Exploring The Revelation: Chapters 1–5 / Part 4

Series – May 2021 – Grace & Truth Magazine

Exploring The Revelation
Chapters 1–5: Part 4

The Address To Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11)
The name Smyrna is derived from the word “myrrh,” a bitter but fragrant perfume used in embalming the dead and an ingredient of the anointing oil used in the tabernacle service (consider Jn. 19:39; Ex. 30:23-25). Smyrna represents the early Church in its persecution under the hands of Gentile oppressors, the emperors of Rome, from about AD 70 to 312. Satan’s violence is here seen, designed to intimidate the people of God so they might give way to his cunning deception, which appeared soon after in the address to Pergamos (Rev. 2:12-14). Therefore the Lord spoke of Himself as “the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life” (v.8 NKJV ). He was not intimidated by Satan’s enmity, but He faced death in perfect faith and triumphed!

As with Ephesus, the Lord took full account of the believer’s works and resulting tribulation and earthly poverty. He added, “But you are rich” (v.9) – having the true spiritual, eternal riches. Their persecution involved exclusion from proper employment as well as other hardships and losses. Reference is made to the blasphemy of those who falsely said they were Jews. These people evidently claimed to be on Jewish ground – practicing Judaism – by their principles of law keeping. However, Gentiles were never given the law and thus were never under the law (Rom. 2:14). For them to make a boast of keeping the law is an insult to God and therefore blasphemy. This is especially true now that Christ has come and the grace of the gospel is declared to the world. The Lord therefore solemnly calls such men “a synagogue of Satan” (Rev. 2:9), for it is satanic opposition to Christ that energizes them. “Synagogue” means “a gathering together,” which is in contrast to the “assembly” which means “a gathering out.” The one settles in the world, the other is gathered out of it.

The Lord encouraged them to have no fear of their sufferings, of their imprisonment by the devil, or anything else. He limited the tribulation to “ten days” (v.10) – ten speaking of responsibility, as in the Ten Commandments. This indicates that their afflictions would not go beyond what they could bear, though these afflictions would be severe. Let them be faithful even in the face of threatened death, for death could not hinder His giving them the crown of life – life that is not temporal but eternal.

Again the ear to hear is strongly pressed, and the promise to the overcomer is that he “shall not be hurt by the second death” (v.11). The first death – physical or natural death – is nothing compared to the second, which is eternal torment (20:14-15). Death does not mean extinction, but it has the idea of separation (consider Jas. 2:26). Physical death is the separation of the spirit and soul from the body; the second or spiritual death is the separation of the whole person from God. Certainly no believer will ever suffer this, but the promise is an especially appropriate encouragement to those martyred for Christ’s sake. In the case of all seven churches the promise to the overcomer is intended to have particular appeal to the person in his or her special circumstances.

The Address To Pergamos (Revelation 2:12-17)
The letter to the assembly at Pergamos refers to the time in the Church’s history when the Roman emperor Constantine the Great adopted Christianity as the state religion in 312 AD. From one viewpoint, Satan was successful in so intimidating the Church through the persecutions spoken of in the letter to Smyrna that it relaxed its clear testimony and accepted a link with the world that obscured its true character.

Pergamos means “a marriage,” implying that the Church virtually married the world though already espoused to Christ (2 Cor. 11:2). This was certainly unfaithfulness to her true Lord and Master, although many at the time did not think of it in this way. They considered that Christianity had gained a great victory and advantage in having the world recognize the Lord Jesus, but this recognition was in word only and not in heart. Great numbers became “Christians” in a formal manner while not knowing the reality of repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:20-21). Because of the resulting mixture of believers with unbelievers, the Lord spoke to Pergamos as He who has the sword with two edges, who knows how to precisely divide between the Church and the world.

The Lord said, “I know your works” (Rev. 2:13) and added the sad comment as to her dwelling where Satan’s throne is, that is, the world which is under Satan’s authority – “in the power of the evil one” (1 Jn. 5:19 NASB). Thus believers became mixed with unbelievers. Unbelievers cannot understand what it means to possess a heavenly inheritance, and when believers join with them, believers lower themselves to the same earthly level as unbelievers. This is a contradiction to the true state of the Church, for the Church’s dwelling is in heaven (Eph. 1:3; Phil. 3:20).

Still, where there is faith it cannot be totally quenched, and the Lord commended their holding fast His name and not denying His faith, even when there was still such persecution as produced the murder of His faithful martyr Antipas (Rev. 2:13). Antipas means “against all” and seems to infer that he stood alone against a persecuting world. The honor of the Lord’s approval put upon this man’s faithfulness is surely intended to speak deeply to every believer. While other believers in Pergamos no doubt sympathized with Antipas in his martyrdom, there seems not to have been the energy of faith to stand with him. But they did not give up their faith, even though he was slain among them where Satan dwells.

However, the Lord had against Pergamos certain serious things. First, among them were those who held “the doctrine of Balaam” (v.14 NKJV). This is the wrong teaching that it is acceptable to eat things sacrificed to demons and to indulge in loose, immoral practices. Possibly those in Pergamos did not approve of sacrificing to demons, yet they tolerated a Christian eating things sacrificed to idols, thereby identifying himself with the unbelieving idol worshiper. Balaam had counseled Balak to ensnare Israel by this means (Num. 25:1-3, 31:16).

Committing fornication is also indulging in a wrong association. Similarly today, many teach that association with evil is all right as long as we do not do the evil things. But God forbids the very association! Consider 1 Corinthians 15:33 and 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. How can I be identified with God and with that which dishonors Him? God shows mercy to evildoers, but He does not allow His name to be linked with their evil.

Also, those who held the doctrine or teaching of the Nicolaitans (Rev. 2:15) had advanced beyond those who did the deeds of the Nicolaitans (v.6). People generally begin with doing questionable deeds (in this case deeds that God hated), and because they like the deeds they then adopt the teaching that such deeds are right. Then, the bad doctrine breeds more bad deeds. We have seen that God does not hate the people who do such deeds; He does hate the deeds. The deeds of those who desire to rule over the laity are bad enough, and we see such deeds attributed to Diotrephes who loved to have the preeminence (3 Jn. 9). But the doctrine that justifies these deeds is worse!

This terrible evil gained a foothold early in the history of the Church and has done devastating damage since that time. Because the teaching says it is right for certain men to take authority over others, most believers are denied the right to exercise any public gift the Lord may have given them. Few take any part in public prayer and praise and worship. Thus God is deprived of the honor He deserves, and believers miss the ministry they need and the privilege of using their gift for the Lord.

The assembly at Pergamos was held responsible for allowing those among them who held such doctrines; she therefore was to “repent” (Rev. 2:16). Otherwise, the Lord would come and fight against them – those who held the doctrine of Baalam and of the Nicolaitans – with the sword of His mouth, His Word sharply discerning and judging such evil. If they would not judge the evil, He would.

Again there is the call to one who has an ear, and the promise given to the overcomer (v.17). In all of these addresses the overcomer is not a special kind of Christian but simply a born-again Christian. First John and Revelation 5:4-5, clearly show that the overcomer is one who is born of God, one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. He overcomes by faith. In principle, therefore, every believer is an overcomer and ought to be concerned to be an overcomer in every detail of practice.

We have seen the bad conditions in Pergamos that called for overcoming. Faith alone could certainly overcome these. The overcomer was promised a special reward: the eating of the hidden manna, which reminds us of the golden pot of manna inside the ark which was kept in the inner sanctuary of the tabernacle (Ex. 16:33-34; Heb. 9:4). It is the eternal reminder of the lowly humiliation of the Lord Jesus on earth. Now glorified, He is the same blessed, faithful Son of Man. What a contrast to any worldly, temporal advantage such as Pergamos was seeking! The overcomer will find abundant nourishment in his appreciation of the lowly grace of the Lord Jesus. Further, he will have a white stone with a new name written, which speaks of the Lord’s approval and appreciation of him. The name is known only to himself. This secret, personal knowledge of the Lord’s approval is surely of great value.

The Address To Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29)
Thyatira developed from Pergamos into a great public religious system in the world, but internally it was full of corruption. It plainly represents the condition that is prominently displayed in the Roman Church during the dark ages. Remember, the Lord does not address this church itself but “the angel of the church” (v.18). This implies those in that church who have an ear to hear, for the general condition is in total opposition to the truth of Christ; even though His name is used there.

It is “the Son of God” who speaks (v.18). He is not described here as the child of Mary – the way some prefer to think of Him. The flaming fire of His eyes penetrates and judges all of Thyatira’s false pretensions, as indeed His feet of burnished copper will eventually tread down all wickedness.

Verse 19 shows there are some faithful ones in Thyatira whose “works, love, service, faith and patience” are to be commended, even though they are linked with what must be condemned. It is wonderful that the Lord Jesus knows how to take the precious from the vile. In spite of that which He must reprove, it is heartwarming to see the Son of God fully recognized and approved the virtues of verse 19, adding “works” a second time and saying these last were more than the first. It seems that as the evil condition grew worse, the faith of the godly grew brighter in contrast, with resulting good works.

But the Lord could not justify their remaining where they were. He thus solemnly reproved the fact that they allowed “that woman Jezebel” (v.20) to teach and seduce His servants. A no more wicked woman (see 1 Ki. 18–21; 2 Ki. 9) could have been chosen as a symbol of this imposing religious system. She took her place as the teacher, calling herself a prophetess, but even the true Church is not the teacher, nor is any church system. The Man Christ Jesus is the Teacher through His Word, and the Church is responsible to be subject. However, His Word is both ignored and contradicted by the edicts of the Roman system. By this means Rome has kept countless thousands in bondage, teaching God’s servants to commit spiritual fornication by engaging in associations that are evil and identifying themselves with idolatry, such as the worship of Mary and of those they deem “saints.” The first is corruption in regard to others; the second is a grave insult to God and to Christ.

Edicts in such organizations are not really made by “the church” – by all the people who compose it – but by a select council who call themselves “The Church” and who use a chosen leader as their “infallible” mouthpiece. What tremendous power a few men can hold over the spiritually ignorant and deceived!

Verse 21 indicates that God would allow this evil system a long history to give her time to repent, but how can she repent when she is intent on justifying herself? The Lord will cast her eventually into great tribulation, along with those who were guilty of willingly identifying themselves with her, “unless they repent of her deeds” (v.22 NASB). This involves her final awesome judgment shown in Revelation 17:16–18:24. The true Church will be caught up to be with the Lord before the great tribulation, but the false church will find that tribulation an uncomfortable bed! Notice that the Lord holds the individual responsible for associating with her and requires repentance on that person’s part because of the deeds of the system. God requires not merely anger against the system, but repentance because of one’s association with it.

“And I will kill her children with death” (v.23 NKJV), He said. True believers, even though linked with her, are not her children. This judgment shows to all the assemblies the fact that the Lord searches and discerns the motives and hearts of men (see Heb. 4:12), and is not deceived by their outward appearances. He will render to everyone according to his or her works; nothing will escape His eyes.

The Lord distinguished some to whom He spoke: “To the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say” (v.24). Thank God for those in Thyatira who did not – and do not today – subscribe to the destructive doctrines of Rome. Their faithful hearts are better than their associations. They do not realize that God characterizes the system as “the depths of Satan.” The Lord will put no other burden on these individuals. He will not press them beyond the limit of their understanding. However, He admonished them to hold fast what they have until He comes (v.25). Here is the first promise of His coming, the rapture, made to the seven churches. This indicates that while the first three conditions – Ephesus, Smyrna and Pergamos – have passed, Thyatira and the three following church conditions will continue until the Lord’s coming.

Furthermore, in these last four cases the promise to the overcomer precedes the call to him who has an ear, while in the first three cases it is the reverse. He is now separating the faithful from the general condition of Thyatira, practically giving up the mass of professing Christianity to its unholy state.

This is a solemn warning today for any local testimony that claims to be Christian. May we all take it seriously to heart. If corrupt conditions are allowed in any Christian company, with people willingly bowing to the rules of men rather than to the Word of God, then we can only expect the Lord to give up that local witness.

The overcomer (v.26) will be given authority over the nations, the very thing that Rome is determined to have now. However, the believer will wait for the manifestation, or appearing, of Christ and His millennial rule with a rod of iron (v.27). He will give the believer “the morning star” (v.28), which speaks of Himself when He comes for His own before the great day of His manifestation (22:16), before the rising of “the Sun of Righteousness” (Mal. 4:2). This promise is a special encouragement to be enjoyed before the time of ruling the nations.

By Leslie M. Grant

Look for Part 5 of this Series next month.

This Series has been adapted from “Exploring The Revelation,” a brief commentary on the whole book of Revelation. The entire book can be accessed online at Bible Centre or purchased from Believers Bookshelf USA or Believers Bookshelf Canada.