Introduction
Messages to the first four assemblies (churches).
Verses
1“To the angel of the assembly in Ephesus write:
“He who holds the seven stars in his right hand, he who walks amongst the seven golden lamp stands says these things:
“He who holds the seven stars in his right hand, he who walks amongst the seven golden lamp stands says these things:
2“I know your works, and your toil and perseverance, and that you can’t tolerate evil men, and have tested those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and found them false.
4But I have this against you, that you left your first love.
5Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I am coming to you swiftly, and will move your lamp stand out of its place, unless you repent.
6But this you have, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
7He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of my God.
8“To the angel of the assembly in Smyrna write:
“The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life says these things:
“The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life says these things:
9“I know your works, oppression, and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
10Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life.
11He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. He who overcomes won’t be harmed by the second death.
12“To the angel of the assembly in Pergamum write:
“He who has the sharp two-edged sword says these things:
“He who has the sharp two-edged sword says these things:
13“I know your works and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. You hold firmly to my name, and didn’t deny my faith in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed amongst you, where Satan dwells.
14But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to throw a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.
15So you also have some who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans likewise.
16Repent therefore, or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth.
17He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes, to him I will give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows but he who receives it.
18“To the angel of the assembly in Thyatira write:
“The Son of God, who has his eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like burnished brass, says these things:
“The Son of God, who has his eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like burnished brass, says these things:
19“I know your works, your love, faith, service, patient endurance, and that your last works are more than the first.
20But I have this against you, that you tolerate your woman, Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. She teaches and seduces my servants to commit sexual immorality, and to eat things sacrificed to idols.
21I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality.
22Behold, I will throw her into a bed, and those who commit adultery with her into great oppression, unless they repent of her works.
23I will kill her children with Death, and all the assemblies will know that I am he who searches the minds and hearts. I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.
24But to you I say, to the rest who are in Thyatira, as many as don’t have this teaching, who don’t know what some call ‘the deep things of Satan,’ to you I say, I am not putting any other burden on you.
25Nevertheless, hold that which you have firmly until I come.
26He who overcomes, and he who keeps my works to the end, to him I will give authority over the nations.
27He will rule them with a rod of iron, shattering them like clay pots; as I also have received of my Father:
28and I will give him the morning star.
Questions
1. To which assembly (church) does John write to say they have lost their first love?
v 1 “To the angel of the assembly in Ephesus write: ...
v 4 But I have this against you, that you left your first love.
2. To which assembly does John write that by overcoming their fear, they will be saved from the second death?
v 8 “To the angel of the assembly in Smyrna write: ...
v 11 ... He who overcomes won’t be harmed by the second death.
3. What does the Son of God say he knows about the assembly in Thyatira?
v 19 and 20 “I know your works, your love, faith, service, patient endurance, and that your last works are more than the first. But I have this against you, that you tolerate your woman, Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. ...
Summary Points
- v 1 to 7 The assembly at Ephesus is persevering and does not tolerate false teaching. However it has lost its initial zeal and needs to regain it
- v 8 to 11 The assembly at Smyrna, although poor is rich in faith. However it is suffering from opposition, and is about to suffer persecution. The members are encouraged to remain faithful
- v 12 to 17 The assembly at Pergamum is remaining faithful despite opposition. However they are tolerating members who have wrong doctrines and practices and are warned to take necessary action
- v 18 to 29 The assembly at Thyatira is commended for its faith and service. But they are tolerating some members who are leading others astray with false doctrines and practices. The faithful are encouraged to hold fast to the truth
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