss as through fire (See 1Cor. 3:15). Only the overcomers shall be saved from such loss.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) “Death” is the line of demarcation between overcoming and failing------those who do not fear death and are faithful until death (See v.10) shall overcome. Those who fear death and compromise with environments shall fail.

2) Those who fear the first death (i.e. the death of the flesh) shall either suffer the second death (unbelievers) or be hurt by the second death (the failing Christians).

 

Rev. 2:12And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write "These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:

   YLT: “`And to the messenger of the assembly in Pergamos write: These things saith he who is having the sharp two-edged sword:”

   Meaning of Words: Pergamos”: highland tall building union great joint guarding the city.

   Spiritual Meaning: And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write ” the original meaning of “Pergamos” is “marriage union” and “tall building” and it symbolizes: 1) the church unites with the world; 2) the church obtains high position in the word. “The church in Pergamos” typifies the politico-religious church from the beginning of the fourth century in which the Roman Constantine the Great declared that he had received Christianity as the state religion to the sixth century in which the Roman pope was formed.

These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:” symbolizes that the word out of the mouth of the Lord has two functions: 1) judging and attacking the adulteration of the world in the church (See v.16); 2) diving and cutting off the relation between the church and the world.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The metaphors said by the Lord that a grain of mustard seed became a tree and the leaven made the whole lump leavened (See Matt. 13:31-35) are formerly used to condemn the church (the reality of the kingdom of heaven) for her abnormal development in the world. However some preachers explain it as the good works done by the Holy Spirit and it is indeed ironic.

2) The word of the Lord like the sharp two-edged sword out of His mouth can judge and cut off the relation between the church and the world.

 

Rev. 2:13I 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.

   YLT: “I have known thy works and where thou dost dwell -- where the throne of the Adversary -- and thou dost hold fast my name and thou didst not deny my faith even in the days in which Antipas my faithful witness who was put to death beside you where the Adversary doth dwell.”

   Meaning of Words: “dwell”: inhabit live; “hold fast”: grasp; “deny”: refuse; “Antipas”: be against all.

   Literal Meaning: I know your works and where you dwell where Satan's throne is.” “Where you dwell” originally the church sojourns on the earth temporarily just like the movable tent and unexpectedly she has the steady dwelling place. “Where Satan’s throne is” means that Satan unexpectedly has the ruling position in the church.

Antipas was My faithful martyr among you ” the original meaning of “Antipas” is opposing all. This sentence means that a group of people in the church with the will of preferring to be martyred for the Lord rise to oppose all the abnormal conditions in the church for the sake of the testimony of the Lord.

“In the days in which who was killed where Satan dwells.” “Where Satan dwells” refers to the world. However the church has united with the world and therefore it is in the church. “Was killed” refers to being martyred for the Lord.

And you hold fast to My name” “My name” refers to the name of the Lord Jesus. Believers are saved by calling upon the name of the Lord (See Rom. 10:13) and therefore holding fast to the name of the Lord means that a group of believers still keeps the faith.

“And did not deny My faith” the whole sentence is equivalent to the previous sentence in meaning i.e. not abandoning the faith.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) If we want to bear good witness to the Lord we should determine to oppose every condition which does not conform to the truth at any price even being martyred for the Lord willingly.

2) What believers oppose is every condition which does not conform to the name of the Lord instead of any one. Please remember that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual wickedness in high places (See Eph. 6:12).

 

Rev. 2:14 “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.

  YLT: “`But I have against thee a few things: That thou hast there those holding the teaching of Balaam who did teach Balak to cast a stumbling-block before the sons of Israel to eat idol-sacrifices and to commit whoredom;”

   Meaning of Words: “against”: oppose: “hold”: attach to; “Balaam”: devourer the one who devours the people the master of the people pilgrimage; “Balak”: vanity the one who wastes; “things sacrificed to idols”: sacrifice idolatrous things.

   Literal Meaning: “But I have a few things against you” “a few things” means more than one. “I have against you” indicates that the Lord has opposed some conditions in the church.

“Because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam ” “the doctrine of Balaam” it indicates that the way of Balaam (See 2Pet. 2:15; Jude. 11) had developed into the doctrine of Balaam that believers are taught to cooperate with the world for money.

“Who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel” “Balak” was the king of the Gentiles (See Deut. 23:4). “A stumbling block” indicates that Balaam offered advice to Balak the king how to seduce the people of Israel into departing from God (See Num. 24:14).

“To eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality.” “To eat things sacrificed to idols” refers to worshiping idols (See Num. 25:2; 31:16). “To commit sexual immorality” means that the people of Israel committed fornication with the Gentiles (See Num. 25:1).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (1Tim. 6:10).

2) Fornication is always related to worshiping idols (See 1Cor. 6:9). Where there is the matter of worshipping idols there will be fornication there.

3) If believers exalt someone above that which is written (See 1Cor. 4:6) they indeed adore a spiritual idol in their hearts. And it is the same as adoring sports stars movie stars or singers. And therefore they indeed commit the spiritual fornication in the sight of God.

 

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

   YLT: “so hast thou even thou those holding the teaching of the Nicolaitans -- which thing I hate.”

   Meaning of Words: “also”: in like manner; “Nicolaitans”: the one above the people the conqueror of the people.

   Literal Meaning: “the doctrine of the Nicolaitans” merely the “deeds” of the Nicolaitans were indeed hated by sensible believers in the church of Ephesus (See v.6). Today the deeds even developed into the “doctrine” showing that class concept has went deep into the hearts of believers and the public doctrine is not regarded as disobedient.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The reason why some people teach the wrong doctrine is that there are people who are willing to listen and hold the doctrine. Those who hold the wrong doctrine should never think that the Lord only blames those who teach the wrong doctrine. Here the Lord is against those who hold the wrong doctrine.

2) It is a virtue to obey the authorities in the church however we should be careful because obeying the wrong authority will not be praised but be blamed by the Lord.

 

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

   YLT: “`Reform! and if not I come to thee quickly and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.”

   Meaning of Words: “quickly”: soon; “fight”: make war.

   Literal Meaning: “Repent” refers to having the complete change in the minds concepts and deeds.

“Or else I will come to you quickly” it does not mean that the Lord shall come quickly but that the Lord’s judgment shall come quickly (See v.5).

“And will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.” It means that the Lord shall judge and condemn them according to the words out of His mouth.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord is not slack concerning His warning because He is not slack but longsuffering toward us not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (See 2Pet. 3:9).

2) The word of God is the sword of the Spirit (See Eph. 6:17). And usually we should let the word of Christ dwell in us richly in all wisdom (See Col. 3:16) that we can be spiritual soldiers for the Lord.

 

Rev. 2:17He 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.’”

   YLT: “He who is having an ear -- let him hear what the Spirit saith to the assemblies: To him who is overcoming I will give to him to eat from the hidden manna and will give to him a white stone and upon the stone a new name written that no one knew except him who is receiving .”

   Meaning of Words: “manna”: what it was (See Exod. 16:15).

   Literal Meaning: He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Please see the note in v.7.

To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat.” “The hidden manna” formerly refers to the manna in the golden pot hidden in the Ark of the Covenant (See Exod. 16:32-34; Heb. 9:4) and now it lacks trace to be found with the loss of the Ark of the Covenant.

And I will give him a white stone and on the stone a new name written” “a white stone” is formerly used by assessors to judge in the court: they throw a white stone to the innocent and the guilty a black stone.

“Which no one knows except him who receives it’” some other Bible exegetes held that “a white stone” is a mark which the ancient Jews looked as the bosom friend------two intimate friends have a white stone respectively and on the stone the name of them and they give it to each other. And therefore only the one who receives the stone know the names on it and others have no way of knowing them.

Spiritual Meaning: To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat.” Manna originally is the food of the children of God given from heaven when they walk in the wilderness and it symbolizes that the word of God is our provision (See Deut. 8:3). “The hidden manna” symbolizes the special enjoyment and experience additionally kept by Christ for overcomers.

And I will give him a white stone and on the stone a new name written” “a white stone” symbolizes Christ’s recognition for overcomers’ reception in the spiritual realm. “A new name” symbolizes the degree that overcomers experience themselves.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Men receive from what they eat. If men eat things sacrificed to idols (See v.14) they indeed receive the idols which they worship into their hearts. If men eat the word of God (See Matt. 4:4) they indeed gather the composition of God’s life for themselves.

2) Believers’ enjoyment and experience of Christ today shall become their own savings in heaven (See Luke. 12:33; 18:22) as the reward in future.

3) Our natural men are made by the dust (See Gen. 2:7). And those who are born from above become living stones (See 1Pet. 2:5) however we should pursue holiness like a white stone that we shall be acceptable to the Lord (See 1Pet. 1:15-16).

 

Rev. 2:18And 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:

   YLT: “`And to the messenger of the assembly of Thyatira write: These things saith the Son of God who is having his eyes as a flame of fire and his feet like to fine brass;”

   Meaning of Words: “Thyatira”: burning incense sacrificing unceasingly.

   Spiritual Meaning: And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write ” the original meaning of “Thyatira” is “sacrificing unceasingly”. “The church in Thyatira” typifies that the Catholic Church from the six century in which the Roman pope was formed to nowadays and the unceasing mass is her feature.

“‘These things says the Son of God who has eyes like a flame of fire and His feet like fine brass:” it symbolizes that the eyes of the Lord keep looking over the inner intentions and outer behavior of the backsliding church and at the same time He will judge according to His own standard and tread on everything not conforming to His standard.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Men sacrifice to please God and they hardly realize that offering strange fire makes God abominate them (See Lev. 10:1-2). The religious traditional service and ways cannot pass through the sight and standard of God’s judgment.

2) We should have the sight of the Lord that we can see what the Lord wishes us to see and the feet like that of the Lord that we can do what the Lord asks us to do.

 

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

   YLT: “I have known thy works and love and ministration and faith and thy endurance and thy works -- and the last more than the first.”

   Meaning of Words: “work”: labor; “service”: ministration.

   Literal Meaning: I know your works love service faith and your patience;” “works” the Catholic Church has many so-called works especially the public welfare. “Love” the case that one has love like Sister Teresa is not uncommon. “Faith” the case that one has faith like Madam Guyon is very common.

“And as for your works the last are more than the first.” It means that the good works in the Catholic Church will be more.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Catholic Church’s love and good works towards the world are indisputable. However they have love and neglect the truth (See v.20) and men’s so-called good works are regarded as evil works by the Lord (See 2John. 11). The Lord’s true believers should love in the truth (See 2John. 1-2).

2) If a church stresses on the social works more than the work of the gospel she indeed takes the branch for the root. The greatest service that a believer can do is bringing sinners to the Lord.

 

Rev. 2:20 “Nevertheless I have a few things against you because you allow that woman Jezebel who calls herself a prophetess to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.

   YLT: “`But I have against thee a few things: That thou dost suffer the woman Jezebel who is calling herself a prophetess to teach and to lead astray my servants to commit whoredom and idol-sacrifices to eat;”

   Meaning of Words: “Jezebel”: virginity; “seduce”: deceive.

   Literal Meaning: a prophetess” is the one who passes on the word of God and speaks for God.

   Spiritual Meaning: because you allow that woman Jezebel who calls herself a prophetess to teach” “woman who calls herself a prophetess” symbolizes that the church oversteps her authority and makes the truth by herself. The Catholic Church has many teachings from the ideas of men traditional customs and even superstitions.

    “Woman Jezebel” typifies the backsliding church. The position of the church before the Lord is “a woman” (See Eph. 5:32) and Jezebel was the Gentile wife of Ahab the king of Israel who brought the heretical faith into the people of Israel (See 1Kings. 16:31-32). And therefore woman Jezebel was the one who took leaven and hid it in three measures of meal till the whole was leavened (See Matt. 13:33). The leaven symbolizes the evil heresies and the church should be the unleavened (See 1Cor. 5:6-8). However the Catholic Church brought the old leaven into the church.

“And seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.” “Committing sexual immorality” symbolizes the spiritual fornication------mixing abominations with the sacred things (See 17:4). “Eating things sacrificed to idols” symbolizes worshipping idols------worshipping others besides the true God (See 1Cor. 10:20-22).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) If the church makes the truth by herself besides the Bible she became the one “who calls herself a prophetess” and the Lord shall add unto her the plagues (See 22:18).

2) It is the most terrible condition to “call oneself a prophet”------one quotes few words of God and adding many his own words to them and making others wrongly regard them as God’s meanings.

3) We should not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace (See Heb. 13:9).

4) Christians should fear the true God wholeheartedly. We cannot both fear Jehovah and serve our own gods (See 2Kings. 17:34-35 41). It is the spiritual fornication and God hates it the most.

 

Rev. 2:21 “And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality and she did not repent.

   YLT: “and I did give to her a time that she might reform from her whoredom and she did not reform;”

   Literal Meaning: “And I gave her time to repent” It shows that God has great goodness forbearance and longsuffering and His goodness leads us to repentance (See Rom. 2:4).

“And she did not repent.” It means that she did not change her attitude and she still held that it was not wrong to mix the heretical ceremonies of worship and ways with the true worship.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) We should take advantage of opportunities to repent. And once one misses the opportunity he probably will never have it.

2) What’s the most terrible is that one is wrong and he does not realize it and it is impossible for him to repent forever.

 

Rev. 2:22 “Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation unless they repent of their deeds.

   YLT: “lo I will cast her into a couch and those committing adultery with her into great tribulation -- if they may not repent of their works ”

   Meaning of Words: “cast”: throw; “great tribulation”: great disaster.

   Literal Meaning: “Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed” “her” refers to woman Jezebel i.e. the backsliding church the corporate. “Cast into a sickbed” indicates that one loses the normal ability to move and can only prolong his last gasp and he is hopeless.

“And those who commit adulteryunless they repent of their deeds.” “Those who commit adultery” refers to “My servants” in v.20 i.e. the clergymen such as bishops priests sisters and etc. in the Catholic Church.

“With her into great tribulation” it means that all clergymen who do not repent shall be punished by the Lord together. “Great tribulation” refers to circumstances that cause one’s body and mind in great pain.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord mentioned “repent” again and again (three times from v.21-22) showing that the Lord did not intent to punish them but that hoped men to repent through the warnings of punishment. Though the Lord is severe He is full of goodness (See Rom. 11:22).

2) The Lord punishes and chastens us for the sake of love and for our profit. He will make all those who have truly received grace and been saved (please note that there are many people who truly believe in the Lord and have been saved in the Catholic Church) be partakers of His holiness finally (See Heb. 12:9-10).

 

Rev. 2:23 “I will kill her children with death and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.

   YLT: “and her children I will kill in death and know shall all the assemblies that I am he who is searching reins and hearts; and I will give to you -- to each -- according to your works.”

   Meaning of Words: “search”: investigate scrutinize; “mind”: kidney reins.

   Literal Meaning: “I will kill her children with death” “kill” refers to dying unnaturally because the Lord intended that “all the churches shall know”. “Her children” refers to those who receive her heretical teachings foolishly i.e. the nominal church members.

“And all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts.” “All the churches” refers to the orthodox Christian churches except the Roman Catholic Church. “The minds and hearts” refers to “reins and hearts” in the original and in the Bible it represents secrets hidden in men.

And I will give to each one of you according to your works.” “Your works” includes behavior. This sentence is the principle used by God to judge believers and it is restated dozens of times in the Bible (See Matt. 16:27; Rom. 2:6 and etc.).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Those who receive heretical teachings bring trouble to themselves and they cannot shirk all the responsibility to the heretical false teachers because if no one is willing to listen to and believe in them there won’t be the false teachers.

2) A common saying goes like that “believe it or not”. Believing it or not is the story in one’s heart and other people do not know it. However the Lord is the one who searches the minds and hearts and He clearly knows whether we believe in Him truly or falsely or blindly.

3) The Lord’s judgment is absolutely just and righteous because He judges according to both our outer behavior and inner intentions. The Lord also judges according to our works and He never clears the guilty and perverts the righteous by futility.

 

Rev. 2:24Now to you I say and to the rest in Thyatira as many as do not have this doctrine who have not known the depths of Satan as they say I will put on you no other burden.

   YLT: “`And to you I say and to the rest who are in Thyatira as many as have not this teaching and who did not know the depths of the Adversary as they say; I will not put upon you other burden;”

   Meaning of Words: “depth”: deepness.

   Literal Meaning: Now to you I say and to the rest in Thyatira ” “the rest” refers to believers who truly believe in the Lord in the Catholic Church.

“As many as do not have this doctrine who have not known the depths of Satan as they say” “do not have this doctrine” refers to not receiving the heresies handed down all the past dynasties in the Catholic Church. “Have not known” refers to being unwilling to search deeply. “As they say” refers to the teachings familiar to ear. “The depths of Satan” heretical teachers like emphasizing that their teachings are deep and they are hard to understand and one cannot understand them unless they become their members. Actually their so-called doctrines are the doctrines of Satan.

I will put on you no other burden.” “Other burden” indicates that the teachings in addition to the basic faith of the salvation sometimes will become burdens hard for men to bear. The Lord shows understanding for what we are able to bear and He is unwilling to let those who believe in Him be burdened (See Matt. 11:28-30).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The heretical ones like playing with words and letters------false named knowledge (See 1Tim. 6:20-21) and fables (See 1Tim. 1:4) and make men feel profound and difficult to understand them. Contrarily they attract them to search them and once they fall in it is difficult for them to come to realize the truth.

2) A rare and unusual fact is that in the circle of Christianity the followers of heresies and the heretical churches contrarily search the doctrine of the Bible deeply. However the majority of them deliberate the doctrine on which they stress and once they get into a blind alley it is impossible for them to come out and they cannot find the broader more profound and more balanced truth. It is a pity!

3) The Lord Jesus blamed the Pharisees and scribes that they lay upon men burdens heavy to bear and themselves do not touch the burdens with one of their fingers (See Luke. 11:46). This sentence is suitable to describe the heretical false teachers.

 

Rev. 2:25 “But hold fast what you have till I come.

   YLT: “but that which ye have -- hold ye till I may come;”

   Meaning of Words: “till”: as far as.

   Literal Meaning: “what you have” refers to their good deeds i.e. works love service faith and patience (See v.19). “Till I come” this sentence implies that the backsliding Roman Catholic Church unlike the previous three churches which no longer existed will exist till the second coming of the Lord.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Christians’ attitude to all doctrines and teachings should be: testing all things “holding fast” what is good (i.e. what conform to the truth) and abstaining from every form of evil (i.e. heretical teachings) (See 1Thess. 5:21).

2) Christians should not attack the heretical groups purposely because the Lord knows them that are His (See 2Tim. 2:19) and He has reserved to Himself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal (See Rom. 11:4). When the Lord comes again everything shall be exposed before the judgment-seat.

 

Rev. 2:26 “And he who overcomes and keeps My works until the end to him I will give power over the nations--

   YLT: “and he who is overcoming and who is keeping unto the end my works I will give to him authority over the nations ”

   Meaning of Words: “keep”: hold fast guard; “over”: govern.

   Literal Meaning: “And he who overcomes and keeps My works until the end” “He who overcomes” refers to those who overcome the corrupt teachings and deeds of the backsliding church. “My works” refers to the great redemption that the Lord has accomplished i.e. the truth of the salvation. “Keeps My works until the end” refers to holding fast to the truth until one sees the countenance of the Lord.

“To him I will give power over the nations--” refers to reigning with Christ in the coming kingdom (See 20:4 6).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord calls a group of men who loves Him from pure hearts to stand for the truth. Though the surrounding states make us painful we should never lose heart because having the Lord is sufficient.

2) Today those who keep the truth for the Lord may lose the position and authority in the church however the Lord shall make up for them with the power in future and the power in future is greater that the power on the earth today. 

 

Rev. 2:27He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels' -- as I also have received from My Father;

   YLT: “and he shall rule them with a rod of iron -- as the vessels of the potter they shall be broken -- as I also have received from my Father;”

   Meaning of Words: “rule”: shepherd.

   Literal Meaning: He shall rule them with a rod of iron;” “a rod of iron” refers to the powerful token which can make subordinates submit to them. “Rule” is “shepherd” in the original and it refers to replacing the negative restraint with the positive provision.

They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels'” “they” refers to the nations (See v.26). “The potter’s vessels” describes that it is easy to be dashed to pieces. “Be dashed to pieces” refers to being unable to resist again.

“As I also have received from My Father;” because overcomers reign with Christ and therefore their power is like the power that the Lord has received from God the Father.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The best way of management in the church is “shepherding” and teaching that believers can grow up into maturity in life and be willing to be ruled and directed by the Lord.

2) Today in the Lord we foretaste the power of the Lord’s life a little and that day overcomers shall partake of the power of the Lord to the full extent.

 

Rev. 2:28 “and I will give him the morning star.

   YLT: “and I will give to him the morning star.”

   Meaning of Words: “morning star”: the star which appears in the morning.

   Spiritual Meaning: the morning star” when the Lord comes again only the overcomers who watch and wait shall see His hidden coming like the morning star personally (See 22:16). As for common believers they shall see till His public appearing and at that time He will appear like the sun of righteousness (See Mal. 4:2). And therefore morning star typifies that the Lord reward overcomers with His appearing that they can meet Him in advance.

   Enlightenment in the Word: “morning star” refers to the bright star in the dawn sky before the sunrise (See 2Pet. 1:19) and only those who wake up early in the morning can see it. The night is far spent the day is at hand (Rom. 13:12). And therefore let us not sleep as others do but let us watch and be sober (1Thess. 5:6).

 

Rev. 2:29He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

   YLT: “He who is having an ear -- let him hear what the Spirit saith to the assemblies.”

   Literal Meaning: please note that the Lord mentioned this sentence of exhortation first and called overcomers later in the epistles to the three churches. However in the other four epistles from this epistle the order was changed and the Lord called overcomers first and then mentioned exhortations. Such phenomenon shows that the first three churches make up a group and the other four churches make up another group. The first three churches no longer existed and they referred to the three transitional phases in the church history. The other four churches occur in the church history continually and they all will exist till the second coming of the Lord.

 

III. Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons

 

The Being of the Lord vs. the Conditions of the Churches

I. The church of Ephesus:

  A. He who holds the seven stars in His right hand who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands (v.1)

  B. you have left your first love. I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place--unless you repent (v.4-5)

II. The church in Smyrna

  A. the First and the Last who was dead and came to life (v.8)

  B. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death (v.10)

III. The church in Pergamos:

  A. He who has the sharp two-edged sword (v.12)

  B. you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam and have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. Repent or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth (v.14-16)

IV. The church in Thyatira:

  A. the Son of God who has eyes like a flame of fire and His feet like fine brass (v.18)

  B. you allow that woman Jezebel who calls herself a prophetess to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works (v.20 23)

 

The Conditions and Reward of the Raptures

I. The church of Ephesus:

  A. you cannot bear those who are evil. You have persevered and have patience and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. You hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans (v.2 3 6)

  B. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God (v.7)

II. The church in Smyrna:

  A. I know your works tribulation and poverty (but you are rich) (v.9)

  B. Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death (v.10-11)

III. The church in Pergamos:

  A. you hold fast to My name and did not deny My faith (v.13)

  B. 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 (v.17)

IV. The church in Thyatira:

  A. do not have this doctrine who have not known the depths of Satan. Hold fast what you have (v.24-25)

  B. he who overcomes and keeps My works until the end to him I will give power over the nations. I will give him the morning star (v.26 28)

 

The Lord’s Exhortations to All the Churches

I. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works (v.5)

II. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer and be faithful until death (v.10)

III. Repent (v.16)

IV. I will put on you no other burden. But hold fast what you have till I come (v.25)

 

The Four Kinds of Men in the Church in Thyatira

I. The woman Jezebel who calls herself a prophetess (v.20)------the total amount of popes in all the past dynasties.

II. My servants (v.20) those who commit sexual immorality with her (v.22)------ hierarchic clergymen.

III. Her children (v.23)------the silly and superstitious churchmen.

IV. The rest (v.24)------the true believers of the Lord.

 

── Caleb HuangChristian Digest Bible Commentary Series

   Translated by Sharon Ren