notes
The Apocalypse of John
Revelation Ch. 2-3 Part 1.
Additional Reading:
Lowery, Robert A. Revelation’s Rhapsody: Listening to the Lyrics of the Lamb. Joplin, Missouri: College Press Publishing Company, 2006
Reoccurring Language in the Letters to the Churches • To the angel at the church of __________ write... • It is in these sections we see John writing to the churches. This is merely a poetic way of saying: “Dear _______,” • Also notice that at the beginning of every letter to a church, Christ describes himself differently. Does the way he describe himself fit the message to the church, or are they separate? • Keep in mind the rewards promised to the churches. Do they somehow relate to the message to the church? • What could all of these similarities mean? • Also notice the 2 ways Christ knowledge is taken. Comfort and Rebuke. To the Angel of the Church at Ephesus • v1. We begin with this description of Christ • The first thing he says to describe Jesus is that which has already been said. This is in reference to Jesus authority over the churches. • v2-3. The good aspects of the Ephesians mentioned. • Perseverance... Christians began to suffer persecution from Jews and Greeks early on in Ephesus. See Acts 19ish. • It is a flourishing Church, troubled by false teachers, but it has forgotten something. • v4. They have forsaken their first love. They have lost a sense of passion. They have become mechanical instead of passionate like they were at first. • v5. Call to repent, or the lampstand will be removed. What does this mean? • v6. Who were the Nicolatians? • v7. The promise to the one that overcomes: To eat of the tree of life in the paradise of God. • This is likely contrasting the sacred date-palm of Artemis of the Ephesians. • It is a promise for the church that they will be in the new earth with God. IF THEY OVERCOME...
The Apocalypse of John: Ch 2-3
Αποκαλυψις Ιησου Χπιστου
To the Angel of the Church at Smyrna • Notice how Jesus describes himself... • The first and the last, who was dead and has come to life. This is interesting since it is being written to a city where Christianity is undergoing persecution. In this city, they underwent persecution (as with the rest of the Roman world) under Domitian, and also suffered from the Jews. • They are told that they are going to undergo a time of trial and persecution. They are called to hold strong, even until the point of death. • What is the reward promised to them? The crown of life, and the one who overcomes (the victor, the one who holds strong) will not be hurt by the second death. • What is the second death? Eternal death in hell. To the Angel of the Church at Pergamum • Jesus introduces himself as the one who has the sharp, two edged sword. Why do you think he does this? What kind of image/emotions would this bring to the mind of the reader? • What does it mean that they live where Satan’s throne is? • It is specifically referencing the fact that Pergamum is the site where Domitian made Emperor Worship and the Imperial Cult a necessary part of Roman citizenship. And it is likely that the man mentioned was killed for refusing to worship Domitian as a god. • Holding to the teachings of Balaam and the Nicolatians. • Nicolatians taught that it was acceptable for Christians to take part in some of the social and religious activities of the Roman society. Thus it is a compromise between Christianity and paganism. This would likely include ritual prostitution and the like... Why would this be advantageous in their time? • Compare w/ Balaam Num. 22 • He taught the Moabites that the way to conquer Israel was not force, but with women and the like to get them to forsake their God. • Repent of these things, because Jesus is coming to make war against them (Rome? Nicolatians? The Church? or Those who are turning away?) • Those who overcome will receive hidden manna, and a stone with a new name written upon it. (Is. 62:2 God giving a new name) The basic idea is God’s acceptance of that person, and rewarding him. To the Angel of the Church at Thyatira • The description of Christ is fitting for this city which was well known for its ability to work fine brass. • They are a church who continue to grow in the doing of deeds, yet Jesus has this something against them. • They follow Jezebel • This is likely to be a euphemistic name for a woman who had come into their fellowship claiming to be a prophetess. • She seems to have led them into a similar compromise to that of the Nicolatians. • Sexual immorality (though only immorality is listed) and eating food sacrificed to idols are the two chief things listed. • This was likely as a mixing of pagan culture and Christianity either to make it more acceptable, or because of social pressures. • God’s punishment will fall on this false prophetess, and all those who are following her. • She will be struck with sickness, and all those who have committed error with her (adultery: this could be in the true sense, or a figurative sense) • Her children (more likely talking about followers, not actual biological offspring) will also be destroyed. • This is a warning to all the churches that Jesus knows their deeds and will pay each church and individual accordingly. • Notice the rewards here • Authority will be given to them, along with the morning star... • What this means... well, I am not sure yet... • But it is in some way significant.