4. LETTER TO THE CHURCH AT Revelation 2:18-29 18 And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like unto burnished brass:--The three cities already mentioned were near the seacoast; Thyatira was some distance inland and about midway between Pergamum and Sardis. Commercially it was noted as the place where dyes were manufactured; in the Bible it is specially known as the home of Lydia whom Paul converted at Philippi. (Acts 16:13-15.) This church is told plainly that the letter came from the Son of God. The expression about eyes like fire and feet like burnished brass refers to the vision John saw as described in 1:14, 15. See the notes on those verses. 19 I know thy works, and thy love and faith and ministry and patience, and that thy last works are more than the first. --Being the Son of God, Jesus had the authority to give commands (Matthew 28:18-20), and the right to demand obedience. Knowing their works, both good and bad, assured them that his commands would be strictly just. The general term "works" probably includes the four items following it--love, faith, ministry, and patience; the first two internal, the last external. Love to both God and man is always manifested by obedience and service; faith means not only that they had maintained their confidence in Jesus, but that they had been faithful in his service. In ministry would include religious as well as moral duties. Patience means that they had borne every trial of their faith with fidelity to Christ and the church. The church at Ephesus had fallen from its first love; the brethren at Thyatira had increased in good deeds--the last works being more than the first. A fine compliment indeed! 20 But I have this against thee, that thou sufferest the woman Jezebel, who calleth herself a prophetess;--To "suffer" the woman Jezebel means that they permitted her teaching without proper condemnation and allowed her to continue in the fellowship of the church. The name "Jezebel" undoubtedly refers to the highly gifted but desperately wicked idolatrous wife of Ahab, king of Israel. Under her influence Ahab was led to allow the introduction of idolatry and to endorse its shameful practices. He also worshiped Baal himself and did more to provoke Jehovah to anger than all the kings before him. (1 Kings 16:29-33.) Interpreters differ regarding the "Jezebel" in our text. Some think she was a real woman whose wicked influence was so similar to the Jezebel of old that she was called by that name rather than her own. Others think the name refers to a faction or party in the church that taught and practiced as did the real Jezebel. Since the church at Pergamum was rebuked because they had a faction that held the doctrines of Balaam (2:14), it seems probable that the church at Thyatira had a faction that was described by the name Jezebel. Besides, in this book a woman represents a church; hence, could appropriately represent a party or faction. Claiming to be a prophetess would mean that the faction claimed to teach according to divine authority. and she teacheth and seduceth my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols.--Whether Jezebel means a real person or represents a faction, the lesson would be the same. In imitation of the ancient Jezebel idolatry and licentiousness were taught. Since this was the teaching of Balaam, and probably the Nicolaitans as well, it may be that the person or persons condemned at Thyatira were some of the same false teachers differently described. 21 And I gave her time that she should repent; and she willeth not to repent of her fornication.--This may mean that warning had been given in some way that time to continue in such teaching would end unless repentance came or that God had allowed her sufficient time to repent if she would. But since she did not will to repent, then the punishment had to fall upon her. 22 Behold, I cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of her works.--This verse indicates that Jezebel was herself guilty of fornication whether it was natural or spiritual. If the name represents an element or faction in the church, it must be understood spiritually as referring to idolatry as was true of Israel anciently. (Jeremiah 3:9.) The word "behold" means that all the churches were to know of her punishment just as they knew of her sins. Verse 23 shows that such punishment would clearly prove that God is able to know human hearts and justly reward for all deeds. Casting "into a bed" means affliction or punishment; no other meaning will do for the expression here. Those led into such sinful practices will have to suffer tribulation and punishment along with their false teachers. These disastrous results can be avoided only by timely repentance. 23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto each one of you according to your works.--"Children" here mean those influenced to practice her false doctrines--her adherents. (Compare John 8:44; Isaiah 57:3.) By accepting and practicing her teaching they became participants with her as expressed in verse 22. To kill "with death" means thoroughly destroy, as with some kind of pestilence. Such drastic measures serve to make others fear. The design in this case was to demonstrate the infinite knowledge of God as a means of restraining evil. Reins and heart both refer to the inmost part of man's mind, and indicate that nothing, good or bad, can be hidden from God. Rewarding each according to his works is the common teaching of the whole Bible, and entirely just. (Matthew 16:27; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:13.) This is another reason why sinners should repent. 24 But to you I say, to the rest that are in Thyatira, as many as have not this teaching, who know not the deep things of Satan, as they are wont to say; I cast upon you none other burden.--Those here addressed as the "rest that are in Thyatira" mean those who had not accepted the doctrines and practices of the heretical party. They are described as those who "have not this teaching." This is very strong evidence that Jezebel was not some wicked woman, but rather some corrupt faction. Those commended here did not know or understand the deep or hidden schemes in Satan's wicked designs because they had not been led to participate in them. The expression, "as they are wont to say," may mean that those who opposed the false teaching were in the habit of referring to it as the "deep things of Satan." The false teachers themselves would hardly say that of their own teaching. In Smyrna there was a "synagogue of Satan" (verse 9); in Pergamum Satan's dwelling place (verse 13); here the depths of Satan. All this means that the wickedness in all places may be in some sense attributed to Satan. Jesus promised to put upon them no other burden than such as would naturally result from their allowing such wicked teachers to remain in fellowship, or would come from their efforts in trying to rid the congregations of the pernicious influences of erroneous teachings. 25 Nevertheless that which ye have, hold fast till I come.--They had received the gospel and manifested love, faith, service, and patience. All this they should diligently hold; their refusing to participate in the wicked schemes of Satan should continue. "Till" he came did not mean that they were to live till Jesus comes personally, for centuries have passed and he has not yet come. They were to remain faithful until death (Matthew 24:13), which, so far as they were concerned, would be the same as if he had come in their lifetime. 26 And he that overcometh, and he that keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give authority over the nations :--Here, as in the preceding letters, the reward is promised on condition that they overcome. The one overcoming is explained by the expression, "he that keepeth my works unto the end"; or, the one faithful until his death. For this faithfulness they were to have "authority over the nations." How this is to he exercised is explained in the following expressions. 27 and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to shivers; as I also have received of my Father:--Jesus rules in the absolute sense, being the author of the law; his apostles rule as ambassadors through whom the law has been delivered (2 Corinthians 5:18-20); and all faithful Christians rule in a secondary sense by being an example of the application of his law. (Romans 5:17.) By such faithfulness Christians condemn the world as did Noah in building the ark (Hebrews 11:7); or like Abel, who though dead, "yet speaketh" (Hebrews 11:4). Only in this sense may faithful Christians be said to rule over the nations. This verse with slight variation is a quotation from Psalms 2:9. Verses 6-8 show clearly that the Psalmist refers to Christ and his rule (after his resurrection) at God's right hand. (Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5.) Since Christians rule in a secondary sense under Christ, they rule during the same period he does--throughout the Christian dispensation. The expression "as I also have received of my Father" means that they received their authority to rule from Christ just as lie received his from the Father. Luke 22:29 proves the former; Psalms 2:6 proves the latter. With a "rod of iron" indicates a firm, sure, and unbending rule. The Greek word for rule means to "shepherd." Through his words and the examples of those who overcome Jesus will lead the righteous; his law against the wicked will be as inflexible as a rod of iron. It will have its effect with the same certainty that a rod of iron will break a potter's vessel. 28 and I will give him the morning star.--Christ is himself called the "morning star" in 22:16. He probably means that he will give himself to those who overcome; that is, to be in fellowship with him in his ruling. The expression is a further development of the thought in the two preceding verses. 29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.--See notes on verse 7. LESSON 3. MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN EPHESUS Read Revelation 2:1-7 1. The first letter is addressed to which of the seven churches? Ans. Revelation 2:1. 2. Who told John what to write? Ans. Revelation 2:1. 3. What did he say he knew about the Ephesians? Ans. Revelation 2:2. 4. What does he know about all men? Ans. John 2:24-25. 5. What attitude did the Ephesians take toward evil men? Ans. Revelation 2:2. 6. What did they do about the false apostles among the brethren? Ans. Revelation 2:2. 7. What other good qualities did this church possess? Ans. Revelation 2:3. 8. What did the Lord hold against them? Ans. Revelation 2:4. 9. What is the evidence of love to Jesus? Ans. Jno. 14: 15. 10. What were they told to remember? Ans. Revelation 2:5. 11. Name two things they were commanded to do. Ans. Revelation 2:5. 12. What did the Lord threaten to do, if they did not repent? Ans. Revelation 2:5. 13. What did they hate, which the Lord also hated? Ans. Revelation 2:6. 14. They were told to hear what? Ans. Revelation 2:7. 15. How does the Spirit speak to the churches now? Ans. 1 Corinthians 2:12-13; 1 Timothy 4:1. 16. What promise was made "to him that overcometh"? Ans. Revelation 2:7. HISTORY OF THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS 17. From whom had this church received another letter many years before? Ans. Ephesians 1:1 : 18. What eloquent preacher had visited them early in the church's history there? Ans. Acts 18:24. 19. On what point was his teaching inaccurate? Ans. Acts 18:25-26. 20. Why did Paul rebaptize about twelve men at Ephesus? Ans. Acts 19:1-7. 21. About how long did Paul teach and preach in Ephesus? Ans. Acts 19:8-10. 22. How did the disciples there dispose of their books on magical arts? Ans. Acts 19:17-20. 23. Who stirred up a mob against Paul and why? Ans. Acts 19:23-34. 24. Who dispersed the mob, and how? Ans. Acts 19:35-41. 25. Give the substance of Paul's address to the elders of the church at Ephesus. Ans. Acts 20:16-35. 26. Why had Paul on one occasion exhorted Timothy to tarry in Ephesus? Ans. 1 Timothy 1:3-4. 27. Who else did a great work in Ephesus? Ans. 2 Timothy 1:16-18. FOR CLASS 1. Discuss "The Tree of Life." (See Revelation 2:7; Revelation 22:2; Revelation 22:14; Genesis 2:9; Genesis 3:22.) LESSON 4. MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN SMYRNA Read Rev. 2: 8-11 1. To which of the seven churches was the second letter addressed? Ans. Revelation 2:8. 2. Through what experience had the speaker of the words of this letter passed which were peculiar to him only? Ans. Revelation 2:8; Revelation 1:18. 3. What afflictions were the disciples suffering at Smyrna? Ans. Revelation 2:9. 4. Who had a complete knowledge of all their trials and needs? Ans. Revelation 2:9. 5. What should be the Christian's attitude toward trials and tribulations? Ans. James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 4:12-16; Matthew 5:11-12. 6. What was the result of Paul's afflictions? Ans. Philippians 1:12. 7. Contrast the poverty and riches of the church at Smyrna with the poverty and riches of the Laodiceans. Ans. Revelation 2:9; Revelation 3:17-18. 8. Of what kind of people is the church of Christ chiefly composed? Ans. James 2:5; 1 Corinthians 1:26. 9. Through whose poverty were the children of God made rich? Ans. 2 Corinthians 8:9. 10. Where should Christians lay up their treasures? Ans. Matthew 6:19-21. 11. Name some heavenly qualities in which all should be rich. Ans. a. Faith (James 2:5). b. Good works (1 Timothy 6:18). c. Humility and fear of God ( Proverbs 22:4). d. The word of Christ (Colossians 3:16). 12. What false claims for themselves were some making? Ans. Revelation 2:9. 13. To whose synagogue did they belong? Ans. Revelation 2:9. 14. What sin were they committing? Ans. Revelation 2:9. 15. Who are Abraham's seed, or Jews in a spiritual sense? Ans. Galatians 3:27-29; Romans 2:28-29; Romans 9:6-8; John 8:39. 16. What were they told not to fear? Ans. Revelation 2:10. 17. Whom should we fear? Ans. Matthew 10:28. 18. What afflictions from Satan were they about to suffer? Ans. Revelation 2:10. 19. How long would their tribulations continue? Ans. Revelation 2:10. 20. How long, and unto what event must they be faithful in order to receive the reward? Ans. Revelation 2:10. 21. What reward would the faithful receive? Ans. Revelation 2:10. 22. What is this "crown of life" called elsewhere? Ans. 2 Timothy 4:8; 1 Peter 5:4; 1 Corinthians 9:25. 23. What was Smyrna commanded to hear, which Ephesus also was commanded to hear? Ans. Revelation 2:7; Revelation 2:11. 24. Who will not be hurt by the second death? Ans. Revelation 2:11. 25. What is the second death? Ans. Revelation 20:14; Revelation 21:8. LESSON 5. MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN Read Revelation 2:12-17 1. To which of the seven churches is the third letter addressed? Ans. Revelation 2:12. 2. What weapon is in the possession of the author of this letter? Ans. Revelation 2:12. 3. Out of what did this sword proceed? Ans. Revelation 1:16. 4. By what other name is this weapon called? Ans. Revelation 2:16. 5. With what will the Lord Jesus slay the lawless one? Ans. 2 Thessalonians 2:8. 6. With what will the Lord smite the earth and slay the wicked? Ans. Isaiah 11:4. 7. What kind of weapons are forbidden in Christian warfare? Ans. Matthew 26:51-53; 2 Corinthians 10:4; John 18:36. 8. Do the Scriptures forbid a kingdom of this world from taking up arms in its defense? Ans. John 18:36. 9. Who had his throne, or controlling influence, at Pergamum? Ans. Revelation 2:13. 10. What were the Lord's people holding fast? Ans. Revelation 2:13. 11. What name had been given to them? Ans. Acts 11:26. 12. In what name should the Lord's people bear their afflictions and glorify God? Ans. 1 Peter 4:14-16. 13. What had they not denied? Ans. Revelation 2:13. 14. Name three things all should do regarding the faith of Jesus? Ans. Acts 6:7; 2 Timothy 4:7; Jude 1:3; Revelation 14:12. 15. What can you say of Antipas? Ans. Revelation 2:13. 16. What did the Lord have against the church at Pergamum? Ans. Revelation 2:14-15. 17. Why did Balak send for Balaam? Ans. Numbers 22:2-6. 18. Tell of Balaam's journey to the city of Moab. Ans. Numbers 22:21-40. 19. What did Balak think of Balaam's prophecies? Ans. Numbers 24:10-13. 20. How did Balaam teach Balak to bring a curse on Israel? Ans. Revelation 2:14; Numbers 31:16. 21. Why did Balaam do this? Ans. 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 1:11. 22. How were Balaam and the Midianites punished for this? Ans. Numbers 31:1-11. 23. What were the guilty commanded to do? Ans. Revelation 2:16. 24. What did the Lord threaten to do, if they did not repent? Ans. Revelation 2:16. 25. Give the three-fold blessing promised to "him that overcometh." Ans. Revelation 2:17. 26. What does the "white stone" represent? Ans. God has not revealed it, therefore no one knows. 27. Who alone may know what this "new name" is? Ans. Revelation 2:17. LESSON 6. MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH AT Read Revelation 2:18-29 1. To whom is this letter addressed? Ans. Revelation 2:18. 2. Give the name of a Godly woman who once lived in Thyatira. Ans. Acts 16:14. 3. Tell of her conversion. Ans. Acts 16:13-15. 4. The eyes and feet of the Son of God were likened unto what? Ans. Revelation 2:18. 5. Name five good qualities which the Son of God knew about this church. Ans. Revelation 2:19. 6. In what way were their "last works" unlike the church at Ephesus? Ans. Revelation 2:19; Revelation 2:4-5. 7. What did the Lord have against Thyatira? Ans. Revelation 2:20. 8. What did Jezebel call herself? Ans. Revelation 2:20. 9. What did she teach and seduce God's servants to do? Ans. Rev. 2: 20. 10. What was she given time to do? Ans. Revelation 2:21. 11. What does God want all sinners to do? Ans. 2 Peter 3:9; Acts 17:30. 12. How will she and those who sin with her be punished, except they repent? Ans. Revelation 2:22. 13. How would her children be killed? Ans. Revelation 2:23. 14. What then would all the churches know about the Lord? Ans. Revelation 2:23. 15. How will each be rewarded? Ans. Revelation 2:23; 2 Corinthians 5:10. 16. Upon whom would the Lord cast no additional burden? Ans. Revelation 2:24. 17. What were they to hold fast, and how long? Ans. Revelation 2:25. ( For the things they were to hold fast see verse 19.) 18. To whom is promised "authority over the nations"? Ans. Revelation 2:26. 19. How will he "rule the nations"? Ans. Revelation 2:27. 20. Who is the "morning star"? Ans. Revelation 22:16; Revelation 2:28. 1. Discuss the rule of the saints over the nations. Note: In discussing this subject it is well to remember: (1) That the Greek word for "rule" means to "shepherd." (2) That Jesus is the supreme ruler ( Matthew 28:18), the chief Shepherd of souls (1 Peter 2:25). (3) That elders in the church rule by their teaching and righteous example (1 Peter 5:2-3; Hebrews 13:7). (4) That all the faithful rule in this life by the influence of their lives (Romans 5:17). (5) That through the influence of the righteous some are saved (1 Timothy 4:16), and others are condemned (Hebrews 11:7). (6) That the word, the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17), is as strong and inflexible as iron (Jeremiah 23:29; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6).