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The Revelation Of Jesus Christ Revelation 1 – 11
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The Revelation
Of Jesus ChristRevelation 1 – 11
Bob Harding
Table of Contents
Chapter LESSON TITLE Page
Overview………………………………………………………………... 3
Why Use The Old Testament?..………………………………………. 32
1 The Son Of Man And The Seven Candlesticks ……………………….. 46
2-3 Lessons For Every Church……………………………………………..70Ephesus………………………………………………………………... 73Smyrna………………………………………………………………… 81Pergamum……………………………………………………………... 88Thyatira………………………………………………………………... 97Sardis………………………………………………………………… 106Philadelphia………………………………………………………….. 113Laodicea……………………………………………………………... 125Summary Of Conditions…………………………………………….. 139
4 Heaven: The Throne Of God…………………………………………141
5 The Glory Of The Redeeming Lamb…………………………………146
6 Opening Of The First Six Seals: Sinners Are Judged…..…………… 151
7 The First Interlude: The Redeemed Are Sealed…..…………………. 169
8 The Seventh Seal And The First Four Trumpets……………………..182
9 The Fifth And Sixth Trumpets: The First Two Woes……………….. 189
10 The Angel And The Little Book…………………………………….. 202
11 The Seventh Trumpet: The Final Woe………………………………. 209
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THE BOOK OF REVELATIONOVERVIEW (1)
INTRODUCTION
A. Title: The Church Triumphant Through Christ (The Lamb of God)1. Theme:
1) Rev 17:14: “These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.”
2) Rev 19:6: Then I heard, something like the voice of a great multitude and like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns!”
3) Rev 11:15: Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever!”
2. Theme and purpose of Revelation:1) THEME: Conflict between God and Satan, church and Roman force and
paganism.2) MESSAGE: Things are not as they seem; Christ will be victorious over
paganism.3) PURPOSE: Encourage faithfulness in face of opposition.
CHRIST WILL WIN THE VICTORY !
3. Overview:1) Jesus’ instruction to ALL churches.2) God is in control always.3) Reveal the work of gospel and its consequences. God is ever mindful of
the saints.4) Warnings and partial judgments. Saints may suffer a short time but have
heaven to look forward to.5) God will protect His people.6) Satan will use worldly powers.7) God’s people will be with Christ.8) There will be a series of judgments from God.9) God will not tolerate idolatry.
10) There is a final judgment at the end of time. 11) Saints will be victorious in the end.
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3. Revelation is:1) Written in pictures.2) Rooted in the OT.3) Events would be “soon”.4) Central message.5) Two major elements.
4. The use of symbols.1) Rev 1:1 – “Signified” or expressed by signs.2) Safety of writer and reader (Code).3) Used during times of difficulty.4) Written to stress virtue and loyalty.5) Express ideas with descriptions.6) Describe the indescribable.7) John uses 350-400 allusions to OT.
B. A book often misunderstood.There is probably more speculation and false doctrine that encircles the book of Revelation than any other book. Admittedly, it is unlike any other book in the New Testament because its message is concealed in symbols, which often may create an air of obscurity.
1. MISUNDERSTOOD BOOK
1) Revelation relies heavily on the Old Testament (OT) to convey its meaning. There are between 350-400 allusions to the OT without one direct quotation. Therefore the better we know and understand the OT the more we get out of Revelation.
2) Knowing the background is critical – Since it was written for the first century Christian benefit, the more we know about their lives the better off we will be. We must understand the life situation of the 1st readers. Premillennialists don’t mention anything about their circumstances.
3) I do not believe that any interpretation of Revelation can be correct if it is meaningless to and failed to bring practical help and comfort to those who first read it.
4) The book is about the Redeeming Lamb and not about foretelling the future in the distant future (2000 years Later).
2. IGNORED BOOK 4
1) The most “turned back book in our Bibles.”2) We study Genesis through Jude, and then “turn back” to Genesis and start
over.
3. INTIMIDATING BOOK 1) Dragons, beasts, general frogs, blood, and war.2) People get frustrated and say they can’t understand it.3) Rev 1:3: “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the
prophecy, and heeds (keep, understand) the things which are written in it, for the time is near.”
4. ABUSED BOOK 1) David Korish, Hal Lindsey, Left Behind (fanatics who twist symbols to
prove point.2) Must go to clearer passages to understand obscure passages (use OT a
lot).3) WW2 – End of Timers, Hitler was the Beast.4) Cold war, Bay of Pigs, USSR viewed as the Beast.5) Fire and Brimstone = Nuclear War.6) Six Day War, Gulf War.
5. SO WHY STUDY IT? (2 Tim 3:16-17)1) It is part of God’s Word.2) Won’t be carried away by false teaching.3) Applicable today – Learn valuable lessons (2 Pet 1:3).4) Rev 1:3: Blessed is he who reads, hears and understands.5) Rev 22:7: Blessed is he who keeps the words…of this book.
6. The book of Revelation is one of the most neglected and yet one of the most abused books of the New Testament today and in times past. This view point is expressed in various forms by many biblical scholars.
1) “It is regarded as the most difficult book of the New Testament by most Christians. It is the most 'turned back' book. Classes make their way through the New Testament, but when they get to Revelation they 'turn back' to Matthew.”(Introducing the Book at the End of the Bible, by Ferrell Jenkins, p. 1)
2) “Neglected, misunderstood, and grossly perverted, the Book of Revelation stands quite alone in the New Testament." (Revelation - "Victory in Christ", by Robert Harkrider, p. 1)
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3) “The book of Revelation has also been used by many religious fanatics, who have preyed on the weak and ill informed to promote their wild and fanciful speculations and theories. Many Christians today are ill informed as to the content of the book of Revelation, with a general concept that it is a most difficult book and that it can only be understood by those who are Biblical scholars or by those who have some type of higher secular education. This attitude toward a portion of the inspired Word of God is unacceptable to God and to all those who profess to be children of His. The word of God is given for many different reasons:
From these two scriptures alone I believe that the child of God today must reach a decision that the message contained in the book of Revelation is as important to us today as it was at the time of its writing. I do not believe that the book of Revelation is any less important in content than any of the other inspired books of the Bible, yet it is one of two books that most Christians shy away from because of its pre-judged content. As much as I believe this, this in no way demises the fact that there are many difficulties with its content, nor do I portray the attitude of having come to a complete or full understanding of its message. It is my prayer to God and my desire for you to open our minds and hearts to receive the "implanted words of life". The day that we seize to study is the day of our death and the doorway to a better and more complete understanding of the things beyond this life. Study should be a constant way of life for the child of God. One needs to always keep in mind that we are to have an ‘OPEN MIND AND AN OPEN BOOK’ if we are to come to a fuller understanding of God's Divine Will.” (The Book of Revelation-Conflict, Comfort and Conquest, by John Cripps, p. 1).
I. APOCOLYPTIC LITERATURE
A. REVELATION: WHAT IT MEANS – An uncovering, revealing.
1. The child of God needs to note that the name of the book is “Revelation” and not “Revelations”. 1) Although the book is made up of many Revelations the books name
is in the singular. Note this is also true of the Old Testament Book Deuteronomy.
It is about one Law but is made up of many parts (related events). We don’t say Deuteronomys.
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2. The name Revelation comes from the Greek word apokalupsis (ap-ok-al' oop-sis) which Strong's defines as “disclosure: -appearing, coming, lighten, manifestation, be revealed, revelation.”(The Seven Churches of Asia by James M. Tolle, Tolle Publications, Box 13, Fullerton, California, 1968, p. 5)
1) Thayer defines this as – “an uncovering; 1. prop. a laying bare, making naked.” (Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, by Joseph H. Thayer, Baker book House Grand Rapids, Michigan, 15th printing, 1987 p. 62)
2) Vine says of this Greek Word – “an uncovering (akin to apokalupto)”, which defined “signifies to uncover, unveil”. (Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W.E. Vine, edited by F.F. Bruce. Fleming H. Revell Company Old Tappan, New Jersey, 1981 p. 292)
3. The name Revelation {apokaluptis} classifies the type of literature the writer has used in his effort to uncover the message of God that was revealed unto him.
1) “Apocalyptic literature was always relevant to the historical situation of the day. Daniel and Ezekiel were written during the Babylonian exile to comfort the chosen people in their faithfulness and to prepare them for trails, even down to the time of Antiochus Epiphanes and to the Roman Empire. Revelation was written at a time when God's saints were being tried in the crucible called Rome.” (Studies in the Book of Revelation, by Ferrell Jenkins, p. 1)
2) “Apocalyptic writing found its roots in the situations and circumstances of the day. This style of writing many times was the direct result of troublous times often as a result of political upheaval. In the Old Testament there are three inspired Apocalyptic writings ie. Ezekiel, Daniel, and Zechariah. Revelation and Matthew 24 are the only New Testament books that takes on this style of literature. It is with little doubt in this writers mind that the Christians of the first century were well acquainted with this style of literature and therefore the message possibly did not present to them a problem as it does to many of us today. According to Ferrell Jenkins, in his book Studies in the Book of Revelation p. 1, most of the apocalyptic literature was written during the years 200 BC and A.D. 100.” (Ibid, by John Cripps).
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3) The purpose of the writer is not to cover up the message but rather through a series of visions, and symbols he makes the message of God CLEARER. The message one must see is that of the present Glory of Christ and the power He has to give victory to those who endure the sufferings of this present life for the cause of Jesus Christ!
B. LIMITED PROPHETIC – Foretold immediate future.
1. Prophecy (1 Cor 14:3) – Prophecy is for “edification and exhortation and consolation (comfort).”
1) Limited Prophetic – not intended to foretell the end of the world. Apocalyptic Literature always was written to deal with the present need. Daniel and Ezekiel were written during the Babylonian captivity, to comfort the chosen people in their faithfulness and to prepare them for trials.
C. SYMBOLIC (1:1 – “Signified”) – Take as figurative first, literal second.
D. SEQUENTIAL – Same story told from different perspectives.
1. Why study the book if it is so difficult?Shall we abandon one of the books in our NT?
1) We fully believe that the Holy Spirit has not only inspired the NT writings, but also preserved them for us to use. Therefore we cannot agree with Martin Luther who refused it as part of the NT canon. We will not abandon this book, but we will study it and benefit by it.
2) Because it speaks volumes for us today. We see the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. We learn how he will protect us just as he did the first century
Christians who died for Him. Plus, as we have already said, there is much false teaching
surrounding this book and we must be able to defend it. Those in the “Jesus Seminar” not only have damaged the gospel
enormously, by saying not all of it is truth, but now they want to re-canonize the N.T. They want to add some books and delete others. Guess which book is one on the hit list to be deleted?
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2. MAJOR ELEMENTS OF REVELATION
1) PREDICTIVE ELEMENTS - Book does predict certain events, these have been fulfilled. They are summarized and focused in the emperor Domitian (many think emperor Nero) who stands for all that is the brutal and bestial Roman Empire. On is tomb, so to speak, Jesus stands and proclaims the kingdom of God. And so aspects of Daniel 2 and 7 are demonstrated as “done!”
The truth is, the book of Revelation deals with things that related to the Roman Empire, the fourth beast of Daniel 7, when it came into conflict with the New Testament church back in the first centuries. Revelation presents Rome as the tool and instrument of Satan in conflict with Christians who are the body of Christ, the army of the white-horsed rider whose name is The Word of God (Rev 19:11-16). It comes to focus in a particular Roman emperor (Domitian [or Nero]) who stands for all that the Roman Empire stood for.
But if the predictions of Revelation have been fulfilled would that mean Revelation is of no real interest or relevance to us today? Indeed not. Nahum prophesied the fall of Nineveh in 612 BC but to call it useless or irrelevant would be silly. Old Testament prophecies of the birth and suffering of Christ or Christ in His earthly ministry have been fulfilled but we know they aren’t useless. There's profoundly more about life with God than having a calendar of future events in our pocket.
2) TIMELESS TRUTHS God alone is worthy to be worshiped.
Trust in God no matter what comes.Note how large sections of praise for God occur in chapters 4-12 and 14-19. Sandwiched in between is chapter 13 and the worship of the Beast. Twice John is told to worship no one but God Himself. Other major timeless truths are developed in the book.
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II. HAS THE BOOK OF REVELATION BEEN FULFILLED ?
A. “Must” – Morally Necessary (Matt 16:21)“From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day.”
1. “Soon take place”1) 1:1 – Must shortly come to pass2) 1:3 – For the time is near3) 22:6 – Must soon take place4) 22:10 – the time is near5) 22:12 – I am coming quickly6) 22:20 – Yes, I am coming quickly
2. Bear in mind that John wrote the book almost two thousand years ago. When he wrote it he said it was “the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon take place.” Whatever the signs and images mean we are to understand this: Two thousand years ago John said the coming events were to happen “soon”. 1) Mark 1:15 – “The time is fulfilled, the kingdom of heaven is at
hand, repent and believe in the gospel.”2) 2 Tim 4:9 – “Be diligent to come to me quickly.”3) 2 Peter 3:8 – “…with the Lord one day is a thousand years, and a
thousand years as one day. (To God time means nothing, but to His creatures – 1,000 years is like eternity).
B. Rev 22:10: “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near (at hand).”Dan 8:26: “And the vision of the evenings and mornings which was told is true; therefore seal up the vision, for it refers to many days in the future.”
1. Ezekiel 12:21-28: “ …the days are at hand”1) Daniel was written in 535 BC.2) Antiochus IV Epiphanes died in 164 BC (400 yrs later).3) If 400 years is a long time, what about 2,000?4) Ezekiel – within 6 years Jerusalem would be destroyed!
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2. In Daniel 8:26 God says the vision there “pertains to many days in the future.”
1) There is no distant future for God but He wasn’t talking to Himself. When He spoke to limited humans He spoke of “the distant future” so He knows what words like that mean.
2) Ezek 12: The ungodly mocked God’s message. At first they said, “These threats are empty. They won’t be fulfilled.” Then they said, “Well, maybe they’ll be fulfilled but the vision he sees is for many years from now, and he prophesies about the distant future.” And how did God answer them? He answered them in the words we find in Revelation. “Say to them the days are near...it shall be fulfilled without delay...” They said, “Don’t worry it’s a long way off” and God said, “Worry, the time is near.”
3. Finally, on this point. Compare Daniel 8:26 with Revelation 22:10 and let common sense rule. Here’s what the two texts say:1) Seal up the vision for, it concerns the distant future (600-700 years).2) Don’t seal up the prophecy, because the time is near.
You can see they’re told to do opposite things. But notice why they were told to do opposite things. Daniel is told to seal up the vision because it deals with the distant future. John is told to leave it open because the time is near. God knows what a short time is.
Why do people argue against this? Well, for one reason or another they’ve drawn conclusions about what the images in Revelation mean and they settle for that. When they’re reminded of truths like the above they don’t want to receive them because it makes a mess of their whole futuristic scheme.
The safest approach to Revelation is to let John tell us what its time frame is rather than us telling John.
C. MESSAGES OF THE REVELATION
1. WARNING TO THE CHURCH1) Keep yourself pure.2) What makes a congregation acceptable?
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2. WARNING TO ENEMIES OF THE CHURCH1) Through Christ the church will triumph.2) Identifies God’s enemies.
3. COMFORT TO THOSE WHO SORROW1) God’s care, concern, protection for His people.
4. HOPE FOR THE DISCOURAGED 1) Lift up your heads – God is still on His throne!
5. People were being killed for their faith in Jesus Christ:1) People killed.2) Jobs lost.3) Banishment / Exiled.4) Confiscation of possessions.5) Couldn’t buy or sell.6) Children would starve! – WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
Rev 13:17: “and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name.”
6. PURPOSE: First century Christians were being persecuted severely. 1) The church appeared as if it were about to vanish from the face of
the earth. 2) The question was being asked: Is It Worth It? Who is Jesus Christ?
Is He really the Lord of lords and King of kings?
D. PURPOSE OF REVELATION
1. COMFORT – CONSOLIDATION - ASSURANCE1) God sees their tears (7:17; 21:4).2) Their prayers rule the world (8:3-4).3) Their deaths are noticed (14:2; 20:4).4) Heaven is worth the pain (14:2; 20:4).5) Final victory is assured (15:2).6) Their blood will be avenged (6:9; 8:3).7) Christ lives and reigns (5:7-8).
2. It is our purpose to determine the fundamental truths underlying this strange book.1) We are to determine the meaning of the book for those who first
received it – the suffering Christians of Asia Minor.
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2) We will then discuss the meaning by application to the conditions of our own day.
3. The message for us is very relevant today.1) Choose the eternal rather than the temporal.2) Resist temptation.3) Refuse to compromise with pagan secularism.4) Have confidence in our ultimate victory.
E. RELEVANCE OF REVELATION
1. To the church in general (3:14-22) – Draw closer to the Holy Spirit.1) Not a promise of direct revelation from the Holy Spirit.2) We must be willing to humble ourselves and listen to God’s answers
to our questions.3) The reason many of the Bible’s solutions don’t work is because they
are not tried in an honest way.
2. To individual saints (22:14) – In troubled times, you have a friend.1) When facing defeats, you are promised ultimate victory.2) Rev 21-22: Present a picture of the joys of fellowship with God as
we come through the “Red Sea” of affliction and overcome.3) He has already defeated Satan, We need to trust our Friend.
3. To Satan (1:8) – Christ, as eternal power, is the first power, and will be the last power.1) The first step to defeat is to underestimate the power of your enemy.2) The second step to defeat is to under use the might available to you.3) No matter how strong Satan looks, God is above him.
4. To the lost (22:17) – Come to God.1) A drowning man will grasp at anything.2) In troubled times men grab for anything (Ecclesiastes) but only God
will be able to carry them through.
5. To the reader (22:18-19) – Do not change anything about God’s message.1) Nahum 1:7-9: Concerns judgment on Nineveh – Learn from it
(Matt 11:41).2) We don’t need anymore answers from man, what we need is more
faithful use of the ones God has already given.
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6. BIBLE OBSERVATION:
1) The purpose, as our title of this book depicts, is a message of comfort during a time of conflict that ultimately results in a conquest and a victory over the oppressor.
2) Although this message was directly written to the Christians of the first century, we as children of God today can and must see the message applicable throughout the ages as well as the ages to come.
3) From other plain Scripture we are told that Satan and His evil forces are at work trying to destroy that which belongs to God and that which is good. We see this attack begin in the Garden of Eden, and we still see this attack continue today, believing the end to such an onslaught against the children of God to only seize at that Great Day with the coming of Our Lord and Savior in the air. Peter warns us that Satan is constantly seeking for those whom he may devour:
1 Pet 5:8: “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
2 Cor 11:13-15: Paul warns us that we are to be constantly aware of the evil devices that Satan will use to entrap and snare the children of God: “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.”
4) Since the evidence is overwhelmingly clear, that Satan is in constant conflict with the children of God, the message that is contained in the book of Revelation is applicable. Though the times have changed and the methods of Satan have taken on a new appearance the basic underlying aim is still the same. Satan wants all that is good to bow the knee unto him – to leave God the Creator and worship at his feet.
5) Let us now note in a little more detail the purpose of the book in regard to the First Century Christians. As one looks at the plight of the First Century Christians one cannot help but wonder what their state would have been, if such a book as Revelation had not been written. In the minds of these Christians the overall result they foresaw must have been that they stood to be defeated and totally
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eliminated from the face of the earth by Rome who, at this point in time, was well armed and was recognized to be the mightiest army in the world. Against this army stood a small band of Christians who believed in a Risen Savior whose only weapon of war was the Word of God, the sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:17). How hopeless their plight must have looked to them and to others whom they were trying to persuade to believe.
6) The one proclaimed its allegiance to the Divine Christ, and the other proclaimed its allegiance to Caesar, who himself laid claim to divine rights. Christ versus Caesar! Who would finally win in the fight that lay ahead?” (The Seven Churches of Asia by James M. Tolle, Tolle Publications, Box 13, Fullerton, California, 1968, p. 5)
7) These two forces were diametrically opposed to one another. Two great kingdoms went out into the world to capture the hearts of men, women and child. One empire subjected its subjects by physical force while the kingdom of Christ subjected its followers with the spiritual message of God. The vast difference can be seen in the method of subjection:
Roman Empire – Physical domination with involuntary servitude, threats of death and destruction is one did not comply.
Kingdom of God – Spiritual domination with a voluntary servitude, with spiritual blessings to all those who would come.
8) The battle is between the church of Jesus Christ and that of the Roman Emperor, between good and evil and between God and the Devil. To many without the words of comfort in the book of Revelation the cause for which they stood must have seemed hopeless. Yet in the visions of John the message is clear that the conflict which “soon take place” (1:1), the Christian is admonished and is comforted in knowing that the Lord Christ is God and is victorious over the evil forces in the end. Surely the purpose of the book can be summed up in this one short statement – “It is not over until it is over” or as one would say in the Afrikaans language “Vasbyte”, being interpreted “Hang in there it is worth your while in the end.” The optimism that is depicted by John is not arrogant stupidity but rather one that comes from the strength and the knowledge of the power of the King that we serve.
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9) The message and purpose of the book for Christians living today is basically the same. Though our enemy is not the Roman Empire and paganism, and though we are not subjected to bow the knee to any man by force, the enemy remains the same. Any object that demands that we must have absolute allegiance to it and thus deny the Deity of Christ and His absolute authority is in fact the same conditions under which the Book of Revelation was written. Though we may not have the savage persecution of the Roman Empire, the child of God still faces persecution in the form of (1) Reproach and slander; (2) cold looks; (3) nicknames; (4) social ostracism etc. thus, the comfort given in the words of Revelation is applicable today as it was back at the time of its writing.
10) Two passages of Scripture can be given from the Book of Revelation to show this overall theme of victory for those who endure in the faith of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
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.”
Rev 17:14: “These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those {who are} with Him {are} called, chosen, and faithful.”
11) The comfort of knowing that through out the trials and tribulations of God's children, the hardships that are endured and the constant attacks of Satan and His evil forces against that which is good is but a small frame in the overall picture. The whole picture depicts Christ and His forces victorious over the forces of evil and that which is contrary to God and His will. May we today learn that the faithful in Christ are the ultimate victors for the body may be killed by those who are on the earth. However, with the fear and the respect of God in heaven the child of God is assured a place in the wonderful city of God eternally. Let us learn to put our full trust in the Lord and in His might and
power, and truly a home awaits us with the righteous whom have gone on before.
III. SYMBOLISM IN REVELATION16
A. NUMBERS
1. ONE – Unity (17:13; John 17:21; Eph 4:4-6).
2. TWO – Strength, Courage, Sufficient Testimony (11:3; Deut 17:6).
3. THREE – Divine, Whole, Complete - Father, Son, Holy Spirit (4:8; 2 Cor 12:8).
4. FOUR – The World Number (7:1; 9:13; Isa 11:12).Whole, Entire (Job 1:7, 19; Ezek 7:2)
5. FIVE – Small number, half of 10 (9:5, 10; 1 Cor 14:19).
6. SIX – Incomplete, Short of Perfection, Failure, Evil, To Fall Short – meaning tied to understanding “7” (13:18).
7. SEVEN – The Perfect Number, Complete – 7 days in week; addressed to 7 churches – (4 + 3) – world + divine (54 times in Rev).
8. “3 ½” (years), 42 (months), 1260 (days) – tied to the meaning of 7, broken, incompleteness, cut in half – time of unrest.
9. TEN – Human completeness or fullness (multiples of 10 = 1000) (2:10; 12:3; Gen 31:7; Num 14:22; Neh 4:12; Job 19:3; Dan 1:20).
10. TWELVE – Covenant, organized religion (12 tribes – 12 apostles).
11. “1000” – meaning tied to “10”, and “3” (10x10x10) – Completeness upon completeness.
12. “144,000” – God’s covenant people, meaning tied to “12”, “1000”, “10”, “3” – (12 x 12) x (10 x 10 x 10).
B. COLORS
1. RED – Justice (4:3); Bloodshed (6:4).
2. WHITE – Righteousness (4:3; 19:8); Victory (6:2; 19:11).
3. GREEN – Mercy; Calm; Storm gone (4:3).4. BLACK – Distress (6:5; cf. Matt 24:29; Acts 2:20; Joel 2:31).
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5. PALE – Death (6:8).
6. PURPLE – Royalty or Kingliness (17:3-4).
IV. METHODS OF INTERPRETATION
A. FUTURIST – Entire book is unfulfilled prophecies about the future.
1. Chapters 4-19: Refer to before Christ returns.1) 20:1-10 – Millennial reign.2) 20:11-15 – Judgment.3) 21-22 – Final state.4) Most futurists are literalists.
B. CONTINUOUS HISTORICAL – Calendar of events of the church written in advance.
1. Forecast of symbols, history of the church.1) This system makes the book prophesy in detail Mohammed, the
apostasy of the Roman Catholic Church, then the Reformation, etc.
2. But, what would this mean to the people of that day?1) And how do I know it is dealing with specific events mentioned?
C. PHILOSOPHY OF HISTORY (SPIRITUALIST) – Events not really occurring, but as symbolic of forces at work.
1. Revelation is a book setting forth the principles on the basis of which God deals with all men in all ages.1) Nothing in the book is historical.
2. But the warnings would be non-intelligible.1) We can observe throughout the book fulfillment of specific events.
D. PRETEREST – Completed in the past.
1. This view maintains that the book was written for the people of John's day, fulfilled then (most fulfilled in the first 2 centuries), and now has little or no value to us.
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1) There are two groups who hold this view; the "right wing" who consider Revelation as inspired and the "left wing" who do not respect it as inspired.
2. However, if similar conditions exist today – valuable (1 Cor 5).1) Things that took place in the past can teach a valuable lesson today.
E. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND – Meaning for John’s day, but overall message is for all time.
1. It met the needs of the people of that day. 1) The Futurist idea is inconsistent with the time element stated in the
book; “the time is at hand” (Rev 1:3; 22:10); “must shortly come to pass” (1:1; 22:6); “I come quickly” (22:7, 12, 20).
2) The Futurist and Continuous-Historical ideas leave Revelation altogether out of relation to the needs of the churches to which it was addressed.
3) They needed spiritual encouragement, and these events were to come to pass shortly in order for God's oppressed people to see His arm revealed and His comfort given in a time of seeming disaster.
2. It continues to meet the needs of Christians in every age. 1) We should appeal to Revelation in the same manner as we would to
the book of 1 Corinthians. Its primary lesson was to correct errors and answer questions in Corinth in the day that it was penned, but its truths are valuable for all ages. Philemon was written to a slave owner on how to treat his returning slave who was now a Christian.
2) The book met a need at the time of its writing as it dealt with a historical situation, but its message is applicable to all time. Its message is that of the triumph of the kingdom of God and of truth. Satan is destined to complete destruction, and so falls his cause with him.
F. SOME FALSE INTERPRETATIONS OF THE CONTINUOUS HISTORICAL METHOD
1. 1st Seal = Rome 96-180 AD2. 2nd Seal = AD 193 (Commodus)3. 3rd Seal = AD 211 (Caracalla)4. 4th Seal = AD 243-268 (Decius – Gallienus)5. 5th Seal = Persecution (Diocletian)6. 6th Seal= Invasion of Barbarians (365)7. 7th Seal = Trumpets
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8. 1st Trumpet = Invasion of Goths (AD 395-410)9. 2nd Trumpet = Invasion of Genseric (AD 428-468)10. 3rd Trumpet = Invasion Attila the Hun11. 4th Trumpet = Invasion of Heruli (Ad 476-490)12. 5th Trumpet = The Mohammedans13. 6th Trumpet = The Turks14. Chap 10 – Angel = Reformatoin15. The Little Book = Bible Opened16. 7 Thunders = Insults by Pope17. Those who spoke of Rome’s errors18. 7th Trumpet = Catholic Church19. 1st Beast = Catholic church Power20. 2nd Beast = Papal Power21. 7 Bowls = Blows to Papal Power22. French Revolution23. Capture of the Pope24. Harlot = The Papacy25. Fall of Babylon = Fall of Papacy
1) Hendriksen comments: “On my desk lies a recently published commentary on the Apocalypse. It is a very "interesting" book. It views the Apocalypse as a kind of history written beforehand. It discovers in this last book of the Bible copious and detailed references to Napoleon, wars in the Balkans, the great European War of 1914-1918, the German ex-emperor Wilhelm, Hitler and Mussolini, the N.R.A., etc. -- Our verdict? Such and kindred explanations must at once be dismissed....Tell me, dear reader, what good would the suffering and severely persecuted Christians of John's day have derived from specific and detailed predictions concerning European conditions which prevail some two thousand years later?” (Hendriksen, Interpretation of the Revelation, p. 14). (Material From Robert Harkrider - Revelation “Victory in Christ” p. 5-7)
V. RULES FOR INTERPRETATION (STUDY)
A. Revelation was written to comfort, encourage, and edify Christians in the first century.
1. It was written with symbols – Don’t take literally.1) Do not jump back and forth from figurative to literal interpretations
(Be Consistent).
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2. John uses OT terms with NT meaning.1) Read a lot of the Old Testament.
3. Do not press the symbolism – Group together.1) One can ill afford to be dogmatic in interpreting the symbols which
are not easily understood.2) Be content to grasp the main points.3) Don’t get tied down in the details.
4. Interpretation must be consistent with entire Bible – Cannot contradict other Bible teaching.1) Believe God gave us this book to understand.2) Remember that Revelation uses Old Testament terminology with
New Testament meaning. John has used much of the terminology of Ezekiel Daniel, and Zechariah but has adapted them to suit his own message.
3) An understanding of the OT prophets, and their use of symbols would be helpful, for over 400 allusions are from the Old Testament.
5. Use common sense – Meaning to all Christians.1) The “Experts” have got it wrong:
* Hailstones will fall weighing about 1,000 pounds each.* All water on the earth will be turned to blood.* 200,000,000 Chinese warriors from the East will ride horses with
nuclear weapons into Palestine.2) Since the water will all be blood, they will drink Coke.3) YOU CAN’T BUTCHER REVELATION ANY WORSE THAN
THE “EXPERTS” HAVE.
B. SEVEN BLESSINGS (BEATITUDES) IN REVELATION
1. BLESSED IS HE WHO:1) 1:3 – Reads, hears, and keeps the words of this prophecy.2) 14:13 – Dies in the Lord, they may rest from their labors and their
works follow them.3) 16:15 – Who watches, and keeps his garments,…4) 19:9 – Are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb.5) 20:6 – Has part in the first resurrection, over such the second death
has no power.6) 22:7, 18-19 – Keeps the words of the prophecy of this book7) 22:14 – Do His commandments that they may have the right to the
tree of life.
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C. FOUR THINGS TO SEEK
1. Place ourselves in the shoes of those first-century Christians to whom the book was delivered to. 1) We ought to read it as if we were reading it through their eyes.
2. Picture or visualize what we have read. 1) John is very descriptive and we ought to let the divine stroke create a
portrait of what is happening in our minds.
3. Perceive the principle. After we can clearly visualize what is said, we ought to probe it more closely for the overall principle that John is getting across. 1) If we miss the principle, we have studied in vain. 2) But we should warn against placing any kind of interpretation on this
book that is inconsistent or contradictory with any other part of the book or of the Bible as a whole.
4. Practice the purpose. Once we perceive the principle, seek a purpose in our practice as Christians.
VI. AUTHORS OF REVELATION
A. AUTHOR: JOHN – INTERNAL EVIDENCE
1. 1:1: The order of divine Revelation. GOD – CHRIST – ANGELS – JOHN (1:4, 9; 22:8). 1) The internal evidence of the authorship is limited to four passages in
the entire Book of Revelation. It is in these four passages that the author refers to himself as “John”.
2. From these passages and other passages it is safe to assert that the writer of Revelation was: 1) A servant of Christ (1:1). 2) That he is a Christian, since he refers to himself as a brother and
companion in this tribulation (1:9). 3) That he was a prophet - since he identifies himself as such in (1:3;
10:11 ; 22:6-10, 18-19). 4) That he was exiled because of his testimony of Christ (1:9).
3. It is also safe to assert that the writer of Revelation was a Palestinian Jew, from his usage of the Old Testament and Targums and who also was steeped in the ritual of the temple and in the synagogues.
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1) The fact that the very title of the Book includes in it the name John cannot be overlooked. This title “occurs in several MSS, including the Codex Sinaiticus” (Hastings Dictionary of the Bible, edited by James Hastings, D.D. Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody, Mass. Jan 1989, p. 797).
4. Since no mention is ever made by the writer as to his apostleship, this has
led many to speculate that this John is not the Apostle of Christ, the son of Zebedee.
1) However, the majority of biblical scholars hold to the authorship as that of “John the Apostle” of Christ. These conclusions are largely based upon the external and Grammatical evidence.
2) Those who oppose the idea that John the Apostle of Christ as the author of the Book, suggest that the mysterious John the Presbyter who lived at Ephesus or the mentioning of John was only a pseudonym used by the original author to lend acceptance as though it were a letter of authority.
3) On the other hand, the evidence for John the Apostle as author of the
Book, outweighs any evidence produced to adequately dispose of this conclusion.
4) Apart from this evidence, it is recorded that the Apostolic viewpoint was widely received by the church and it was only in AD 264 that this was openly opposed.
5) “The earliest witnesses ascribe Revelation to John the Apostle, the son of Zebedee. Dionysius, the distinguished bishop of Alexandria and student of Origen (d.c. 264), was the first within the church to question its apostolic authorship.” (Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible, Vol 2, edited by Walter A. Elwell, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Mich. Dec 1989, p. 1847)
6) Homer Hailey states concerning this matter: “Although a few relatively early writers raised the question of authorship, the Apostle John's composition of Revelation was never seriously questioned until modern nineteenth-century liberal criticism.” (Revelation An Introduction and Commentary, by Homer Hailey, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Mich. Nov 1987, p. 21)
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B. AUTHOR: JOHN – EXTERNAL EVIDENCE
1. Justin Martyr (Jewish historian, 110-165 AD)1) In his Dialogue with Trypho the Jew (LXXXI) says. “There was a
certain man with us, whose name was John, one of the apostles of Christ, who prophesied by revelation,” and then refers to the thousand years, the resurrection and the Judgment of Revelation 20. (The Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol 1, p. 240, as quoted by Homer Hailey in his book Revelation an Introduction and Commentary pp. 21-22)
2. Irenaeus (France, 120-202 AD)1) When Irenaeus heard Polycarp, a disciple of John the apostle, wrote
in his Against Heresies (IV. xx. 11), “John, also the Lord's Disciple ..... says in the Apocalypse,” and then quotes profusely from that Book. (Ibid., p. 491-492)
2) Having thus identified him as the “Lord's Disciple”. Irenaeus says later: “In a still clearer light has John, in the Apocalypse, reveled certain things,” which the writer proceeds to discuss (V.xxi 1). (Ibid., p. 554)
3. Clement of Alexandria (153-217 AD)1) In his treatise, Who is the Rich man that Shall be Saved? (XLII),
writes of “the apostle John” who “returned to Ephesus from the Isle of Patmos” after “the tyrant's death.” The tyrant is unnamed. (Ibid., Vol II, p. 603).
4. Tertullian (Africa, 145-220 AD)1) Sometimes called “the Father of Latin Christianity,” a voluminous
writer, wrote five books Against Marcion. In book III. xxv, Tertullian writes of the Jerusalem let down from heaven. He quotes Paul, who called it “our mother” (Galatians 4:26), and he says, “the apostle John beheld” it, referring to Revelation 21:2. (Ibid., Vol III, p. 342)
5. Origen (185-254 AD)1) In De Principiis says, “According to John, God is Light" (I. II. 7),
unquestionably referring to the Apostle John. Then later he says, "Listen to the manner in which John [the John whom he had quoted above] speaks in the apocalypse”. (I. II. 10). (Ibid., Vol IV, pp 248, 250)
2) Surely Origen knew only one John who wrote Scripture, and that was John the Apostle.
3)
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6. Hippolytus (170-236 AD)1) For the diligent student Hippolytus.
7. Victorinus (Died in persecution A.D. 303) as well as the Muratorian Fragment, etc. all lend their support to the genuineness of Revelation and that of being from John the Apostle of Christ.
It is with great surety that such an array of testimony can lead one to accept John the Apostle as the writer of Revelation. However, one must constantly keep in mind the fact that God in Christ is the real author. This Revelation is not the mind of John revealed or the single work of the human John the Apostle but is the mind of God revealed though the inspired pen of John. To this aim we can be assured.
C. AUTHOR: JOHN – GRAMMATICAL EVIDENCE
1. This evidence is an internal examination of the grammatical structure, usage of certain words and the overall comparison with other works known to have been written by the Apostle John. 1) The use of certain words --- words which are almost unique to John
in writings accepted as from John the Apostle point to his authorship of the Book of Revelation.
Word Gospel of John Epistles of John Revelation
LOGOS"word"
John 1:1John 1:14
I John 1:1"Word of Life"
Revelation 19:13"Word of God"
NIKAO *"Overcome"
John 16:33 7 Times 17 Times
ALETHINOS *"true"
8 Times 4 Times 10 Times
ARNION"lamb"
John 1:29John 21:15
28 Times of Jesus1 Time of Earth
Beast
Chart by John Cripps from class notes on Revelation by Melvin Curry (FC 1987) * Exceptions --- Luke 11:22; Romans 3:4; 12:21. * Exceptions --- Luke 16:11; I Thes 1:9; Heb 8:2 ; 9:24; 10:22.
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2. Similarities between John and Revelation.1) In no other NT book does a writer refer to Jesus as the
“Word” except John & Revelation (John 1:1; Rev 19:13).2) In no other NT book does a writer refer to Jesus as the “Lamb of
God” (John 1:29; Rev 5:6).
D. PLACE OF WRITING: PATMOS
1. According to some the island of Patmos is a “rocky and uninviting island located about 70 miles southwest of Ephesus, about 40 miles southwest of Miletus, and 24 miles from the shore of Asia Minor.” 1) About 10 miles in length and 5-6 miles in width.2) Closest to the church at Ephesus.3) “On account of its rocky, barren, and desolate nature the Roman
government used the island as a place of banishment for criminals. The prisoners were compelled to work the mines of the island.”(Unger, Merrill F., The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary, Chicago: Moody Press, p. 967, 1988). Some visitors to the island have suggested that the natural
scenery determined some features of the imagery of the Apocalypse.”
2. The place of the writing takes on two distinct questions. 1) Did John Receive the Revelation one place and write in another? 2) Did John write the Revelation in the same place that he received the
Revelation? I believe that the answer to the first question is an absolute No!
The text tells us that John wrote the things as he was seeing them (1:11; 1:19). At certain times he was instructed not to write (10). Three times after this he was instructed to write (14:13; 19:9; 21:5).
The scriptures clearly show that John wrote while still on the Island of Patmos.
3. One must not confuse the Asia known today as the Asia Minor of the Bible. 1) The province of Asia was a Roman colony in the region that is now
known as Turkey. 2) There is an area where the sea almost pinches off the Island forming
a natural harbor. Tradition says that exiles were sent here to work in the mines.
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3) Eusebius, relying on tradition says John, was exiled here during the reign of Domitian in 95 AD and released 18 months later under Nerva.
4. The situation of the saints.1) John was banished not because he was a criminal, but because he
was a Christian (1:9).2) Tribulation (2:9-10).3) Antipas (2:13).4) Was persecuted for the same reason others were beheaded (6:9).
5. WHY WERE CHRISTIANS BEING PERSECUTED?1) Christianity was an illegal religion – it tried to convert. The Romans
tolerated the religions of conquered lands.2) It aspired to universality – Christians felt the church was more
important than the state.3) It was an exclusive religion – Christians would not mingle freely
with the heathen lifestyle.4) They were accused of all sorts of evil (cannibals)5) Recruited mainly from the poor and outcast.6) Refused to compromise7) Viewed as fanatics8) Conflicted with interests of Roman Priests9) Refused to worship the emperor.
VII. THE DATE
A. The two most accepted dates:
1. 64-68 AD – Early Date: During reign of Nero (thematic to destruction of Jerusalem).
2. 91-96 AD – Late Date: Domitian (thematic to Rome).
1) 69-79 AD is a third date (Middle Date – During the reign of Vespasian (Rome).
3. Most probably it was written during the years 91 AD – 96 during the reign of Domitian. 1) The background of the development of the Roman attitude offers
strong supporting evidence for the later date.
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2) Philip Schaff, who accepts and defends the earlier date (A.D. 64-68), has said of John's exile to Patmos and the disputed date, “External evidence points to the reign of Domitian, A. D. 95; internal evidence to the reign of Nero, or soon after his death, A.D. 68.” (Schaff, History of the Christian Church, Vol. I, p. 427).
4. The interpretation does not necessitate knowing for sure which date is correct.1) We know there was a world-wide persecution.2) The events in Revelation were soon to take place.3) The timeless truths and lessons remain the same.
We should all be able to agree that any interpretation which does not take into account the desperate needs of the first readers must be rejected!
For those who are interested dating the book of Revelation are encouraged to read all the views and draw their own conclusion. One good source is an exchange between Author M. Ogden and Ferrell Jenkins, Did Domitan Persecute Christians?, Internet Edition jointly published by Ogden’s Biblical Resources and Bible World by Ferrell Jenkins, March 1999.
B. Evidence provided for the early date.
1. The temple still standing (11:1-2).2. Assertion that Nero’s persecution was for religious purposes.
C. Problem with the early date.
1. If one accepts the “temple” as the literal Jewish temple, why not accept other things in the passage as literal (2 witnesses, 1260 days)? 1) The church is referred to as the “temple” (1 Cor 3:9, 16; Eph 2:19-
22; Heb 11:10, 16; 12:22-23; Rev 21:2-3).
2. Nero’s persecution—NOT RELIGIOUS BUT POLITICAL to deflectgrowing suspicion that he was behind the fire.
1) “But all human efforts, all the lavish gifts of the emperor, and the propitiations of the gods, did not banish the sinister belief that the conflagration was the result of an order. Consequently, to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by
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the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judea, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome, where all things hideous and shameful from every part of the world find their center and become popular. Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind. Mockery of every sort was added to their deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination, when daylight had expired. . . . Hence, . . .there arose a feeling of compassion; for it was not, as it seemed, for the public good, but to glut one man’s cruelty, that they were being destroyed.”(The Complete Works of Tacitus, New York: The Modern Library, pp. 380-381, 1947.)
3. Nero’s persecution—LIMITED TO ROME and not the whole world.1) “…multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the
city, as of hatred against mankind. Mockery of every sort was added to their deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination, when daylight had expired. . . . Hence, . . .there arose a feeling of compassion; for it was not, as it seemed, for the public good, but to glut one man’s cruelty, that they were being destroyed.”(The Complete Works of Tacitus, New York: The Modern Library, pp. 380-381, 1947.)
Early daters accept this testimony but reject similar, more abundant and reliable testimony supporting the late date.
Roman historians didn’t mention the Domitian persecution because it was insignificant to them.
The “church fathers” were either Jewish or Christians, thus having great interest and desire to record such persecutors.
D. Evidences for the late date (91-96 AD).
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1. Recipients of letter (1:4).1) If focus is on destruction of Jerusalem, why was it written to Asia
Minor?
2. Patmos (1:9).1) How would Jews have gotten John banished to Patmos?2) History doesn’t mention Nero banishing John.
3. Scope - worldwide (3:10).1) Christians had been looked down upon by Romans for their
uniqueness (Acts 16:21-22).2) Rome was world power at this time (peak of power).3) Nero did not promote idolatry.4) Domitian demanded worship.5) Christianity was considered religio illicita (unlawful religion).
By the year 95 AD a Roman Law was proclaimed that it was a crime to be a Christian and that such was punishable by death. Emperor Worship was at its pinnacle and allegiance to the Caesar was demanded of all Roman subjects. It is under these circumstances that this struggle between the church of Jesus Christ and the evil forces of Satan is depicted in the Book of Revelation.
6) Roman persecution was reason for writing in signs and symbols.7) Nicolaitans had time to develop by time of Domitian. No reference
in earlier books. 8) Acts 19:10 (54-57 AD): All in Asia heard word.9) Improbable that in 10 years many of the churches would have
reached the sad state that is described in Revelation 2-3.
“By the time of the Revelation Caesar worship was the one religion which covered the whole Roman Empire; and it was because of their refusal to conform to its demands that Christians were persecuted and killed. Its essence was that the reigning Roman Emperor, as embodying the spirit of Rome, was divine. Once a year everyone in the Empire had to appear before the magistrates to burn a pinch of incense to the god-head of Caesar and to say: "Caesar is Lord." After he had done that, a man might go away and worship any god or goddess he liked, so long as that worship did not infringe decency and good order; but he must go
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through this ceremony in which he acknowledged the Emperor's divinity...To refuse to burn the pinch of incense and to say "Caesar is Lord", was not an act of irreligion; it was an act of political disloyalty. That is why the Romans dealt with the utmost severity with the man who would not say: "Caesar is Lord". And no Christian could give the title Lord to any one other than Jesus Christ. This was the center of his creed....Caesar worship began as a spontaneous outburst of gratitude to Rome.. The provincial under Roman sway found himself in a position to conduct his business, provide for his family, send his letters, and make his journeys in security, thanks to the strong hand of Rome... There was an inevitable development. It is human to worship a god who can be seen rather than a spirit. Gradually men began more and more to worship the emperor himself than the goddess Roma... This worship was never intended to wipe out other religions. Rome was essentially tolerant.. A man might worship Caesar and his own god.. But more and more it became a test of political loyalty... until it recognized the domination of Caesar over a man's life and soul.” (Barclay, Revelation, Vol. 1, pages 15-18).
4. THE NEEDS OF PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS:1) Reassurance (Ch 1).2) Spiritual life in Christ (Ch 2-3).3) Security (Ch 4-8:5).4) Message (8:6-11:19).5) Conflict (Ch 12-14).6) Vindication (Ch 15-20).7) Reward (Ch 21-22).
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THE BOOK OF REVELATIONWHY USE THE OLD TESTAMENT? (2)
INTRODUCTION
A. There are more than 400 Old Testament (OT) references in Revelation.
1. Now why do you think John would make such a heavy use of the OT? 1) One reason would be that the OT phraseology was familiar to John’s
audience. He knew his Scriptures well and the writings would give comfort to those who were being persecuted. Is that not what Romans 15:4 teaches?
2) Secondly, several of the OT books used by John are written in the same apocalyptic literary style as Revelation. So, John would naturally borrow from their OT imagery and symbols.
3) Finally, many events recorded in the OT are strikingly similar, whether in reality or symbolically, to the experiences the Christians of that day were about to endure. Bringing those events to memory would serve to drive home the messages of Revelation.
I. TYPES OF REFERENCES
A. Out of the more than 400 OT references in Revelation there is not one direct citation with a statement that it is quoted from a given passage.
1. However, there are a significant number of allusions that are traceable by verbal resemblance and by contextual connection to the Old Testament.The difference between a citation, a quotation, and an allusion might be profitable here.
1) A citation is a fairly exact reproduction of the words of the original text, accompanied by a statement of the fact that they are quoted and by identification of the source. Acts 2:34-35 cites Ps 110:1
2) A quotation is a general reproduction of the original text, sufficiently close to give the meaning of its thought and to establish unquestionably the passage from which it is taken. Rom 4:3 quotes Gen 15:6
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3) An allusion consists of one or more words that by their peculiar character and general content are connected to a known body of text, but which do not constitute a complete reproduction of any part of it. Types of allusions: real places, characters, objects, and events. Symbolic: angels, dragons, scorpions, horses, etc.
II. THE SEVEN MAJOR OT BOOKS USED IN REVELATION
A. DANIEL
1. Since Daniel has only twelve chapters and is used 53 times there are a lot of similarities between it and Revelation. 2) Daniel lived during the Babylonian period of the 6th century BC. 3) He was a member of the royal family and while in captivity was
educated according to the Babylonian king’s decree. 4) Daniel does well and is blessed by God.
2. The book of Daniel shows that God with His divine foreknowledge, power, providential guidance, and omniscience directs the affairs of nations. 1) The four major lines of prophecy are culminated in these verses:
2:44: A kingdom shall be set up that is never destroyed. 7:13-14: The Son of Man receives everlasting dominion. 8:25: Opposition to the Prince of Princes is broken without a
hand. 12:1: God’s people are delivered from oppression.
3. The similarities are many and here are just a few: 1) Both authors were in exile.2) The people of God were oppressed by the ungodly.3) Both spoke of the overthrow of the evil power.
4. Conversely, notice that there is a difference:1) Israel was oppressed as punishment for its sins.2) The church was oppressed as a test of its faithfulness.
B. EZEKIEL
1. The last years of the kingdom of Judah were full of problems. 1) Daniel and other royal personages were taken captive in 606 BC.2) Nebuchadnezzar’s army enters Jerusalem. 3) Later, in 597 B.C., Nebuchadnezzar’s army again invades Jerusalem.
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4) The Judean king Jehoiachin was taken prisoner with 10,000 others.5) In that group was Ezekiel. Subsequently, Judah again rebels under
Zedekiah and Jerusalem is totally destroyed along with the Temple.
2. Jeremiah was left to the Jews in the desolated Jerusalem, Daniel to the Babylonian royal court, and Ezekiel to those in captivity. 1) The larger section of Ezekiel’s book is addressed to those exiled to
the river Chebar in Babylon. 2) This larger section was written before the destruction of the Temple.3) Ezekiel spoke judgments against the nations around them and shows
that God was still in control. 4) After the destruction of the Temple, Ezekiel wrote to counteract the
waves of despair the Jews felt.
3. With this background, John is provided with expressions like the “Son of Man”, symbolic figures, actions and visions, and judgments against nations around them. 1) The “sealing” of God’s people finds a place in Ezekiel 9:1-7 and
Revelation 7:1-4.
C. JEREMIAH
1. Jeremiah prophesied under five kings: Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah. Jeremiah stayed with those left in Jerusalem. 1) He was later taken to Egypt. 2) The majority of the 22 references from Jeremiah in the book of
Revelation are found in the section describing the overthrow of Babylon (Rev 16-19).
D. ISAIAH
1. This is the most cited book in Revelation – 79 possible references.1) Some of Isaiah’s contemporaries were Amos, Hosea, and Micah.2) This time period in Israel’s history is marked with division within the
nation: The Egyptian party, the Assyrian party, and those who served God.
2. The book of Isaiah is cited around five major places in the book of Revelation: 1) The throne scene in Revelation 4 & 5 and Isaiah 6. 2) The conduct of the wicked when the seals were opened in Revelation
6 and Isaiah 2.
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3) The garments of Jesus being dipped in the blood in Revelation 19:13 and Isaiah 63.
4) The fall of Babylon in Revelation 18 and Isaiah 13, 14, 21, 47 & 48. 5) The new heaven and new earth in Revelation 21 & 22 and Isaiah 65.
Please notice as you study these passages how they also use “signs” to show God’s judgments (I will shake the heavens and the earth will move out of its place, Isa 13:13). This did not literally happen, but it did happen figuratively! The same is true in Revelation. Read Isa 34:9-15 and see if all this literally happened.
E. ZECHARIAH
1. Zechariah deals with the return of the faithful remnant from captivity, the rebuilding of the Temple and the reconstruction of the Jerusalem city walls. There are at least four symbols that John borrows from Zechariah:1) The lamp stands2) The seven eyes3) The two olive trees4) The four horsemen
F. EXODUS
1. Exodus provides objects and events for John’s use. 1) The 10 plagues provide a dynamic background for the punishment of
Rome described in the seals, trumpets, and bowls. 2) The song of Moses seems to match Revelation 15 with Exodus 15.3) There is heavy symbolic use of the Temple and some of the Temple
furniture, as well as, the Ark of the Covenant in Revelation.
G. PSALMS
1. Much of this book’s illustrations are just words themselves. As examples:1) Psalm 119:137 with Revelation 16:7 and Psalm 79:3 with
Revelation 16:6 are for praise or description of Christ. 2) Therefore, John uses them as words of comfort for God’s people and
praise of God Himself.
III. PLACES, CHARACTERS AND OBJECTS35
Let us look at some of the places that are named and used from the Old Testament.
A. JERUSALEM1. Jerusalem, of course, is prominently mentioned throughout the Old
Testament, and especially in the seven books briefly described above. 1) However, this place is referred to only three times in Revelation:
3:12, 21:2, and 21:10. 2) Two other references are made to the holy city in Rev 11 and 22,
and Revelation 11 mentions the great city that crucified the Lord.
2. But we must make note that these Revelation references are just for the New Jerusalem. 1) The word for “new” here means new in nature, better than the old. 2) John does not see a restoration of the old Jerusalem, but a New
Jerusalem, very much like that heavenly city mentioned in Heb 12. 3) This New Jerusalem stands in opposition to the Harlot, Babylon (that
is, Rome) - the former a spiritual place, the latter an earthly and carnal place.
4) Quite related to John’s use of Jerusalem, is his use of Mount Zion. This place, where David’s palace was located, is mentioned most frequently in Psalms and Isaiah. It finds fitting use in Heb 12:22 and Rev 14:1.
B. THE RIVER EUPHRATES
1. This is the longest river in western Asia, and figures prominently in our news today. 1) Over the many centuries so many kingdoms had been formed around
it. 2) In John’s day, it was the threat of the Parthians from the region of
the Euphrates that the Romans feared most. They had lost significant battles with the people of this region prior to the writing of Revelation.
3) We find judgment and punishment originating from the Euphrates in Rev 9 and 16.
C. ARMAGEDDON
1. At the sixth bowl of wrath we are introduced to Armageddon. We will spend a major portion of one lesson on this place because it figures so prominently in premillennial and denominational theology.
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1) For now, we will just mention that Megiddo, the place that is referenced here, was the famous battleground of many Israelite conflicts, some recorded in Judges and 1 & 2 Kings.
Let us now look at some of the objects that are named and used from the OT.
D. THE GOLDEN LAMPSTAND
1. In the tabernacle the only light in the Holy Place would have come from the golden lampstands. 1) Ex 25: We find the details for the lampstand. And we find symbolic
use both in Zech 4 and Rev 1. 2) In the case of the Revelation reference, the churches are light-bearers
with Christ among them as the source of their light. 3) Zechariah uses the lampstand in a similar manner, as Jehovah God is
the light source.
E. THE TABERNACLE AND THE TEMPLE
1. In Old Testament history the tabernacle was the dwelling place of God while His people wandered in the wilderness. 1) Later, after they had established themselves in the Promised Land,
the temple was built as the intended permanent dwelling place for God among His people.
2) Rev 21:3: Uses the tabernacle to reaffirm God’s existence among His people.
3) In Revelation, the temple is where God issues His decrees from as we can see in 7:15, 11:19, 14:15, etc.
2. Ex 27 & 38:1-7: The altar is where burnt offerings were made.1) Rev 6:9: John vividly portrayed the altar symbolically of Christian
sacrifice and martyrdom. 2) Rev 8:3-5: It was from this same altar from which the saints were
offering up prayers.
F. BALAAM
1. Rev 2:14: Indicates that he is one who taught others to sin. 1) He stands for one who is filled with covetousness and greed. 2) Num 22-24: We read Balaam’s story about Israel’s enemies using him
in an attempt to deceive and destroy them. 3) The church at Pergamum probably had the same kind of spirit.
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4) A label used to describe an individual within the church.
G. JEZEBEL
1. Rev 2:18-29: More than one-third of the letter to Thyatira is given to deal with this character. 1) There must have been a false prophetess who had the same moral
depravity as the OT woman we read of in I Kings. 2) Jezebel brought in Baal worship when she married Ahab, king of
Judah. 3) In like manner, the woman of Thyatira must have induced Christians
to compromise with the world around them.
H. DESCRIPTIONS OF CHRIST FROM THE OT
1. When we are introduced to Christ in Revelation chapter one, many dramatic and descriptive phrases are used to identify Him and establish His authority. These phrases are steeped in OT symbolism. We have just a few listed below:1) The faithful witness (Ps 89:37; Isa 55:4).2) The firstborn from the dead (Ps 89:27).3) The ruler over kings of the earth (Jer 10:7; Ps 47:7-8; Dan 4:17).4) The Alpha and the Omega (or the first and the last) (Isa 41:4; 44:6).5) Son of Man (Dan 7:13).6) Head and hair white like wool (Dan 7:9).7) Voice as the sound of many waters (Ezek 43:2).
2. Symbols referenced in the OT1) angels, dragon, scorpions, horses, bowls, trumpets, blood, beasts,
white stone, cherubim, harlot, sun, moon, horns, cities, stars, scroll, eagle, lamb.
IV. IMAGERY DRAWN FROM MANY REALMS KNOWN TO MAN
A. DEITY
1. God the occupant on the throne: 1) Sparkling white diamond - (jasper) 2) And as a precious ruby - (sardius) --- 4:3.
2. Jesus the Son of God: 1) Is a lamb --- 5:6. 2) The lion of the tribe of Judah --- 5:5.
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3) The Root of David --- 5:5. 4) The bright and morning star --- 22:16.
3. The Holy Spirit: 1) Seven Spirits. 2) Seven Lamps of Fire. 3) Seven Eyes which are the Seven Spirits of God --- 1:4; 5:6.
B. SPIRIT REALM
1. The revelations embrace heaven, hades, and the lake of fire (hell). 1) Includes a great Red Dragon. 2) A Serpent (Satan). 3) Angels. 4) Demons. 5) Unclean Spirits. 6) Souls.
2. There are beasts that come from a variety of places: 1) One out of the Sea. 2) One out of the Earth.
3. The revelation also embraces: 1) Death. 2) The Resurrection.
C. THE NATURAL WORLD
1. In this aspect the symbols and imagery are drawn from every realm of the natural world from Geology to Astronomy. Reference made to: 1) The Sun. 2) The Sun-Rising. 3) The Moon. 4) The stars. 5) Day and night. 6) The air. 7) The earth, earthquakes. 8) Sea and great waters, rivers and fountains. 9) Clouds, lightening, thunder. 10) Great winds, hail and rainbows. 11) Fire, smoke and brimstone. 12) Of wilderness and an abyss.
D. EARTHLY KINGDOMS 39
1. Once again the imagery is drawn from every social aspects of human life. 1) Kings, Princes and Captains. 2) Bondmen and freemen. 3) Rich and poor. 4) The great and the servants.
2. Our interests and understanding are challenged by references to: 1) Nations 2) Thrones. 3) Diadems and victory crowns. 4) Keys. 5) A Rod (or Scepter) of iron. 6) Great swords, two edge swords , slaughtering swords. 7) A bow. 8) A prison. 9) And the wine press of judgment.
E. CULTURE and SOCIETY
1. There is the ever on-going conflict of war present. Armies clash either to suffer defeat and destruction or winning in victory. 1) Chariots and armor. 2) Wars and clashing forces. 3) Plagues and fears. 4) Suffering and mourning.
2. Also drawn into the scenes is marriage: 1) The Bride and the groom. 2) The marriage and the marriage supper. 3) Lamps, voices. 4) A thief. 5) A woman in childbirth.
3. Added to these are also: 1) Measuring reeds. 2) Doors of admission. 3) Doors through which we see and behold.
F. RELIGION 40
1. Most of these images are drawn from the OT Religious system. 1) Prophets and priests. 2) Altars of sacrifice and the golden altar. 3) Lamp stands. 4) Sacrifice, blood and incense. 5) Synagogue, sanctuary, temple pillar. 6) The Ark of the Covenant and trumpets.
2. There are also symbols of the heathen nations which depict the opposite of what is pleasing before God. Their goal seeks to seduce the faithful. 1) Idols and images. 2) Sacrifices to the idols and images. 3) False prophets. 4) Sorcery.
3. False Teachers: 1) Balaam. 2) Jezebel. 3) Nicolaitans.
G. LOCALITIES
1. These places which were are flashed across the screen to convey ideas: 1) Egypt. 2) Babylon the Great. 3) The Euphrates. 4) Sodom. 5) Mount Zion. 6) Harmageddon (Mount Magedo).
2. Specific Localities: 1) The great city. 2) The holy city. 3) The New Jerusalem for the New Heaven and earth.
3. Some of these would survive and endure the tests placed upon them others would be destroyed.
H. PERSONS 41
1. These are an array of people from every walk of life, each depicting an idea or telling a story or revealing a truth. 1) A radiant woman – Arrayed in the sources of light (Sun; The moon
and the stars). 2) A man child born to her. 3) Virgins. 4) A wife. 5) A queen. 6) A great harlot and her daughters. 7) Those who have committed fornication with the harlot.
2. Also listed in images are: 1) Children. 2) Servants. 3) Balaam. 4) Jezebel. 5) Gog and Magog --- (Ezek 38:2) --- “Gog of Magog”.
I. DRESS
1. As is the case today, much can be determined by the manner of attire a person has on. 1) Kingly and priestly garments. 2) White robes. 3) Fine linen. 4) Sackcloth.
2. Colors used to describe the garments worn: 1) Purple. 2) Scarlet.
J. PHYSICAL ANATOMY
1. Much of the anatomy of man comes into play of the great unveiling of Christ and Spiritual truth. 1) The Head: Hair, forehead, eyes (and tears), ears. 2) The Mouth: Tongue and teeth. 3) The Heart: Blood, Reins (kidney or loins). 4) The Belly. 5) The hands and the feet.
These may be insignificant to the vision but play a supplementary role in the vision.
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K. VEGETATION and AGRICULTURE
1. In this realm the writer introduces both the necessities as well as the luxuries. 1) Grains: Wheat, barley. 2) Fruit: Grapes, figs. 3) Products: Wine, oil from olive trees, honey, spices. 4) Natural elements: Trees, wood, palms, grass and wormwood.
2. Equipment of agriculture. 1) Sickle, winepress and vintage. 2) Harvest and Reaping.
L. MINERAL KINGDOM
1. Man has always had a fascination with the gleaming beauty of various precious stone and minerals. These precious stones find a place in the visions of Revelation. 1) Gold. 2) Silver. 3) Brass. 4) Sea of glass.
2. Precious stones: 1) White stone. 2) Jasper. 4) Sardis. 4) Emerald. 5) Pearls and others.
M. ANIMAL KINGDOM
1. In this section John uses and depicts both the greatest and the lowest forms of animals.
1) Those animals which are friendly to mankind: Calf (or Ox), lamb, horses of various colors, frogs.
2) Those that are unfriendly: Lion, bear, leopard, flying eagles, vultures, wild beast bristling with horns, locusts, scorpions and their stings, serpents, Sea Beast and “every created thing”.
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All of these pass before in visions in some meaningful and instructive way.
N. TRADE and COMMERCE
1. Ships: 1) Shipmasters, sailors, mariners.
2. Merchants: 1) Tradesmen. 2) Craftsmen. 3) Millstones
3. Trade: 1) Coins. 2) Goods. 3) Balances used in trade.
O. LITERATURE
1. John is told to write in a book: 1) He writes of a book that is written within and on the book. 2) He writes of a little book. 3) He writes of the Book of Life.
2. John also writes of: 1) Seals. 2) Alphabet --- (Alpha and Omega). 3) Numbers --- Which we have already considered.
P. MUSIC and MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
1. Music: 1) Both vocal and instrumental. 2) Plays a part in the: Emotional, spiritual, and physical life of the
human family. 3) Trumpet blasts. 4) Harps. 5) Flutes 6) Choirs.
2. Instruments:
1) Minstrels. 44
2) Harps. 3) Flutes. 4) Trumpets.
Q. TIME and ETERNITY
1. Various periods are designated: 1) Half an hour. 2) One hour. 3) 1/3 part of a day. 4) Three days and a half. 5) Ten Days. 6) Twelve hundred and sixty days. 7) Forty-two months. 8) A thousand years. 9) A day and a night.
2. Then beyond time:
1) Forever and Ever.
{Notes Taken from Homer Hailey's - Revelation and Introduction and Commentary p. 37-41}
CONCLUSION
1. What an array of images and symbols that we will encounter as we seek to learn the spiritual and eternal lessons that are contained within the messages of Revelation. 1) This by far does not depict all the images or the realms from which they are
drawn but will suffice to show the student that John draws his imagery from a variety of places and sources trying to conceal the message from those who seek to inflict harm on the body of Christ, but to reveal the truth of God to those who love His Word.
2) While it was designed to reveal it was also, like the parable, designed to conceal from enemies of the church, particularly the Roman Empire.
3) Signs and symbols was a type of literature that was used in times of great distress. This was a common type of writing in the Bible.
4) This type of literature was written in what we would call “code.” Those to whom it was immediately written doubtless knew the code and the meaning of that which was written. We must have some understanding of this to have insight into “The Revelation.”
REVELATION 1THE SON OF MAN AND THE SEVEN CANDLESTICKS
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INTRODUCTION (1:1-3)
A. Imagine reading a mystery novel, as you come to the last chapter of the book you decide that you aren't going to finish reading it.
1. So you hang in limbo as to how the book ends. 1) That is what happens if you read the entire Bible and fail to read the book
of Revelation. The book of Revelation tells us how the story ends. 2) The Old Testament is the gospel concealed in a mystery (Isa 64:4) and
the New Testament is the gospel mystery revealed (Eph 3:1-5). 3) It is the book of Revelation that leaves us with no doubt as to the
culminating effect of God's work in redemption. God triumphs!
1:1: THE ORDER OF DIVINE REVELATION1:2: THE CHARACTER OF JOHN1:3: THE PURPOSE OF THE REVELATION
B. Contrary to popular belief Revelation can be understood.
1. The book of Revelation is apocalyptic in nature. That already sounds mysterious. 1) The Greek word for revelation is apokalupsis which is where we get our
word apocalypse. The word literally means to lay bare, disclose, to unveil.
2) The book that is considered to be so mysterious and so difficult and so clouded is a book that is called the revealing, the unveiling.
3) This is a book that is to reveal the mystery not create a mystery. 4) People run around saying that you cannot understand this book, that it is
so hard that you have to listen to their scholarship. Yet it was the revealing of Jesus Christ. It is the unveiling of the mystery. You can understand it. You can read it and determine its meaning.
2. Also let me ask the question. How many unveilings are there? How many revealings are there? One. It is the revelation. It is the uncovering, it is the unveiling. 1) It is not revelations. It is the revelation. Nowhere in the scriptures is this
called revelations.
2) Just as Paul in Galatians 3:16 argued from the letter “s” that it was to seed and not to seeds that all the nations would be blessed, showing the importance of every letter, we need to call this book by what God called it.
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C. It is a book that pronounces a blessing upon the reader: “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near” (1:3).
1. How can it bless us if we cannot understand it? 1) The book of Revelation is written to give us hope to inspire our
relationship with Christ. 2) Satan was about to unleash his fury upon Christians at the close of the first
century, so John begins the book by reminding us of Christ's glorious coming in judgment upon the world.
D. The expressions, “shortly come to pass” (1) and “the time is near (at hand)” (3) along with the Rev 22:6, 10, show that the things of the book would not tarry or delay.
1. Also here to be noted is the fact that the book had a definite bearing on the present generation that John was writing to. 1) This type of language also gives the book a sense of urgency (imminent
possibility that the things which are recorded are going to take place or are already taking place).
2) What needs to be recognized is the fact that although the revelation pertained to the present generation of Christians, its principles and messages apply to Christians of all time.
2. The book meant something to the original readers. 1) We must also keep before us that John's Revelation constantly reiterates
the blessing that will come from reading and understanding what is written (1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7, 14).
2) John's purpose was not to hide the message of the book, but to make the message vivid and impressive through the use of signs and symbols.
3) Therefore the book can be understood. It is best understood when we endeavor to decipher what it meant to the original recipients.
3. John wrote this book about 96 AD as he was preparing first century Christians for the martyrdom that was soon to come. 1) He wanted the first century Christians to understand the nature of their
sufferings and its place in the eternal purpose of God. 2) John was writing to the seven churches in Asia Minor in an effort to
prepare them for the difficult times ahead. 3) It is a message of optimism and hope rather than a message of gloom and
doom.
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E. Chapters 1-11: THE STRUGGLE ON EARTH
1. The church is persecuted by the world. 1) Dire judgments which are to befall the enemies of Christ.2) The church is avenged, protected and victorious.
F. Chapters 12-22: DEEPER SPIRITUAL MEANING
1. The real struggle “behind the scenes” – God vs. Satan, truth vs. error, or as man saw it, Rome vs. the church.1) Victory of Christ and His kingdom over Satan.
I. MESSAGE TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES FROM GOD (1:4-8)
4: “John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come,”
1. This Asia was a province of what we now call “Asia Minor” or the country of western Turkey.1) This Asia mentioned in the verse was made up of Phrygia, Mysia, Caria,
and Lydia.
2. There were other churches in Asia besides these seven.1) Troas (Acts 20:5).2) Hierapolis (Col 4:13). 3) Colossae (Col 1:2).
3. The word “seven” is used in many different places in this Book, and it always denotes completeness or maturity.1) It is also used in several other books of the Bible to denote the same
thing.
4. Why send this letter to the seven churches of Asia? Why not send it to Jerusalem?1) These seven churches were close to Patmos, where John was writing.2) He could immediately get it to them but he could not go to Jerusalem.3) These churches were on the great trade routes of those days, and the Book
could be easily distributed by faithful travelers, thus getting the message to the known world of that day far sooner than it could be done in any other way.
5. “Seven” is John’s favorite number in Revelation and therefore signifies “all churches”.
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1) It seems safe to conclude that this is Revelation’s way of addressing the whole church (written during a world-wide persecution).
“from Him who is and who was and who is to come,”
1. God is the source of the message (1:1) and blessing.1) It is another way of saying He is an eternal being.
2. Who has seen kingdoms rise and die? Who has heard bragging kings whose bodies have turned to dust? 1) It is The Eternal One who offers grace and peace.2) This salutation has a special meaning for the reader about to undergo
great trials and loss of peace.
“and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne,”
1. Complete, full and perfection revelation of the Holy Spirit. 1) This letter is addressed from the Godhead.
The one “who is and who was and who is to come” is God, the Father.
The “seven spirits” before the throne are to refer to the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ “the faithful witness.”
2. Although “The Revelation” is the revelation of Jesus Christ (that which Christ revealed), we learn in the first chapter that Christ also made a revelation of Himself!1) We want to see Jesus – all about Him we can learn.
3. Consider how Jesus revealed…1) His identity even before His death (John 1:1-4; 6:35-49; 8:12; 9:4-5).2) Himself during the 40 days following His resurrection (John 20:14-31;
21:1-14).3) But now notice how Jesus revealed Himself in “The Revelation.”
We need to keep this description of Himself in mind as He wrote to the seven churches.
1:5: THE THREE-PART WORK OF CHRIST
5: 1. “The faithful witness”
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1. Jesus gave witness of Himself (John 3:32-34; 8:14; Heb 1:1-3; John 18:36-38; 1 Tim 6:13). 1) He bore witness of salvation, giving His life for it. 2) He bears witness to truth. His word is trustworthy.3) As a faith witness He declared that He had seen God and was God
(John 1:18).
2. martus (mar'-toos): (Eng. noun “martyr”)1) John is giving comfort by introducing Jesus in this way.2) Didn’t Jesus promise that He would be with His disciples always
(Matt 28:20)?3) He promised the saints victory – Who is still in control?4) Would Rome’s persecution indict Him as a liar? No way!
2. “The firstborn of the dead”
1. His preeminence is in view here.1) Col 1:18: says that He is “the firstborn from the dead, so that He
Himself will come to have first place in everything.” 2) He was the first to be resurrected never to die again (Acts 26:23;
1 Cor 15:20). 3) Though killed for His testimony, He came to life, never to die again.4) Jesus has authority over creation and death – He came to introduce a
new life after death.5) It was the critical part of His priestly service (Heb 9:23-28; 10:19-
22).
3. “The ruler of the kings of the earth”
1. He rules over all the kingdoms of men with a rod of iron (Eph 1:20-21; 1 Tim 6:15 ; Rev 17:14 ; 19:15-16 ; Ps 2:7-12 ; 89:27; 110:1-7). 1) Some look at the mess the world is in and claim Jesus couldn’t be
ruling.2) The world was in a mess during Nebuchadnezzar’s rule.3) He thought God was not ruling but he knew better when he was
acting like an animal in the pasture.
2. It is no accident that John refers to Jesus as “firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.” 1) During this period of history the kings of the world answered to Rome,
but Jesus Christ is the ruler of the kings of the earth. As powerful Rome began its persecution upon God's people, Christ reminds Christians that they belong to God's kingdom over which the
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Almighty rules. The Roman world seemed powerful, but the Almighty was in the process of judging Rome for her crimes against God's people.
1:5b-7: THE RESULT OF HIS WORK (EFFECT OF MESSAGE)
5: 1. “To Him who loves us”
1. Present tense—continuous action.1) He not only did love them (us), He continues to do so.2) He is not just an all-powerful ruler—He is a selfless lover.3) Christians must remember this when being persecuted.
2. “Released (washed) us from our sins by His blood”
1. We must understand the effect of the cross.1) If He can free us from sins can He not deliver from Rome?2) We are His people by His sacrifice.
6: 3. “He has made us to be a kingdom”
1. Christ is the founder of the kingdom (Col 1:13).1) It is entered when washed with His blood (Eph 1:7).
4. “Priests to His God and Father”
1. Priests in the OT had access to the presence of God 1) Christians have a royal king, thus part of the royal family (1 Pet 2:5,
9; Rev 5:9-10). 2) May be treated like scum in an earthly kingdom, but Christ will take
care of all enemies.3) Not only priests but also privileged to serve (1 Pet 2:10).
5. “To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever” (Acts 2:36; Rev 17:14).
1. Note the fact that angels, authorities and powers have been made subject to Him (1 Pet 3:22) and before Him every knee shall bow (Phil 2:9-11). 1) He rules all, even the great earthly governments that fight against
Him and His people!
7: 6. “Behold, He is coming with the clouds”
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1. Literal at His second coming (end of time on earth) (Acts 1:11; Phil 2:9-11; John 5:28-29).
2. See the example of the “comings” in the 7 letters in Chapters 2 and 3.1) Jas 5:8: “You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming
of the Lord is near.”2) Matt 24:30, 34: Similar language is used in v 30 as is used in this
text but that v 34 claims it was fulfilled (70 AD) in the generation in which Jesus lived.
“and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes (nations) of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen.”
1. John is the only apostle to use Zechariah 12:10 to describe the Jews piercing Jesus as quoted in John 19:37.1) The rest of the nations also “crucified Jesus again” (Heb 6:6) and shared
in His rejection and crucifixion, and stood in opposition to His cause.
2. Everyone will see the Pierced One, every knee will bow, and every family will mourn because of Him when He comes in judgment.1) Acts 1:9-11: Jesus will come back in the same way as He left – “clouds”2) 1 Thes 4:17: “Caught up…in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.”3) Phil 2:9-11: “Every knee will bow…confess”4) John 5:28-29: The righteous and the wicked will be raised in the same
hour.
3. At judgment there is reality of who is ruling and what we have done to Christ because of our sins. 1) We often ignore these realities now, while we consider ourselves and not
Jesus. But when judgment comes, whether it be the final judgment or judgment nationally or individually, we will see what our great sins have done to the Son of God.
2) Recall Matt 24:30, 34: Jesus came in judgment against Jerusalem. He will also come in judgment against Rome. He will literally come to take the faithful into eternal life. This is a great encouragement, comfort and hope (Rev 21-22).
1:8: CHRIST’S DESCRIPTION OF HIMSELF
1:8: “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
1. Christ’s description of Himself or designation of the Father (1:4).52
1) It must however, be noted that clearly throughout the book we see this term or similar expression used of Christ Jesus Himself (1:17; 2:8; 22:12-13).
2) Jesus verifies Himself as the main character of the Book of Revelation.
2. These expressions refer to the "eternal existence" of the Father and of the Lord Jesus (Phil 2:6). 1) “Alpha and Omega” describes absolute completeness (beginning and end
of creation and salvation).2) “Almighty” Caesars were called by this title. They wanted to be eternal.
3. As John writes, it has been well over a half century since Jesus' crucifixion and His ascension to heaven. 1) John saw Jesus on the Mt. of Transfiguration, and he had seen Him
ascend to heaven but now he is an old man as Jesus appears to him in a vision.
2) As John writes about Jesus’ appearance to him in a vision, there is a need for the seven churches in Asia to understand that Jesus Christ is very much alive and all is well.
3) Jesus is the one to whom Caesar himself must bow.
4. As the seven churches of Asia faced the second century AD, they had many years of persecution ahead of them to endure. 1) They needed to know that the Almighty God was in charge. 2) John's message demonstrates that death will not prevail over the church
of Christ, which is built upon the eternal Rock (Matt 16:18-19).
5. John writes to evoke emotion. 1) One is led to feel the assurance of victory in spite of the seemingly
insurmountable odds. 2) You are left with the feeling that come what may, Christ reigns supreme
and hell itself cannot take from Christ what is rightfully his. 3) The book gives the reader (then and now) confidence that God is in
control. 4) Throughout the book God is portrayed as the one who is in control of
history. 5) It is demonstrated that God is fully capable of bringing human beings and
human events together to fulfill His eternal purpose. 6) It is in the book of Revelation that we see that vengeance belongs to God.
II. THE AWESOME VISION OF THE SON OF MAN IN THE MIDST OF SEVEN CANDLESTICKS (1:9-20)
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1:9-11: JOHN’S CHARGE TO WRITE WHAT HE SEES
9: “I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus,”
1. John is qualified (human and divine) to write this letter.1) I am part of what you are part of – the family of God.2) I am a joint-sharer – tribulation=pressure against (pressing grapes, grain).
2. “Kingdom” (basalia) – Revelation – what will happen to the church?1) ANS: It will be victorious like its king (Matt 16:18; Heb 12:28-29).2) “Perseverance” – Transfers suffering into victory.3) “In Jesus” – Not enough just to be in tribulation, must be in in Jesus, in
His kingdom and persevere.
“was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.”
1. John knows what they are going through.1) “Patmos” – 30 mile circumference and 4-5 miles in diameter.
* Refer to overview notes, pp. 24-26.2) He is able to sympathize and comfort with the saints in this tribulation.3) He is not one who was free from the suffering but rather was a victim of
his religious beliefs also.
2. John 15:18-19: “If the world hates you, you know it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.”John 16:33: “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”1) Don’t expect the world to treat you the same as I do.2) Our problem – want the world to love us.3) True peace only comes from Christ.4) 2 Tim 3:12: Shows that they (you) are making an impression.
3. Heb 12:9: “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.”1) God has long term goals for us but short term difficulties.2) The temptation is to clam up.
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2 Tim 1:7-8: “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.”
3) Jesus wants all Christians to be strong under such tribulation (1 Pet 2:21).4) Certainly Christ is our example of how to be steadfast in time of trial and
tribulation (Matt 4:1-11).
10: “I was in the Spirit”
1. Some have tried to make this mean that he was in worship, but this does not fit in with other apocalyptic literature. 1) Rev 4:2; 17:3; 21:10: John speaks of being “in the spirit” and it refers to
having a vision.2) John was under the power or control of the Divine Spirit. 3) It is clear from other scriptures that this seems to be the most logical
explanation of this expression. 4) We can compare this to Ezekiel 37:1 who was “in the spirit” and
received a vision.5) The phrase here refers to a miraculous vision in which one had contact
with God (Ezek 3:10-15; 8:1-4).
2. John is saying that his vision is beginning.1) If that is not what John is saying, then we must accept the things that we
read after this in the rest of these chapters through chapter 3 as literal.2) Such as literal seven gold lampstands, literal eyes a flame and a literal
tongue that is a two-edged sword. 3) We know that this is figurative language and here is the mark to prove
that what we are about to read is in symbols, for John says he was “in the spirit.” The vision has begun.
“on the Lord’s day,”
1. Some suggest that this is not referring to Sunday but means the day of the Lord. Instead of the Lord's day, they say it means “the day of the Lord.” 1) The best argument is what is the significance of John telling us it was
Sunday? Not too much, they say. 2) Instead there is significance if this vision begins when the day of the
Lord, the tribulations that John is seeing, is beginning. 3) As much as I would like to accept this view, the Greek language of the
text will not let you do it.
2. The expressions “the Lord's day” and “the day of the Lord” should not be confused. These expressions are not equivalent in thought.
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1) A study of the Greek words found in this phrase strongly suggests that it is the first day of the week (Sunday).
2) The phrase “day of the Lord” uses a different word for “Lord” than what occurs here. “Lord” (kuriou) – (Acts 2:20; 1 Thes 5:2; 2 Pet 3:10). In both the Old and New Testament it refers to some kind of
judgment, the phrase implying the Lord is in control.
3. There was a time when one might have concluded that the Sabbath day was the Lord’s day (Gen 2:1-3), but that conclusion would be wrong.1) The Sabbath day was never called the Lord’s day.2) The Sabbath day was of significance only to God and the Israelites
(Ex 31:16).3) Even the Israelites knew, or should have known, that the Sabbath would
cease (Hos 2:11).4) Sabbath keeping, being a part of the 10 commandments, was part of the
old covenant (Deut 4:13).5) The old covenant had been done away before the writing of Revelation
(Col 2:14-16; Gal 3:19-24; Heb 8:6-9). Therefore, we must look elsewhere to find what the Lord’s day is.
4. Note: (kuriakei hemerai) “Lord's day”. The Greek term (kuriakei) occurs only twice in the entire New Testament (Rev 1:10; I Cor 11:20 (kuriakon deipnon) “Lord's Supper”).1) Both verses use the same possessive form – Belongs to the Lord. 2) The significance of this cannot be overlooked. 3) The “Lord’s day” and the “Lord’s Supper” are connected.
5. Acts 20:7: “On the first day of the week (Lord’s day), when we were gathered together to break bread,…”1) Lord’s Supper: Acts 2:42; 1 Cor 11:23-24.
6. “The Lord’s day” was prophesied.
Ps 118:22-24: “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”1) Who is the stone? What was the Lord’s doing?
Making the rejected stone the chief cornerstone?2) What was the day that God did such?
When the disciples rejoiced and were glad in it!
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What could be more marvelous and what could compel us most to rejoice and be glad than the day Jesus arose?
Matt 28:8: “And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples.” (Luke 24:41-43; John 20:19-20).
7. Note these important passages which seem to suggest that the Lord's day is the first day of the week. 1) Mark 16:1-9: Jesus was raised on the first day of the week. 2) John 20:1, 19, 26: Jesus met with His disciples several times on the first
day of the week.3) Acts 2: All the events of took place on the first day of the week.
First gospel sermon. First converts. Beginning and establishment of the church. Acts 20:7: The church assembled on the first day of the week to
partake of the Lord's Supper. 1 Cor 16:2: Christians are commanded to give on the first day of the
week.
“and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet,”
1. John hears behind him a great voice as of a trumpet. 1) Just as to why the voice came from behind him is not revealed but a
parallel to this is found in Ezekiel 3:12. 2) Note that whenever God had something to impart to His people in the Old
Testament dispensation, He gathered them by means of a trumpet-sound (Ex 19:16, 19; Lev 25:9; Josh 6:5; Isa 58:1).
3) However, one needs to note the fact that the “voice” was not a trumpet but rather “like the sound of a trumpet (as of a trumpet)” meaning that it was loud and clear.
2. Trumpet sounding has also been used to sound men into battle as well as to announce the triumph of victory or to call men to attention. 1) The Romans used the trumpet extensively for this purpose.
11: saying, “Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”
1. The commission given to John. 1) He was to write in a book the things which he would see.
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2) The question must be raised as to who gave John this commission. 3) Some contend that it is the angel of verse 1 that summoned John's
attention since it was by the angel that these things were given to John. 4) Others contend that since John saw Jesus the Son of God in the midst of
the candlesticks when he turned about, that it must have been Christ who spoke and commissioned John. The fact cannot be denied that Christ is the speaker of verses 17-20,
the same as the one speaking in verse 11.
2. Though this was first sent to these seven churches, God has preserved this message showing that it is for all who would read and learn from God. 1) These are Jesus’ LAST WORDS to His church.2) These 7 churches of Asia minor represent churches of Christ for all time.3) We can see ourselves and our spiritual condition in these 7 letters.4) The problems and issues these churches were struggling with are
precisely the same matters that trouble the church today!
3. There is great debate among Christians over whether the book refers completely to Rome or completely to Jerusalem. 1) You are going to be allowed to make a decision for yourselves, but we
need to be honest with the clues and interpretations we receive. 2) Here is the first clue. If this message is going to be solely about the
destruction of Jerusalem, why is this book written to Asia? It should have been written to a church or churches in Judea, not Asia.
3) There may not have been church in Jerusalem at the time, we do not know. But surely in the whole region of Judea there was.
4) Why is the book written to Asia if the book is about the destruction of Jerusalem? And so we get our first clue by the recipients of this book. We are going to be talking about more than Jerusalem. Jerusalem may
be included, but we can eliminate the idea that only Jerusalem is involved.
4. Instead of sending a protest letter to Caesar to clean up the government, God’s main concern was to REVIVE HIS LOCAL CHURCHES.1) Each local church is to be HIS LIGHT AND HIS SALT to save and
influence the world.2) When the church becomes vibrant in its faith, then and only then, will its
spiritual influence be felt in the nation.3) The hope of our nation does NOT depend upon the White House, nor
with Wall Street, but in the church of our Lord Jesus Christ.4) The KEY to changing the world is REVIVAL in the church, not fixing
the government!
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5) What is needed is a spiritual change of heart, not cosmetic changes of the exterior.
6) Only one army has the power to halt the devil – It is the BLOOD-BOUGHT CHURCH OF CHRIST.
7) She alone is equipped for spiritual warfare and she alone has the power to overcome (Rom 1:16; 8:31-39).
8) These letters are a WAKE-UP CALL from the Lord Himself.
1:12-16: THE VISION OF THE AVENGING CHRIST
1. Before Jesus writes to the seven churches, He gives to John an awesome vision.1) John is shown who is the HEAD of the church.2) This awesome vision is majestic and powerful – reveals Christ’s GLORY
with striking detail.
12: “Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands (candlesticks);”
1. John first saw seven golden lampstands. 1) These are representative of the seven churches to which the message is
addressed (1:20; 2:5). 2) Note John saw seven distinct candlesticks and not the old Jewish
candlestick which had seven branches. The tabernacle in the wilderness had one lampstand located on the south end. Solomon's Temple multiplied this by 10 – five on the one side and five on the other.
2. Some have indicated that this showed the true relationship of congregations to Jesus Christ as well as to each other. 1) Congregations of the Lord's church are to be autonomous and
independent of each other only joined together by a central headship, Jesus Christ.
2) Christ has no headquarters on earth – Better than Caesar’s kingdom.
3. The purpose of lampstands is to shed light. 1) In this way the churches are to fulfill their mission by shedding spiritual
light. 2) When they cease to shed forth this light the lampstand is removed. 3) Gold was the metal used in the vessels of Divine service.
4. John saw one who was in the midst of the candlesticks. 1) This is no doubt a reference to Christ Jesus.
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2) Note: Christ is always in the midst of His churches, since He is the Head, the High Priest and the King.
3) What John saw in the midst of the candlesticks is indeed a description of Jesus Christ in His present glory as triumphant King in heaven.
4) Though it is difficult for the human mind to comprehend the great glory of this Spirit Being, John tries to give us a glimpse of what Christ and His reign is like through the usage of symbols.
13: “and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash.”
1. HIS SUPREME PRESENCE – “in the middle of the lampstands”1) Christ’s position: He is standing in the midst of the churches.2) He alone occupies the place of supreme prominence.3) No congregation is to be “run” by any man, committee, or special interest
group (Col 1:15-18; 2:6-10).
2. HIS RELATIONSHIP TO MAN – “like a son of man”1) This is Christ's human form (Heb 2:14-16; Phil 2:5-8). 2) Often used of Jesus in the NT indicating His relationship to man and
signifying that He was a man.3) It is also a messianic term (Dan 7:13-14) – “He came up to the Ancient of
Days” and was “given dominion, glory…an everlasting kingdom.”
3. HIS SOVEREIGN ATTIRE – Long robe with a belt.1) His distinguished dress signifies His sovereign authority over the church.2) He is the one in control (Matt 28:18).3) The clothing of those of high rank and office; the golden girdle is also
used of the seven angels (Rev 15:6) indicating their high ranking position.
4) It is also priestly attire (Ex 28:4; 39:29).5) This sash (belt, girdle) was worn only by the priest when he was
officiating on behalf of the people.
14: “His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire.”
4. HIS SINLESS CHARACTER – “His head” and “hair were white”1) Symbols of Christ’s absolute sinless holiness and perfect purity.
Heb 7:26: “For it is fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens.”
2) He is just and righteous – not like Caesar.60
3) It is descriptive of God (Dan 7:9) – Eternal qualities of deity.4) Caesar’s died when their hair turned white = Old.
5. HIS SEARCHING GAZE – “His eyes were like a flame of fire”1) The burning, piercing look misses nothing.2) This is not stressing tenderness.3) Christ sees into the depths and secret places of every church.4) Nothing is hidden, nothing escapes His attention (John 2:25; Heb 4:13).5) With blazing insight and penetrating gaze, He fully knows every detail
about us.6) To each of the seven churches He says, “I know…”
15: “His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a
furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters.”
6. HIS SMOLDERING JUDGMENT – “His feet were like burnished bronze”1. Symbolic of strength as pure, hard, metal; He will crush His enemies
under His feet (1 Cor 15:25; Rev 19:15).1) Micah 4:13: suggests destructive power under this figure.2) 1 Chron 28:18: The Cherubim (the chariot of God), the dispensers
of God’s wrath had such feet.3) Jesus’ red hot feet symbolize His righteous indignation against sin4) Rev 2:15: Because He is holy, He hates sin (Prov 6:16-19).
7. HIS STRONG VOICE – Thunderous like the voice at Sanai.1) Like the mighty ocean waves crashing against the shore.2) Like the deafening roar of Niagara Falls (Ps 46:6; Ezek 43:2).3) “Many waters” – Harmony, refreshing, peaceful = perfect rhythm.
16: “In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength.”
8. HIS SEVERE DISCIPLINE – “seven stars…sword”1) Signifies that Christ has all authority over the churches (Eph 1:22-23).2) The “sharp two-edged sword” is a term used for divine judgment.3) Isa 11:4: viewed a rod of correction.4) Revelation: It is a sword of punishment.
9. HIS SHINING SPLENDOR – His face was like the sun shining in its strength.” 1) As the sun of a clear day at noon is too intense for the human eyes to stare
at. 2) This is descriptive of His majesty and His glory (Heb 1:3).
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OBSERVATIONS
1. This description pictures Christ as more than just a tender, loving Savior. 1) Christ is this and more than this; He is clothed with power and Majesty,
with awe and terror. 2) From this we see that Christ is Living, Holy, Pure, Majestic, authoritative,
omniscient and powerful as He stands in the midst of His churches.
2. We go about and break down all of these smaller pictures and it causes us to miss the big picture that this image would communicate to John and the readers of the message. 1) Jesus is standing among the lampstands. Verse 20 tells us that these
lampstands are the churches. And so He is standing among them, and He is standing among these churches looking like this.
2) What is the point? I believe the point is to show the power and strength that He has in the midst of the tribulation that these Christians are going through. There is Jesus, with all authority and power and He is ready to act, with seven stars in His hand.
3. All of these pictures should communicate power and strength to us. 1) Robe and gold sash, He has power. 2) Eyes a fiery flame, He has power. 3) Feet like bronze from a furnace, he has power. 4) Voice like cascading waters, he has power. 5) Sword from the mouth, power. 6) Face shining like the sun, powerful. 7) This is an image that communicates great strength and power and I think
that is the point we are to take away from this symbol.
4. When God talks about judgment, He uses symbolic language. 1) Why is it, in Daniel, the story is going along and we understand it then
suddenly all of these wild images begin? 2) Because judgment is being talked about. God uses these images when
speaking about judgment.
5. Christ’s presence among the congregations of Asia is more personal than His coming in judgment upon Rome. 1) He knows how they are struggling to live for Him in an evil world. 2) He knows their shortcomings and their strengths. 3) As He speaks to the seven congregations in Asia, Christ expresses His
desire and willingness to help them overcome their enemies victoriously.
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4) Life would be much easier if we could visualize Christ's presence in our struggles. More than anything we need to understand that He cares about what is going on in our lives. If we could truly understand how deeply He is concerned about the outcome of it all for us, we would be greatly encouraged. Christ knows the struggles of each local congregation and He knows the personal struggles of each person within each congregation.
(1) "One like a Son of Man" (13a) This is Christ's Human form (Heb 2:14-16; Phil 2:5-8). Often used of Jesus in the New Testament indicating His relationship to man and signifying that He was a man; also a messianic term (Dan 7:13-14).
(2) "Clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash" (13b)
The clothing of those of high rank and office; the golden girdle is also used of the seven angels (15:6) indicating their high ranking position. It is also priestly attire (Ex 28:4; 39:29).
(3) "His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow" (14a)
White represents purity, holiness (Rev 3:4-5); descriptive of God (Dan 7:9).
(4) "His eyes were like a flame of fire" (14b) Bright, penetrating vision; omniscient, infinite awareness, insight.
(5) "His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow like a furnace" (15a)
Symbolic of strength as pure, hard, metal; he will crush His enemies under His feet (I Cor 15:25; Rev 19:15).
(6) "His voice was like the sound of many waters" (15b)
Great moving force; omnipotent, all powerful, almighty.
(7) "In His right hand He held seven stars" (16a)
These are the angels of the seven churches (Rev 1:20). Signifies that Christ has all authority over the churches (Eph 1:22-23).
(8) "Out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword" (16b)
The sword of Judgment as in 2:16; 19:15; 2 Thes 2:8; also used of the word (Heb 4:12; Eph 6:17; John 12:48).
(9) "His face was like the sun shining in its strength." (16c)
As the sun of a clear day at noon is too intense for the human eyes to stare at. This is descriptive of His majesty and His glory (Heb 1:3).
1:17-18: REACTION TO THE VISION
17: When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last,”
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1. What caused this reaction? 1) Certainly the awe and the fear of what he has just witnessed concerning
the present glory of Christ in heaven. 2) This type of reaction towards receiving a revelation from God was not
uncommon. 3) Prophets of the Old Testament had overcome similar experiences.
Isaiah when he beheld the vision of Jehovah's throne (Isa 6:5). Ezekiel when he saw the chariot of God (Ezek 1:28). Daniel at the sight of Gabriel (Dan 8:17, 27; 10:8-10).
4) These types of visions seemed to have a drastic effect on the physical bodies that caused them to react in such ways.
2. Note the purpose of the revelation was not to terrify but rather to bring comfort to John and the hearers of the words. 1) Note the drastic change that John saw in the appearance of Christ who
caused the unnerving effect that is here portrayed. 2) Remember the apostle John was the one whom Jesus loved while here on
this earth. 3) John many times was referred to as “having been in the bosom of
Christ.” 4) The fact remains that the glorious body of Christ was so different from
that of His fleshly body that the unanticipated change overwhelmed John. 5) All are going to be changed at the return of Christ (1 Cor 15:50-52).
3. Note in this verse is the tenderness and genuine concern that Christ has for His servant John. 1) Christ stretched out “His right hand” and laid it on John. 2) Dan 8:18: The purpose of such can be seen. 3) We are accustomed to the phrase “he extended his right hand in
fellowship.” 4) We often hear the expression, “he held out his right hand to help!” 5) Certainly here we can see that we are to recognize that Christ offers help
to us even though we have fallen down.
“Do not be afraid!” – Thoughts of comfort.
1. The child of God should not be afraid of the majesty and glory of the Son of God (Matt 14:27) but rather we should find peace and assurance before Him.
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1) Those that should be afraid of being in the presence of God are those who are walking contrary to the will of God.
2) Lenski notes concerning this fearing: “The present imperative forbids a continuation of fearing.”
“I am the first and the last” = “I am divine”
1. This expression is found four times in Revelation (1:11; 1:17; 2:8; 22:13) and three times in the book of Isaiah (41:4; 44:6; 48:12). 1) In Isaiah's account this expression is used to assure Judah that Jehovah
God is absolute and that He is able to drive the enemies out of the land and redeem His people.
2) In Revelation Christ having been glorified, uses the same expression identifying Himself with the fullness and the power of the eternal God.
3) This expression exemplifies the eternal nature of Christ and the rightful place that He holds as being God (John 1:1).
2. Everything begins and ends with Christ.1) Jehovah is the I Am of the OT – Jesus is the I Am of the NT.2) Both Jehovah and Jesus possess the same eternal qualities.
18: “and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.”
1. Continuation of thought given to not be afraid.
1) This continuation of thought removes beyond a shadow of a doubt the fact that this is Jesus Christ that John has seen amidst the candlesticks.
“and the living One”
1. This is another divine title that Christ under takes for Himself. 1) This title occurs many times in the OT to describe the supreme being
(Deut 5:26; 32:40; Josh 3:10; 1 Sam 17:26, 36; 2 Kings 19:4, 16; Ps 42:2; 84:2; Isa 37:4, 17; Jer 10:10; 23:36; Dan 6:20, 26; Hos 1:10).
2) In the NT this phrase is also used of the supreme being (Matt 16:16; 26:63; Rom 9:26; 2 Cor 3:3; 6:16; 1 Tim 3:15; 4:10; Heb 3:12; 9:14; 10:31; 12:22 ; Rev 7:2).
3) God is not the God of the dead but of the living (Luke 20:38). 4) Oaths were taken by the name of “Jehovah” and they would swear “as
Jehovah lives” (Jer 5:2; Matt 26:63). 5) One needs to remember that Jesus identified Himself as the “life” and
that we have life in Him (John 14:6; 5:26; 1:4).
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6) One must remember that this phrase would be familiar to John the apostle since he uses this terminology frequently in the gospel of John.
“and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore,”
1. We serve a risen Savior and not a dead hero. 1) The certainty of Christ's resurrection is here once again declared to John. 2) This statement definitely alludes to Christ's death at the hands of the evil
rulers of the Jewish religious system. 3) It is without doubt that this is Jesus Christ since to no one else could this
terminology apply. 4) Christ was the only one who was raised from the dead never having to
taste of death again. 5) This must have been very comforting to those who soon would have to
die for the faith that they have in Christ Jesus.
“and I have the keys of death and of Hades.”
1. No one can conquer Him or you or me (Matt 16:18-19; Heb 2:14).1) We not only live by faith but we also die by faith (Dan 3:17-18).2) Ps 9:13: Expresses the idea that humans are limited.3) Christ has the “keys” = authority and power – NOT LIMITED! 4) He affirms the resurrection of the righteous (Rev 14:13).
2. “Keys” is mentioned four times in the book of Revelation—more than any other book of the Bible. The word is used a number of ways in the Bible. 1) It is used in a literal sense (Jud 3:25).2) However, most of the time it is used figuratively (Luke 11:52; Matt
16:13-19).3) A “key” is something which locks or unlocks, provides or prohibits
something.4) It is a sign of authority, power, and control.
3. The “keys” of “The Revelation.”1) Rev 1:18: Christ here claims to have authority over those in the
temporary home of the departed ones. He can and will recall these from their resting places. This is not a surprise, for He provided life in the first place (Gen
1:26; John 1:3; Col 1:15-17). This teaching is not new (John 5:28-29; 1 Cor 15:50-57).
2) Rev 3:7: Next we read about the “key of David” which Christ has. This is one of those many references to OT scenes with an application being made by our Lord (Isa 22:20-22).
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In Rev 3:7 Christ is claiming the power over which the house of David was a type.
He has control over the kingdom. He had already issued the keys necessary for entrance (Matt 16:13-
18; Acts 2:14-41; John 3:3-5). Christ was raised up to sit on David’s throne (Acts 2:30-35).
3) Rev 9:1: The “key of the bottomless pit” was given to someone. A star falls from heaven. Who is it? He is said to be the king of the locusts and is identified with both a Greek and Hebrew name, which means “destroyer.” Evidently, this is Satan. Although he is given great power, he still is
limited in power. He is not to continue always in his power role.
4) Rev 20:1: “The key of the bottomless pit” comes into focus again. In a future study we will study this in more detail, but let us observe
that the time element is not literal. The lesson we are interested in here is that Christ has the key even
over all of this.
1:19-20: JOHN CHARGED TO WRITE THE VISION
19: “Therefore write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things.”
1. What is commanded here is a reinforcement of what was spoken in verse 11.
1) One must note the fact that what is spoken here is the One who has the Authority over Death and Hades and who now is ruling.
2. The command to write implies that John was writing the things while they were happening. 1) Although there are a few times when John is told not to write, we as
students must understand that Revelation for the majority was not written after the event, but rather it was written during the revelations itself.
“write the things which you have seen.” “and the things which are.” “and the things which will take place after these things.”
1. The command to write is threefold in nature.
1) Note the fullness of this command as compared with the command in verse 11.
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“write what you see” – what John has already seen. “write in a book” – prevailing conditions and state of 7 churches at the
present time.“send it to the seven churches.” – point to the conditions in the future
which would follow those just mentioned.
2. As we analyze these commands we can see three distinct divisions which is a complete summarization of the proceedings of the book of Revelation. 1) There is no doubt that the time limit on these things which would be
reaches far into the future and not only to a few given years from its writing.
2) The book of Revelation includes things of the immediate future and things which reach unto and include the second coming of Christ, the judgment, and the eternal kingdom.
20: “As for the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.”
1. Up until this time the meaning of the seven lampstands (12) and the seven stars held in the right hand (16) of Christ have not been explained. 1) It is in this verse that their explanation is given. 2) Christ proceeds to explain first the “seven stars in His right hand.”
These are the “angels of the seven churches.”
2. Just exactly what is meant here is most difficult to explain, if not impossible to determine what this has reference to. Let us note what positions have been taken on its meaning: 1) Some advocate that the angels are simply the messengers of the churches. 2) Others advocate that this is the bishop of each congregation. However,
elders/Bishops were always to be in the plural and not in the singular form (Acts 14:23), thus this position cannot be accepted.
3) The most commonly held belief is the angel represents, symbolically, the spirit of the church. Charles r. Erdman writes that the “angel denotes a personification of
the character and temper and conduct of the church. It expresses the idea that each church, with its many individual members, constitutes a unity.”
Hailey notes on this position: “This last has stronger supporting evidence. Since the lampstands are the churches - the supporters of the light - viewed externally, the stars may well represent the inward life or spirit of the congregations addressed by Jesus. This position seems to be confirmed by the letters themselves; Jesus addresses
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each letter to the 'angel of the church .....,' and concludes with the appeal 'he that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.' Whoever is addressed is to hear; the angels are addressed; the churches are to hear. It follows that the angels are that part of the church addressed which is to hear; this would be the spirit or active life of the churches.”
REVELATION 2-3LESSONS FOR EVERY CHURCH
INTRODUCTION
A. Churches are like people.
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1. No two are alike. Each has its own individual “personality.”1) Each congregation had its own particular problems and its own strengths.2) Each letter is tailored to fit the specific situation of each church.
2. We can also see ourselves in these letters and gain valuable lessons.1) Christ reveals what He wants the churches to be!
B. Each letter follows a common sevenfold pattern.
1. GREETING (setting) “To the angel of the church in __________write:”1) First, Jesus identifies each church by the city in which it is located and
where it struggles to live the Christian life.
2. SPEAKER (reference to Christ’s self-designation from Rev 1:12-19).1) Each letter has an unique description of Jesus, the author of the letter, that
is fitted appropriately to the needs of that church.2) In each letter Jesus describes Himself in such a way to show He is
qualified to say what needs to be said.
3. COMMENDATION (strengths) “I know your deeds…” 1) The Lord will commend and encourage each church (except Laodicea)
for particular areas of faithfulness in serving Him.
4. CONDEMNATION (rebuke of sin) if applicable (except Smyrna and Philadelphia – the 2 most persecuted churches).1) Each church is admonished, sometimes severely, for areas of sin,
compromise and carnality.
5. SOLUTION (a charge to repent or a warning).1) Following each rebuke, Jesus prescribes the solution that will restore that
church to spiritual health.2) In every case, it is the same – a call to repent.
6. SUMMONS (a call to hear).1) Jesus calls every believer in every church in every place in every age to
“HEAR what the Spirit says” and put it into practice.
7. PROMISE (success) “To him who overcomes…”1) In order to motivate us to faithfulness, the Lord holds before each church
a promise of future blessing in heaven.
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C. Location of the seven churches: Asia Minor is south of Bithynia, north of Lycia, west of Galatia, and east of Aegean.
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1. These seven form a circle. 1) Ephesus to Smyrna – 41.5 miles 2) Smyrna to Pergamum – 64.5 miles 3) Pergamum to Thyatira – 44 miles 4) Thyatira to Sardis – 33 miles 5) Sardis to Philadelphia – 28 miles 6) Philadelphia to Laodicea – 47 miles 7) Laodicea to Ephesus – 107 miles
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I. EPHESUS: A FLICKERING LIGHT (2:1-7)DANGER OF DIMINISHING LOVE
A. SETTING :
1. Ephesus was the greatest city in the Roman province of Asia Minor.1) This city was 40 miles South of Smyrna, 80 miles south of Troas,
and 20 miles north of Miletus. It was 60-70 miles from Patmos where John was exiled to and writing from (1:4, 9).
1) It was a free city with a municipal government of its own. 2) All roads west of the Euphrates River and Mesopotamia met in
Ephesus.
2. The Temple of Artemis (Diana) was one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world.1) It was a massive structure as long as two football fields.
The building was 425 feet long, 220 feet wide, with 127 columns standing 60 feet tall.
2) It stood at the head of the harbor.3) Pausanias said that it “surpassed every structure raised by human
hands.4) Another ancient writer said, “I have seen the walls and hanging
gardens of old Babylon, the statue of Olympian Jove, the Colossus of Rhodes, the great labor of the lofty Pyramids, and the ancient tomb of Mausolus. But when I beheld the Temple at Ephesus towering in the clouds, all these other marvels were eclipsed.”
3. Alexander the Great wanted his name carved on one of the 127 pillars.1) He offered all the riches of his Eastern campaign for the honor. 2) The city fathers turned down the offer. But nobody refused
Alexander. But the Ephesians calmly talked him out of it by saying, “If we put the name of another god on her temple it will upset her.”
4. Ephesus was the center of pagan worship.1) In the center of the temple, concealed by curtains stood the image of
Diana.2) The image of Diana was so old that its original origin was unknown
and some claimed that it had fallen from heaven itself (Acts 19:35). 3) The image of Diana was a black, squat, repulsive figure. Covered
with many breasts, was the symbol of fertility. It also held a club in one hand and a trident in the other. Diana was the Roman name for the mythological Greek goddess Artemis, daughter of Jupiter and Latona and the twin sister of Apollo. Variations of the descriptions
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of this god show Diana attended by lions without the instruments in her hands. To millions of people of that day and time this image was the most important and sacred thing in the world.
4) Immediately behind the shrine was located a safety vault, where people stored their money for safe keeping. The temple virtually became the treasure house of the ancient world.
5) It was also used as a museum where the best statues and paintings were preserved.
5. The character of the people was notoriously wicked and bad. 1) On the inside, pagan worship flourished, including drunkenness,
ritual prostitution, sexual perversions, and inside the temple, criminals found political asylum.
6. Ephesus was also known for its magnificent theater (Acts 19:29).1) It was reported to have a 50,000 person seating capacity, which
would have been the largest in the Greek world.2) It was carved on the western side of Mount Oreosus, being open to
the sky.3) Acts 19:30-31: “And when Paul wanted to go into the assembly, the
disciples would not let him. Also some of the Asiarchs who were friends of his sent to him and repeatedly urged him not to venture (Lit., give himself) into the theater.1 Cor 4:9: “For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.” Very opposed to Paul’s preaching (Acts 19:24ff).Eph 2:19-22: Growing into a holy temple.
7. It was here in the midst of this godless city, that God planted a thriving church.1) The first time Paul went to Ephesus was on his second missionary
journey (Acts 18:18-21).2) By this time, Ephesus was already an ancient city being colonized in
the 11 century BC by the Athenians.3) The population in the first century was between 200,000 – 500,000.4) On Paul’s third journey he stayed for 2-3 years. No doubt this
church was strong during this time.
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B. SPEAKER: Jesus introduces himself unto them in this manner –
1: “The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this: 2 I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance…”
1. This assures the church that Christ is ever with them, providing for their every need. 1) This was true as long as they walked in the light of His work
(1 John 1:7). He assures them that He knows their works.2) Christians may deceive many other Christians, and they may deceive
themselves, but rest assured as God can read the hearts of men (Mark 2:8) and sees in the darkness as if it were light (Ps 139:11-12) He knows their works and He is not deceived in any way.
3) He knows what we are leaving undone (Matt 23:23). 4) He knows whether or not we are doing our best to do better from day
unto day, or whether we are doing only what we think we can get by with as minimum service.
2. He also knows whether or not we are working as Christians who love God and the souls of men supremely, or if we fight the good fight of faith simply as an obsession to rid the world of sin and sinners. 1) It is evident that Christ knew that the motivation of the church in
Ephesus was not love. They were toiling hard without love.
3. They were toiling with patience (perseverance or steadfastness). 1) It is absolutely necessary if we are to attain success as workers for
God and with God that we achieve this mark of maturity (Gal 6:7-9). They knew their labor was not in vain in the Lord (1 Cor 15:58).
2) They also knew that faith and that works was pleasing to God (Jas 2:24).
3) Let us run with patience the race before us also (Heb 12:1-3). It is mentioned in (2 Peter 1:5-11) as necessary for growth unto the life which is eternal.
C. COMMENDATION:
2: “I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false;”
1. Apostles could be tested.
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1) No one had to quit, there is no discouragement.2. They tried them using the word of the Lord as the standard (1 John 4:1-
5). 1) There were men there who claimed to be apostles but were really
nothing but imposters. 2) There were signs of a true apostle that only they could do (2 Cor
12:12) 3) Only the apostles had all nine of the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit
(1 Cor 12:7-11). 4) The true apostle could pass the Holy Spirit to others by the laying on
of his own hands upon others (Acts 8:18).5) If a man was a true apostle he taught only the gospel taught by the
inspired apostles (Acts 2:42: Gal 1:11-12). Men today who claim to be apostles are false because the day of
spiritual gifts have ceased (1 Cor 13:8-10) and no man today can pass the Holy Spirit to another through the laying on of hands.
3: and you have perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake, and have not grown weary.”
1. These Ephesians were suffering as Christians for the sake of Christ and were not ashamed (1 Pet. 4:16). 1) They had never grown lazy in their labor for the Lord for they
realized the great reward awaiting them after the battle was over (2 Tim 4:6-8).
6: “Yet this you do have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”
1. Doctrinal soundness is praised (2:6). Remain in the battle against sin.1) They are commended for their hatred in regards to the deeds of the
Nicolaitans. This word means “destroyer”.
2) This doctrine was destructive to all the souls of those people who were involved in it.
3) This doctrine advocated satisfaction of the “lusts of the flesh” even to the point of fornication and adultery.
4) Gal 5:19-21: God warns that to fulfill the lusts of the flesh would keep a person out of heaven and fit him for hell.
5) Tit 3:3-6: It is very evident that to live such a life is deceptive, foolish, and disobedient unto God.
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6) 1 Cor 6:9-11: Those Gentiles who walked in the lists of the carnal man in Corinth were required to give up this sort of life in order that their sins be forgiven them.
7) Rom 1:28-32: God states that “those who do such things” are worthy of death and His wrath.
8) Yes God hates the deeds of the Nicolaitans, but certainly was not willing that a one of them should perish, but that all of them come to repentance (2 Pet 3:9).
2. We must as God does, also hate the deeds of evil men, but love their souls enough to try to snatch them away from the fires of eternal torment (Jude 22-23). 1) Let us adamantly hate SIN but love the sinner with all our heart.2) This is the very purpose and reason Christ left heaven and was put to
death and raised again (Luke 19:10).
D. CONDEMNATION:
4: “But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.”
1. They neglected the motive and passion (1 Cor 13:1-3).1) However, the Lord pointed out the seriousness of working diligently
without the true and proper attitude and motivation factor.2) Perhaps their service to Christ became mechanical and routine.3) It is not enough to be simply against something.4) Obedience must come from a heart fully devoted to God
(Matt 22:37).5) What a shame! The church had so much to their credit – all of this
good and yet spoiled by ONE THING!
2. Eph 4:15: Paul states to these same brethren that they must “speak the truth”, but that it must be spoken “in love”.1) God’s message is indeed the truth that leads men to the heavenly and
eternal God (John 14:6).2) But it will only accomplish what God wills for it to accomplish if it
is presented truthfully in love (Isa 55:11). 3) Man should be able to see that God is a God of truth and love, and
justice and vengeance (Ps 31:5; 1 John 4:8-10); Dan 4:37; 2 Thes 1:7-9).
3. John 8:32: Jesus said “the truth shall make men free” and Paul said “if I give my body to be burned and have not love” it is not worth nothing or profits me nothing (1 Cor 13:4).
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1) So it is evident the Lord means for us to “have a faith that works through love” (Gal 5:6).
2) May we never get carried away with the obsession of fighting evil, that we do not manifest our genuine love for God. If we start to drift in that direction may we take heed to the
advice of Christ which follows.
E. SOLUTION:
5: “Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand (candlestick) out of its place—unless you repent.”
1. The honeymoon is over.1) The Lord is very concerned with every congregation.2) 5: “Remember” that initial excitement and refocus on those times
when you really loved Jesus. 3) “Repent” of spiritual apathy and change the direction of your life.4) Repeat – “do the deeds you did at first.”
2. They were to think back to the time when they first obeyed the gospel and were zealously happy and in love with the Lord, and the desire to save others was a driving force which carried them into the white fields of harvest working relentlessly. 1) The Lord is asking them to return to this former attitude of mind and
work patiently for their own salvation and the salvation of all men (Ps 51:12-13).
2) When Jesus tells them to “repent” he is asking them to come to achange of mind sufficient to motivate them to change their lives.
3) But if they refuse to do so punishment would be meted out to them.
3. Jesus said he would come quickly and remove their candlestick out of place.1) This is an indication that Christ would not own or recognize the
church as belonging to Him or following His word (2 Tim 2:19).2) God has stated in His eternal word that He wants His people to do
every good work (2 Tim 3:16-17). 3) We can only do what He has said if I want to please Him. For any
person to do more or less that what Christ has authorized is sin (1 John 5:17) and removes one from being in fellowship with God and His Son (2 John 9).
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4. Jesus was not making an idle threat. It is apparent that God has removed His candlestick from many such churches as Ephesus. 1) Man cannot know the day or the hour that God does remove His
sanctions and approvals of a congregations’ activities, but we can know that a church is not following God’s laws by its works and actions.
2) It is not within man’s jurisdiction to judge the hearts of men (Matt 7:1-2) but it is up to us to judge righteous judgment (John 7:24) and the standard we must use for that judgment is God’s word (John 12:48-49).
3) Therefore is any church today does MORE or LESS than what the Lord’s churches did in the first century by the approval of the Holy Spirit inspired apostles, this church is in ERROR and as Jesus advised Ephesus to “repent” or else… so also must they.
F. SUMMONS:
7: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
1. Just as God warned the church in Ephesus to repent and do the beginning works, so also must we heed the warning of the Lord and repent of every transgression of God’s laws we are guilty of.1) This truly is the meaning of “he who has an ear, let him hear”.
2. If they do not repent it is plain to all that they do not respect Christ or His word, for by their actions they deny Him. 1) Let all Christians take heed.
G. PROMISE: Confidence to overcome whether he lives or dies in the process.
“To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.”
1. The promises of God are always conditional. Here the condition is that a Christian must be an “overcomer”. 1) This means he must have remained faithful in facing persecution,
affliction, temptation, and ultimately death. 2) Notice these passages in regards to “overcoming”.
Jas 1:12: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial (temptation); for once he has been approved (tried), he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
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1 Pet 4:16: “But if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.”
Rev 2:10: “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Be an overcomer for God.
2. What a beautiful scene is pictured here. The tree of life is in the midst of the “paradise of God” (garden of God). The tree of life was transplanted from the earth to heaven.1) “Man is separated from the tree of life in the garden of Eden by his
disobedience and sin against God (Gen 3:22-24). 2) The book of Revelation openly declares to the “overcomer” that he
may have “right to the tree of life” (Rev 22:14). 3) This verse shouts that the tree of life would be his to eat of once
again. The leaves of the tree of life will serve as healing for the nations throughout eternity of all the redeemed of God (Rev 22:2).
4) This, of course, is symbolic of eternal life which is the gift of God through Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom 6:23). Do you have a right to eat of the tree of life? If not, why not
obey His commandments (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom 6:3-7, 17; 1 Pet 3:15; Rev 2:10).
3. In summary what are some valuable lessons we can learn from this inspired letter to the church at Ephesus?1. That all Christians are to hold fast to the faithful word (Tit 1:9).2. Let us do only the authorized works of the Lord Jesus (2 Tim 3:17).3. To realize that God’s all-seeing eye is watching us (1 Pet 3:12).4. That patience or steadfastness is a necessity to have (Heb 12:1-2).5. That above all, we must speak the truth in love always (Eph 4:15).6. That we must hate sin in all forms and try to correct it (1 Thes 5:22).7. That heaven will never belong to the “quitter” (Rom 8:35-39).8. The souls of the sinner are precious to God and to us (Matt 16:26).”
(Bob Dobson Notes. Pgs.50-51, Outline, BH)
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II. SMYRNA: THE POOR-RICH CHURCH (2:8-11)DANGER OF FEARING SUFFERING
A. SETTING:
1. Smyrna was 40 miles north of Ephesus. 1) Smyrna was an ancient city which was thought to be first inhabited
by the Hittites. 2) It was the second great city of Asia with a population in the days of
John of around 200,000. 3) It was a sea coast city now called Izmir which is now a Turkish city
that boasts populations of over 1,000,000.
2. Smyrna was easily the most beautiful city of Asia Minor.1) It was called “the crown of Asia,” a model Greek city.2) “First in Asia in beauty and size” was proudly inscribed on their
coins.3) It was famous for science, medicine and majestic buildings.
3. Smyrna was the center for the worship of Dionysis one of the names of Bacchus, originally a nature god of fruitfulness and vegetation but eventually became the god of wine. 1) A mock death, burial and resurrection of Dionysis was celebrated
annually. 2) Smyrna also had statues of the goddess Demeter (Ceres to the
Romans, goddess of harvest, earth, marriage, and social order) and Poseidon (Neptune to the Romans) the god of the sea. These statues represented their domination of both land and sea.
4. Smyrna was known as a city that was a friend to Rome and was known as a thriving city of emperor worship.1) It built a shrine to “Roma” as early as 195 BC. As the Republic
spread the worship of Rome became more widespread.2) Smyrna won a contest over 10 other cities to see who would erect a
temple to the deified Tiberius. In 23-26 AD a temple was erected in honor of Tiberius and his mother Julia.
3) In July 44 AD (4 months after the assassination of Julius Caesar), “an unexpected comet appeared in the sky. It was a prodigy, accepted by the populace as evidence…that Julius Caesar was now in heaven, a god, Divus Julius” (Balsdom, p. 190).
4) However, no emperor was consecrated to godhood until after his death.
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5. As time went by, a priesthood was formed to serve in the emperor worship and in the process of time, it became necessary that the citizen show his loyalty to the state by the worship of the emperor.1) Once a year it was required that every Roman citizen burn a pinch of
incense on the altar and say, "Caesar is Lord." Those who did so received a certificate to show he had performed his religious duty. Those who refused to say this were persecuted and killed because they refused to acknowledge Caesar as "Lord of all."
2) It was tough be a Christian living in Smyrna.
6. Polycarp (contemporary with the apostles, 69-156 AD) was an elder at Smyrna. "Polycarp was arrested and ordered to say "Lord Caesar" and to offer incense to the image of Emperor Antoninus Pius (AD 138-161). 1) Upon refusing to do so, Polycarp was then asked to swear by the
fortune of the emperor, to deny Christ and to denounce the atheists. He was sentenced to death by burning because he would not comply with the wishes of the authorities.
2) He is remembered for his offer to teach the Roman soldiers, and for saying, 'Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He never did me any injury; how then can I blaspheme my King and Saviour?' About 10 other Christians were martyred at the same time" (Studies in the Book of Revelation, Ferrel Jenkins, p. 50).
7. No authentic information remains as to the time and circumstances of the establishment of the church in Smyrna. 1) It is however believed that it was established from Ephesus and
sometime during the ministry of Paul on his third missionary journey (Acts 19:10).
B. SPEAKER :
8: “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write:‘The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this:’”
1. The “preeminence of Christ” is asserted here when He declares himself as the “first and the last” to ENTER the realm of Hades through the gates of death, and there battle Satan and CONQUER him and destroy his power and hold over mankind (Heb 2:14-15). 1) When He arose from the dead, He manifested His VICTORIOUS
TRIUMPH over the “prince of Darkness” (Col 2:14-16). 2) His RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD declared Him to be the
SON OF GOD WITH POWER (Rom 1:4).
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This is “He” who is speaking to the church in Smyrna. They were being addressed by the “blessed and only Potentate” (1 Tim 6:15-16).
They should pay the most careful heed to His VOICE.
2. Jesus dramatically identifies Himself to this persecuted church.1) Jesus is the Eternal One. He is “the first and the last.” Nothing
within time presents any limitation. 2) He is the Living One, “who was dead, and has come to life.”3) Jesus had suffered too. He also had been victorious.4) When others had lived and died, Jesus is!5) This suffering church should have taken courage for Jesus was killed
and had become the firstfruits of them that slept (1 Cor 15:20).
C. COMMENDATION FOR SUFFERING:
9: “I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
10: Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days.”
1. Economic persecution: “I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich).”1) There are two kinds of riches (Matt 16:24; Luke 12:16-21; Rev
3:8).2) Note that these really rich people were members of the church at
Smyrna.3) All saved people are in the church (Eph 1:22-23; 4:4; 5:23), as that
is where the Lord puts them (Acts 2:41, 47).4) This ought to tell us something about the importance of becoming
Christians (Mark 16:16; Eph 1:18-21).
2. Religious persecution: from the “and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” 1) It is certain that Jesus knew who the genuine Christians were in the
congregation, and he also knew who the “infiltrators of Satan” were also.
2) “Those who say they are Jews and are not.” Here the word JEW is used to refer to those who were “spiritually kindred” to Abraham through their obedience to Christ (Gal 3:26-29).
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3) Since BOTH “Jew and Gentile” could enjoy salvation in Christ, by the forgiveness of sins through His shed blood, (Eph 2:12-18) the Jew as a physically related descendant to Abraham was not important to God.
4) The Jews who were Jews “inwardly” were blessed by God in Christ Jesus, as the people of God (Rom 2:28-29).
5) Not the Jew who glorified “in the flesh” (Phil 3:3), but those who worshipped God in the Spirit.
6) God is NOT “interested” in the slightest today in the “physical nation of Israel” except only to save the souls of all through the gospel of Christ.
7) It is the “heavenly Jerusalem” (the church of Christ) according to that God delights in (Heb 12:22-28).
8) Even during the days of the NEW TESTAMENT many Jewish priests were leaving the religion of the Jews and becoming Christians (Acts 6:7). This is God’s will for a world filled with Jews and Gentiles. Certainly those Jews who reject Christ and His gospel are
“blasphemous”, whether they lived in the first century, or in the modern world of today.
9) The word “synagogue” belonged to the Jews, and is used in the New Testament of their meeting place (with one special exception when Luke speaks of the breaking up of the synagogue or assembly (Acts 13:43).
10) In contrast, the word “church” belonged to the Christians. Only once is “synagogue” used of Christians, and in that instance it refers to their meeting place and not to them as a body of God’s people (Jas 2:2).
11) The blasphemy, reviling, and sneering at the Christians by the Jews was a work of “Satan” through his emissaries.
3. Physical persecution by the government (Rome): “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison.”1) Tribulations and suffering can serve many useful purposes, if we
have the right and proper attitude towards such (Jas 1:2-4). 2) The church in Smyrna was standing up to the test of “glorifying God
while suffering as Christians” (1 Pet 4:14-16). 3) They were told to “fear none of those things which were about to
come upon them” (Rev 2:10). Of course this is not to say that they should not fear GOD, for to serve God ACCEPTABLY requires that we serve God with REVERENCE AND GODLY FEAR (Heb 12:28).
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4) But Jesus is assuring them that they should not fear “him that can destroy only the body” (Matt 10:28). If the Lord is our Shepherd and we are in His FLOCK, we have nothing to fear from our adversaries (Heb. 13:1-7). This comfort is given ONLY to the faithful in Christ Jesus.
5) The Lord’s church here was going to “have tribulation for ten days”, which implies a “limited duration”. The Devil was going to cast some of them into prison where their faith would be TRIED and TESTED. Since the Crown of Life would be given to the FAITHFUL and the OVERCOMER, they had some obstacles to hurdle and temptations to conquer to prove themselves “a living sacrifice” unto God” (Rom 12:1-2). Their faith would be valuable to them “after” it passed the ENDURANCE TEST. According to (1 Pet. 1:6-9) our faith shall be tried as “gold
tried in the fire” to remove the impurities within us. They could only learn patience and steadfastness under this great duress and pressure (1 Pet 5:8-9). Also it may be true that “heaven will seem that much sweeter” to us after living a persecuted and afflicted life here on earth (2 Cor 4:16-18). It is certain thatFAITHFULNESS unto God in “every circumstance and situation” is absolutely required in order to enjoy that “heavenly rest”.
Perhaps they would have to make the choice of “denying Christ”, or watch their families be torn into pieces by wild animals in the Coliseums. It is evident that many 1st century Christians loved the Lord Jesus Christ whom they served, more than their own flesh and blood and even their own lives (Rev 12:10-11). It was their lot as they were cast into prison to do without proper food and clothing and the necessities to survive. In these cold dark dungeons sanitation conditions were non-existent, and the rats infested the cells. This is part of what it meant to “suffer as Christians” (1 Pet 4:16).
6) “you will have tribulation ten days” refers to a complete period of time but it will come to an end. The assurance is that in comparison to eternal life the suffering
is but for a moment. Persecution will not last forever!
7) Could we be an OVERCOMER if conditions today were the same as “back then”? It is entirely possible that in the future we shall all be called upon to be tortured, suffer and die for the Lord and our faith in
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Him. But remember this: many times our day to day TEMPTATIONS of “prosperity and worldliness” do much damage to our soul. All Christians must be constantly on their guard against “loving this world and the things in it” (1 John 2:13-15).
D. NO CONDEMNATION:
1. There is no sin that needs to be corrected. 1) The Smyrna congregation found nothing but favor and approval
from the Lord.
E. SOLUTION:
“Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
1. They must not shrink back from even dying for Christ’s name, the ultimate proof of loyalty.1) We are not ready to live for Christ until we are ready to die for Him.2) Trying to get the ones in the church to get into the faithful.3) This is what Revelation is all about – What is going to happen to the
faithful and unfaithful?
2. What kind of crown? (stephanos)=Victory crown, not a ruler’s crown.1) Incorruptible crown (1 Cor 9:25)2) Crown of Righteousness (2 Tim 4:8)3) Crown of Life (Jas 1:12)4) Crown of Glory (1 Pet 5:4)
Matt 10:39: Gain eternal life even when give up life.
F. SUMMONS:
11: ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
1. Again the Holy Spirit requires and urges those who HEAR these words to pay URGENT ATTENTION to them and heed the GLORIOUS CHRIST who is speaking. 1) Pay very close attention. Take these truths into your heart.2) The surest evidence of our love for Christ is obedience to Christ.
G. PROMISE:
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“He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.”
1. These wonderful words “to him who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death” are spoken by the Lord to the church here and to US.1) Christians can face death without fear, because the second death has
no power over them. 2) Those who are righteous have this great promise and blessing from
God. 3) Even if we follow Christ into the jaws of death and also horrible
persecution, we shall win the VICTORY IN CHRIST (Rom 8:35-39).
2. It is interesting that the two best congregations of Revelation were the two most PERSECUTED congregations.1) LESSON: Persecution purifies the church.2) When the world is persecuting Christians – do you think they really
have any problem with loving the world? Would worldliness be a temptation if the world was attacking you? Would you neglect prayer when you’re sitting, bruised and bloody, in a Roman dungeon? If the world was hating you, would you have trouble loving other believers? Would you have trouble making it to worship? You would probably be glad to be with somebody who is not going to kill you.
3. Added to the tribulation and earthly poverty of this church was the blasphemy and strong opposition from the Jews…1) The Jews in the flesh had rejected the Christ and His teaching while
He was on earth and crucified Him, and had driven many saints out of Jerusalem (Acts 8:4).
2) They had persecuted His apostle (Paul) to the Gentiles from city to city and even now in Smyrna were blaspheming His name and His saints and were stirring up the Romans against them.
3) The Jews had the ear of those in High places, so they would whisper their slander against the Christians into the ears of the Roman authorities. Examples: Acts 13:45, 50; 18:5-6.
4) Jesus had charged those Jews who would seek to kill Him as being children of the devil (John 8:44).
5) The true Jews, God’s Israel (Gal 6:16), are those who are circumcised in heart (Rom 2:28-29).
4. The “second death” is the LAKE THAT BURNS WITH FIRE AND BRIMSTONE (Rev 21:8).
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1) It is the place of eternal punishment for the wicked of all time. 2) It is described as being “unquenchable fire” (Mark 9:43-48).3) ONLY those faithful in Christ will escape this eternal nightmare.4) Does the description of “hell fire” scare YOU?
Just by itself, it is a great incentive to encourage loyalty to Christ and obedience unto God.
5) The first death is that of sin (Eph 2:1-3), and the wages of sin is the “second death” (Rom 6:23). This is the everlasting death of the soul (Matt 10:28). Of this
death there shall be “no end”, just a never-ending eternity of torment beyond description.
To the soldier of Christ who fights the good fight of faith, bliss and happiness shall reign eternal in the presence of the God-head (Rom 1:20).
III. PERGAMUM: IN THE MIDST OF EVIL (2:12-17)DANGER OF DOCTRINAL COMPROMISE
A. SETTING:
1. It is located about 55 miles northeast of Smyrna and 15-20 miles inland from the Aegean Sea.1) Pergamum was the official capitol of Asia Minor.2) Pliny the governor called it the most illustrious city of Asia.3) It was the seat of state religion. It was the first site for temple to the
Caesar-cult dedicated to Augustus in 29 BC.
2. This city is known for its invention of the writing material “Parchment”. 1) The educated world wrote everything on papyrus produced in
Egypt. 2) But when Egypt cut off supplies of papyrus, the scholars of
Pergamum had to find another medium to write on. 3) Experiments subsequently led to the discovery that the prepared
animal skins were excellent substitutes for papyrus and parchment was born.
4) Ironically enough, Cleopatra later took Pergamum's library away, by permission of Mark Antony, and added it to the one in Alexandria!Parchment – “untanned skins of animals, especially of the sheep, calf, goat, and some pigs and deer prepared for use as a writing material. The name is a corruption of Pergamum, the ancient city of Asia Minor where preparation of parchment suitable for use on both sides was achieved in the 2nd cent. B.C. Parchment, which is more
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durable than papyrus and susceptible of being folded into book form, very gradually superseded papyrus. . .The skins were soaked in water, treated with lime to loosen the hair, scraped, washed, stretched, and dried, and then rubbed with chalk and pumice stone. . .Parchment is still used for certain documents and diplomas, for book bindings and lampshades, and for the heads of drums, tambourines, and banjos.” (www.encyclopedia.com)
5) It held one of the most famous libraries in the world, for one thing, numbering some 200,000 volumes of parchment.
3. Pergamum was the capital city of the province of Asia in the ancient Roman Empire. 1) After the break-up of Alexander the Great's Empire, the King of
Pergamum, in his will, gave the city to Rome. 2) The people of the city were happy enough to fulfill his wish; they
entered the Roman Empire by spontaneous choice, not by compulsion.
3) Pergamum could not rival either Ephesus or Smyrna in its volume of trade, but it laid claim to some distinction.
4. First, was the center of the worship of Aesculapias. 1) Aesculapias was the god of healing. 2) The temple had its medical wards, its medical schools, and it
attracted sufferers from all over the Roman Empire. It was like an ancient Lourdes.
3) The god’s characteristic name was ‘saviour,’ and to the Christian, for whom there was but one Savior, the title was abhorrent.
4) More significantly still, the emblem of Aesculapias was the serpent. It is still to be seen on the cap badge of the Royal Army Medical Corps, or on the lapel of a Royal Air Force nursing orderly. The temple of this god was infested with tame snakes. If you wanted healing there, you were allowed to sleep the night in the temple, and the touch of a snake as it glided over you was held to heal; its touch was regarded as the touch of the god himself. But to the Christian, a god whose incarnation took the form of a snake could only be that “old serpent the devil and Satan.”
5. There was the worship of Zeus. 1) His altar stood on a hill 1,000 feet high, which rose behind the town.2) Eight hundred feet up, a ledge jutted out from the mountain, and on
it stood the altar of Zeus, 90 feet square and 20 feet high. 3) All day long this altar smoked with the smoke of endless sacrifices.
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4) It dominated the city, like a pillar of cloud by day and a column of fire by night.
5) Could this be the origin of the phrase, “Satan's throne,” this thing looking like a great seat mounted above the city?
6) It certainly was the city of the worshiping of other gods! 7) They also worshiped the God’s Apollo, Athene, Aphrodite, Bacchus
the god of wine, and of Dionysus whose worship involved obscenities impossible to describe.
6. Yet again, Emperor worship in Pergamum was as intense as in Smyrna. 1) Is it any wonder that Christ called this place “Satan's throne”? 2) Here the highest capacity in mankind, the capacity to worship, was
degraded into corruption. 3) The city reeked with the stench of its heathenism; evil hung in its
streets like a clammy fog.
B. SPEAKER:
12: “The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this:”
1. The sword is the word of God (Heb 4:12; Eph 6:17). 1) His words cut and penetrate deep, piercing as a sharp sword. 2) Christ was about to reprove the church at Pergamos. 3) This reproof would cut deep. 4) His word pricks and cuts to the heart (Acts 2:37; 7:54). 5) One must note that the sword was recognized by the Romans as a
SYMBOL OF AUTHORITY AND JUDGMENT. Here it must be noted that the sword is in the hands of Jes Jesus
Christ, thus the authority lies in Christ and not in the government or Empire of Rome.
2. The sharp sword with two edges is symbolic of the gospel of Christ. 1) In the gospel of Christ God pronounces salvation to the obedient and
judgment and destruction upon the disobedient! (Matt 25:23; 2 Thes 1:7-9). There is “only 1” who has “ALL AUTHORITY” both in heaven and also on earth (Matt 28:18-20).
2) Christ exercises that AUTHORITY through the GOSPEL OF CHRIST (Matt 7:24-27; John 12:48-49).
3) This is the same word that God has given to men for PROTECTION from the deceit of the devil (Eph 6:17).
4) This is also the POWERFUL WORD, which will call all men fromthe tomb on the judgment day (John 5:28-29).
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5) This sword is also a “discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb 4:12). Christ is asserting His right to be HEARD and OBEYED.
C. COMMENDATION (STRENGTHS):
13: “I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.”
1. Living in Satan’s headquarters.1) These are words of comfort and encouragement.2) Jesus knew their difficult circumstances.3) Dwell – Master of the house. The Greek word was never used in
reference to a servant. It refers to one who has control – Satan is ruling the city.
2. “Where Satan dwells” – Not literally.1) RELIGIOUS – A city dedicated to temples and sensuous worship. It
is said that in Pergamum there were more idols than any other place in the whole of Asia. A city that referred to Zeus as “the savior”.
2) POLITICAL – A city which had the seat for emperor worship. The “concilia” was located here in this city. This was the
Roman Emperor’s committee that enforced “emperor worship” on the citizens of Roman provinces throughout the Empire. The church here lived in the midst and presence of an ERECTED ALTAR OF THE EMPEROR. All Roman citizens were required to “burn a pinch of incense” once a year on this altar to show their loyalty to Rome and Caesar. The Christians could not do this without being guilty of IDOLATRY. This would also constitute “spiritual adultery”. Christians who would not “worship the beast nor his image,” would be killed and imprisoned and tortured also (Rev 13:15). They were pressured to the very point of not being able to “buy and sell” to support their own families. See also Rev 13:17 for proof of this persecution and affliction.
3) INTELLECTIAL – Learning center (1 Cor 1:27). A city that created an environment for the deeds of the
Nicolaitans to flourish. Pergamos was a place where the Anti-God forces of Satan were
at the most authoritative and most powerful.
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3. “you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith” (Jude 3).1) This simply means they endeavored to uphold the AUTHORITY of
Christ and keep His commandments even though they were persecuted and killed for doing so. This is the only NAME in which salvation is found (Acts 4:12).
2) They glorified God with all their heart, and gave glory to His NAME while suffering for Him (Rom 8:16-18). They didn’t waver in their love and loyalty to truth. They were not told to run because they were strong. Environment is not all-powerful!
4. “even in the days of Antipas”1) Antipas = against all.2) The name stands for all that Jesus is: His deity, authority and
Lordship over God’s entire universe. Antipas, was an example of faithfulness until death (Rev 2:10).
3) It is doubtful that Antipas was the only one who had suffered death for the cause of Jesus Christ in this area at this point in time.
4) “even in the days” seems to represent a period upon which they must reflect prior to the writings of John.
5) Antipas was most probably a martyr amongst the first slain for the cause of Christ, but most certainly was by far not the last.
6) Tradition has it that Antipas was roasted to death. He may have been the first martyr in this region. Let the example of Christ and His faithful servant Antipas serve
to give us the strength to stand for the Lord regardless of the personal cost to us. Jesus will give us strength in the “hour of trial”. Yes it is very true that Antipas being dead, still speaks as does Abel (Heb 11:4).
5. A FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN would have to refuse to “worship the beast and his image,” and in this way they become OVERCOMERS. Some ended up being “Martyrs” for the cause of Christ, such as Antipas.1) Sometimes the cost of discipleship is very high: Antipas would not
renounce Christ nor His precious NAME. Therefore, in the presence of the “church” he was slain and his blood spilled for the Lord.
2) The “concilia” may have thought that this was a means by which to discourage others from serving the Lord faithfully and would
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“unnerve” some followers of Christ. So they killed him in public to scare them all.
3) Would it cause US to weaken today if we saw one of our fellow Christians killed by government officials?
4) Jesus taught the “high cost of discipleship” (Luke 14:26-33). Unless a Christian met this “criteria” he cannot be the disciple of Christ. If he wasn’t willing to sacrifice his FAMILY-LIFE-POSSESSIONS-FRIENDS and “all things” he was not worthy to be the disciple of Christ (Phil 3:7-8).
5) This must be our attitude also. A glance at the history of the “early church” will show that when persecution and threats did ascend on the church and those who wore the name CHRISTIAN genuinely, this served to bolster and edify the followers of the Lord, and gave courage to the faithful (Acts 8:1-4).
D. CONDEMNATION (SIN):
14: “But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality.”
1. A “few things” are a few too many.
1) Some may be unfaithful even in a good congregation.2) Their real danger was not persecution from without, but perversion
from within the church.3) If the devil can’t defeat a church, he’ll join it (Acts 5:1-11).
2. Jesus Christ will not allow His “longsuffering and mercy” to overlook our sins without US repenting of them and correcting our faults. 1) Christ realizes that by informing the “church” here of their errors
they can repent of their wrongs, and bear a greater influence in the world for Christ “once they repent” and obey truth (John 8:32; Rom 6:17).
2) This is needed in order to convert sinners to Christ. In this case Jesus knew that “silence wasn’t golden”. If they continued condoning “compromising brethren”, the church would slowly be “leavened” by the conduct of evil men (1 Cor 5:5-11). One cannot flirt with sin nor its’ participants (Eph 5:5-9) and
not get duly burned.3. “some who hold the teaching of Balaam,”
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1) It is interesting to note that in the Hebrew language “Balaam” meant “devourer of the people.”
2) The term “Nicolaitans” in the New Testament, also means the same thing, “destroyer of the people.”
3) Both lived by the desires of the flesh, and sought to gratify those desires in sin.
4) There was a small group teaching compromise with the world, just like Balaam (Num 22-24).
5) Balaam was prevented from cursing the people of God (Num 22:12).6) He claimed to be faithful to God (Num 24:13).7) Yet an undercurrent of greed (22:22; 2 Pet 2:15 “who loved the
wages of unrighteousness”). He was the “profit prophet”.
4. “Who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality” (Rev 2:14).1) The Israelites are lured into idolatry (Num 25:1).2) This involved the participation and engaging in the actual act of the
worship, and not just a mere eating of the meat. 3) To commit fornication. “It has been said that chastity was the only
completely new virtue which Christianity introduced into the ancient world.”
4) Balaam could not curse Israel, but he came up with a plan to make them accursed, by counseling Balak to lure them into idolatry (Num 31:16).
5) When the Midianites who lured them are punished, Balaam is found among the dead (Num 31:8).
6) The spirit of compromise, the type of person who looks for a loophole in Scripture.
7) Some in Pergamum were advising the disciples to avoid persecution by immoral living.
15: “So you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.”
1. “The teaching of the Nicolaitans” is once again introduced. (See notes on Rev 2:6).1) Some argue that the teachings of Balaam and Nicolaitans are identical
thus they are not two separate groups in this congregation.2) However, it seems evident to me that John's usage of “also” and “in
like manner” indicates two separate groups in this congregation.3) Although the teachings might be very similar the language seems to
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E. SOLUTION:
16: “Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth.”
1. Note the command is to the whole church. 1) They didn’t practice discipline.2) They tolerated some who held to the doctrine of Balaam or to the
doctrine of the Nicolaitans.3) One needs to be aware of the fact that much teaching is done in the
New Testament concerning the dangers of a “little leaven” and how it can destroy the whole lump.
4) A serious danger requires strong words.5) Jesus would come in a special judgment if they did not repent. 6) As the sword that slew Balaam was of those whom he tried to curse,
so shall the sword of God be used to destroy those who curse and degrade the worship and teachings of Jesus Christ.
F. SUMMONS :
17: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
1. Take this warning to heart. Listen! (Luke 6:46).1) “Repent or else.” – As long as they tolerate error, they stand
opposed to Jesus.2) It is implied that Jesus gave them time to repent (2:21).3) How would the church repent?
Put away the evil one (1 Cor 5:1-6, 13). Repudiate those who teach strange things (Rom 16:17-18).
4) Hold fast to the truth or Christ will destroy us with a two-edged sword.
G. PROMISE:
“To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.”
1. PROMISES MADE BY CHRIST TO THOSE WHO OVERCOME THROUGH OBEDIENCE TO TRUTH:
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1) Jesus warned them that He would come in judgment against them with the sword of His mouth.
2) Jesus coming is not just a foreboding reality, but it is also a message of encouragement to those who were endeavoring to remain faithful as martyrs are falling around them. He leaves no doubt that He is able to handle the situation.
3) To the one who overcomes, great blessings are promised.4) Jesus promises them that if they remain faithful He will feed them
with manna. That is he would sustain them just as He sustained the Israelites who were fed manna for forty years.
5) Note the manna given to the Jews as a symbol of God ever presence with them and was to be given from generation to generation (Ex 16:31, 33; Heb 9:4 ; 1 Kings 8:9).
2. One needs to remember that Jesus Christ is the “true manna from heaven” (John 6:33-35; 50-59). To eat of the bread of life is to live.1) Our lives are “hid with Christ in God” (Col 3:3), to be made fully
manifest with His return (1 John 3:2). 2) Hidden manna represents heavenly food, spiritual nourishment and
fellowship with Christ.3) Hailey notes that the hidden manna stands in contrast with the things
that were openly sacrificed unto the idols.
3. A white stone of acquittal, innocence, appreciation, acceptance and name recognition (1 John 1:9). 1) Some have understood this to denote the ancient custom of the
judicial system in acknowledging the guilty by a black stone (Acts 13:38-39; 26:10) and the innocent by a white stone with a new name written on it.
2) It was given to a slave who had been set free to be a citizen. It was given to the winner of a race. It was given to a warrior returning home victorious in battle. The sacred promise of Jesus Christ was one calculated to increase efforts of loyalty.
3) White is represented in the book of Revelation as being pure and holy. White describes the hair of Christ (1:14); the garments worn by the elders (4:4); the horse on which one goes forth to conquer (6:2), etc.
4) Here is indicated the: Intimate friendship and blessings of God; full access into grace.
5) It is also closely associated with heaven - Final recognition by the Lord in His Glory.
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6) Isa 1:18: “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
4. The meaning of this is the tribute paid by God to the Christian who submits to doing the will of God and symbolizes “Victory” or “Triumph”. 1) White would indicate the “honor” heaped upon the righteous who
had lived a life of purity and holiness before God (Jas 1:27). 2) Rev 14:3-4: Those saved were said to be “virgins” (not defiled with
women). 3) But they FOLLOW THE LAMB wherever He goes (1 John 3:1-3).
5. The new name would indicate the essence of all that a man is and the new relationship he will then enjoy (Rev 21:3-7; 22:4). 1) Rev 3:12: Jesus calls it “My new name.”2) It is a sign of ownership, identification and a mark of citizenship. 3) Followers of the Beast are tagged with the mark of their master
(Rev 13:16-17). Each of us belongs to the Lord or to the Beast.
IV. THYATIRA: YOU TOLERATE (IMMORALITY (2:18-29)DANGER OF MORAL COMPROMISE
A. SETTING:
1. It is an odd fact that the longest of the letters to the seven churches was written to the church in the smallest and least important area of the seven towns mentioned. 1) The length of the letter is probably due to the nature of the problems
that the Christians faced in the city. 2) Of its origin as a congregation, nothing is known. 3) This is the only time that the congregation in Thyatira is mentioned
in the NT.
2. Thyatira was a wealthy city, located in the Northern part of Lydia, near the border of Mysia, on the Lycas River, approximateley 30-40 miles southeast of Pergamum, about mid-way between the royal cities of Pergamum and Sardis. 1) The city itself lay in a valley and as such there was no acropolis that
adorned the city. 2) The city was surrounded by gentle sloping hills all around. 3) The name Thyatira emerged in history in 290 BC as the name of a
military center. 4) It had been in the hands of the Romans since 190 BC.
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5) The supreme importance of Thyatira was that it was the gateway to Pergamum, the capital city of Asia.
3. Thyatira has no illustrious history and is scarcely mentioned by ancient writers.1) It was not a center of special religious importance. 2) It was not a special center of Caesar worship. 3) The chief deity of the Thyatians was that of Tyrimnos. 4) This god was identified with the Greek god Appollo, who was the
god of the sun. 5) A goddess of less importance, yet associated with Tyrimnos, was
honored in the Thystiran pantheon. 6) A Temple to Sambethe was also located at Thyatira. At this temple
it is said that there was a prophetess who would utter sayings for the deity and imparted them to its worshippers who in turn would accept them as oracles of the deity.
7) It seems that this prophetess had her counterpart in the form of the Jezebel at the Thyatiran church.
4. Thyatira was a great commercial center. 1) The roads which passed through its valley brought the trade of half
the world to its doors. 2) A great center of wool trade and of the dyeing industry. 3) It was from Thyatira that Lydia, the seller of purple came (Acts
16:14). She was Paul's first European convert and was baptized in the river just outside of the city of Philippi.
4) Purple dye was very expensive. Scholars believe that the dye was of a Turkish-red color made from the madder-root which abounded in the area. True purple dye was made from an expensive shell fish found in the Mediterranean Sea.
5. Thyatira possessed more trade guilds than any other town of its size in Asia. 1) It would seem that the danger which threatened the church in
Thyatira was the direct result of the powerful existence of these trade guilds.
2) No merchant or trader could hope to prosper and to make money unless he was a member of his trade guild.
3) If a trader refused to join his trade guild, he would be in much the same position as a working man would be in today if he refused to join his trade union.
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4) In his book Ramsey lists: Wool workers, linen workers, makers of outer garments, tanners, leather workers, dyers, bakers, potters, slave dealers and bronze-smiths.
6. But, we may well ask why should a Christian of Thyatira not join such a trade guild? 1) The social activities of these trade guilds were intimately bound up
with the worship of the heathen gods. 2) These trade guilds would have had common meals together. 3) The meal would begin and end with a cup of wine poured out as a
libation and an offering to the gods. 4) Such a meal would almost certainly follow a sacrifice. 5) At these social activities drunkenness and fornication were the
accepted things.
7. There was a very real problem here that faced the Christian of Thyatira. 1) They had to decide whether to make money or to serve Jesus Christ.2) Membership of a guild implies that you worship its god.3) Each guild had its own guardian god. 4) It seemed this woman Jezebel was teaching Christians that it was all
right to be a member of these trade guilds and to participate in their activities as well as serve Jesus Christ.
B. SPEAKER: Jesus begins with a sobering threefold self-identification.
1: “And to the angel of the church in aThyatira write:‘The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze, says this:’”
1. ABSOLUTE DEITY – He is not only the “Son of Man” but is also “The Son of God.” 1) He has authority in judgment.
2. PENETRATING GAZE – “eyes like a flaming (flame of) fire”1) He comes searching the minds and hearts. He is able to see in all the
secret places of the heart. Everything is known, nothing is missed (Isa 29:15; Heb 4:13).
2) He unmasks our disguises and uncovers our pretensions.
3. PURGING JUDGMENT – “feet are like burnished bronze”1) Jesus stands strong in judgment. He tramples down all sin.2) Why does He reveal Himself this way?
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Because they have become tolerant of sin.3) Christ will not tolerate a church married to the world!
C. COMMENDATION (STRENGTHS) : A growing church.
19: “I know your deeds, and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your deeds of late are greater than at first.”
1. “Love” – This is active good will.1) Love is the fountain from which flow true activities (Gal 5:6;
1 Cor 13:1-7).2) Unlike the church in Ephesus the love of the brethren here is said to
have grown and not waned. 3) It is important for Christians of all ages to grow in love, for it is the
unselfish concern that freely accepts one another in loyalty and seeks out each other’s good (Matt 22:35-40).
4) Loving God means keeping His commandments (John 14:15).
2. “Faith” – Fidelity, faithfulness. 1) As with all Christians throughout the ages faith is an essential part of
the Christian doctrine. 2) This faith comes from hearing the Word of God (Rom 10:17).3) Without faith we cannot please God (Heb 11:6). 4) Faith that grows helps us overcome the trials and tribulations for we
look at not that which is corruptible but for that which is incorruptible (Heb 11:1).
3. “Service” – Most probably the work of benevolence. 1) Certainly this would not be the limit of their growth in service.2) This is an outgrowth and expression of love - “love in action”
(1 John 3:17.
4. “Perseverance (patience)” under all circumstances (1 Cor 15:58; Heb 10:36). 1) This patience is largely related to the ability that one has to
withstand the various pressures that face us in our walk of faith (Heb 6:11-12; Heb 11).
5. “Your deeds of late are greater than at first” (1 Pet 2:2 ; 2 Cor 4:16; 1 Thes 4:1). 1) They are growing in works. Every congregation must go forward.
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2) Essentially this is what Christ is commending the church at Thyatira on.
3) Every church that no longer moves forward and stagnates is doomed to destruction.
4) Forward growth is the only way a congregation of the Lord's people can be found well pleasing to God.
D. CONDEMNATION (SIN):
20: “But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.”
1. Busy but tolerant – compromised with evil.1) The Lord will not overlook a bad thing because you are doing many
things good (Matt 7:21-23 and Jas 2:10). 2) They had love, but not sound in doctrine.3) Ephesus had sound doctrine but lacked love.
2. Jezebel was famous for her “whoredoms and witchcrafts” (2 Kings 9:22). 1) They allowed a woman denoted as “Jezebel” because both had the
same character and strong influence (1 Kings 16:31-33; 21:25).2) Jezebel, Ahab’s wife influenced Ahab to serve Baal and build a
house and altar for the god of Samaria.3) 1 Kings 18: 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah ate
meals with her. Elijah triumphed over them in a debate. 4) 1 Kings 19:2: Jezebel vowed to take Elijah’s life for revenge.5) 1 Kings 21:1, 7-10: She plotted a scheme to murder Naboth, a
landowner, for his vineyard.
3. Apparently, the Jezebel in Thyatira tried to or did convince some of the brethren to obviously take part in these trade guilds which had gatherings that included idolatry, partying, and even lead to drunkenness and fornication.1) She called herself a “prophetess”. They should have not listened
(Matt 7:15-16 and 1 John 4:1). 2) A woman should not have been teaching over the men (1 Cor 14:34-
35; 1 Tim 2:11-15).3) She got some of them to eat meat sacrificed to idols (Acts 15:28-
29).
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4) They should not have allowed this to go on (Rom 16:17-18; 2 Thes 3:6).
5) 2 Cor 6:16: “Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols?”6) The church was committing SPIRITUAL FORNICATION by
allowing this condition to prevail in the church (Jas 4:4). 7) It is plain to see that GOD DEMANDED ACTION of the brethren to
correct this EVIL AND ADULTEROUS group of disobedient members. This must be done by every “church of Christ” today as well
(1 Cor 5:13).
4. They tolerated false teaching in the church.1) Busy, but allowed a false teacher who taught immorality.2) Some were not involved but said nothing.3) Balance is the key: God demands both love (right attitude) and sound
doctrine (right standard) (John 4:24; Eph 4:15).
21: “I gave her time to repent, and she does not want to repent of her immorality.”
1. No man can accuse God “justly” of not being “rich in mercy” (Eph 2:1-7). 1) 2 Pet 3:15: “And regard the longsuffering (patience) of God as
salvation.” 2) God gave the prophets of Baal time (opportunity) to repent but they
would not (I Kings 18:38-40). 3) After Jezebel heard the news about the destruction of the prophets of
Baal, she had ample opportunity to repent and turn to God, but she would not do so, but rather hardened her heart in purposing to kill Elijah as he had killed the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 19:1-2).
2. We also must grant those whom we “discipline in love” SPACE TO REPENT. 1) Failure to do so will bring us under CONDEMNATION to God. 2) Many times brethren have “hastily laid hands” on others (1 Tim
5:22). 3) But it is so important that we NOT CONDONE EVIL IN ANY
MAN. GOD WILL NOT PUT UP WITH IDOLATRY! 4) Neither can the church of the Lord tolerate such conduct on the part
of any Christian. GOD FORBID!! 5) Those who will repent makes the time given them to repent VERY
WELL SPENT (Luke 15:1-7). 6) God commends all men to repent (Acts 17:30).
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Some say that “repentance” is the hardest command of all to obey. Such involves SURRENDER OF OUR PRIDE, and honestly admit “we have done wrong”. Many are “too proud” and HAUGHTY toward God to REPENT AND BE CONVERTED (Acts 3:19).
Jesus plainly said that those who refuse to REPENT, WILL PERISH (Luke 13:3).
E. SOLUTION (DIVINE PRESCRIPTION):
22: “I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds.
23: And I will kill her children with pestilence, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.”
1. The word translated “bed” means sickbed. 1) It is likely that Christ was going to strike this woman ill. You reap
what you sow (Gal 6:7-8).
2. 2:23: “I will kill her children with death.” 1) The followers of this woman are going to pay for their deeds
(Matt 15:14). 2) Her children are those who were following in her steps, much like
Jesus used that language in John 8:44.3) This could also be referring to her natural children since this would
be similar to what happened to the house of Ahab. They all came to violent and sudden ends (1 Kings 22:34; 2 Kings 9:30- 37; 10:7).
3. Thyatira was going to be an example to “all the churches…” 1) “I am He who searches the minds and hearts;”2) All the churches should know this.3) “Minds” (Lit., kidneys, i.e. inner man) “kidneys, loins… used of the
inmost thoughts, feelings, purposes, of the soul.” (Thayer) 4) Only Jesus (God) knows all and sees all (Ps 73:21; Prov 23:16;
Jer 12:2; Phil 1:8).
4. “I will give to each one of you according to your deeds” (Rom 2:6-10).1) The ability to repent is not based on genetics or circumstances, but
on the “will” of the individual (2:21).2) God does give even the wicked second chances.
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F. SUMMONS:
29: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
1. Jesus exercises severe discipline so all churches will know He is serious about holiness, purity, and sound doctrine.1) No other burden was laid upon them than disciplining the guilty.2) “Hold fast until I come” (burden lifted).
G. PROMISE:
24: “But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them—I place no other burden on you.
25: Nevertheless what you have, hold fast until I come.”
1. Now Jesus speaks to the faithful remnant.1) The faithful among them were doing a great work, in spite of the
work of Jezebel. 2) They had retained their love, service, faith and patience in difficult
times. 3) Their last works were greater than their first. So Jesus makes them a
promise.
2. “Who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them”1) Jezebel had called her teaching “the deep things of God,” but Jesus
called it “the deep things of Satan.”
3. “I place no other burden upon you.” 1) Than the one of getting rid of the Jezebelites. 2) The only burden that they had was the carrying of the weight of such
sinners amongst them. It was for them to cast this weight off and to continue in the faith that they had in Christ Jesus.
4. “Hold fast until I come” (3:11; Heb 4:14). 1) Christ is coming again to claim His faithful and we must be sure to
be ready to meet Him in the air every waking hour of the day. 2) God vowed to bring Jezebel to an end (1 Kings 21:23-25). 3) She did many wicked things (2 Kings 9:22). 4) God fulfilled His vow (2 Kings 9:33-37).5) YOU CAN TRIUMPH TOO !
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26: “He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations;
27: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to pieces, as I also have received authority from My Father;”
1. They will be given “authority (power) over the nations.” 1) They will share in the power of Christ over the nations (3:21).
2. “Rule them with a rod of iron.”
1) The picture of their ruling with a is symbolic of the certainty of their vindication and triumph with Christ (Ps 2:8-9; Rev 19:15).
3. “As the vessels of the potter are broken to pieces.” 1) There were many potters in Thyatira. Potters can appreciate this.2) By our living faithful and preaching the truth, we in essence
condemn the world just as did Noah (Heb 11:7).
28: “and I will give him the morning star.”
1. The first star in the Bible are natural stars (Gen 1:16).1) These generally refer to the heavenly bodies other than the sun and
the moon.2) The natural stars, being of great number, were soon used to express
an infinite number such as the sand by the sea (Gen 15:5).3) The natural stars were good (Gen 1:31).
2. Then we find idolatrous stars.1) Man’s history has found him prone to worship that which he
considers to be higher than himself.2) Israel was warned about worshipping stars (Deut 4:19).3) Still, that is what happened (Amos 5:26-27).4) Of course, that was and is bad—sinful.
3. Then we find the named stars (Ps 147:1-4).1) This is mentioned to impress upon us the might and glory of God.2) This is good.
4. There are the stars of Daniel (Dan 12:1-3).1) Without a doubt, this is a prophecy even to Christ and those great
luminaries (stars) who guide people into righteousness and the rewards of following Christ.
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5. In the Old Testament another star appears – The star of Jacob (Num 24:17).1) This was in the prophecy of Balak and undoubtedly had a far-
reaching application into the future.2) Could this must be the star of Matt 2:1-10?3) Most likely this star is symbolic of royalty being linked with the
scepter (Num 24:17).
6. Jesus will give Himself as the “morning star” (2:28; 22:16).1) Job referred to these (Job 38:1-7).2) The morning is the first. Evidently Christ, the first, is promising
Himself to the faithful.3) One of brightest stars – new day (resurrection) after the night
(persecution). 4) The night is almost over (Ps 30:4-5).
7. There is the day star (2 Pet 1:19).1) Surely Peter is saying to Christians that the lamp of prophecy was
shining.2) This brings hope and cheer. 3) Continue in this and eventually the day star – Christ – will appear.4) Likely this refers to His coming at the end.
V. SARDIS: THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING DEAD (3:1-6)DANGER OF SPIRITUAL DEADNESS
A. SETTING:
1. Sardis was one of the oldest cities in Asia Minor (1200 BC).1) It was located 30 miles southwest of Thyatira and 50 miles east of
Smyrna.2) Sardis was the capital city of Lydia.
2. It was an extremely wealthy trading center on the routes between the Aegean Sea and the interior of Asia Minor. 1) Sardis was a great commercial center. 2) It was a great center of the woolen industry. 3) Sardis was the place where our modern monetary system was born. 4) “Under King Croesus (560-547/6 BC) gold and silver coinage came
into use.” (Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible, Vol 2, edited by Walter A. Elwell. p. 1905).
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3. Sardis was built on a mountain top (approx. 1500 feet above the plain), and from its position it was regarded as well-nigh impregnable. 1) It was a position which seemed to defy assault. 2) The Pactolus River lay on its eastern side flowing into the Hermus
River. 3) The broad ridge of Mt. Tmolus dominates the Hermus valley and
deep spurs jut out into the plain, offering the impregnable strongholds.
4. Cyrus, the King of Persia, captured Sardis in 546 BC. 1) In 549 BC, King Cyrus arranged for a reward for the one who
worked out a method whereby the seemingly impossible cliff could be scaled.
2) The city of Sardis was captured by a soldier in the Persian army noting one of the Lydian armies men drop his helmet down the steep cliff.
3) He watched this soldier pick his way down the steep cliff to recover his helmet and then climbed back to his position of defense.
4) That night with the path marked in his mind, the Persian soldier led a picked band of troops up the cliffs and into the city of Sardis.
5) In 334 BC the city surrendered to Alexander the Great and in 218 BC the city was captured in the same way that Cyrus the Great had captured the city by Antiochus the Great.
5. In 17 AD a great earthquake destroyed the city of Sardis and Emperor Tiberius assisted in its rebuilding on the valley floor. 1) Money from the state treasury was used as well as a cessation of
taxes for five years to aid in the rebuilding of the city.
6. Sardis was not the center of Caesar worship. 1) “Its most prominent temple was dedicated to the mother-goddess
Cybele (a nature goddess), and her worship, with its eunuch priesthood and its orgiastic rites, was one which tended, as much as that of Dionysus and Aphrodite, to sins of foul and dark impurity.” (Quoted by James M. Tolle in his book The Seven churches of Asia) Worship of “mother-earth”.
2) Hailey notes that there were other altars and shrines to other deities worshiped by the people.
3) Howard C. Butler of Princeton worked to excavate Sardis during the years 1910-1914 in which his efforts were chiefly centered of the great Temple of Artemis (300 by 160 feet) to the west of the acropolis.
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4) “Extensive excavations in recent years have identified many Roman public buildings: a theater, a temple of Artemis, a gymnasium, and an impressive late Jewish synagogue, suggesting that it became an important center for the Jewish Diaspora.” (Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible, Vol 2 p. 1906)
7. Notoriously the people of Sardis were loose-livers. 1) The people had sunk into easy loose living. 2) Ramsey notes that the city of Sardis, “was more of a robber's
stronghold than an abode of civilized men.”(Quoted by Homer Hailey in this book Revelation an Introduction and Commentary, p. 143).
3) Basically it can be stated that the city of Sardis was a city with a valued past but with very little if no future.
4) The city was little more than a name but literally it was dead.
8. There is no record given as to the exact establishment of this church, but the fate of the church in Sardis was the same. 1) The church at Sardis was at peace, but it was the peace of the dead. 2) It must be noted that only this church and the one in Laodicea seem
not to have had outward or inward foes to combat, but they both had internal conditions to overcome.
3) The church here was not plagued by emperor worship, nor was it disturbed by the Jews or the Nicolaitans.
B. SPEAKER:
1: “He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars.”
1. 1:4: The “seven Spirits of God” are before the throne of God. 1) Here the “seven Spirits” are at the disposal of Christ and are ready to
act as He might direct them. 2) One needs to remember that “seven” is here used in a symbolic way.
As we study other scripture we can note that Christ and the Apostles only spoke of One Spirit (Eph 4:4-6).
3) The Spirit was fully involved in Jesus’ work (John 16:13-14).4) Thus “the seven Spirits” must represent as Hailey notes: “the
sevenfold perfection, completeness, and universality of the Spirit's working.” (Revelation, An Intro. and Commentary p. 99).
5) “Seven Spirits” = Holy Spirit’s complete and perfect revelation.
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2. “The seven stars” are the “angels” (1:20). 1) Hailey notes: “If, as suggested, the stars represent the spirit or inner
life of the churches, the Holy Spirit, the energizing, life-imparting, directing power of God has the ability to revive this ‘dead’ church if it be willing.”
C. COMMENDATION:
4: ‘But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.”
1. There were “a few people” that had remained faithful even in that dead church. It must be extremely hard to worship in a dead church. The songs and prayers don't get above the rafters but the faithful hang on and the Lord reminds them of His faithfulness. 1) This is the spark that was still there. God knows who they are.2) A weak church may have a few strong members or a strong church
may have a few weak members.
2. In many of the churches only a few keep the work going and keep the church together. 1) They have not defiled their garments (have kept themselves
unspotted from the world and from the prevailing corruption of being dead) and they shall walk with the Lord in white.
2) How would the “few” keep their garments white? (5) Stay alive! Eph 4:1: “…walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which
you have been called,”
D. CONDEMNATION:
1: “I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.”
1. The church of the living dead – dry, dormant and dull.1) How would we like to receive a letter from Jesus telling us that we
are dead? The church had lost their vital signs.
2) They thought they were alive, but they were already dead.3) Sardis was just going through the motions of empty and hollow
service and they didn’t even know it!
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2. The “name” indicates that the church has a reputation.1) We learn from this that what men think of a church is not necessarily
what the Lord thinks of it.2) The reputation of the church is that it “looks alive” in the sight of
men but in the sight of God the congregation is “dead.” 3) A reputation may be misleading.4) We also learn from this that congregations like men have
reputations. 5) Like the church in Ephesus this congregation possibly had a
beginning that burnt with zeal and enthusiasm for Christ and the truth.
6) However, over time it is evident that it was dying from internal deterioration like “dry rot” (Heb 2:1).
3. The church at Sardis was “alive” by reputation and appearance only.1) It probably had a large membership, fine meeting place, prominent
members, sound doctrine, etc., and the outsider observing from outward appearances would think that they were the ideal church. (See Jude's description of some who were dead (Jude 12).
2) The size of membership, the largeness of a building and the dynamics of a preacher do not make a church alive in the sight of Jesus.
4. Sardis appears to have no problems, no persecutions.1) Had the kind of peace found in the graveyard.2) Tombstone territory – peace without life.3) Preaching to this church would be like a fellow holding a sunrise
service in a graveyard and no one shows up. He goes ahead and preaches to the dead. There were a few in this dead church that had not soiled their garments and to them he promised victory.
5. There was a lot of activity in the church at Sardis. 1) The organization was oiled and running smoothly. 2) This would be the place you would want to go if you were looking
for a church. 3) But there was no real life. 4) Have you ever noticed how well organized a graveyard is? Maybe it
is like that because there is no one there with enough life to disorganize it. Maybe it was one of those churches that had no problems, because there was no one there that cared enough to cause a problem. Richard Ganz and William Edgar in their book Sold Out! wrote,
“Churches want to hear nice, optimistic messages, free of 110
mention of sin or a call for repentance. Churches want nice, lean programs, directed at nice, clean families, leading to growth without sacrifice. They want their organization to become bigger and bigger, even as their God becomes smaller and smaller.” (Quoted by James Tolle in The Seven churches of Asia)
6. A dead church will do more to hold back the cause of Christ than all the persecution in the world can mount! 1) It threatens the very lifeblood of Christianity.2) Jesus hates dead religion.3) Unused potential is a tragedy in any church.
E. SOLUTION:
2: “Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God.
3: So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you.”
ONLY GOD CAN RAISE THE DEAD . Jesus gives 6 steps.
1. “Wake up” – God’s alarm is going off. Face your deadness and dullness.1) The key word in this letter is “WATCH”.2) These people could know from history that disaster comes many
times when we think we are secure (like city when destroyed).3) Certainly from its history the people would clearly understand the
phrase “I will come like a thief” in the night since it had fallen victim to this type of attack twice.
2. “Strengthen the things that remain”1) “not found your deeds completed” – Didn’t finish what they started.2) The strong members have a responsibility to the weaker members
(Gal 6:1). 3) Strengthen and nurture the spark so it can shine brightly again.
3. “Remember what you have received and heard” – Look back!1) Remember your past state and get back to it.2) The very fact that the Lord wants them to remember their beginning
indicates that the congregation started in a special or glorious manner.
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4. “keep it (hold fast)” – Obey His word – keep His commandments.1) This is a condition of success in every field.
5. “Repent” (Luke 13:3) – Turn around and come back.1) Here the church needs to repent of the lethargic and deathlike
condition that it had fallen into. 2) Apathy and inaction are also forms of being spotted by the world
(Jas 1:27).
6. Look out – “if you do not wake up”1) Without warning “I will come like a thief” to remove your
candlestick.2) Worst thing – Lost – Dead and don’t know it.
F. SUMMONS:
6: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
1. Each individual hearer must respond.1) The truth must be heard acted upon.2) The message is intended for every church in every generation.3) What Sardis lacked, Jesus offered – New vitality, life, restored
passion for God. A stale church can be refreshed by Christ. A sleepy church can be awakened. A weak church strengthened. Even a dead church can be made alive!
G. PROMISE:
5: “He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.”
1. “They will walk with Me in white” (Matt 13:43). 1) Note that only the living walk (Zech 3:7). 2) This walking represents the fellowship that we shall have with Christ
(Amos 3:3; 2 Cor 3:14).
2. “White” represents the purity and holiness of our walk.1) Note that only the pure and holy enter into heaven (21:27).
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2) The evaluation of Christ on these few are summed up in the words, “they are worthy” (Eph 4:1).
3. “I will not erase (blot out) his name from the book of life” 1) “Erase” is from the Greek word “exaleipho”, also used in Rev
7:17; 21:4 – “To wipe away” (3:5; 20:15). 2) Name added when one becomes a child of God (Luke 10:20;
Phil 4:3; Heb 12:23). 3) Big part of this congregation is walking the road to damnation. 4) The term “book of life” occurs 7 times in the NT. 5) Phil 4:3 and 6 times in Rev 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27. 6) By every indication the Jews kept a register of their citizens, which
was a book of the living (Isa 4:3; Ezek 13:9; Neh 12:22f). From this register the name was removed at death.
7) The implication of this statement is that those who are spiritually dead will not be found in the “book of life” at the day of judgment (Rev 20:15).
4. “I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” (Matt 10:32-33; Luke 12:8-9). 1) Those whose names are not found by the Lord will be denied by the
Lord before the Father (Matt 7:23; Luke 13:27).
VI. PHILADELPHIA: AN OPEN DOOR (3:7-13)DANGER OF IGNORING OPPORTUNITIES
A. SETTING :
1. Unlike the other cities in the province of Asia, Philadelphia was not an ancient city, but rather a relatively new city (youngest of the 7 churches) in this part of the world. 1) The city was founded in 140 BC by Attalus the second - (159-138
BC) King of Pergamon. 2) The city became the possession of the Roman government in the
year 133 BC through AD 1379 when it fell after persistent resistance into the hands of the Turks.
2. The city derived its name from the title (Philadelphus) that was given Attalus II because of his great affection and loyalty to his brother Eumenes II, King of Lydia and predecessor. 1) “Philadelphia” is a Greek word which means – “Brotherly love” or
“Brother lover” (2 Pet 1:7). 2) The cities modern name is AlaSheher/Allah-Shehr (City of God).
(Hastings p. 721; William Smith p. 509). 113
3. The city is located 28 miles southeast of Sardis and 105 miles from Smyrna. 1) The city stood on the little river called “Cogamus” which was a
tributary of the Hermus River. 2) This city lied in the Cogamus valley. This valley served as a natural
line of communication from Pergamum to Philadelphia via Sardis. 3) It is also located at the foot of Mt. Tmolus - (elevation 952 feet
above the sea), and stood at the place where the borders of three countries met – Mysia, Lydia, and Phrygia.
4) Because of its position here, Philadelphia is located on a main trade route between west and east. Due to this importance Philadelphia became a wealthy trade center.
5) It is said of this highway that it linked one continent to another, and Philadelphia stood as the “Gateway to the East.”
4. Philadelphia was first built by the Greeks to spread the Greek language and culture to the countries of Mysia, Lydia, and Phrygia. 1) Philadelphia had the characteristics of a border town.
5. Philadelphia lay on the edge of a great volcanic area. 1) In one way this proved to have brought prosperity to the area. 2) The great plain was one of the most fertile areas in the then known
world. Philadelphia was a rich farming region.3) It lent itself to a great grape growing region. Philadelphia was
known for its fine wines. 4) The area was rich in hot springs. This was an area in which the
infirmed would come to bathe in the waters. “This country, as viewed from these hills, is extremely
magnificent—gardens and vineyards lying at the back and sides of the town, and before it one of the most beautiful and extensive plains of Asia.” (Albert Barnes notes)
6. In another way, the very fact that brought prosperity to the region, also brought with it great danger. 1) Philadelphia was subject to earthquakes. 2) The same earthquake that destroyed eleven cities in Asia in AD 17
also claimed Philadelphia as its victim. 3) As with the city of Sardis, the city of Philadelphia was rebuilt with
the aid given it by Tiberius Caesar. Funds were given it from the national Roman treasury.
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4) In a show of appreciation the city was renamed “Neocaesarea” - (New Caesar). The city received a third name "Flavia" during the reign of Vespatian.
5) The people of this city lived in constant fear of these quakes and would flee to open country when they came, but always returned to the city after (3:12).
7. Philadelphia was a famous center of heathen worship; it had so many pagan temples to the various deities that the city became known as "Little Athens". 1) Since the region was good for growing grapes, and the making of
wine, one might expect to find the cult of Dionysis/Baachus in the city.
2) This cult was so powerful that it is the chief cult of the city. 3) Not only was this cult the chief cult, but the coinage of the city of
Philadelphia carried the image of Baachus the god of wine on it.
8. Though many temples are found in Philadelphia, the main opposition to the church did not come from the pagan and heathen cults, but from the wealthy Jews of the city. 1) The Jews flourished here and had a beautiful synagogue.
9. As to the establishment of the church in Philadelphia we are left with no record.1) However, it may have been started by some of the members from
Ephesus who were taught by Paul or by or by Paul himself during his stay in Ephesus (Acts 19:10).
B. SPEAKER:
1: “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this:”
1. “He who is holy” – (ho hagios) is that which is separated from all evil, with perfect hatred of evil. 1) However, in this sense the Greek (ho hagios) – “The Holy One” is
an affirmation of the deity of Jesus Christ. 2) Christ here refers to Himself in the same language that the prophets
of Old wrote concerning Him (Dan 9:24).
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3) “The Holy One” is a name which belongs to God exclusively. In this sense Christ is either Deity or He is guilty of blasphemy, since He refers to Himself with a title that belongs alone to God.
4) In the sense that it is here used Christ identifies Himself with the absolute holiness of God, which is repeatedly stated that He is THE HOLY ONE, and all that is pertaining to Him is Holy.
2. “who is true” (ho alethinos) – means genuine or real.1) This is a favorite word of the Apostle John and is found only 27
times in the New Testament.2) 22 times it is used by the Apostle John.
It is used of Christ as the “true light” (John 1:9). The “true bread” (John 6:32). The “true vine” (John 15:1). The “true God” (1 John 5:20). The faithful and “true witness” (Rev 3:14). Dependable.
3) Here once again Christ stands as the genuine and true One in opposition to the false gods and claims of those in the city of Philadelphia.
4) In opposition to the Jewish claims, Jesus is the true and real Messiah in whom is realized the consummation of God's Eternal plan to reconcile man back to Him. Of this fact the prophets of Old spoke.
5) This term also distinguishes from all those who only partially realize the characteristics of God (John 5:35; Ps 80:8; 105:40).
3. “who has the key of David” – Authority, power over David’s house.1) This is a fulfillment of prophecy concerning the Messiah (Isa 9:6).2) Isa 22:22: Original reference. The key of the house of David was
kept by the steward of the house. It was this steward’s responsibility to grant or deny access to the King. Shebna is removed as the steward of the House of David and Eliakim is put in his place.
3) Eliakim is an anti-type of Christ. The power of certain governmental powers were entrusted to Eliakim, however, with Christ it is His right (Isa 9:6-7; Luke 1:32-33; Matt 28:18; 1 Pet 3:22; Eph 1:20-22; Rev 1:5; 1:18).
4) It is here used it denotes the authority or power to open or close the door (Matt 28:18; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 2:41, 47).
5) The Jews may have laid claim to the fact that they held the keys to bar any who confessed the name of Christ from the worship in the synagogue's, however, the true (alethinos) authority to open and shut the door rests in the hands of Jesus Christ.
C. COMMENDATION:
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8: “I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.”
1. “I know your deeds (works)” – What is it that opens doors?1) Simple faithfulness to God’s will, nothing more and nothing less.2) It is not money, manpower, material advantages (big building) or
personalities!
2. Jesus encouraged them – “I have put before you an open door…” 1) This “open door” is symbolic of the opportunity that the church has
in Philadelphia to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost in that city.
2) As the city of Philadelphia had been establish to open door of the Greek civilization to the eastern world, having been set on the borders of Mysia, Lydia and Phrygia, so too has a door been opened to the church.
3) Paul in his writings and reports to the churches, many times uses a similar expression to show the opportunities that are available in the world for the spread of the gospel.Acts 14:27: “And when they had arrived and gathered the church together, they began to report all things that God had done with them and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.”1 Cor 16:8-9: “But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost; for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.”2 Cor 2:12: “Now when I came to Troas for the gospel of Christ and when a door was opened for me in the Lord.”Col 4:3: “praying at the same time for us as well, that God may open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.”
4) Before this congregation was a door of usefulness in the kingdom of Christ.
5) NOTE: that in each of the cases it is always the Lord that has opened the door, as is here indicated by our section of study.
6) While the Lord opens a door, opposition is allowed to exist. 7) The negative was there but didn’t dwell on the negative but looked
for opportunities.
3. “You have a little power” – With God “A little is a lot!”1) In God’s sight, this little group was “strong and powerful!”
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2) This little strength was sufficient to achieve the purpose that Christ has given to every church.
3) This little power can be a reference to the smallness of their numbers/ or to their smallness in their resources not being from the wealthier and more powerful organizations that where in the city itself/ it could also have reference to their social standings (1 Cor 1:25-29).
4) Though they might have been small in the sight of the men of the community and city, they are great in the sight of God.
5) One must recognize that in many cases God's power was not displayed with large quantities, but rather in small (feeding of the 5,000. 1 Sam 17:49: David's sling and stone. The lesson here to learn
is the fact that the “battle is the Lord’s.” 1 Sam 17:47: “Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord
does not save with sword and spear; for the battle {is} the Lord's, and He will give you into our hands.”
4. “have kept My word” – Obedient – Fully committed to the Lord.1) They understood the concept of authority.
5. “have not denied My name” – Boldness – Not ashamed of gospel.1) The Greek words for “kept” and “denied” are in the aorist tense,
alluding to some occasions in the past when, being put to the test, the church proved itself faithful to the Lord.
2) Here was a small church which was big in faith and love for Christ.
9: “Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you.
10: Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.”
6. “perseverance (steadfastness)” – Endured suffering.1) Whenever God opens a door to bless us, the devil will open the gates
of hell to blast us. When the church moves forward in obedience, it is sure to meet Satan head on.
2) 3:9: Christ promises to expose the enemies of the church and they will be punished. Once again Jesus, as He did in the letter to the church at Smyrna, refers to the persecuting Jews as being from the
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“synagogue of Satan” (2:9; John 8:39-40; Rom 2:28-29; Acts 17:5-9; 1 Thes 2:14-16).
3) The true Jew was one who has been circumcised in heart (Rom 2:28); one who worshiped by the Spirit of God and gloried in Christ and had no confidence in flesh (Phil 3:3). The true test of a Christian is not what he says but what he does and whether his conviction is inward or his profession outward.
4) The promises to these two churches differ in the fact that one (Philadelphia) would go beyond just prevailing. To Smyrna the promise was that the Jews should not prevail against the faithful in it (2:9-10); but to the church here in Philadelphia the promise is that it shall not only prevail against the Jews but also that some of its Jewish adversaries would “bow down before your feet” 3:9).
5) This in no way means that they will be worshiped since only God is worthy of worship (Heb 1:6). Commentators do not agree as to what this means. Some teach that these Jews would become Christians (Lenski p. 142-143; William Hendriksen p. 75). Others teach that it means that the Jews would finally be moved to acknowledge that God was with the Christians. It seems to me that the latter is the better interpretation, though some Jews might have come to Christ, the promise of Christ here seems to indicate all would be bowing. Note the American Standard Footnote – “The Greek Word
denotes an act of reverence, whether paid to the creature or the Creator.”
Note the Jews hated, but they would know that Christ loved them. This made them victorious.
6) 3:10: denotes the Divine protection which is promised to those who hold the name of Christ. Note how the verbs match in verse ten – “you have kept” – “I also will keep.” Here, the term is used in the sense - to guard, to hold, to keep, and to preserve against loss or damage. The church had held to the faith during a time of trial and tribulation (8). Though we are actively involved in many works, they are worthless unless we first keep the Word of the Lord. The Christians fidelity is always rewarded by the Lord's fidelity. Note here the “word of My perseverance (endurance;
patience)” as compared with “My word” in verse eight. Moffatt translates this, “that patience which belongs to Me.” This rendering makes it clearer to understand, that the endurance is not that of the church, but rather that of Jesus Christ. The life of Jesus Christ shows us through the written word how that Christ suffered and endured the tribulations, disappointments and hardships that were brought against Him.
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It is to this “word of endurance” of Jesus Christ that is here being referred to. Note the word “MY” - this is the patience that the Lord demands of all His followers, a part of the pathway of footprints that we should walk in (1 Pet 2:21-24).
D. NO CONDEMNATION:
1. A little church with a BIG faith: An open door.1) There is no complaint about this congregation—only
encouragement.2) It was a great church with much to commend.3) No other church among the 7 churches is more richly praised.
E. SOLUTION:
11: “I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”
1. This is an exhortation and admonition to be “alert and vigilant”. Every Christian needs to caution himself against complacency for if we are not careful enough like those foolish virgins we will not enter into the marriage feast of the Lamb (Matt 24:1-10; Rev 19:7-9). 1) Rev 2:5: Jesus said that He would remove Ephesus’ candlestick
quickly unless they repent. Again this would suggest “without prior announcement” (unexpectedly). God does things “quickly”.
2) Gen 1:3: “Let there be light and there was light” (instantaneously).3) 2 Pet 3:10-13: Jesus plainly teaches that His second coming will
very quickly come to pass in the sense of “as a thief in the night.” Have you heard of a thief who would send a telegram to his victim to tell him to expect him at a certain time to rob him? Beware of crown stealers: The crown of “eternal life” is
extremely valuable so constantly guard your “living hope” (1 Pet 1:3-4).
The Devil will, through every deceptive means, which he has in his evil arsenal of destruction, seek “to spoil you” (Col 2:8). Paul warns of those evil men who would “rob you of your reward” (Col 2:18-20).
If they could get you to “forsake” the teachings of Christ who is the head of the church then you would lose your crown (Eph 4:15).
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Again, if the Devil can influence and persuade Christians to “get tangled again in the affairs of this life” (2 Pet 2:20-22), they will lose their crown by disobedience unto God (Jas 1:12-15). God is talking to Christians and telling them to be careful for they could be “lost” again.
2. What they have is the truth! (Prov 23:23; John 8:32). The Lord promises the church in Philadelphia to “keep (tereo - to protect) them from the hour of trial.” 1) The first thing to note here is the fact that the Lord does not promise
to exempt them from the persecutions and tribulations that would come upon the whole world (Jas 1:2-4; 1 Tim 4:5; 2 Tim 3:12).
2) For the Lord to remove all obstacles that cause us to become stronger in the faith is not to help His children but to cause them to go backward.
3) This probably means that the Lord would keep them from the hour of trial in the sense that He would sustain them, giving them the grace and power to bear under whatever difficulties they would face. Note the promise of the spiritual resources to endure these
hardships (2 Tim 4:18; 2 Cor 12:9; Heb 4:16). “Hour” is here used of a season, or period of time.
3. The hour of trial would “come upon the whole world.” 1) The word earth\world (ge {ghay}); contracted from a primary word;
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application): country, earth(ly), ground, land, world.) , occurs eighty one times in the book of Revelation. It is used to denote many various ideas.
2) In some cases it refers to the un-regenerated men of the world, in other cases it might refer to the physical earth etc. It must thus be noted that the trial that Christ here refers to will
affect both the saint and the sinner alike. 3) The difference between these is the fact that the Christian has the
help and assurance of Christ's hand to guide them through and to overcome, whereas the sinner has nothing to hold on to (Matt 6:13). This sounds more like fortification for pressure rather than
assurance of complete exemption (Ezek 9:1-8; 21:3-4). 4) As to what this hour of trial is, speculation must be noted as the only
evidence one might be able to give.
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Whether this refers to some form of persecution, or to some great calamity the speaker does not say.
“Tacitus mentions an earthquake that sank twelve cities in Asia Minor, in one night, by which among others, Philadelphia was deeply affected.” (Barnes' Notes, Vol 14 p. 95)
F. SUMMONS:
13: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
1. Don’t blow it – squander opportunities.1) The so-called Jews will respect you – will know that God is with
you.2) Christ will keep you from (or sustain) you in the hour of testing.
This message is for your congregation too.
2. How does a Christian hold fast what you have?1) Eph 4:12-16: He must grow continually up into Jesus Christ in all
things. 2) 2 Pet 1:5-11: This requires a child of God to “add to his faith” the
following things:Virtue–The moral courage to “resist the Devil” (Jas 4:6-10).Knowledge–Search God’s word daily to learn the truth (Acts 17:11).
3) Self-Control–Bring your body and mind under subjection (1 Cor 9:27)
4) Patience–Continue steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine (Acts 2:42).5) Godliness–Do all to the glory of God for He sees you (Heb 4:13).6) Brotherly Kindness–Love one another fervently (1 Pet 1:22, Heb
13:1).7) Love–Love God and neighbor with all your heart (Matt 22:37).
3. In addition to the above in order to obtain by God’s grace (Eph 2:8-10) the crown of life (2 Tim 4:6-8) we must as Paul did to:1) “Fight the good fight of faith”: “Put on the whole armor of
God”(Eph 6:10-18), which prepares us to “quench all the fiery darts” of the wicked.
2) We must “earnestly contend for the faith” (Jude 3). We must take on God’s two-edged sword (Heb 4:12) and charge the enemy.
3) Finish the course: God will not give, nor has He promised that eternal life will be given as a reward to the “quitter”.
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2 Tim 2:5: If a man enters a race and goes all around the track “nearly” reaching the finish line, he “will not win the race nor get the winner’s prize”.
2 Pet 2:20-22: How sad indeed to see Christians who have worked and served God for 30-40 years, go “back into the world.” The latter end is far worse than the first. Many times it is impossible (Heb 6:4) to renew them “again to repentance.”
4) Keep the faith: Faith is “shown by works” (Jas 2:17-24) and without our demonstrating our faith unto God by “faithful obedience” (Gal 5:6) we manifest a “dead faith”.
5) Rev 2:10: Notice the words of Jesus “be faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Salvation is “conditional”. If I do not show my love to the Lord
by “keeping His commandments” (John 14:15) then, I cannot expect to “have the right to the tree of life, and enter into the gates into the city of heaven” (Rev 22:14).
G. PROMISE:
12: “He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name.”
1. “I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God,” (7:15; 2 Chron 3:17).1) Philadelphia had a custom that was directly related to the heathen
temples. In ancient times, a distinguished citizen would have a pillar erected in his honor. When a man had served the state well, a pillar was erected in
one of the temples with his name upon it. Today amidst the ruins of this city, there are four marble pillars
which bear the names of men who served the state well. 2) 1 Pet 1:5-9: It is that Christian whose faith has been purified through
many trials and tests, which remains faithful to God that will in heaven be a “pillar”. To be a “pillar” in God’s house (1 Tim 3:15) here on earth, and
in heaven after judgment is the noblest of ambitions.
2. “and he will not go out from it anymore.”1) A pillar in God’s temple is a symbol of strength and security.
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The ruler’s name (perhaps other names also) was removed from a pillar when a new ruler conquers. No so with Christ’s name.
2) They will never leave the blessed presence of God. Remember that ancient Philadelphia was on an earthquake fault
line causing the people to flee the city many times.
3) Heb 9:6-7: God’s ordained people (priests) went into the temple (Holy Place) and offered sacrifices for the people to “come out again”. Then once a year the “high priest” went into the “Most Holy Place” and in the presence of God (mercy seat) there offered a sacrifice for himself and the people of Israel. Eph 2:19-22: In the Lord’s abiding “temple” which is the
“church” of Jesus Christ we “walk by faith in God’s presence” (2 Cor 5:7).
1 Pet 2:5: Since all Christians are “priests” they pray to God by faith, sing praises to His name (Eph 5:19), and Christ abides and dwells in their hearts by faith (Eph 3:17; Col 3:15-16).
Rev 21:3: Notice here that in heaven God will dwell with them and they shall be His people and He shall be their God. This scene depicts the “church” of Christ in her glorified state with God in heaven after the judgment is over.
Heb 3:12: As Christians we can “fall away from the living God” through unbelief.
Rev 21:27: But once we enter the portals of glory, we will never “go out” anymore. We will be permanent inhabitants of the “new heavens and the new earth.”
3. “I will write on him” – 3 new names.1) “the name of My God” – Ownership, identification and relationship.2) “and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which
comes down out of heaven from My God.” This name identifies the victorious saint as a citizen of the
heavenly city, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband (21:2). The conqueror has the right to enter by the gates into the city (22:10, 14). This city stands in contrast to “the great city,” the symbol of the world (11:8).
The old Jerusalem had been destroyed, the new (kainos, new in kind is the city of the true Israel. This is the city Abraham looked for (Heb 11:10). It is called “the holy city Jerusalem” (21:10). Paul calls it “the Jerusalem that is above” (Gal 4:26).
3) “and My new name” – It is at present not known (19:12).
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This name summarizes all that He is, even beyond that which is known or comprehensible to us while in the flesh.
Col 3:4: “When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.”
1 John 3:2: “…We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.”
The Christian shares in Christ’s victory, wears His own new name and enters into an eternal relationship with Him as His bride, to abide with Him in glory forever.
Jesus promised them that he would make them a pillar in the temple of God. Of all the churches of Asia, Philadelphia was the only one that survived through the centuries. It remained a column among the ruins. God and Christ engraved their names on them and they stood through the centuries.
VII. LAODICEA: A LUKEWARM CHURCH (3:14-22)DANGER OF PERSONAL INDIFFERENCE
A. SETTING:
1. The city of Laodicea was the largest of the three cities (Laodicea; Colosse; Hierapolis) found in the broad valley area (Lycus valley) on the borders of Phrygia. 1) It is located approximately 90 miles east of Ephesus, and between
40-50 miles southeast of Philadelphia. 2) The city was situated about 11 miles west of Colosse and 6 miles
south of Hierapolis (Col 4:13, 16). 30 The city lay at the meeting of the Lycus Valley and the Maeander.
2. The city was called Diosopolis and Rhoas until it finally was named in honor of Laodike\ Laodice, the wife of Antiochus II (261-246 BC), who rebuilt the city. 1) Laodike\Laodice poisoned Antiochus II the Seleucid King.
3. Destroyed in AD 60 by an earthquake, but refused help in the rebuilding of itself. 1) Tacitus writes that the Roman Senate at that time gave large sums of
money to devastated Asian cities, but records with surprise that Laodicea refused such aid. “It rose again, with no help from us.”
(Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Vol. 2, p.1308) This attitude is found in the church (3:17).
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“Rebuilt by Marcus Aurelius.” (New Unger's Bible Dictionary p. 756)
4. The city was completely destroyed by the “Mohammedan invaders, and is now the scene of utter desolation.” 1) City is now known by the Turk's as “Eski-hissar” or “Old Castle”.
5. In 190 BC Laodicea became the center of Hellenic culture, reaching its peak at this time when it was made a Roman Province. 1) The city was famous for its great wealth and for its banking abilities. 2) “Cicero traveled that way in 51 B.C. on his way to the provincial
governorship of Cilicia, and the fact that he cashed drafts in Laodicea shows that the city had outgrown neighboring Colossae and was already a place of financial importance & wealth.” (Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible, Vol 2. p.1308)
6. The city was well known for its producing black wool. 1) This wool was the basis of the textile industry centered in both
Colossea and Laodicea. “Laodicea was a center for the regional textile industry. The
sheep that grazed in the nearby valleys produced a black wool that was exceptionally soft. The wool was bought and sold in the city’s markets.” (www.luthersem.educkoester/Revelation/main.htm)
2) This trade was in existence well up into the 19th Century. 3) Various garments from Laodicea are listed in Diocletian's price
fixing edit of AD 300.
7. Another important fact about Laodicea is that of its eye ointment. 1) Approximately 13 miles from the city's boundaries, a school of
medicine was found. 2) The names of the physicians appeared on coins as early as the time
of Augustus. It is stated that it was possibly the medical school of Laodicae
that developed the eye powder known as “Phrygian” (3:18). It is guessed that this power was probably made up from dried
mud of the Hierapolis thermal springs, which when mixed with water it formed a Kaolin poultice, which was an effective remedy for inflammation.
8. The population of this city was comprised of a great number of Jews. 1) This great Jewish population is said to have its roots in the
transferring of Jewish families by Antiocus II (223-187 BC) to the territories of Lydia and Phrygia.
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2) Two years after the earthquake the governor of Asia refused to allow the contribution to go to the Temple fund in Jerusalem.
3) Jews were useful citizens who brought money and trade to every city in which they settled.
9. A great stadium was built in AD 79 and dedicated to Titus, who became emperor in that year. 1) It must be noted that an inscription found reads as follows,
“Nicostratus, paid the cost out of his own resources.”
10. The language of Rev 3:16 might have shocked the audience to whom it was addressed. 1) However, some feel that this has reference to the mingling of the
cold streams and the hot thermal springs which were chemically-impregnated causing a lukewarm mixture which was nauseating.
2) Across the valley from Laodicea is an enormous hot spring. The white mineral deposits from the spring are visible for miles across the valley. Hieropolis was built near this spring. Hieripolis, hot H20; Colossae, cold H20; in the middle
Laodicea, lukewarm H20.
11. From the letter written to the Colossian brethren (60-62 AD), it seems to indicate that there is a church in existence already in Laodicea.1) Acts 19:10: It is assumed from Luke's statement that the church had
its beginnings during the stay of Paul in Ephesus. 2) Col 1:17; 4:12: Epaphras might have been the first to preach there
since he was from the nearby city of Colosse.
B. SPEAKER :
14: “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this:”
1. “The Amen”1) This little expression means “let it be so.” 2) This phrase points to theological power of God even as He is
described in creation (Gen 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, 26-27). 3) The scriptures openly declare that God said “let there be”, and “it
was so”.
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4) Indeed God is truly “let it be so” God, for He commands, and “whatever He says” comes to pass.
5) What He says will be. He is the embodiment of all truth.
2. “The faithful and true Witness” 1) There is no unfaithful part of Him and as true Witness He is truth:
(John 14:6).2) He tells all truth and holds nothing back. 3) Christ left His glory above to “witness” to man the infinite “love of
God for man.” 4) The crucified “lamb of God” is God’s truest and faithful witness of
God’s love and concern for sinful man. 5) He was “tempted in all points as we are” (Heb 4:15), yet He did not
sin against God. Jesus truly is the Way of the Truth that leads to eternal life (John 14:6).
6) Jesus never faltered in His God-given purpose to offer Himself “once and for all” (Heb 9:12).
7) He was “faithful unto death” as we also must be to win the crown of life (Rev 2:10).
3. “The Beginning of the creation of God”1) Simply states that Christ is the CAUSE of the creation.2) As Thayer put it “…that by which anything begins to be…”3) He is the Creator of all creation, the One in charge, the Leader.4) This worldly church in Laodicea needed to be reminded of this.
4. Col 1:15-17: States that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, created “all visible and invisible things.” 1) Jesus, Himself, was not created by God (Isa 43:10-11). But He
Himself existed “in the form of God” (Phil 2:5) even before there was “time or eternity” (John 1:1-3).
2) Mic 5:2: Says that Jesus Christ’ goings forth have been “from” of old even from everlasting. Psalm 90:2 says that only God is described as “everlasting to everlasting. In Rev 1:8 Christ gives Himself the inscription of “He who was, and He who is, and who is to come”. Jesus Christ is the God of this created universe. The first cause
of it all! 3) It certainly can be shown that God the Father had someone else “in
the beginning” (Gen 1:1) who worked with Him creating all things (Gen 1:26-27). The Holy Spirit in addition to Jesus Christ the Son of God was present and helped create (Gen 1:3).
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Any who denies the deity of Jesus Christ plainly indicts God the Father as a liar (Heb 1:8-10). Here the Father Himself declaresabout Jesus Christ “His throne O God is forever and ever.”
C. NO COMMENDATION :
1. How pitiful!1) Laodicea was a vain church, self-absorbed, self-confident, self-
satisfied and self-deceived.2) They probably expected Jesus to praise them to the skies.3) But they heard the most scathing indictment and stinging rebuke of
all 7 letters.
D. CONDEMNATION :
15: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot.
16: So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.”
1. The brethren in Laodicea were just like their water “lukewarm”. 1) Not cold (completely dead). 2) Not hot (completely alive).3) They were lukewarm (doing some work, but not all work).
2. As lukewarm water is not good (water the town had as a supply), neither is the condition of the church. It is sickening to the Lord.1) Spiritual indifference in the church makes Jesus want to throw up.2) Half-hearted worship, unfeeling prayer, stale fellowship, Bible study,
evangelism – it all makes the Lord sick.
17: “Because you say, ‘I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,’ and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked,”
1. Their concept of richness was “increase of goods”. 1) But God’s word describes those that are rich as being filled up with
“good works” authorized by God (Acts 9:36; 2 Tim 3:16-17).
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2) Col 1:9-10: God’s concept of “increase” shows the person who does not have “Christ dwelling in him richly in all wisdom” (Col 3:16) by faith (Eph 3:17) is just absolutely a “pauper”.
3) He is “spiritually bankrupt”. Without God all men are “nothing” (John 15:5).
2. They were ignorant of their true condition.1) They thought they were “rich” and had “need of nothing.”2) In reality, they were spiritually “wretched and miserable and poor
and blind.”3) They had just enough spirituality to be comfortable.4) A congregation influenced by the community.5) The danger of thinking that a comfortable life is evidence of God’s
favor or being counted as faithful is the bait of the devil.
3. He is too lazy to test himself (2 Cor 13:5).1) He doesn’t know that he is the reason others excuse themselves for
not coming to worship, for not obeying, etc.
4. How sad to be just “religious enough to be miserable”.1) When a Christian “forsakes the assembling together with saints” this
breeds miserableness for he knows it is willful sin (Heb 10:25-26).2) When a Christian realizes that whether he goes to heaven or not
depends on his “use of hospitality” he is miserable when he does not express such (1 Pet 4:8-10).
3) Christians who do not study God’s word regularly will certainly be miserable because they express contempt for God and His Son, and the “wonderful words of life.”
4) It is sure that the Christian who does not bring someone to obey the gospel will never experience the joy of this servitude to God and others but will be miserable thinking of the souls which died in sin because of his lack of interest in their souls (John 4:34-36).
5) God demands “pure and undefiled religion” (Jas 1:27). Nothing less will please God.
6) 1 Cor 15:19: The apostle Paul discusses those most miserable in pointing out that to “have hope in Christ” both in our sojourn here on earth and “beyond death” is most important.
5. It must be a nagging thought to the lukewarm Christian who marches on towards judgment. 1) Hell is what I am preparing my soul for by disobedience to God and
His word.
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2) Think of the many people the lukewarm Christian has discouraged by his “hypocritical” manner of life. This thought could only make those “once enlightened”
miserable and wretched (Heb 4:4-6). What a “twisted and perverted” state of mind and life those Christians had attained unto. If you are “spiritually” neither cold or hot but lukewarm, heed these warnings “look carefully therefore how you walk” (Eph 5:15-17). Be wise in your spiritual “eyes” of the mind: (v.17) Jesus points out to these brethren that the “eyes of their understanding” needed to be enlightened by the wisdom and knowledge of God (Eph 1:17-18). They needed to have an in-depth understanding of their “hope in Christ”, and how precious they were in God’s sight, and the exceeding greatness of God’s power in Christ to conquer the devil, and save souls of all who obey Him (Heb 2:14-16, 5:8-9).
6. Jesus speaks to those who have “eyes full of adultery” (2 Pet 2:14). 1) People who are “spiritually blind” and cannot cease from sin are
called cursed children. 2) If your mind is not “filled with light and understanding of truth” it is
true that you are spiritually blind. The vision of Christians is dependent upon their “walking by faith” (2 Cor 5:7) which means they must have proof (authority) for their words and deeds (Col 3:17). They needed urgently to have a “one track mind” (Phil 3:13-16).
7. Shame of spiritual nakedness: 1) Rev 19:8-9: Jesus points out that clothing of the saints is the linen of
purity (righteous acts of the saints). The Christian who does not “practice what he teaches” is naked.
2) Matt 25:41-46: The “naked” follower of God is described along with his eternal doom!
3) Gal 5:22-24: When a Christian does not cultivate and incorporate into his character “fruits” of the Spirit, he is barren and naked. We need to understand that the “neglectful” child of God is
shamefully exposed and God will execute judgment upon him for indecent exposure!
E. SOLUTION : Go spiritual shopping! “Buy from Me.”
18: “I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the
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shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.”
1. “Gold refined by fire…” – Laodicea was poor, Christ has gold!1) Faith in God is more valuable than money.2) Spiritual “gold” for sale:
Prov 23:23: “Buy the truth and sell it not.”3) Laodiceans had purchased “fools gold” which Satan had sold them
at compromising prices.4) Ps 19:7-11: God’s word is described as being “more to be desired
than fine gold.” 5) Col 1:9-11: God’s spiritual gold is the best bargain of all. Unlike the
“gold market” of today, this gold increases in value daily instead of fluctuating.
6) Fire-proof faith in God’s word: These Christians had many impurities in their daily lives which they needed to correct, as well as the desire to sin against God. Jas 1:12: Jesus said that our “faith is precious” only when we
endure temptation. 1 Pet 1:6-7: Our faith becomes more precious than gold “tested
by fire.” Eph 6:10-16: When we overcome the “fiery darts which Satan
hurls at us” we purify our hearts a little more each day. God wants more than just untried and untested innocence.
7) Jas 1:2-4: We must prove our spiritual valor on the battlefield of life. The trying of the Christian’s belief in Christ works patience. I can count on God and His word always to purify my faith. But “can God count on me to listen and follow His counsel”?
Am I going to sell all that I have to purchase the “pearl” which God offers unto all mankind (Matt 13:45-46). Or am I already “sold” on the Devil’s philosophy of “play now and pay later” (2 Tim 3:1-5).
Acts 2:38: “Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” They did so and became rich (Acts 2:41, 47).
2. “White garments…” – Laodicea was naked, Christ has clothes!1) Just as our outer garments need to protect and cover our outer man
(1 Tim 2:8-10), with much more urgency we need to “clothe our souls” with obedience to the truth (1 Pet 1:22).
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2) Just as a person could die in cold weather due to exposure, so also a Christian can diet spiritually (Jas 5:19-20), if he leaves obeying God’s voice (truth) and exposes himself to the devil.
3) All realize that “clothes are expensive” when we buy them. It is true also with “spiritual clothing” as well. The price we must pay to be adorned modestly spiritually is
expensive. Total and complete surrender is what God requires. Consecration to the “core of our soul” is what God desires and requires of all men.
Knowledge and wisdom (clothing) come only through my surrender of time to study and learn.
Patience comes only by total surrender of my will to God’s. I can never clothe myself with “mercy and justice” unless I
leave completely my selfishness and deceitfulness behind. I can never love God with all my heart, soul, and mind until I
cease loving entirely the world’s enticements of Satan (1 John 2:15-17).
4) Yes it is true! To clothe yourself spiritually will cost you your time, and effort, and assets, and allegiance. God wants “all of you” and all of what you have. But the
interest He pays on your investment is the “highest in this universe” (Phil 3:20-21). When we are spiritually clothed we glorify our God!
5) Rev 19:7-8: Clothed with white raiment: The glorious attire, of the Christian is described. The fine linen, which the Christian is to be clothed, is the “righteous acts of the saints”. Eph 4:24: This new man erected after God in righteousness and
true holiness is described. Isa 1:18: White is the symbol of “purity.” Ex 28:40-43: In a return to the Old Testament we see that God
gave detailed instructions as to the priests’ attire. Only these priestly garments were to be worn by the Jewish priests when offering service unto God. Since every Christian is a priest under Christ (1 Pet 2:5, 9), he is commanded by God to wear ONLY THOSE PRIESTLY GARMENTS those priestly garments and clothing which will glorify God (1 Cor 10:31-33). Those garments are described as the good works of God as given in His law (Eph 2:10; Col. 3:17).
2 John 9: A Christian is only clothed with white raiment when he abides in the teaching of Christ.
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Eph 6:10-18: If any portion of the uniform a Christian must wear is missing, then portions of that Christian’s “spiritual man” is exposed unto the “wiles of the devil.”
Ex 16:31: As the manna which fell from the sky which God gave to Israel to eat in the wilderness was white so also is God’s manna from heaven the purest spiritual food upon this earth (John 6:32-33). He alone hath the words of eternal life (John 6:68). When we apply these pure commands to our lives we literally begin to clothe ourselves with “white garments” of obedience.
6) Spiritual nakedness shamefully shows: The God of heaven is shamefully ridiculed by His followers who refuse to clothe themselves with humble submission to every word of the Lord. The world gets a “bad taste in its mouth” for God and spiritual
matters when they behold a hypocrite. “Shame” and “blasphemy” result as fruit from the unfaithful child of God. He needs to know and realize the awesome truth found in Mark 8:38.
The influence “for good” of a spiritually naked Christian is found wanting! He is worthless to the world leading them to the pit of darkness where he is headed (Matt 15:14).
7) When Satan viewed these brethren in Laodicea he laughed at them knowing that as long as they continued in their “nauseating” conduct they would shame God their Master, and exalt Satan.
3. “Eye salve to anoint your eyes…” Laodicea was blind, Christ has the cure!1) There was a factory in the area of Laodicea which was well known
for its soothing medicinal preparation for the eyes. Jesus wasn’t talking about their physical eyes however. He was referring to the curing of their “spiritual eyes of understanding” (Eph 1:17-18).
2) They needed to overcome their spiritual blindness. They had through blindness “forgotten they were purged from their old sins” (2 Pet 1:9). They had not “set their affections on things above, but rather on things of the earth” (Col 3:1-3).
3) John 9:6-7: We see Jesus preparing a “spittal” and anointed the eyes of a blind man. When this man had done as Jesus asked him, he washed his eyes in the waters of Siloam and was healed. It was true that these people in Laodicea also needed ointment
from Christ to heal their spiritual blindness. Jesus is, as the Bible states the “light of the world” (John 8:12).
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Ps 119:130: The word of God entering into the mind of man “gives light.” Again the awesome power of the heavenly optometrist is seen in Psalm 119:18.
4) God’s word was the only “eye-salve” to cure the total seeing deformity, which Laodicea had. The same is true today for all mankind. Man does not walk by
human insight. These Laodiceans had done this and failed miserably before God. But Christians who are enlightened walk by faith (2 Cor. 5:7). They have authority from Christ for all that they do and say (Col 3:17).
5) Matt 6:22-24: The kind of “eye problems” that Christians in Laodicea had is described. They had a distorted mental picture that they could serve “two” masters as the same time. But no man can do this. But millions of Christians live today
with this same mental illusion. “Study to show yourself approved God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15).
6) Counsel of the “Great Physician”: Isa 9:6: In prophets language Jesus Christ is glorified by the descriptive title “Counselor.” Rom 11:33-34: The apostle Paul by the Spirit magnifies
Christ’s qualifications to counsel and direct mankind “in every subject.”
7) These Christians in the city of Laodicea were “spiritually ill” and desperately in need of the Great Physicians’ healing medications.
8) Open your eyes to see God and truth and right. Remove your self-deception. Get genuine spiritual vision! Until you see your sin, you will never repent!
19: “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.”
1. Prov 29:15: God teaches that an “unloved” child goes undisciplined on its way to destruction. 1) Eph 3:8: Christ is “exhorting” His church in Laodicea to seek after
the “unsearchable riches of God’s forgiveness by turning away from their neglect and “luke-warmness.” God proves His love always.
2) Zeal should replace the inactivity that filled the lives of these Christians. Repentance is itself an act of zeal and prompted by a convicted heart of love.
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Christ wants them to change their way of living or He will “spew them out of His mouth” (3:16).
2. How many Christians need to zealously repent of their laziness? 1) Does your life bring “nausea” unto God as He observes your
activities and monitors the thoughts your heart entertains.2) Repentance is not easy for anyone, but so necessary to inherit eternal
life. 1 John 1:7-9: If repentance is not part of your daily sacrifice to
God you are living your life “in vain” and your spiritual service is empty of meaning as far as eternity is concerned.
John 8:21: For Jesus so stated that “if you die in your sins, where I am you ‘cannot’ come.”
3) Matt 22:37: Fall in love with God and rendering service to Him ZEALOUSLY will become a joy for you. Rom 10:1-3: A reminder is necessary here and that is to couple
your zeal to correct knowledge of God’s word. This 3-fold combination is unbeatable! One “without” the other two, spells “disaster.”
F. SUMMONS:
22: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
1. Hear the message no matter how unpleasant it is – and ACT ON IT.1) The message is clear: Christ will not tolerate lukewarmness.2) It causes Him grief and heartache.3) If not remedied, it forces Him to spew us out of His mouth.
G. PROMISE:
20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.”
1. “Be zealous and repent…Behold, I stand at the door and knock…”1) Laodicea professed Christ but they did not possess Him.2) Perhaps this picture of Jesus standing shows His “deep concern”
which the Lord feels for all His children (Acts 7:55-56). It could also manifest His readiness and anxiety to help us
(Matt 11:28-30). 3) The “knob on the door of man’s heart” is on the “inside”. Men must
voluntarily open his mind to be taught by Jesus.
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Heb 1:1: Jesus teaches through His word. God gave man ability and privilege to decide for himself whether he wants to obey God or Satan.
Matt 7:21-23: God respects this autonomy and will not force Himself nor His will upon any man. If any man goes to “hell” it will be because he has willed to go there. Those who go to heaven will do so because they willed to open their heart to hear.
John 7:17: Jesus promised “If any man is willing to do His will he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself.”
4) Jesus is always “knocking” at the door of every man’s heart throughHis gospel. This also shows the very gentle and meek manner in which
Christ approaches man, for it in only polite to knock. Unlike a wrought salesman who will leave in disgust at an “unopened door” God continually knocks on the door of every man’s heart until death.
5) “If” is conditional: This big “little word” can be found in God’s word over (1500) times. Each time God sets forth His term of obedience, which man
must meet to be reconciled to God (1 Cor 15:1-4; Col 1:21-23; Matt 6:15; Rom 8:17).
2. Jesus says that “I will come in to him and will dine (sup) with him, and he with Me.” 1) If anyone will open the door of his understanding to Chris’s words.
1 John 1:7: Jesus said that “if” we walk in the light of His word we have fellowship with God. Certainly it is plain and easy to see that this same passage teaches that “if” we do not “walk in the light of God’s word” that we have no fellowship with God (cf. 2 John 9).
It is not true that “once saved always saved”! For Christ himself says “we are saved if…” (Acts 10:34-35).
Rev 22:17: This universal appeal is summed up when Jesus says “whosoever will let him come and drink of the water of life freely.”
Man does not accept Christ as his “personal” Saviour, but rather God accepts man as a Christian “if” he obeys Christ’s commandments to become a Christian (Rom. 10:9-10, Acts 2:38) and remains faithful until death (Rev 2:10).
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2) Supping with God: This expression pictures spiritually the fellowship God has with the child of God who overcomes all. Can you think of a greater honor that to dine with the Lord?
We have that privilege as Christians to continually eat of that “bread of life” which came down out of heaven from God and to drink of the spiritual “water of life” (John 6:32-33; 4:14).
21: “He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”
1. It is obedience to Christ that enables one to overcome and will reign with Christ, sitting down with Him on His throne (John 16:33).
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SUMMARY OF CONDITIONS
A. Commended with nothing against:
1. Smyrna: Materially poor but spiritually rich, enduring affliction, slandered and persecuted.
2. Philadelphia: Open door, little strength, kept His word, has not denied His name, endured patiently.
B. Commended but with things against:
1. Ephesus: Hard work, perseverance, have not grown weary, and cannot tolerate wicked men but had lost their first love.
2. Pergamum: Live where Satan has his throne, Antipas was martyred, remain true to his name, did not renounce their faith, but some hold to teaching of Balaam.
3. Thyatira: Have growing love and faith but tolerate the false teaching of Jezebel.
C. Nothing to commend:
1. Sardis: Reputation of being alive but spiritually dead – Wake up!
2. Laodicea: Lukewarm, materially rich but spiritually poor, blind and naked – about to be spewed out!
D. Conclusion: To which church may we be compared and what do we need to insure that we retain our lampstand in the church?
REWARDS FOR OVERCOMING139
A. Eat of the tree of life watered by the river of life whose source is Christ (2:7).
B. Will receive the hidden manna (2:17).C. Share in Christ’s authority over the nations (2:26).D. Walk with Christ dressed in white (3:4).E. Write on him my new name (3:12).F. Sit with Christ on His throne (3:21).
LESSONS FROM THE SEVEN CHURCHES
A. Jesus knows the true spiritual condition of every church.
B. God’s acceptance and recognition of local churches is conditional.1. We cannot rest on past accomplishments and starting a project is not
equal with finishing it (Ephesus; Sardis).
C. The good being done does not cancel out continued sin in other areas (Pergamum).1. Being “almost right” is not enough; a little error is too much.
D. Each local church was autonomous.1. The sins of other congregations do no excuse our own shortcomings.2. Small congregations do have responsibilities, and every congregation is
to be a pillar of the truth.3. The only ones who can fix the problem are the members in that
congregation, and any sin can be stopped.
E. A local church can be doctrinally and morally correct, but still wrong (Ephesus).
F. Non-participants in false doctrine and immorality in the local churches were held responsible (Sardis).1. Disciplining unfaithful members (2 Thes 3:6).
G. Individuals were judged based upon their own works (Sardis; Thyatira).1. The right doctrine and the right spirit must both be present; simply
attending is not enough.
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REVELATION 4HEAVEN: THE THRONE OF GOD
INTRODUCTION
A. The main theme of chapters 1-3 was Christ “in the midst of the seven golden lampstands.”
1. Ch 1: We were given a glimpse of the glorious reign of Christ. 2. Ch 2-3: The condition and struggles of the 7 churches as Christ saw them.
1) Lays the foundation for the rest of the book.2) The rest of the book will build and expand on this foundation.
B. Three tools of Satan have been introduced.
1. Anti-Christian persecution – SEA BEAST.1) Rome (2:10, 13).2) Jews (2:9; 3:9).
2. Anti-Christian religion – EARTH BEAST.1) 2:13
3. Worldliness – HARLOT.1) 2:14-15, 20; 3:17-18
C. Rev 4-11: Outward struggle between the church and worldly forces.
1. Rev 4-5: Assurance of VICTORY before describing the conflict.1) Even though things may look bad – persecution, false religions and
worldliness – GOD STILLS RULES ON HIS THRONE.
2. Ch 4: THE THRONE SCENE FROM HEAVEN’S VIEWPOINT1) God is on His throne – There is security because God is in charge.
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3. Ch 5: THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMING LAMB1) Jesus is by His side – There is security because Christ is worthy.
4:1-6: GOD ON THE THRONE
1: “After these things” refers to what he saw in Ch 1-3).
1. John sees “a door standing open in heaven.” (Compare Ezek 1:1; Matt 3:16). 1) As he was looking, a voice as of a “trumpet” spoke to him again as in
Rev 1:10. 2) The voice tells him to come up and he will be shown the things which
must soon come to pass; that is, in the future after the vision.
2: 2. John is in a vision again. 1) This must be the meaning of being “in the Spirit.” 2) We saw this back in Rev 1:10 when the vision began. 3) To be “in the Spirit” is to be witness to a vision. John is transported to
the throne room of God.
3. To speak of the “throne of God” is to refer to His rule, dominion, authority, power and all the other divine attributes.In the Psalms the “throne” of God is associated with:1) 9:7: Judgment.2) 11:4: Observing the sons of men.3) 45:6: Justice.4) 47:8: Holiness.5) 89:14: Love and faithfulness.6) 103:19: Rule.
4. The word “throne” is used over 40 times in Revelation and 17 times in Ch. 4-5.1) It is clear that the throne scene symbolizes the infinite and supreme rule
of God.
3: The radiance of He who sat on the throne. Don’t get hung up on all the details and miss the beauty and majesty of the throne of God in heaven.
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1. “Jasper” – (21:11) Crystal clear, white (a diamond?).1) Holy, righteousness, purity.
2. “Sardius” - Red1) Justice, judgment.
3. “Rainbow (halo) around the throne like an emerald” – Green.1) Mercy, patience.2) Reminds us the covenant God made with Noah.
God always keeps His promises.
4. Ps 89:14: “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; lovingkindness (mercy) and truth go before You.”1) John is describing the glory of the throne.2) Gets our attention – message of beauty, peace and power.
5. Compare description of God’s throne.1) Ezek 1:26-28: Appearance of a man, sapphire stone (amber fire),
rainbow, 4 living creatures present.2) Rev 4:1-11: No physical appearance, jasper and sardius stones, (white,
red, green), rainbow, 4 living creatures present.
4: “24 elders” – 12x2 – 12 is a number for organized religion.
1. Probably the 12 patriarchs + 12 apostles = God’s people.1) The redeemed of both the Old and New Testament. 2) “White garments” – Permitted to worship.3) Wore “golden crowns” (stephanous) – Victory crowns. 4) Eternal priesthood (2 Chron 24:7-18).
5: “Lightning and sounds and peals of thunder”
1. Judgment and power.1) “7 spirits” = Holy Spirit – instructs and comforts.2) Comfort mingled with judgment.
6: “Four living creatures” – Attributes of God.
1. “Before the throne…a sea of glass, like crystal.”1) Space between heaven and Hades.2) 7:17: Christ can go between the 2 places – calm, no disturbance.
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3) 1 John 3:2: Christ will lead us to the very throne of God.4) Rev 21:1: “No longer any sea.”5) No longer separated from God.6) This clear crystal sea symbolizes the vast expanse which separates God
from the faithful until they have the redeemed body.
2. “Four” is a number for the earth (4 directions).1) Therefore their work is on earth.2) They are different from all creation.3) They are the closest to the throne – special class of angels.
3. “Full of eyes in front and behind.”1) See everything.
4:7-9: DESCRIPTION AND MESSAGE OF THE FOUR LIVING CREATURES
7: 1. Significance of descriptions.1) “Lion” – Power = STRONGEST.2) “Ox (calf)” – Service endurance, usefulness = NOBLEST.3) “Man” – Knowledge, intelligence = WISEST.4) “Eagle” – SWIFTEST.
* Carry the saved away when they die (Dan 9:21; Luke 16:22).
The STRONGEST, NOBLEST, WISEST, SWIFTEST to carry out God’s plan! GOD CARES FOR HIS PEOPLE.
8: 2. Their message: “Holy, Holy, Holy…” – Purity of God.1) God’s attributes are absolute.2) “Do not cease” (no rest) – praising God “day and night.”3) Thus, the living beings are symbols of the divine attributes by which He
manifests His will, whose existence constantly praises Him, His strength, meekness, intelligence, speed.
4) As such they have no rest for God always is what He is. 9: 5) And have eyes around and within indicates the complete omniscience of
God. They “give glory and honor and thanks” to God.
COMPARE THE FOUR LIVING CREATURESEzekiel 1:4-25; 10:1-22 Isaiah 6:1-7 Revelation 4:6-9
There were 4 of them There were 4 of themEach had 4 faces Only 1 face implied
Lion, man, ox, eagle Lion, man, calf, eagle
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They had 4 wings They had 6 wings They had 6 wingsFull of eyes Full of eyes
Associated with the throne Associated with the throne Associated with the throneThey had wheelsCalled Cherubims Called Seraphims Called Living Creatures
4:10-11: HEAVENLY PRAISE
10: “The 24 elders…worship Him…cast their crowns before the throne.”
1. The very best of creation acknowledge that God is the source of victory.1) God rules the world not Rome.2) God is the author of salvation.
11: The song – “Worthy are You, …Your will …”
1. God’s plans always have and always will be carried out.1) His plan was already in the mind of God before creation (Eph 3:10-11).
2. God is “worthy” of all glory, honor and power because all things glorious, honorable and powerful come from Him.1) He is the sum of all glory, honor and power.2) Anything that is truly glorious, honorable or powerful points back to the
Creator (Acts 17:24-28).
CONCLUSION
1. Every crude and vulgar religion misplaces the glory, honor and power of the Creator into the created (idols, men, men’s accomplishments, animals, sun, moon, stars, etc.1. Rom 1:24-25: “Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to
impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. 25 For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.” 1) Who or what do you worship?2) Who or what do you serve?3) Why do you believe what you believe?4) Why do you worship where you worship?
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REVELATION 5THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMING LAMB
INTRODUCTION
A. The victorious Christ is the central figure of chapter five.
5:1-5: THE SEALED BOOK
1: In the Father's right hand was “a book (a sublime and awesome one) written within and on the backside” (a complete one, no more room for writing) which was “sealed up with seven seals” (an obscure one, its contents unrevealed).
2: “A strong angel” (mighty and powerful) proclaimed with a “loud voice,” “Who is worthy to open the book, and to break its seals?”
1. The breaking of the seals indicates the revealing and executing of the purpose and plan of God as it relates to man on earth as disclosed in the chapters which follow.
3: The strong angel proclaiming – but not strong enough to open the book.
4: John began “to weep greatly” when he discovers that “no one” in the entire universe was “found worthy to open the book” or to look thereon.
1. No doubt he thought that revelation was halted and the future development confronting the church would be unknown. 1) The meaning and revelation of the book seems to be lost.2) No one was “found worthy” was a reason to weep.
2. Who really benefits from the religion of Christ? God or man?1) Who benefits from our time spent in worship and Bible study?
Students or teachers? Both!2) Who benefits from our giving? 3) Who benefits from our service, conduct, visitations, etc?
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Visitor and the visited.
3. Rev 5: Should impress upon us of our dependency and need for Christ while doing the work of the Lord.
1) Regardless of how much we do, we ought to always remember, “when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do” (Luke 17:10).
2) All of us were too unworthy to do what Jesus did!3) Without the work of Christ, we should all weep! We would all be lost in
hopelessness!
5: However, “one of the elders said” to him, “Stop weeping; behold the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.”
1. The “Lion” represents the ruling one (Gen 49:9-12). Relationship to the world – Judgment. 1) He was a descendant of “Judah” (Heb 7:14). 2) “The Root of David” (Isa 4:2; 11:1, 10; Jer 23:5-6; 33:14; Rom 15:12;
Rev 22:16). 3) He “has overcome (prevailed)”, conquered and achieved the victory over
sin, Satan and death (1 John 3:8; Heb 2:14-15) and, therefore, is worthy to open the seals of the book.
5:6-14: THE LAMB’S RELATIONSHIP TO THE 24 ELDERS
6: John had been told of a “Lion” but when he looks, he sees a “Lamb standing, as if slain.”
1. Jesus is both; He is as a “Lion” in majesty and might and as an obedient and sacrificial “Lamb” in meekness and lowliness. 1) The sacrificial Lamb obtained the eternal redemption (John 1:29; Acts
8:32-35; 1 Pet 1:18-19).
2. He was in the midst of the throne (a central figure; He is the central figure of redemption) and stood as a slain lamb (on Him the slaughter marks were visible and though He had been slain was now standing and living). 1) He had “seven horns” (Perfect power – fullness of strength and honor).
Horns are the chief weapons and ornaments of the animals which possess them; hence, they came to signify strength and honor).
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2) He had “seven eyes” (Perfect knowledge).
3. “Seven” is an image of perfection. 1) Throughout the scriptures we see “horns” as a symbol of power and
authority. So we see Christ with perfect power and authority. 2) We also have “seven eyes” for this lamb. Eyes throughout the scriptures
are pictures of knowledge, wisdom and perception (Eph 1:18-19). Thus Christ has perfect knowledge and sight along with perfect power.
Though a lamb and not the lion we expect to see, He has power and knowledge.
7: “And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.”
1. Jesus alone has the authority to reveal and execute the plan and purpose of God.
8: “When He had taken the book, the four living creatures” (4:6-8 - high-ranking angels, the cherubims or seraphims) “and the twenty-four elders” (4:4 - the redeemed represented by the twelve patriarchs and the twelve apostles) “fell down” (in worship--see v 14) “before the Lamb.”
1. The Lamb is divine (Deity) (22:8-9 – worship God).
1) Rom 1:22: Worship the creation, including angels (Col 2:18-19) instead of the Creator.
“Each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense.”
1. There can be no question as to what the golden bowls full of incense represent (v 8; see also Rev 8:3-4; Ps 141:2). 1) The harps (also mentioned in 14:2 and 15:2) do not justify instrumental
music in worship as some claim. 2) If this verse justifies instrumental music, it also justifies burning incense,
6:2-8 justifies riding horses in worship and 7:9 justifies wearing white robes and carrying palms to worship.
2. The harps are to be taken figuratively as are all the other symbols in Revelation. 1) Here in 5:8, being connected with the prayers of the saints, they perhaps
represent the songs of the saints.2) Harps symbolize perfect rhythm = peace and harmony.
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3. When the book was taken by the Lamb--the one who was slain, but prevailed--three songs of praise were raised in adoration.
9: The first was “a new song” (never before was there a song of its kind). 1. It was a song of redemption and was sung by the four living creatures and the
twenty-four elders. 1) The new song was a glorification of the victorious Christ who had
brought redemption to His people. He had “purchased (redeemed) for God with His blood” (Rev 1:5; Eph 1:7) out of “every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Dan 7:13-14). Acts 20:28: Church/kingdom are blood bought people.
10: 2) He “made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth” (Rev 1:6; 1 Pet 2:5, 9). They have the highest positions and offices attainable on earth because of Him.
11: “I heard the voice of many angels…myriads and myriads, and thousands of thousands,”
1. The second song was sung by an innumerable host of angels (one hundred million, and thousands of thousands) and was a song of exaltation and praise to the victorious Lamb of God. 1) Christians won’t be in the minority in heaven!
2. Angels have an important role in the book of Revelation. 1) Angels have always had intense interest in man (Luke 15:10). 2) They desired to look into God's plan of redemption (1 Pet 1:10-12) and
through the establishment of the church could see it (Eph 3:9-10).
12: All the angels mention 7 things of which the Lamb deserves.
1. He is worthy of our thanksgiving and praise for all that He has done and will do for us.
13: The third and final song was sung “by every created thing.”
1. The point here is not that the animals will literally do it, but if they could, this is what they would do). 1) Compare Psalm 148 wherein the whole creation is invoked to praise
God).
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“To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory, and dominion (power), forever and ever.”
14: “And the four living creatures kept saying, ‘Amen.’ And the elders fell down and worshiped.”
1. Thus, God and Christ were worshiped, honored, and praised by this great anthem that John heard in his heavenly vision of God's throne. 1) Unto God and Christ be the blessing, honor, glory, and dominion forever
and ever for their work in creation and redemption.
CONCLUSION (Rev 4-5)
1. This is just a glimpse into the unseen realm of God.1. It drives home the point that man’s perspective is too limited to give him
accurate knowledge of the ACTIVITY OF GOD IN THE WORLD.1) Despite how things might appear from an earthly perspective, God is
always in COMPLETE CONTROL and His purposes could NEVER BE RESTRAINED.
2. God is holy – all the unholiness we see on earth does not in any way effect, reduce, or change the holiness of God.1. He is grieved by evil, but His holiness remains forever and ever.
3. He is the Lord God and Jesus is worthy to be by His side.1. God’s people may be subjected to injustice.
1) But He is still who He is, the Lord God.2) Their nature and identity are not changed by events on the earth.
4. God and Christ are still on the throne and we are still His people!1. Events on earth should not make us weaker.
1) When we think about what is going on in heaven right now, whatever happens here on earth can only make us stronger.
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REVELATION 6OPENING OF THE FIRST SIX SEALS: SINNERS ARE JUDGED
INTRODUCTION
A. In order to have a better understanding of the book of Revelation, we need to see that the book was not written in a chronological order as such, but rather in series of repetitions, contrasts and parallels.
1. The repetitions in the book of Revelation are given to help us see God’s plan from all angles and points of views. 1) As the world saw it, as the church saw it, and as heaven revealed it from
behind the scenes.
2. The questions before the church included, “When shall we be avenged?” (6:9) and, “Who shall be able to stand?” (6:17). 1) In Ch 5, the scroll that could reveal the future of the church was
completely sealed (7 seals, 5:1). 2) Without a divine revelation, no man could know the answers that were so
needed to encourage the church. 3) Jesus opens the seals, thus revealing to the church the fate of both Rome
and of the church in Ch 6-7. 4) Note in the chart, reading from left to right, how the questions are
developed and answered:
THREE-FOLD REPETITION IN REVELATIONSeven Seals–Ch 6-7Reveal God’s Plan
Seven Trumpets–Ch 8-15Announce God’s Plan
Seven Bowls–Ch 16-20Pour Out God’s Plan
Christ will be victorious, 6:12 over a spiritual battle, 12:7-9 called Armageddon, 16:16The martyrs’ plea, 6:9 is heard of God, 8:3-4 and will be avenged, 19:2Be faithful, 6:11; 7:1 economic persecution, 13:17 will get to feast, 19:9
“The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and shall reign forever and ever!” (11:15b)
B. CONTRASTS. The book is filled with contrasts of good verses evil and light against darkness.
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1. Instead of being a progression in time, we often have one chapter simply being set in contrast to another. Examples would include:1) The marking of the faithful by God in 7:3-8 set against the mark of the
beast in 13:16-18; while Ch 14 shows that only those who receive the mark of God would be able to stand.
2) The lamb that spoke like a dragon in 13:11 is set in stark contrast to the Lamb of God of 14:1.
3) The gaudy harlot of Ch 17 is the antithesis of the radiant woman of 12:1 and of the beautiful, pure bride in 21:9.
C. PARALLELS. There are many symbols in the book that have a great deal of similarity, and have the same meaning.
1. In the interlude between the 6th and 7th seal, the protection of the church is depicted as the numbering of the 12 tribes of Israel, totaling 144,000 in 7:4-8.1) Between the 6th and 7th trumpet, the protection of the church is portrayed
as a measuring of the temple.2) Similar parallels are also found between the trumpets and bowls, as the
judgment upon the persecutors is depicted in language reminiscent of the plagues upon Egypt in 8:7-13 with 16:2-11.
D. THE EARTHLY APOCALYPSE AND THE HEAVENLY APOCALYPSE.
1. If the book had ended at Ch 11, the book would have had a complete thought.1) But, beginning with Ch 12, we are given a behind the scene view of what
was really going on in the prior chapters, that it was really a spiritual battle with the devil being behind it all.
2) Unable to attack heaven directly (12:7), Satan turns against the church.3) Therefore, we have Ch 12-22 as largely a repeat of the first half of the
book, but seen from a higher, heavenly, vantage.
E. REVIEW THE THRONE SCENE (Ch. 4-5)
1. John is in a vision and a door opens in heaven and he is going to be able to see into some things that are taking place. What does John see? 1) In chapter 4 he sees the four living creatures and the 24 elders around the
throne worshiping God day and night saying, “holy, holy, holy, Lord God, the almighty.”
2) John also sees another scene in chapter 5 a loud voice proclaims, “Who is worthy to open the scroll?”
2. But no one in heaven is able to open the scroll except the lion from the tribe of Judah, the root of David.
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1) And John looks to see and it is the slaughtered Lamb. 2) And He takes the scroll from the hand of the one seated on the throne.3) The four living creatures and 24 elders begin to praise the Lamb for He is
worthy to take the scroll and open its seals. Now the seals will be opened in chapter 6.
F. SINNERS ARE JUDGED (Ch. 6)
7 Seals represent periods of time to come leading to the destruction of Rome.
1. Whatever is in the “book” of chapter five represents the “things that must shortly come to pass” (4:1). Therefore we must see the opening of the individual seals in chapter six as a progressive revelation of those things. 1) The first five seals are a prelude to the day of God's wrath; they depict
the kind of events that precede God's judgment. 2) The sixth seal is an introduction to the day of God's wrath as having
come. 3) The seventh seal consists of the manifestations of God's wrath upon men.
Essentially then what is revealed in the opening of the seals is the prelude to and the consummation of the judgments of God against His enemies that brings about their total defeat and the complete establishment of the kingdom of God in the world.
2. John had recorded how John the Baptist had proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. 1) Now John beholds Christ as a bloody Lamb standing before the throne of
God as He takes the book that holds the secrets to the destiny of mankind from the hand of the Almighty.
2) It is amazing in this scene how intensely heaven and earth are focused on the Lamb who is about to open the book.
3) Christ opens the book because it is He who holds the destiny of mankind in His hand. He is now in firm control.
4) How encouraging this is for all Christians, especially for those who are about to lose their lives through the persecution of the Roman Empire.
3. Only the Lamb (Christ) could open it (Rev 5:9-10):1) Because He was slain.2) He redeemed us.3) He made us kings and priests.
4. In ancient times even as it is today in diplomatic and other circles some documents or places are marked as “off limits” to everyone except those who are authorized to be there or to handle this or that.
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1) The more powerful or important the person who put his seal on the document to say it was his, the less likely it was that the documents (or the place) would be interfered with.
2) Rulers might throw a Daniel in a lion’s den and put their royal seal on it (Dan 6:17, and see Matt 27:66). To “seal up” a document was to keep it from prying or curious eyes; it kept its contents secure.
3) So when we come across a document (a scroll) sealed with seals we’re to know it is not to be trifled with or interfered with.
4) The only person allowed to remove seals is someone who is authorized or is powerful enough to face the consequences. This is what we find in 5:1-5, 9.
5) The “book” (scroll) is the immediate destiny of the people of God. 6) It is unrevealed and John is afraid it can’t be opened but he hears that
someone is “worthy” to “unseal” it. 7) Picture a rolled up scroll and imagine seven clasps that hold it closed.
Imagine someone tearing off one clasp and part of the scroll flapping back to reveal some of the writing that’s on it. He tears off another and it flaps open even more and more until the whole contents are revealed. This is sort of what’s pictured in this vision. Remember: To seal is to mark it out as belonging to you. To seal is
to forbid the unauthorized to interfere with it. To seal is both to protect and keep (in the case of writings) hidden. To tear off seals is to claim authority and (in the case of writings) it is to reveal. The 144,000 were sealed to mark them out as God’s and the angel was told not to harm the sealed ones (7:2).
G. THE CONTENTS OF THE SEALS REPRESENTS GOD’S PLAN ON EARTH.
1. The destiny of humanity is revealed. 1) The Lamb begins to open the seven seals of the book. 2) The seals consist of the four horses, the martyred saints under the altar,
and the great earthquake. 3) The seventh seal is a transition to the seven trumpets.
1: 2. As the seals are opened, one by one the living creatures, as with a voice of thunder, (a mighty voice) cries “Come” (as in the ASV) and the horses and their riders come forth. 1) The “thunderous call” was either to the horsemen to come forth (as
indicated by the ASV) or to John to come and see (as indicated by the KJV). Scholarship tends to point to the former as more nearly correct.
2) The noise of thunder indicates an approaching storm.
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3. In the OT the horse was a symbol of battle, strength and speed.1) Job 39:19-25: Fearless in battle.2) Jer 4:13: Swifter than eagles.3) Hab 1:8: Swifter than leopards and more fierce than wolves.4) Zech 1:8, 10: horses of different colors; riders patrol the earth.5) Zech 6:1-8: 4 horses pulling chariots with riders carrying out missions
for God that quiet His Spirit.6) Zech 10:3: Judah is used as a horse in battle.
6:1-2: FIRST SEAL: CONQUEST – CONQUER WITH THE GOSPEL “White horse”
1. The horsemen are not named by John (except for 6:8) and we think it best to let it go at that. 1) No person is identified as a living person.2) No historical event is identified.3) The emphasis is on the “mission” of the riders as seen by the color of
their horses and the description of their purpose. 4) Nearly all of the commentaries identify the first rider as Christ (19:11-
16). However, Christ is pictured as the opener of the seals and it seems strange for Him to be quickly changed and pictured as a rider.1) Furthermore, if Christ is the first rider, who are the others?
2. What do the Horsemen Represent?1) Expectation from the spread of the Gospel2) Connects all seven seals.3) Ties back to Christ who opens the seals.
2: 3. The first horseman seems simply to represent “conquest” for he came forth “conquering and to conquer.” Eph 2:17: “And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near.”Eph 6:12, 17: Conquer with the gospel (“sword of the Spirit”).2 Cor 10:3-5: “…we do not war according to the flesh…we are destroying speculations…” with the gospel.1) Let Christ conquer your soul through the gospel.
4. A “white horse” was often ridden by the ruler or general after he had conquered.1) White symbolizes purity and holiness.2) Heavenly color = heavenly mission.3) Used 15 times in Revelation and always refers to Christ or His people.
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5. The “bow” was a military weapon of that day (1 Chron 5:18).Gen 27:3: The bow was also used for hunting.Ps 7:12: “bent his bow, and made it ready” against enemies.Ps 45:4-6: “And in Your majesty ride on victoriously, for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach You awesome things. Your arrows are sharp; the peoples fall under You; Your arrows are in the heart of the King’s enemies. Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom.”
1) As we will see, these first four seals have great similarity and have a theme of war and destruction.
2) Here the first horseman carries a bow, which we can read in history was a very common weapon for the Parthians.
3) And so we should see a picture of war, but the color white symbolizes to us purity and holiness.
4) So we should see this as a picture of warring in a holy cause to which the horseman will be victorious for he is given a crown and goes out as a victor.
5) It seems that he has been conquering and is ready to continue conquering.
6. The “crown” (stephanos) was a sign of victory (also royalty). 1) Complete victory is through Christ.2) This is not a picture of a nation having a victory crown.3) The Parthians were good bowmen (against the Romans).4) Revelation is not concerned about this.5) Revelation is interested in the outcome.
Saints—victory—reign—Christ on throne (end result)! What is the beginning? “conquering and to conquer.”
7. The first horse, therefore, symbolized one of the forces which was to bring about the downfall of the enemies of God's people. 1) The Christians were to see in it a sign of victory.
6:3-4: SECOND SEAL: WAR—PERSECUTION (not decline and apostasy of the church)
“red horse”
1. Red symbolizes war and bloodshed.1) Persecution follows preaching of the Gospel (Matt 5:11-12; 10:21, 34;
Acts 14:22; 2 Tim 3:12).2) The Jews, Nero and now Domitian opposed Christ and His Gospel and
persecuted Christians.
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3) It seems that the symbol is showing the persecution of the saints and the 4: general warring (“men would slay one another”) that would take place
on the earth.
2. “A great sword was given to him.”1) This rider was allowed to “take peace from the earth” (John 16:33).2) This rider didn’t have this power within himself. God gave it to him.3) He had power over life and death.4) Great or long because of the extent to which it would be used.
Saints would be persecuted heavily in the upcoming decades from 98-313 AD. The Roman emperors waged heavy persecutions on the saints during these years, which intermittent periods when the persecution would stop.
6:5-6: THIRD SEAL: FAMINE—GRIEF AND MOURNING (not the condition of the church in the middle ages)
“black horse”
5: 1. Black symbolizes gloom, grief and despair – no light. 1) Isa 50:3: Describes a cheerless sky in sackcloth when God rebukes.2) Jer 4:28: When the land is desolate the earth mourns and the heavens are
made black.3) Jer 14:2: Expresses grief by sitting in black.
Black is the forerunner of death.
2. The rider “had a pair of scales in his hand.”1) This is a symbol of famine (Ezek 4:10, 16).2) The scales indicate the food shortages with high prices demanded for
what was available. 3) With scales they measured commodities in order to ration them.
6: 3. “A quart (measure) of wheat for a denarius (a day's wages), and three quarts of barley for a denarius,” 1) Denarius is referred to only here and in the gospel accounts and was the
most important Roman coin circulated throughout the Empire.2) It was worth about a day’s wage, somewhere between 17-20 cents
(Matt 20:2).3) Vine says that a quart of wheat was “as much as would support a person
of moderate appetite for a day.” What is the problem? You work all day and only will have enough food for one person, not even close to enough for a family.
4) Wheat (for the rich) was more valuable than barley (poor man’s food).5) Grief is the result of lack of food (eat by weight).
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4. “And do not damage the oil and the wine.”1) Symbolic of the comforts of life – Some will have plenty. 2) Oil and wine not affected. These are luxury items that only the rich can
afford. 3) This indicates that the cause of the shortage is not drought but injustice
and discrimination (trade guilds). 4) Thus, this seal stands for the injustice by which a nation is destroyed or
brought to its knees.
6:7-8: FOURTH SEAL: DEATH (not the persecution of the apostate church of Rome)
“pale horse”
8: 1. “Pale” is from the Greek (chloros) meaning “a pale sickly green.”1) The rider’s name is “Death” – Personified (Ps 49:14).2) Death follows persecution.3) “Hades” (not hell) followed – Probably a footman.4) Death slays physical body and Hades reaps soul (Gets share of booty).5) Every time Hades is mentioned in Revelation it is associated with death
(1:18; 20:13-14).6) Hades is the place of the dead.
2. “Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth,” to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by the wild beasts of the earth.” 1) Disaster is going to strike the earth, but only in a limited way. 2) Again, we are dealing with symbols so this does not literally mean only
one-fourth of the earth died. 3) But it shows the tribulation taking place that would be limited in its reach. 4) Christ rules with all authority in all realms (Matt 28:18).5) This rider is not allowed to function beyond the limit of Christ’s
permission.6) Notice God’s use of worldly problems.
Ezek 14:23: “Then they will comfort you when you see their conduct and actions, for you will know that I have not done in vain whatever I did to it,” declares the Lord God.
7) Christ in some way will carry out His divine purpose which is sealed up.
3. This passage borrows the language of passages like Ezek 5:16-17 and 14:21 (sword, famine, wild beasts, plague) or Jer 24:10 (sword, famine, pestilence). 1) These forms of death were commonly mentioned in the prophets as signs
of God's wrath upon a people. 2) These represent the various ways that a people may be destroyed by death
in general--whether by sword, famine, disease or wild beasts. 158
3) This horse and rider symbolize sickness, pain, stress of one about to die (Isa 29:22; Jer 30:6).
4. This portrays to us the judgment of God about to befall the earth through war, famine, plagues (diseases) and by wild animals which would ravage the earth.
1) But why are these things coming? For what reason are they being given? (5th seal-6:9-11).
2) The amazing thing is that these are the very things that eventually played a big part in bringing the Roman Empire to its knees.
3) Judgment symbolized by this rider is against heathens but Christians must suffer with the rest.
4) Judgment upon society that rejects the Divine message.5) The Gospel will be preached and Christians will be persecuted.
5. Thus, we have seen four powerful forces unleashed upon the earth to conquer, take peace from the earth, cause hardships, and death. 1) These four images are commonly called the four horsemen of the
apocalypse. 2) Remember that Revelation literally means apocalypse, and these
horsemen are rightly named. These images have brought forth chilling images of destruction, famine, and war after the spreading of the gospel.
6. Each seal becomes more and more severe as John proceeds with the vision of the opening of the seven seals. 1) The seven trumpets in chapters 9-11 and the seven last plagues in
chapters 16-19 follow the same pattern. 2) The trumpets appear to be more severe than the seals and the last plagues
appear to be more severe than the trumpets. 3) All of these are the same occurrences which describe a series of
judgments which God brought upon the wicked of John's day.
7. The next seal (6:9-11) which is different from the rest (no rider) shows the reason for the judgments--because they were killing the children of God.
6:9-11: FIFTH SEAL: MARTYRS
9: “When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain”
1. We already know who has the keys to Death and Hades (1:18).1) Now we see Christ opening the fifth seal and no creature has brought it to
John’s attention.
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2. “Underneath the altar” is an image taken from the OT sacrifices, in which the blood of the slain victim would run down the sides of the altar and form into a pool around its base (under the altar).1) “Altar” in Hebrew means “a place for blood-sacrifice.” It is from a word
that means “to slay a victim.”2) “Souls” indicates their earthly life had ended. They “had been slain” for
the cause they believed in.3) They were “under the altar” symbolizing the sacrifice of their lives for
their faithfulness to God and His word (2 Tim 4:6).
3. We see that these souls are crying out for judgment and vengeance, a recompense for the wrongdoing that has occurred. 1) Many have tried to determine exactly who these saints are. 2) Some say that are only the Old Testament saints, like the prophets, who
were slain for the Lord. 3) Others say they are only the New Testament saints, like the apostles, who
were slain for the Lord. 4) But why limit what God does not limit? They are “souls of those who
had been slain because of the word of God and because of the testimony they had maintained.” So I think we should have in view all saints that died for the word of God.
10: and they cried out with a loud voice saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”
1. The beauty of it all is that those slain were standing before God's throne with heaven's attention upon them. Not seeking revenge but vindication.1) 20:4-6: They are seen before the throne in the presence of Christ, but not
yet seeing God’s face (22:4).2) It looks like they are losing – but killing you can only help you, not hurt
you.
11: A “white robe” is given to them, a picture of victory and purity for their obedience and sacrifice to God, and they are told to “rest (wait) for a little while longer.”
1. There were going to be more who were to be killed as they had been and so wait a little longer until that is completed. 1) God asks them to be patient until His work has been completed. 2) Their white robes signify God's acknowledgment of their purity. They
were innocent of wrong-doing (1 Pet. 4:15-16).
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2. What a scene of beauty. God on His throne, Christ in the center of the throne, 10,000,000 angels singing choruses and the souls of the departed saints standing before the throne of God in the midst of the heavenly host robed in white. 1) What an encouragement for Christians going through the battles of life. 2) It may not seem worth the effort at times but just take a glance over into
the heavenly realm with the help of John and behold the majesty of what awaits each of us.
3) What an encouragement to those about to be persecuted.
3. Sometimes people have a problem with the longsuffering of God (2 Pet 3:9). 1) They ask “how long will God let these things go one.” 2) However, consider that some who persecute the saints still have souls and
the ability to obey the Gospel. 3) In this account the Apostle Paul serves as a great example (Acts 22:1-16;
cf. Acts chapter 9). 4) Christ came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), our task of taking the
Gospel to them is a task that requires time and opportunity.
4. They earnestly cried for the avenging of their blood through a just God. This thought represents the purpose and design of the book. 1) The following chart consists of the verses (NKJV) which show that the
avenging of the martyrs is a theme which ties the book together.
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THE MARTYRS OF JESUS
Revelation 2:13 - I 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.
Revelation 6:9-11 - When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.
Revelation 7:13-14 - Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?" And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who came out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."
Revelation 12:11 - And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
Revelation 16:6-7 - For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, And You have given them blood to drink. For it is their just due. And I heard another from the altar saying, "Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments."
Revelation 17:6 - I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.
Revelation 18:24 - And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth.
Revelation 19:2 - For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.
Revelation 20:4 - And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness of Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
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5. The vindication would come after a short time. 1) Their fellow-servants and brethren would also be killed to fulfill the time.2) The “little season” was the period of persecution and tribulation through
which the church was then passing. 3) It is parallel to the time Satan came down in “great wrath, knowing that
he has only a short time” (12:12). 4) The "short time" of Satan stops when he is defeated and bound for a
thousand years (20:1-3).5) Likewise, the “little season” of the martyred saints ended when their
complete vindication came (as disclosed in the latter part of the book).6) Remember, the persecuting force is not identified until the Ch. 13.
6:12-17: SIXTH SEAL: TERROR
1. The sixth seal introduces the day of the wrath of God and the Lamb. 1) God is giving assurance to the 7 churches of Asia that He will avenge
their cause and give them victory over their persecuting enemies. 2) It is described in apocalyptic language: the destruction of the world itself.3) This is not the end of the whole world but the end of the world for the
persecutors.4) It is not great news when a person falls but when a nation falls, it makes
the headlines.
12: “There was a great earthquake”
1. Language very much like this has appeared when talking about the fall of Babylon (Isa 13:1). Isa 13:13: “Therefore I will make the heavens tremble, and the earth will be shaken from its place, at the fury of the LORD of hosts in the day of His burning anger.”1) Did these things literally happen? No, it is a symbol of judgment against
the nation of Babylon.2) Same language against Jerusalem.
Isaiah 29:6: “You will be punished by the LORD of hosts with thunder and earthquake and great noise, with storm and tempest And the flame of devouring fire.”
3) Everyone will be affected, things will be different and difficult.
2. In the upheaval many Christians will die, but we see those martyrs standing before God's throne. 1) We wish that there were no losses in battles but the loss of life is a part of
any war.
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2) In the war between Satan and God, between good and evil the heavens are shaken and the whole earth is affected. Christians die!
“and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair,”Isa 13:10: “For the stars of heaven and their constellations will not flash forth their light; the sun will be dark when it rises and the moon will not shed its light.”
1. This symbol is used many other times in the OT (Isa 24:21-23; Jer 15:9; Ezek 32:4-9).1) It symbolizes the gloomy state of affairs.2) “Sackcloth” was also used as a symbol to describe that no one can stop
God from helping His servant.Isa 50:4, 10: “I clothe the heavens with blackness and make sackcloth their covering…Who is among you that fears the LORD, that obeys the voice of His servant, that walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.”
3) We have used a figure of speech “Black Monday” to describe the falling of the Stock Market.
“and the whole moon became like blood”
1. This symbol was used in describing the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD (Joel 2:28-32; 3:14 – quoted in Acts 2:17-21; Matt 24:29).1) A similar figure was used in describing judgment against Edom.
Isa 34:3-6a: “So their slain will be thrown out, and their corpses will give off their stench, and the mountains will be drenched with their blood. And all the host of heaven will wear away, and the sky will be rolled up like a scroll; and all their hosts will also wither away as a leaf withers from the vine, or as one withers from the fig tree. For My sword is satiated in heaven, behold it shall descend for judgment upon Edom and upon the people whom I have devoted to destruction. The sword of the LORD is filled with blood,…”
13: “and the stars of the sky fell to the earth,”
1. “Stars” can represent rulers in the OT (Isa 14:12 (see vs. 4-5); Dan 8:10; 1) The “stars” are symbolic of the great earthly leaders who would fall from
power.2) Their world will be turned upside down.
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“as a fig tree casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind.”
1. They will try to produce fruit but will fail like Edom (Isa 34:4).
14: “The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up,”1. God is closing the book on them like He did with Edom (Isa 34:4).
“and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.”
1. “Mountains” are symbols of strength (Isa 40:4-John the Baptist.1) Babylon was called a “destroying mountain” (Jer 51:24-25).2) “Island” is a symbol for remote and peaceful lands.
2. These figures are familiar to the serious Bible student in John’s day because Jesus used these same figures from the calamities of nature to describe the judgment that already came upon Jerusalem in 70 AD by the Romans (Matt 24:27-31).
15: “Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man id themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains;”
1. 7 classes of men are named, indicating that the destruction affects all classes of people.1) The whole land has rejected Christ, and the whole land will suffer.2) As a result of conflict between good and evil the universe is shaken to its
very core.
2. This same symbolic language is found in the prophets.1) Describes the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC at the hands of the
Babylonians. God said that His people would try to hide under the rocks when He punished them in the days of Isaiah.Isa 2:10: “Enter in the rock and hide in the dust from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty.”Isa 2:17: “The pride of man will be humbled and the loftiness of men will be abased; and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.”Isa 2:19: “Men will go into caves of the rocks and into holes of the ground before the terror of the LORD and the splendor of His majesty, when He arises to make the earth tremble.”
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16: “and they said to the mountains and to the rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb.’”
1. These symbols described the fall of Samaria which was fulfilled in 721-722 BC by the Assyrians.Hos 10:8: “Also the high places of Aven, the sin of Israel, will be destroyed; thorns and thistles will grow on their altars; Then they will say to the mountains, ‘Cover us!’ and to the hills, ‘Fall on us!’”1) Luke 23:30: Jesus quotes Hosea to describe in the same language the fall
of Jerusalem which was fulfilled in 70 AD. The destruction of Jerusalem affected the land of Israel and not the
whole world. Only the destruction of a world power would affect all.
2. Seeing that all of the other accounts wherein this language is used (6:12-16) show physical judgment by God on a people, we cannot but conclude that this is the same type of judgment and not the final judgment day wherein Christ will judge mankind. 1) After all, you will not be able to hide under a rock from the Lord in the
judgment day clearly shows this was not the second coming.
17: “for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”
1. It is definitely at this point that John sums up the meaning of the first 6 seals.1) “Their wrath” (16): God and the Lamb are on the throne.2) The persecutors of the children of God will understand that this judgment
was from God.3) The persecutors themselves acknowledge the fierceness of the wrath of
God.4) They are begging that the rocks and mountains might fall on them to
protect them from the judgment of God. 5) He explains the trials and tribulations that would befall the earth as a
result of the wrath of God as judgment upon sin. 6) No one will escape that judgment.
2. “Who shall be able to stand?” – During and after a national tragedy.1) God asked the same thing by Nahum in regards to Him punishing Nineveh
(Nahum 1:1; 6).
3. Premillennialists want you to believe that this is more of the tribulation that will happen after the rapture.
1) They say that the sun will stop shining, the moon will turn to blood and stars will fall literally. They look for these literal events.
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4. So what does it mean to read these symbols? 1) It is not the end of time, but it means lights out for the nation or peoples
to whom the prophecy is given. 2) The heavens will no longer be seen by that nation. 3) The sun will no longer shine on them, all there will be is blood. 4) That is the imagery given in judgment against other nations, and it is the
imagery of judgment that is found here.
SUMMARY:
1. The message of this chapter centers around the contents of the book. 1) What God is telling His people is that the day of wrath for the wicked is soon
coming. 2) Already the agencies of His providence that bring destruction are at work.3) They are the product of the nations’ own weakness and sin: subjugation by
foreign powers, violence within, injustice to the poor, natural calamities.4) While these things work to the destruction of a nation, they also create the
environment in which God's people are persecuted and killed. 5) But the day of the Lord is near, says John. And when that day arrives it will
instill terror and dread in the heart of every wicked man. 6) Thus, Jesus introduces the judgment of God against those who have
persecuted His people. 7) Those judgments are about to be poured out upon them.
2. Many are the modern references to “the four horsemen” of this passage, but few understand that they rightfully declare the sovereignty of God. 1) He permits the horsemen to ride. 2) He controls them. 3) He limits them. 4) And he stops them when they have served their purpose.
3. “Who is able to stand?”1) All are accountable to God for their life.2) It doesn’t matter how wealthy, powerful, or great one may be in the affairs of
this passing world, GOD DEMANDS HIS ATTENTION AND WILL GET IT!
3) It doesn’t matter how humble and insignificant one may be in his own estimation, or in the estimation of his fellow man, God will search him out of of his obscurity (hiding, Isa 2:17) and call him to answer in judgment one day.
4. “Who is able to stand?”1) Those who are ready and able to stand – Only faithful servants (Rev 14:13).2) But we cannot stand in the last day on our own merits, or plead our innocence.
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3) But thanks be to Him who loved us and bled for us, we need not fear.4) Christ is able to hold us up if we abandon our affections and live for Him.
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REVELATION 7THE FIRST INTERLUDE: THE REDEEMED ARE SEALED
INTRODUCTION
A. In chapter 6 the Lamb has taken the scroll and has begun to open the seals that are on the scroll.
1. SINNERS ARE JUDGED (Ch. 6)1) 7 Seals represent periods to come leading to the destruction of Rome.2) The contents of the seals represents God’s plan on earth.
2. As Jesus breaks the seals we are being given a progressive glimpse into the content of the scroll taken by him from God's hand. 1) Simply stated, we see the kinds of things that are to shortly come to pass.
3. The first four seals reveal to us the four horsemen of the apocalypse, were sent out on their missions to bring fourth wars, bloodshed, famine, and death and Hades.1) The first four seem to symbolize the judgments of God by which He
brings His enemies to repentance or by which the day of the Lord is hastened.
2) We might call them the preludes to the day of the Lord.
4. The fifth seal reveals the saints under the altar crying out how long for judgment and vengeance upon those who had killed them. 1) Remember that those under the altar were those who had been
slaughtered for the word of God. 2) The answer seems to come in the next two seals, where the sixth seal
reveals great judgment coming. 3) The sixth seal reveals that the day of God's wrath has arrived. The sun
turns black, the moon to blood, stars from heaven falling and those who were to be judged would run to the mountains crying for them to fall on them.
4) This day of wrath is not the end of time, but rather a historical judgment of God's enemies as will become clearer as we proceed.
B. Thus we expect in this chapter to see the final outpouring of wrath in vengeance upon those who have killed God's people.
1. However, there are two questions that must first be answered:
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1) “Who will be able to stand?” What will be the fate of those who serve God faithfully? Must they be destroyed in these judgments?
2) “What about the souls of those who had been slain at the hands of God's enemies?” Do God's judgments come too late for them? Have they missed the blessings of the "new Jerusalem" of prophecy?
2. Between the sixth and seventh seals is an interlude (an interruption in the scene) that involves all of chapter seven. 1) Ch 7: Answers these two questions.2) Ch 8: The seventh seal will be opened.
3. Let us remember that the book of Revelation is set in a period of trials and tribulation for God’s people and more to come (1:1; 2:10; 3:10; 6:10-11).1) The saints are sealed=protected—victorious!2) Those under the altar are before the throne praising God.
7:1-3: THE FOUR ANGELS
1: “After this”: The revelation of the 6th seal is complete.
“I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, so that no wind would blow on the earth or on the sea or on any tree.”
“four corners”: The symbolic number 4 represents the whole earth – 4 directions.
“four winds”
1. Wind is a common symbol used by God to depict God’s power of destruction in judgment. 1) Jer 49:36: “I will bring upon Elam the four winds from the four ends of
heaven, and will scatter them to all these winds; and there will be no nation to which the outcasts of Elam will not go.”
2) Jer 51:1-2: “Behold, I am going to arouse against Babylon and against the inhabitants of Leb-kamai the spirit of a destroyer. 2 I will dispatch foreigners to Babylon that they may winnow her and may devastate her land; for on every side they will be opposed to her in the day of her calamity.” Dan 7:1-2: “In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel saw a dream and visions in his mind as he lay on his bed; then he wrote the dream down and related the following summary of it. 2 Daniel said, ‘I was looking in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea.’”
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“on the sea”
1. Symbolizes turmoil and instability (Jas 1:5-7).1) All tempests are controlled by God.2) Man’s destiny is in God’s hands.
“any tree”
1. Great men of the earth – useful to man but exposed to destruction (Ps 1:1-3).1) Dan 4:20-22: A tree represented Belteshazzar, king of Babylon.
2. These four angels are poised to execute the wrath of God and the Lamb.1) The winds are to blow on earth, sea, and trees (these judgments are
comprehensive, nothing is left untouched).
3. Also, when we read of the destruction of Jerusalem we see the four winds and the involvement of the angels (Matt 24:31). 1) Rev 3:10: We should recall that there was to be a great hour of trial upon
the whole world.2) This of course shows it is not just Jerusalem, but the power of God’s
vengeance upon the world ruler – the Roman Empire. 3) 7:2-3: In these two verses we find the destruction of God upon the earth
(not the final destruction) being held back until the servants of God are sealed (6:17).
2: “And I saw another (allos) angel ascending from the rising of the sun,”
1. The direction of the morning light suggests a message of encouragement.1) Ezek 11:23: Before the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC God departed
the city to the east.2) Ezek 43:2: The glory of God returned to Jerusalem from the east.
“having the seal of the living God; and he cried out with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm (hurt) the earth and the sea.”
1. Why? The reason is given in the next verse.
3: “saying, ‘Do not harm (hurt) the earth…until we have sealed the bond-servants of our God on their forheads.’”
1. Judgment is not to come until the servants of God are sealed. 1) Premillenialists want to take this passage literally that people will have
literal marks on their foreheads. 171
2) Rev 1:1: Again, the problem is that this book is written in symbols. 3) We also know that the events that we are reading would happen quickly
to the readers of this book in the first century and is not referring to something that has not happened yet (Rev 1:1, 3).
2. A seal conveys the image of protection and ownership. 1) Here is a sealing that is to take place before this judgment as a token of
assurance for God’s people that they are protected and still owned by God.
3. This sealing is not unusual in the scriptures. 1) Ezek 9: Here we see a very similar picture as judgment was going to come
upon the nation of Israel. 2) Ezek 9:9: Judgment is at the door against Israel for their wickedness so six
men are given charge to bring judgment (Ezek 9:1-2). 3) Ezek 9:4-6: But before that judgment takes place, God's servants were to
be sealed on their foreheads and therefore would not be destroyed.
4. The significance of sealing is that of identifying as belonging to God. 1) The action is that of signing one's name on them, showing ownership.2) On their foreheads indicates that identification with Christ is a public and
overt thing that all can see.3) 2 Tim 2:19: A prominent point: GOD KNOWS HIS EVERY SAINT!4) One must accept seal in order to be protected.5) Sealing is certifying on forehead of receiving the word through mind.6) Being a Christian is noticeable!
5. But also there is the element of protection (can’t take away from God). 1) Just as the blood on the doorposts of the ancient Israelites protected them
from the vengeance of God on Egypt, so God's name protects them from God's vengeance now.
2) Since this judgment is for the wicked, the message is that God's people will be preserved but not from persecution.
6. Similar language is given by Jesus in Matthew 24:31 where Jesus is describing the destruction of Jerusalem. SOME CONFUSE THESE TWO EVENTS AS BEING THE ONE AND SAME EVENT! 1) Their argument goes something like this:
In verse 31 He says, "And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." This is very similar to the words we have read in Revelation 7. Here we have four winds and the angels at work to gather God's servants to be protected from the coming judgment that
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Jesus described. Notice it is the same sequence of events in Matthew 24 and Revelation 6-7. In Matthew 24:29-30 the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light and the stars will fall from heaven. The picture of judgment is given as the Son of Man comes in power and glory.Revelation 6:12-15 shows the same image of judgment, with the sun, moon, and stars and the great judgment and wrath that is about to come. I CAN AGREE THE TWO ACCOUNTS USE SIMILAR
LANGUAGE BUT DISAGREE IN ASSUMING THEY BOTH DESCRIBE THE SAME EVENT!
7:4-8: THE 144,000 SEALED
1. We see that 12,000 are from each of the 12 tribes of Israel. 1) Notice that the twelve tribes are not according to the twelve sons. 2) Usually Levi is left out because they did not have land and Dan is
included. 3) But Dan and Ephraim are left out of this listing. 4) We cannot give a clear reason why, but a possibility is these two are left
out because Ephraim led Israel into idolatry (1 Kings 12) and Dan practiced idolatry as well (Jud 18). Therefore these two cannot represent God's loyal, covenant people.
5) Joseph was not a tribe throughout the Old Testament, but his children were.
6) Thus, Levi is listed as is Joseph to make the twelve. 7) But we should not make too much of this for the order is given differently
in many of the listings of the tribes.
2. But since Joseph, Manasseh and Levi are included we should not take the numbers 144,000 and 12,000 literally.1) We can readily see that this is not the physical nation but a spiritual
nation.2) This is not the ordinary means of identifying physical Jews for tribal
identity.3) This is not how physical Jews were numbered for allocation of land
purposes.4) Therefore, God's bondservants are not numbered for occupation of
Palestine, nor for the purpose of identification as physical Jews.
3. Clearly then this is not a literal number but representative to God's covenant people. 1) The numbers are power numbers. 2) Twelve is a number that is a religious number, like 12 apostles and 12
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3) The large number than, being multiplied by 1000 shows us that no one would be left out of the sealing. If you were a Christian, you would be sealed.
4) Thus we see the spiritual Israel of God is the TRUE ISRAEL.Rom 2:28-29: “For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. 29 But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.”Rom 9:6: “But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel;” Gal 6:16: “And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.”
5) It is the sealing of all the Christians on the earth.
4. Though the tribe of Levi had no physical inheritance; these people are heirs of the Abrahamic promise; thus, Levi could be included.1) Here they are numbered from among the tribes of Israel.
Gal 3:28-29: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendants, heirs according to promise.”
5. The nation of Israel was numbered by tribes for one main reason—warfare. 1) Sometimes they were numbered for occupation of land or city.2) They are numbered for warfare. They are the spiritual army of God. They
are not to be destroyed by God but rather they are the true Israel of God.3) Thus, the 144,000 are a fitting symbol of the true Israel of God, God’s
spiritual army (the church militant).
6. Now many take the number 144,000 literally, especially the Jehovah's Witnesses who say that there will only be this many in heaven. 1) If this is true, then only Jews from these tribes then will be saved. We
cannot take the number literally. All of it is symbolic. 2) Jehovah's Witnesses say that these 144,000 are the people that will be in
heaven. 3) But notice where the 144,000 are? They are on the earth, they are not in
heaven. These are the ones that are going to go through this judgment but are to be sealed first before the judgment comes.
7. There does not seem to be any compelling reason to restrict them to Jewish Christians, especially in view of the contrast between these and those who worship the beast and his image in chapter 14.
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1) It is clear that the 144,000 represent all the saved of earth, whether Jew or Gentile.
2) The number seems symbolic 12 x 12 x 1000. 3 (Godhead) + 4 (creation, earth) = 7 = completeness.3 x 4 = 12 (organized religion) = emphatic completeness.12 x 12 = 144 = complete completeness = perfect religion.144 x 1000 (complete number) = 144,000.12 x 12 x 10 (complete number) x 10 x 10 = 144,000.
3) How many sealed? Every Christian – Don’t worry about being left out!4) Whether living on earth or having died in the faith.
Isa 40:26: God assured Israel by pointing to the host of heaven and declaring that He brings them out by number, calling each by name, and not one was lacking.“Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these stars, the One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, not one of them is missing.”
SOMETHING TO CONSIDER
8. Two groups of people are written about in the book of Revelation when you break it down. Those sealed of God (such as in this context) and those with the mark of the beast (Rev 13:15-18). 1) The number of the mark of the beast symbolizes three times imperfection
(666; Rev 13:18), while the 144,000 is 12 x 12 x 10 x 10 x 10. Twelve is multiplied by itself and then three times the complete number (10). The two times multiplied number of twelve represents the foundation of Israel (12 tribes) and the foundation of the church (12 apostles). We have talked about the twenty-four elders and how they represent both dispensations (5:8). Consider these passages in light of the sealing upon the forehead (Rom 12:2 and Rev 22:4).
2) This number of saved (144,000) is made up of those in heaven and those on earth. To take the number literally here the other reference(s) would have to be literal later in John’s revelation as well (14:1-4). This poses numerous problems to all the Premillennial false doctrines.
3) While the twelve tribes listed most certainly has a ringing of the Old Testament, we cannot overlook the fact that Christians are referred to in the same light as we are the Zion of God today (Jas 1:1). Thus, the 144,000 symbolically represents God’s children including all Christians.
4) The names given above are those of the decedents of Jacob and Joseph. Ten of the tribes were the children of Jacob (I Chron 2:1-2) with the exception of Levi who would be a people of the priesthood (Deut 10:8-9).
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9. It is the full number of all the redeemed; no one is missing.1) 7:1-8: Militant church fighting for victory (7:3).2) But what of those who have already died? Have the judgments of God
against his enemies come too late for them?
7:9-17: THE TRIUMPHET CHURCH: THE GREAT MULTITUDE IN HEAVEN THOSE WHO SURVIVE THE GREAT TRIBULATION
7:4-8: Shows the servants of God on the earth sealed before the tribulation – PROTECTED!
7:9-17: Show these very servants of God after the tribulation having overcome and are VICTORIOUS!
9: “a great multitude which no one could count”: But God can (all sealed).
1. Now John sees (4-only heard the number) an innumerable (notice it is not just 144,000) amount of saved individuals standing before God “from every nation.” Why many nations? 1) First off, God promised His kingdom would be numbered from all nations
(Mic 4:1-2). EVERY NATION IS REPRESENTED! 2) Secondly, the Gospel of Christ that brings salvation is to be preached to
all nations giving everyone the opportunity to have heaven as their eternal home (Matt 28:19; Mark 16:15-16; Rom 1:16; Tit 2:11-14).
3) Thirdly, this is a confirmation of the fulfillment of the Abrahamic promise, “And He took him outside and said, ‘Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.’ And He said to him, ‘So shall your descendants be’” (Gen 15:5).From every nation (The Israel of God is made up of people of “many nations” (Gen 12:3; 17:2-4).
“standing before the throne and before the Lamb”
1. The expression, “before the throne” is used both of the “great multitude” and later in the heavenly setting of the 144,000 (14:1-5).
“clothed in white robes,”
1. Their “robes” are “white” because they have been “washed…in the blood of the Lamb” (14).
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1) The “white robes” of the great multitude are symbolical of holiness, and justification (3:4-5; 6:11; 7:14).
“and palm branches were in their hands;”
1. They celebrate with palm branches because they have come out of a great tribulation (14).1) The palms suggest a joyful, festive occasion (Lev 23:40; John 12:13).
2. The Feast of Tabernacles was the most joyous of all Jewish festivals.1) It was celebrated in the fall of the year after the harvest.2) If followed the Day of Atonement (Lev 23:26-32, 39-44).3) They were to “rejoice before Jehovah your God seven days.”4) John 12:13: Jesus’ triumphal entry – festive occasion – SALVATION!
10: “They cry with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation to our God, who sits on the
throne, and to the Lamb’”
1. An expression of praise and gratitude to both God and Christ for the salvation provided. 1) All the saved have a common basis – “common salvation” (Jude 3).2) A shout of salvation and praise – same as Rev 4:10.
11: “And all the angels were standing around the throne…fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God”
1. The angels stood around the throne, as well as the “elders” (4:4) “and the four living creatures” (4:6-8), which again shows that this occurred in heaven and is not something that is to occur on earth. Otherwise, we see the angels falling to the earth!1) Angels and elders join in.
12: This sevenfold praise is similar to that given to the Lamb (5:12).
13: “Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, ‘These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?’”
1. One of the elders asks John if we know who these people are who are in white. 1) This is not a question to John as if the elder does not know, but he wants
to make sure that John knows.
14: “My lord, you know” 177
1. John asked the elder to tell him. The elder said to John, “These (the great multitude) are the ones who come out of the great tribulation.” 1) “Come”: This verb is in present tense = continuous action. 1) The “great tribulation” here is the one that took place under the world
wide persecution in John’s day (It was not fully identified until Ch 13). 2) It was “world-wide” because this great multitude with the white robes
were “from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues” (7:9). 3) They are the same ones with “white robes” who cry for the avenging of
their blood (6:9-11). 4) They had been put to death for their faith, had gained the victory, and are
now “before the throne of God” (7:15).
2. “They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” 1) By Christ's blood the saint is washed from his sins (Rev 1:5), redeemed
(Rev 5:9-10; 1 Pet 1:18-19), given remission of sins (Matt 26:28), has constant cleansing as he continually complies with the conditions (1 John 1:7-9), and is able to overcome (Rev 12:11).
3. John sees the end result of these who would go through the tribulation that was coming. 1) These had been sealed on the earth and went through the tribulation, and
now John sees that they were not lost to Satan and his operation, but are now victorious, in white robes before the throne of God.
4. It is easy to assign this passage to the final judgment but such is not consistent with the context. 1) After indicating that God would put His mark of identification on His
servants, the vision now describes the character of those who are so identified and the benefits that accumulate to them.
2) Those who would survive the wrath of the Lamb would do so only by acknowledging that salvation was in Him (7:10).
3) They “washed their robes ... in the blood of the Lamb” (7:14); 4) Christians would not be subject to the wrath of the Lamb (3:10).
15-17: Describe the blessings the victorious received.
15: “They are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple;” 1. The throne and the temple are in the same place – Heaven.
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“and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them” (God shall “dwell among them”-KJV).
1. They have His protection and receive His blessings.
16: “They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat;”
1. Gen 8:22: Rules out the earth. There is no discomfort in heaven.1) They possess peace and joy; every want is given and every sorrow is
healed.
17: “For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd,”
1. The Lamb will feed them and “guide them to springs (fountains) of the water (Lit., waters) of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”
1) Jesus is an experienced Lamb.
2. Since these have just come out of the great tribulation, we conclude that these are the blessings the faithful receive after death in the place of comfort (Luke 16:22-26), paradise (Luke 23:43), in the presence of Christ (Phil 1:23; 2 Cor 5:8). 1) They here await the end of all things at which time their physical bodies
will be raised (John 5:28-29; 1 Cor 15:52-53; 1 Thes 4:13-18) and at which time they will receive the “new heaven and new earth,” the heavenly Jerusalem, or the holy city (2 Pet 3:10-14; Rev. 21 & 22).
2) The parallel to Rev 21-22 favors the idea that this is the future glory of the redeemed. Though they are too late to see God's wrath against the enemies, they won't miss the blessings of the “new Jerusalem.”
3. After all the doom and gloom of the first six seals, the Christians are given a message of hope in this chapter that God was with them and they would overcome. 1) And we see that relief is given to these who came through the tribulation.2) Verses 15-17 show that they are not experiencing the horrors that were
taking place on the earth. 3) They no longer hunger and thirst. Comfort is given to them and they are
taken care of by the Lamb and by God. 4. Another view to consider:
1) While 7:15-17 may look like an “in heaven” scene (and it may be), let me caution you to remember that Revelation relates abstract ideas and concepts in figurative picture form. These images well describe
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Christians who respect the authority of the Lord and benefit from the spiritual blessings that are in Him. “He who sits on the throne shall dwell among them” parallels 2 Cor 6:16; 2 Cor 3:16-17 and Eph 2:19-22. The Lamb is conversely pictured as the shepherd of His people who provides “living water” (John 4:10-15; 7:38), shade from the heat and comfort from sorrow (John 16:33 – “be of good cheer ...”; Phil 4:4 – “rejoice in the Lord always ...”; etc.).
5. Jehovah's Witnesses try to teach that these are the saved who inherit the earth
and the 144,000 are those who receive heaven. 1) However, the 144,000 are those on earth who are sealed and the great
multitude are those souls with God who had come out of the great tribulation (6:9; 7:13-14).
2) The great tribulation may include the sum of all tribulations from Pentecost to the second coming of Christ. (John 16:33: tribulation now).
3) “Come”: Continuous action.
6. What a beautiful scene. Through all the trials and tribulation God will protect and save the saints. 1) It is not a protection that protects them from the troubles but a protection
that goes with them through the difficulties they experience and even through death (Rev 14:12-13). They have an anchor that will hold (Heb 6:19).
2) Then John sees a multitude that no man can number standing before the thrones of Almighty God and the Lamb, singing praises for their salvation.
7. What a picture of assurance in times of calamity – the possibility of standing before God saved, as God wipes away the tears from our eyes (7:17). 1) No doubt there are tears but God is going to wipe them away. 2) No wonder Christ has already said to the seven churches of Asia, “To him
who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear to hear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (4:21-22).
8. The vision of John is attempting to make heaven a reality for those who presently believe. 1) Notice that the scenes are happening in heaven as the earth continues in
its difficulties. Christ reigns today!!!! Christ's judgment in a very real sense is taking place now.
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2) This is not a judgment scene concerning the final judgment or is it a scene portraying Christ returning to earth to reign. Christ is reigning now!!!
3) John is writing about what is going on in heaven while the seven churches of Asia continue their struggle to remain faithful. This is what heaven is like even for us today.
4) If we could look beyond and imagine our departed loved ones that have served Christ standing before His throne. This is the only glimpse of heaven that we will have before we die. It is this glimpse that makes heaven a reality for the present.
9. As we are caught up into this panoramic vision of heaven we begin to realize that our struggles and difficulties in this life are a part of the battles going on in heaven for our soul's eternal salvation. 1) God will protect His children in the battle! 2) Heaven prevails against death!3) Satan will not prevail against the saints of God! (Matt 16:18-19).4) We have received the seal of the Holy Spirit, which involves our
protection! (Eph 1:13; 4:30). 5) God will not allow us to be tempted above that which we are able to
endure! (1 Cor 10:13). 6) Victory belongs to God, His Christ and to those who remain faithful
through death! (14:12-13).
REVELATION 8THE SEVENTH SEAL AND THE FIRST FOUR TRUMPETS
INTRODUCTION
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A. VICTORY IN JESUS
1. There is security because…1) Ch. 4: The Throne Scene: God is in charge.2) Ch. 5: Book with 7 Seals: Christ is worthy to open the 7 seals.3) Ch. 6: Opening of 6 Seals: Sinners are judged.4) Ch. 7: Interlude: Who can stand (6:17) – Saints are saved.
Which of these points are not true for us today?
B. Ch. 8: Introduces us to the opening of the 7th seal, which happens to be “THE SEVEN TRUMPETS OF JUDGMENT.”
1. Ch. 8: Trumpets 1-4 = Judgment on earth through natural calamities.2. Ch. 9-11: Trumpets 5-7 = Three Woes.
8:1-5: OPENING OF THE SEVENTH SEAL AND HEAVEN’S REACTION
1: “there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.”
1. The seventh seal is opened and instead of hearing a voice like the other seals or seeing creatures, judgment, or horsemen, there is complete silence in heaven for about half an hour. 1) Here is this amount of time that goes by and there is complete silence, a
dramatic pause after seeing all of this action going on. 2) There is no need to guess how much time a half an hour indicates. It is a
short time in comparison with other times that have been mentioned.
2. It is the calm before the storm, a pause before judgment is unleashed.1) Anytime God speaks demands reverence and awe.2) When God speaks let man be silent.
Job 4:16: “It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance; a form was before my eyes; there was silence, then I heard a voice.”
3) God is ready to act – keep silent.Hab 2:20: “But the LORD is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him.”
4) There is silence because God has come to judge.Zech 2:13: “Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord; for He is aroused from His holy habitation.”
3. EX: In a big crowd of people all become suddenly quiet.1) Generally some momentous event is about to take place and that seems to
be the case here.2) Silence gets everyone’s attention.
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3) This language emphasizes the seriousness of what is going to happen.4) It is time of dramatic suspense as all wait for God to speak.
2: “And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.”
1. The only seven angels that have been mentioned before are the seven angels of the seven churches.1) There were many angels that were around the throne in other parts of the
vision and these may have been some of them.2) The main point here, is that an in many other places, seven indicates
completeness.3) These seven angels had a task to perform – the blowing of the seven
trumpets. 4) When they did that their job would be finished.
2. “Seven angels” = COMPLETENESS.1) 7 spirits, yet there is only one Spirit.2) 7 churches, yet there is only one church3) 7 horns, perfect power.4) 7 eyes, perfect sight.5) 7 seals, yet there is only one book.6) 7 angels, complete and holy.
3. “Seven trumpets” = Complete and perfect warning.1) 7 signifies perfection and unity of whatever angels are to do and what the
trumpets are to signify.
4. The purpose of the trumpets.1) Worship (Num 10:2).2) Travel (Num 10:2).3) War (Num 10:9).4) Warning (Hos 5:8) – “Day of Jehovah.”
Joel 2:1-3: Judges the wicked. Zeph 1:14-18: Delivers the righteous. Jer 4:5-9, 19: Signal to flee to safety. Judgment on Judah is at hand,
just as Jericho had been destroyed after the blowing of seven trumpets (Josh 6:4-5).
Amos 3:6: Causes fear because it announces trouble and tribulation.
8:3-6: REASON FOR BLOWING THE TRUMPETS
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3: “Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne.”
1. What a comfort for the saints to know that their prayers, as well as ours, go before the throne of God.
4: “Smoke of the incense”
1. Clouds of sweet aromatic incense attracts God’s attention.1) Smoke gets in God’s eyes and He must do something.
5: “Then the angel took the censer and filled it with the fire of the altar, and threw it to the earth; and there followed peals of thunder and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earthquake.”
1. These prayers are from those martyred saints of Ch. 6:9-11.1) By this time, many Christians had died for their faith, and many more
were suffering.2) But their prayers found their way to the throne of God (Heb 4:16).3) Suffering saints pray and God listens!4) The prayers of the suffering (martyred) saints who had cried out for
vengeance, were about to be answered.
2. The prayers go before God and we see an answer to these prayers, as thunder, rumbling, lightning, and an earthquake occur.1) These symbols are used in other places to indicate great upheavals in
governments, especially as brought to pass by conquering armies. 2) God’s judgment is at hand (1:1-3).
3. As their prayers go up – judgments come down.1) God’s response to cries of the saints is now being issued upon the earth.
6: 2) And the “seven angels” prepare to blow their trumpets.
8:7-12: THE FIRST FOUR TRUMPETS (WARNINGS) JUDGMENTS THROUGH NATURAL CALAMITIES
8:7: THE FIRST TRUMPET – LAND DISASTER, NO ONE DIES
“The first sounded, and there came hail and fire, mixed with blood, being “thrown to the earth; and a third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up and all the green grass was burned up.”
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1. Ex 9:23: “Hail and fire” were used by God as a warning (plagues).
2. We note that it is only a third, thus not a total consummation of judgment yet. 1) We will see that in a while, but not yet.
2) Here only a third, not a literal number, just as the 144,000 is not to be understood as a literal number.
3) Partial judgments – Not everyone was going to be destroyed yet.
8:8-9: THE SECOND TRUMPET – MARITIME DISASTER
8: “The second angel sounded, and something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea; and a third of the sea became blood,
9: and a third of the creatures which were in the sea and had life, died; and a third of the ships were destroyed.”
1. Not only is the earth affected by this judgment, but all the seas are affected as well. 1) Again, this is only a partial judgment with only a third of these things
being affected.2) History: Rome lost ships at sea.
8:10-11: THE THIRD TRUMPET – FRESH WATER DISASTER
10: “The third angel sounded, and a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of waters.
11: The name of the star is called Wormwood; and a third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the waters, because they were made bitter.”
1. To understand what this symbol is referring to, we need to understand how God used wormwood in the Old Testament. Deut 29:18: “so that there will not be among you a man or woman, or family or tribe, whose heart turns away today from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of those nations; that there will not be among you a root bearing poisonous (bitterness) fruit and wormwood.” 1) Here is a reference to people who turn their heart away from God.
Prov 5:3-4: “For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.”
2) Here is a reference to people whose heart turn to immorality. Jer 23:15: “Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets: ‘Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them
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drink the water of gall; for from the prophets of Jerusalem profaneness has gone out into all the land.’” This was a condemnation to false prophets and a rebellious Israel.
Jer 9:15: “Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘Behold, I will feed them, this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink.’”
3) This was an image of judgment upon God's people who did practice immorality and turned their heart from God. This is exactly what had happened to Jerusalem and for this judgment was coming. Again, only a partial judgment now because only a third is affected.
8:12: THE FOURTH TRUMPET – CELESTIAL DISASTER
12: “The fourth angel sounded, and a third of the sun a third of the moon and a third of the stars were struck, so that a third of them would be darkened and the day would not shine for a third of it, and the night in the same way.”
1. As we have seen many times so far, the darkening of these elements is symbolic of judgment.1) Powerful leaders are described as “stars” and the “heaven” from which
they fall or rule is simply a designation of a high place of authority, not God’s dwelling place.
2) Isa 14:12: Prophecy of the fall of the king of Babylon (Isa 14:4).
2. Yet again, only a third of these elements are affected. This is only a partial judgment. 1) These things are to be a warning to get people to repent.
3. The image of using trumpets, were used to sound the alarm and to give a warning for people to prepare. 1) The warnings are being sent out for the people to return back to the Lord,
but they will not repent.
13: “Then…an eagle flying in mid-heaven, saying with a loud voice, ‘Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!’”
1. These first four are terrible pictures of judgment. 1) But the rest of the trumpets are going to issue in a complete judgment,
where the angels unleash the winds and the full wrath of God upon “those who dwell on the earth.”
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2. The first four trumpets are for everyone.1) But the “Woe’s” are for unbelievers (non-Christians).2) Haven’t seen nothing yet – The worst is yet to come!3) Talking of disasters upon the earth-dwellers.
3. Why?1) Show that there is a God in heaven.2) Every material aspect of this world is under God’s control.
4. The warning is going out to the people for them to heed.
1) If they will not turn, then destruction would be coming. 2) We will see the full judgment coming, like in Revelation 9:14 where the
four angels are to be released with all the judgments of the seven seals.3) Rev 10:6-7: Says that there is no longer going to be delay, remember the
pause that we saw with the great silence in heaven. 4) When the seventh trumpet sounds, then God's hidden plan will be
completed. 5) Rev 11:15: The seventh trumpet blows and in 11:19 the judgment is
unleashed and this great tribulation will come. 6) God in his mercy and love is giving the people a chance to repent before
total judgment comes.
A WORLD-WIDE JUDGMENT VS JUDGMENT UPON JERUSALEM
The angel (“eagle” ASV; some ancient manuscripts have the word “eagle” [Lit., one eagle]) flies through the midst of heaven (in mid heaven where it is visible to all) and gives warning that the last three trumpets, each represented by a “woe” (9:12; 11:14), are to be worse than the first four trumpets.
The angel (or eagle) flying through the midst of heaven represents a swift message. “Those who dwell on the earth” represent the world of the unregenerate—those who have not washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb—those without the seal of God on their foreheads (7:3; 9:4, 20-21). The trumpet plagues were against the inhabitants “on the earth” (8:13, 9:4, 20-21) and which demonstrates that they were world-wide and not just localized against Jerusalem or the nation of Israel.
The following chart again shows (NKJV) how the book is tied together in all of its scenes.
THOSE WITHOUT “THE SEAL OF GOD” HAVING “THE MARK OF THE BEAST”
Revelation 8:13 - Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!
Revelation 9:4 - They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any
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green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.
Revelation 13:16-17 - And he causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Revelation 14:9-11 - Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. And he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”
Revelation 15:2 - And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God.
Revelation 16:2 - So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image.
Revelation 19:20 - Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.
Revelation 20:4 - And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
REVELATION 9FIFTH AND SIXTH TRUMPETS: THE FIRST TWO WOES
INTRODUCTION
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A. The imagery are not literal trumpets, hail, fire, burning mountain, sea of blood, real locusts, scorpions, horseman, but symbols to convey messages from God to man.
1. We are not to look for a specific time or event in history when locusts invade a land. 1) We are to see spiritual forces at work in the wicked symbolized by
monsters of the infernal realm.
B. 8:1-11:19: THE SEVENTH SEAL.
1. Notice Revelation 6:12-17 again. 1) It is the entire moon that becomes blood, the stars of heaven fall, and the
sky is rolled up like a scroll. 2) There is nothing partial about this judgment for it is the great wrath of
God. 3) 7:1, 3: But it is being withheld until God's people are sealed.
2. 8:1: When the seventh seal is opened a half an hour of silence follows which is a dramatic prelude to the impending judgments of God later to be revealed.1) However, this scene before the first trumpet is one of comfort to the
followers of Christ.2) It symbolizes the prayers of the saints ascending with incense up to God
(Ps 141:2; Luke 1:8-10; Rev 5:8).3) Their prayers are answered as the seven trumpets sound.4) 8:2-5: Divine judgments are poured forth as fire from the altar: “there
were voices, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.”5) Everything is now ready for the trumpets to sound.
3. The trumpets are a warning to try to get the people to repent before the full wrath of God is poured out. 1) The seals revealed the great wrath of God that was going to come upon
those who were not sealed, who are the servants of God. 2) There are four angels in chapter 7 that are restraining the judgment
revealed in the sixth seal, of total judgment. 3) We have seen the first four trumpets sound and what is seen is partial
destruction of land, sea, water, and nation because of the idolatry and wickedness of the people.
C. In this chapter we begin a study of the three woe trumpets. These will be more severe than the first four (corresponding to what was said in 8:13).
1. Talking to the earth-dwellers.189
1) Internal and outward decay of the Roman Empire.2) The first woe – internal decay.
9:1-12: THE FIFTH TRUMPET—LOCUSTS FROM THE BOTTOMLESS PITTHE STAR THAT HAS FALLEN (1, 11)
1: “Then the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star from heaven which had fallen to the earth; and the key of the bottomless pit was given to him.
2: He opened the bottomless pit, and smoke went up out of the pit, like the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by the smoke of the pit.”
1. The fifth angel sounded and John sees a star fall from heaven to the earth. 1) Notice the star had already fallen, the action is in the past tense.
2) A fallen star is a symbol of some sort of authority falling from power.3) The key is a symbol of power.
2. The star becomes personified for he receives the key to open the bottomless pit. 1) From all the descriptive phrases and results from such a one, it appears
that this is the personification of Satan himself.2) Most of the translations render “fall” as past tense “fallen” or “had
fallen.”3) Jesus used the same imagery in Luke 10:17-18: “Then the seventy
returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.’ And He said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.’”
4) Satan had lost his power on the earth and thus the seventy were even able to cast out demons.
5) The bottomless pit ("pit of the abyss" ASV) as seen from other verses is the abode of the devil (Rev 11:7; 17:8; 20:1-3).
3. Though we are not told directly, we can draw a pretty sure conclusion from the description given to this authority. 1) Notice verse 2 that this star has the key to the abyss. 2) We are told in Luke 8:31 that the abyss is the abode of demons, and so
we gather a good image of Satan being referred to here. It is the realm of the wicked.
3) The demons are kept there until the judgment day (2 Pet 2:4). 4) Satan is the captain of the abyss (Rev 12:10).
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4. To further validate that this is Satan, notice verse 11. 1) The name given to this authority is the Destroyer, and he is the angel of
the abyss. It seems clear that we are looking at Satan here. 2) Eph 2:2: calls Satan, “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who
now works in the sons of disobedience,” 3) We see that a key is given to him. Satan does not have authority outside
of the realm that God has given him. This is certainly seen in the book of Job where Satan must present himself before God and must be granted the ability to torment Job. Here in Revelation, Satan is given limited power to torment.
5. This is not the angel of Revelation 20 that sealed Satan in the bottomless pit (the abyss) because this one brings forth destruction.1) However, it is the same abyss—the source of all bad things.2) The angel of Rev 20 takes over the power of the abyss and seals Satan in.
More about that when we study that chapter.
6. As the fifth trumpet sounded we see an abyss open from which smoke ascends to the heavens darkening the sun. 1) Satan produces a darkened earth—Smoke in your eyes so you can’t see
truth (John 1:5; 3:19-21; 8:44-46; 1 John 1:5-6).2) False doctrine blinds the world from the word of truth (Eph 2:1-2; 2 Cor
4:3-4; 2 Thes 2:9-12; 2 Cor 11:13-15). 3) Internal decay due to spiritual blindness and deceit.
Caesar worship and immorality.4) Those who follow Satan are following destruction.5) Note: Smoke filled the air, not locusts.
3: “Then out of the smoke came locusts upon the earth, and power was given them, as the scorpions of the earth have power.”
1. From the time of Moses locusts have been instruments of divine judgment. Locusts became symbols of destruction. Ex 10:1: “Now the LORD said to Moses, ‘Go in to Pharaoh; for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his servants, that I may show these signs of Mine before him,’”
Ex 10:4: “Or else, if you refuse to let My people go, behold, tomorrow I will bring locusts into your territory.”
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Ex 10:12: “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come upon the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land--all that the hail has left.’”
Ex 10:13: “So Moses stretched out his rod over the land of Egypt, and the LORD brought an east wind on the land all that day and all that night. When it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts.”
Ex 10:14: “And the locusts went up over all the land of Egypt and rested on all the territory of Egypt. They were very severe; previously there had been no such locusts as they, nor shall there be such after them.”
Ex 10:19: “And the LORD turned a very strong west wind, which took the locusts away and blew them into the Red Sea. There remained not one locust in all the territory of Egypt.”
Deut 28:42: “Locusts shall consume all your trees and the produce of your land.” 1) God’s people rejected God’s warnings and allowed themselves to follow
Satan.
Jud 6:5: “For they would come up with their livestock and their tents, coming in as numerous as locusts; both they and their camels were without number; and they would enter the land to destroy it.”
Jud 7:12: “Now the Midianites and Amalekites, all the people of the East, were lying in the valley as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the seashore in multitude.”
1 Kings 8:37: “When there is famine in the land, pestilence or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers; when their enemy besieges them in the land of their cities; whatever plague or whatever sickness there is;”
2 Chron 7:13: “When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people,”
Ps 105:34: “He spoke, and locusts came, Young locusts without number,”
Isaiah 33:4: “And Your plunder shall be gathered Like the gathering of the caterpillar; As the running to and fro of locusts, He shall run upon them.”
Jer 51:14: “The LORD of hosts has sworn by Himself: ‘Surely I will fill you with men, as with locusts, And they shall lift up a shout against you.’”
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Jer 51:27: “Set up a banner in the land, blow the trumpet among the nations! Prepare the nations against her, call the kingdoms together against her: Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz. Appoint a general against her; cause the horses to come up like the bristling locusts.”
Nahum 3:15: “There the fire will devour you, the sword will cut you off; it will eat you up like a locust. Make yourself many--like the locust! Make yourself many-- like the swarming locusts!”
Nahum 3:17: “Your commanders are like swarming locusts, And your generals like great grasshoppers, which camp in the hedges on a cold day; When the sun rises they flee away, And the place where they are is not known.”
Joel 1:4: “What the chewing locust [1:4 Exact identity of these locusts is unknown.] left, the swarming locust has eaten; What the swarming locust left, the crawling locust has eaten; And what the crawling locust left, the consuming locust has eaten.”
4: “They were told not to hurt the grass of the earth, nor any green thing, nor any tree, but only the men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.”
1. In the smoke we locusts ascend up from the Abyss that had tails like scorpions (10).1) Here they are commanded to hurt only those men who have not the seal
of God in their foreheads. 2) They were told not to hurt the faithful.
Not real locusts.
2. In the book of Revelation we have:1) Those who have the seal God on their foreheads (7:3-8). 2) Those who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads (9:4). 3) Those who have the mark of the beast (13:16-17, 14:9, 11; 16:2; 19:20).4) Those who did not have the mark of the beast (15:2; 20:4).
5: “And they were not permitted to kill anyone, but to torment for five months; and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings a man.”
1. The locusts did not have power to kill but only torment for five months. 1) The “five months” (also vs. 10) shows that the judgment was for a
definite period of time and that it was not a complete judgment.2) The life cycle of locusts is five months.3) Their sting hurts but will not kill a man.
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4) Torture but not to death.5) Satan torments but does not kill.
6: “And in those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will long to die, and death flees from them.”
1. The sting will be severe enough—sick enough that wished they were dead.1) They will want to die because of the torment.2) Job 3:21; 7:15; Jer 8:3: More examples of some wishing to die.3) Physical death is no gain to the wicked.
2. These locusts, therefore, represent forces which caused those who were not Christians to receive intense worry, uncertainty, and uneasiness. 1) An example of this would be the threat of collapse of economy, a long
line of corrupt rulers, and invasion of outside forces. 2) These things do not affect the Christians, but to the ungodly it brings
torment (Ps 46:1-3; Isa. 54:10).
7: “The appearance of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle; and on their heads appeared to be crowns like gold, and their faces were like the faces of men.
8: They had hair like the hair of women, and their teeth were like the teeth of lions.9: They had breastplates like breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was
like the sound of chariots, of many horses rushing to battle.10: They have tails like scorpions, and stings; and in their tails is their power to hurt
men for five months.”
1. 7-10: Give an eight-fold description of the locusts. 1) The “was [were] like (as it were)” phrase indicates imitation, not
genuine. 2) The use of locusts in judgment is not foreign to the scriptures. 3) In fact, God used locusts in Joel's day to try to get the people of Judah to
repent.
2. Notice the description of the locusts in Joel and see how similar their description is to the description given in Revelation.1) They were shaped like horses prepared for battle-POWERFUL (Joel
2:4). In Italy, the locust is called “the little horse.” Seen in the camp of the wicked.
2) They had crowns of gold on their heads-VICTORIOUS. Victory of wickedness is an imitation of the genuine-never lasting.
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3) Faces like men-HUMANISTIC, INTELLIGENT. The locusts were mighty men, like warriors (Joel 2:7). Intelligent wills in rebellion against God.
4) Hair like women-BEAUTIFUL. Subjection to Satan.
5) Teeth like lions-DEVOURING (Joel 1:6). Looked good until you see teeth.
6) Breastplates of iron-PROTECTION. They are a mighty army, great and strong (Joel 2:2). Also a deception.
7) Wings that sounded like many chariots running to battle-FORCEFUL (Joel 2:5). Mighty number.
8) Tails like scorpions-DESTRUCTIVE. When you think the locusts are gone the tails get you.
3. These symbols represent sin’s own destructive force—INTERNAL DECAY.1) Sin inflicts pain and ends in self destruction.2) The sinner is at war against himself (Prov 1:18-19; Eccl 12:1, 13-14).
4. Paraphrase:1) Very powerful and attractive adversary.2) Wearing a victory crown and is well protected.3) Approaches its prey in countless numbers.
No human power can withstand its attack. Only protection is by God. This is not war, but is a warning and torture but no death. False doctrine is the decaying and tormenting power of Satan.
11: “They have as king over them, the angel of the abyss; his name in Hebrew is
Abaddon, and in the Greek he has the name Apollyon.”
1. The Hebrew word “Abaddon” means “destruction” and the Greek word “Apollyon” means “destroyer.”1) The locusts had a king over them named Apollyon, which means
“destroying angel.” 2) There is little doubt that this is referring to Satan.
12: “The first woe is past; behold, two woes are still coming after these things.”
1. The sixth trumpet reveals the release of four angels that were given power to kill a third of mankind.
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1) Here it is not Satan's forces at work, but God's against the children of Satan.
2. John is describing the internal decadence of humanity that results from evil human powers. 1) Man's inhumanity to man is always the worst judgment for our sins. 2) The evil from within poses our greatest threat. 3) It becomes all consuming as it devours those given to it.
3. Rome became her own worst enemy through a decaying society, which was
the result of the greed of the aristocrats. 1) At one point in Rome's history after the death of Alexander Severus, a
period ensued during which great confusion prevailed in Rome and throughout Italy.
2) Of his 12 Successors who ruled in the next 33 years, nearly all came to a violent death, usually at the hands of soldiers who had established them on the throne.
3) Such is the judgment of God.
4. Though it may sometimes appear the wicked are prospering in this life, their pleasures are short-lived (Heb 11:25).1) The drunkard loses health, family, etc., the dishonest are not trusted and
have no respect, and the immoral bring scars into marriage that destroys the peace of a happy union, and so on.
2) Many are the woes we bring on ourselves both physical and mental, both temporal and external – all because we believe the lie of Satan (John 8:44) which says, “sin will serve you well.”
9:13-21: THE SIXTH TRUMPET: FOUR ANGELS ARE UNLEASHED:MEN ARE SLAIN – EXTERNAL DECAYNational war due to internal decay.
13: “Then the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,”
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1. The golden altar which is before God is where the prayers of the saints had been presented (8:3-4) and their cry at this time was for the avenging of their blood (6:10-11; 18:20; 19:2).
14: “one saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, ‘Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.’”
1. The Euphrates River played an important role in the history of God’s people.1) Gen 15:18: God promised land to its border—Fulfilled (1 Kings 4:21).2) Isa 8:5-8: Egypt will rise like the Nile River to protect Israel but will be
slaughtered by the Euphrates River—Fulfilled (Jer 46:6-10, Babylon defeats Pharaoh).
3) Jer 1:13: Time of judgment—Land of enemies beyond the Euphrates.
2. As always, John's use of the term "Euphrates" is figurative and not literal. God's forces of vengeance against the persecutors of Christians (the theme of the book, 6:9-11; 7:13-17; 13:7-8; 16:6-7; 17:6; 18:24; 19:2; 20:4), where held in restraint at their border until a time determined by Him. 1) Symbolic – Enemies of Rome are held in restraint at the border until God
releases them to flood the land.2) The theme of the book is not “God's determined punishment on Israel”
as some try to claim. If that is the theme of the book, where are the verses which indicate it?
3) The destruction of the enemies (Rome) of God's people would shortly come to pass.
15: “And the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released, so that they would kill a third of mankind.”
1. The time fixed by God for them to be loosed had come to do their destructive work. 1) The hour and day and month and year indicate that they were prepared
to finish the task no matter how long it might take and these forces would be responsible for the deaths of the third of mankind.
2) The angels that are pictured back in Revelation 7 to restrain their judgment until everyone is sealed are now allowed to release judgment. God's people have been sealed, let God's wrath begin to unfold.
3) We see that this judgment had been prepared for a specific time designated by God and the judgment begins.
2. But notice again that is begins as a partial judgment. Only a third of the human race is killed.
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1) What we have seen is a progression of judgment and the patience of God looking for repentance.
2) We just saw judgment upon the people to only be tortured, not killed. 3) But that did not cause repentance. 4) We have seen in the first four trumpets a partial judgment of the land, sea,
and waters, but that does not bring about repentance. 5) The people are not heeding the warnings of God.
16: “The number of the armies of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them.”
1. So now things are going to get worse. The full force of an army is coming. 1) This is not a literal number, just as the other numbers like the 144,000 are
not literal. 2) The large number is to represent great strength, power, and completeness
in the work they are to accomplish. 3) Imagine an army 1 mile wide and 85 miles deep—enough to accomplish
God’s purpose.
9:17-19: DESCRIPTION OF GREAT POWER (Horsemen and horses)
17: “And this is how I saw in the vision the horses and those who sat on them: the riders had breastplates the color of fire and of hyacinth and of brimstone; and the heads of the horses are like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths proceed fire and smoke and brimstone.
18: A third of mankind was killed by these three plagues, by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which proceeded out of their mouths.
19: For the power of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents and have heads, and with them they do harm.”
1. Here we see the great power that this army is given. 1) Fifth Trumpet, First Woe—We saw them as powerful locusts, but there
were restraints upon those locusts. 2) Now the army has the power to kill humans, and the picture is ferocious.
2. The lion has been a symbol of divine judgment in the Old Testament (Amos 3:1-8; Hos 11:9-10). 1) Out of their mouths come fire and smoke and brimstone. These again
are symbols of divine judgment, most notably remembered is Sodom and Gomorrah which were destroyed by fire and brimstone.
3. The horses also had power in their tails like serpents that could hurt men. 1) By their three-fold power they killed a “third part” of men. 2) Job 39:19-25: Gives a vivid description of the war-horse.
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4. Rome felt her greatest vulnerability as a result of the possibility of invading armies that could invade her from her eastern boundaries. 1) Beyond her eastern boundaries, which bordered on the Euphrates River,
were the Parthians who were Rome's greatest threat. 2) John may not be speaking of the Parthians in particular but he is alluding
to fierce invaders like them that should be feared and dreaded. 3) John is no doubt portraying the reality of that threat as two hundred
million troops approach.
SUMMARY OF VISIONRev 8:1-9:19
John is endeavoring to portray the judgment of God clearly in unimaginable and horrifying terms. Try placing yourself mentally in a panoramic movie theater as you read this part of John's vision. As you stand there with all the movie screens around you, imagine experiencing what occurs at each sound of the trumpet. Imagine on one screen an angel sounding a trumpet as a huge mountain is thrown into the sea, the sea turns to blood, and a third of all sea life washes up on the shores. Then an angel on another screen sounds a trumpet and destruction of cataclysmic proportions occur as a star comes blazing from the sky and falls upon the rivers and on the springs of water. You behold the dying corpses lying around after drinking the water. Imagine a third of the moon and stars turning black and a third of the day turning to darkness. Imagine as the background music the sounds of trumpets. It is a sound of an overwhelming sense of foreboding gloom and doom. Then an eagle flies over and says the worst is yet to come!
Just as the eagle passes over pronouncing the worst is yet to come, the trumpets sound. An even more foreboding trumpet sounds as a star falls from the sky into an earthly abyss. Smoke rises from the abyss as the smoke from a gigantic furnace. The sun is darkened. As the smoke begins to clear you begin to see hellish creatures emerge from the abyss led by a king that is set on destruction. The creatures look like locust, some of them have crowns of gold on their head, their faces resemble human faces, they have hair like women, teeth like lions, breastplates of iron and the sound . . . that awful sound of invading armies as they ascend up out of the abyss. Their tails sting like scorpions and they began destroying those who do not have a special seal on their foreheads. Then suddenly an even more foreboding trumpet sounds and on another screen two hundred million mounted troops ride toward you with earthshaking momentum. They have fiery red, dark blue and yellow breastplates. The horse's heads resemble heads of lions, out of their mouths bellow smoke and sulfur. Their tails are like snakes, which inflict injury as they descend in destruction. A third of mankind is killed and nothing but corpses is left in their wake.
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In this way the judgment of God is portrayed figuratively. It leaves you with an overwhelming eerie feeling of gloom and destruction. Yet, it is the merciful hand of God's judgment endeavoring to bring sinners to repentance. To us, as Christians, it is seen as the merciful hand of God's protection, afforded because God has placed a seal on our foreheads because we have been washed in the blood of the Lamb.
9:20-21: LACK OF REPENTANCE
20: “The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, so as not to worship demons, and the idols of gold and of silver and of brass and of stone and of wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk;
21: and they did not repent of their murders nor of their sorceries nor of their immorality nor of their thefts.”
1. Here we see the reason for the judgment. 1) The people were worshipping things other than God. 2) They were full of murders, sorceries, sexual immorality, and thefts.
They were wicked people. 3) But the people who were not killed did not repent, and would continue
with their evil acts.
2. As John writes Revelation in 96 AD, he may be referring to the siege against Jerusalem in 70 AD. 1) It is interesting to note that about one third of the Jews perished in the
attack. About 1 million of the 3 million Jews that were in Jerusalem died when Rome came against Jerusalem.
2) The Roman Empire did not want to destroy the Jews, but the Jews gave Rome no choice.
3) The Jews were leading revolts against Rome and Rome came in put down the revolts.
4) Because the people would not repent, the job is to be completed, the wrath will come in full measure.
CONCLUSION
1. We have before us now two of the major things which played a part in overthrowing the persecuting force: natural calamities and external invasion.
1. God used these various means not only to avenge His people but also to bring the ungodly to repentance (9:20-21).
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1) These things help the Christians to see that their enemies will never triumph over Christianity.
2. Still after these six “plagues” (a key word to the correct interpretation of the book (16:9; 18:8; 22:18), they refused to repent, but continued in their evil: idolatry, murders, sorcery, theft, fornication. 1) This again aids in understanding which persecuting force the plagues
were primarily against. 2) The Roman nation at that time was idolatrous, but the Jewish nation was
not. 3) Since they would not repent, the only thing left for them is the heavier
judgment of God. 4) The trumpets do not refer to the end of the world as some think. No one
will be given opportunity to repent when the Lord comes (1 Thes 5:1-6; 2 Thes 1:6-9).
REVELATION 10THE ANGEL AND THE LITTLE BOOK
Ch. 7: FIRST INTERLUDE (BETWEEN 6 TH & 7 TH SEAL: ASSURANCE TO THE SAINTS
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Ch. 10-11:13: SECOND INTERLUDE
Ch. 10: THE ANGEL AND THE LITTLE BOOK: THE FAITHFUL WITNESS
10:1-4: THE MIGHTY ANGEL AND THE SEVEN THUNDERS
1: “I saw another strong angel coming down out of heaven, clothed with a cloud; and the rainbow was upon his head, and his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire;
2: and he had in his hand a little book which was open. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left on the land;
3: and he cried out with a loud voice, as when a lion roars; and when he had cried out, the seven peals of thunder uttered their voices.
4: When the seven peals of thunder had spoken, I was about to write; and I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Seal up the things which the seven peals of thunder have spoken and do not write them.’”
1: 1. These images simply show the power of this angel. The angel is truly a mighty angel (5:2; 18:21).1) This angel is not Christ (1:2) This angel has a special divine mission—JUDGMENT.
2: 2. We see the great power and authority this angel by him putting one foot on the sea and one foot on the land.
3: 1) In this mighty angel's hand is a little scroll. The angel cried out with a loud voice like a roaring lion to instill fear, demanding the attention of all.
2) When the angel cries out, the seven thunders spoke with their voices.3) This has a powerful impact when we consider its source.
Indicates a stormy period – JUDGMENT ON EVIL DOERS.
4: 3. John is about to write down the words of the thunders, but a voice from heaven tells John not to write these things, but to seal them up. 1) Thus the words of the seven thunders are not revealed to us. 2) But John recording these things lets us know that God has more in store.3) Ch. 5: Sealed book contained the destiny of God’s eternal purpose.4) The little book is only one aspect of God’s purpose. 5) There is more to come in the judgments of God, but we are not allowed to
know what these things are. 6) This event makes us mindful of what Moses said in Deut 29:29: “The
secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.”
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7) There are many things that God has chosen not to reveal to man.
4. Why wait? (Six trumpets didn’t do any good).1) There are things in God’s plan that is none of our business.2) We do know that God is giving assurance to the saints that He has many
unrevealed weapons of judgment.
5. There is no need to write them down for the above reasons.1) The case is closed. 2) John understood this principle.
10:5-7: THERE WILL NO LONGER BE DELAY
5: “Then the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his right hand to heaven,
6: and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, ‘WHO CREATED HEAVEN AND THE THINGS IN IT, AND THE EARTH AND THE THINGS IN IT, AND THE SEA AND THE THINGS IN IT,’ that there will be delay no longer,”
1. This oath is made only in the name of our Creator.1) God guarantees the fulfillment of the prophecy.2) “Delay no longer”: 2000 years later? Is the book still sealed? (5:1-2;
6:1; 7:1-3).3) 11:14: “Come quickly – Without delay!
2. The angel lifted up his right hand to heaven as a gesture indicating an appeal to God as a witness to God oath.1) Gen 14:22: Abraham had “sworn to the LORD God Most High”2) Deut 32:40: God swore by Himself.3) Jud 8:19, Gideon; 2 Sam 2:27, Joab; Jer 38:16, Zedekiah: “As the Lord
(God) lives”
7: “but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound,
then the mystery of God is finished, as He preached to His servants the prophets.”
1. Now the angel swears by an oath that there will no longer be delay with the things that have been revealed. 1) The saints of the fifth seal were told to wait previously, but now they
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2) The angels have been unleashed, as we have seen, and there will not be any thing that will hold them back from the judgment they have.
2. Judgment is inevitable. When will the judgment come? 1) We are told in verse 7 that it will be in the days of the sound of the
seventh angel, when he blows his trumpet. 2) That is when the judgment will come in full force. 3) So this is the marker we are looking for. When we read the seventh
trumpet sounding, we will know that God's hidden plan of judgment will be revealed and unleashed.
3. “The mystery of God is finished” (Eph 4:3-6; Col 1:24-27; Rom 16:25-26).1) Since only the Old Testament prophets are identified as (God’s) “His
servants the prophets”, the prophecies that were to be fulfilled were those revealed to them. (11:18: only other time phrase is used in the New Testament).
2) But this expression (or My) was used by Jeremiah 6 times (7:25; 25:4; 26:5; 29:19; 35:15; 44:4).
3) Also used by Ezekiel 38:17, Daniel 9:10, Amos 3:7, Zechariah 1:6. 4) The expression refers to the Old Testament prophets (2 Kings 9:7; 17:13,
23; 21:10; 24:2).
4. All of their prophecies had been fulfilled except those pertaining to the fall of the Roman Empire and of course those that refer to the end of time events and no one but God knows when that will be.1) Dan 2 & 7: The kingdom (church) is established followed by a testing
period (Dan 7:25-27). 2) The kingdom will have its victory (pass test) when the Roman
government is destroyed (Dan 2:31-44).3) Christians know that God rules in the kingdoms of men (Dan 2:17) and
the church will never be destroyed (Matt 16:18-19)!
5. NOTE: the destruction of Jerusalem by the surrounding Roman armies, “For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled” (Luke 21:22) not the last thing the O.T. prophesied about and to fulfill.1) Therefore, the things that the prophets wrote about the destruction of
Jerusalem would be fulfilled in Luke’s statement (warning sign). 2) This is another clear indication that Revelation was written in 96 AD
when Christians were facing on a much larger scale persecution by the Roman Empire.
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3) The prophecies of the destruction of Jerusalem had already been fulfilled in 70 AD and persecution was primarily directed toward the Jews and Israel.
10:8-11: TAKE AND EAT THE LITTLE BOOKGOD’S BITTER SWEET JUDGMENT
8: “Then the voice which I heard from heaven, I heard again speaking with me, and saying, ‘Go, take the book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the land.’
9: So I went to the angel, telling him to give me the little book. And he said to me, ‘Take it and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.’
10: I took the little book out of the angel's hand and ate it, and in my mouth it was sweet as honey; and when I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter.
11: And they said to me, ‘You must prophesy again concerning many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.’”
1. Now John is told to take the little book and eat it. 1) This is not an unusual occurrence, for Ezekiel was told to do the same
thing (Ezek 2:8-3:14). 2) Ezek 3:3: eats the scroll and it was like honey in his mouth in sweetness.3) But later, after receiving the words from God about what he must do, his
stomach became bitter (Ezek 3:14). 4) This is symbolic of the contents of the message of the scroll and the
prophecy that John must preach. How sweet the words of God are to man. Jer 15:16: “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word
was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart...” Thus, when they received the Word of God it brought them much
joy; however, as they later taught it among the people, it brought many bitter results (Compare Jer 20:7-9).
Ps 19:10: “More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.”
Ps 119:103: “How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth!”
5) Saturate yourself in God’s word – thoroughly master its contents. Learning is so sweet but the preaching of it can be so bitter. The joy of receiving this message of hope from God was as
sweetness, but as John considered the equally fearful message of
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continued persecution as well as the ultimate punishment of the wicked, it was as bitterness.
2. God's judgments are not always pleasant. 1) John must prophesy of coming persecutions, turmoil, wars, and terror that
the kingdom would go through. 2) The scroll is a message of hope and a message of punishment. 3) John is then given instruction, just like Ezekiel, that he must go tell these
words to “many peoples, and nations, and languages, and kings.” This is the commission that John is given.
3. John “must prophesy again”: Additional to those already mentioned in the first section of the book.1) “Nations, tongues and kings” (not tribes, 5:9-10).2) Refers to those from whom the saints were purchased – that is, the world.
CONCLUSION A. The anticipation is mounting as the final consuming judgment was been
revealed against Rome. John portrays that Rome has gone too far to be saved. Rome's destruction is sure.
1. But it will come when the seventh trumpet sounds, which will be momentarily.1) The stage has been set, and the final chapter of this judgment is about to
revealed. 2) And the final thing to be revealed about this judgment is the most
horrifying and most amazing thing that could have been imagined.
2. John makes it obvious that God's judgment is directed toward those who do not have the seal of God upon their foreheads.
Rev 9:4: “They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.”
1) He left no illusions as to the essential purpose of God's actions. 2) When you understand the essence of this message the application
becomes viable and meaningful in each succeeding generation.
B. It is impossible for me to look around in the world and explain exactly what God is doing.
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1. I see evil and I see good; I can’t explain it, but I realize that in the midst of it all God is working to bring the world to repentance. His temporal judgment is for the purpose of bringing the world to Christ. 1) The beautiful thing about understanding the message in this way is that it
allows the Christian to get on with life. 2) In the midst of this judgment, I realize that I have the seal of the living
God upon my life. 3) He is in control. I don't have to worry about what God is going to do in
the future. God is going to protect me. 4) He has placed His seal of protection upon my life. I don't have to worry
about getting even with my enemies. God will judge them; of course, it will be for the purpose of salvaging their lives.
C. John portrays those preaching the message of salvation wearing sackcloth and ashes. To the ancients, this was a sign of mourning.
1. The message of God's salvation for the Christian is a great message, but the message of God's judgment of sin is also a bitter message to deliver.1) There is a real sadness about God's judgment for it tells of the punishment
of sinners. 2) Today, the church finds it easier to preach on grace than judgment.
Nevertheless, God's judgment is real. 3) We can be sure of one thing; our sins will find us out.
2. Proclaiming the message of God's temporal judgment on a sinful world is not always joyous, for Christians must suffer the resulting trials. 1) Isaiah preached for fifty years, but Israel did not respond and eventually
he was beheaded for his proclamation of the message. 2) Jeremiah wept as he proclaimed God's judgment upon Israel. He was also
taken captive to Egypt when God's judgment came. 3) Daniel as a young man was taken to Babylon to be brainwashed as God
judged His people for their sin. He spent his entire life as a foreigner in Babylonian captivity.
4) The judgment of God upon Israel for her sins affected the lives of the faithful.
5) God's judgment upon Rome for her sins also created fiery trials for the Christians to endure. The reason God will have to wipe away all tears in the final
judgment is because it will be a terrible day for the lost. Christians will be weeping over those who are lost.
D. The sweet thing about God's judgment of this world is that it will enable Christians to do what God has called them to do.
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1. John is told that the mystery of God will be accomplished (9:7). 1) Then John is told to proclaim the message to the world (9:11). 2) Then John is told to measure the temple and he is assured that the temple
will not be destroyed by the onslaught of the enemy. The protection of the temple no doubt portrays the protection of the true Israel of God, which today is made up of faithful Christians (10:1-2).
3) John says the messengers of the gospel will be able to shut up the sky, to turn water to blood and to bring plagues upon the earth. This simply means that God will give Christians power to accomplish His purpose with their lives. God's cause will stand and His prophets will be allowed to finish their assigned tasks.
2. The physical realities of what God has done in the past are the greatest indicators of what God is doing for us in the spiritual realm. 1) We can recall the plagues of Egypt, realizing that God is doing the same
for us in the spiritual realm today. 2) There is a bitter part about it all. God's protection doesn't guarantee those
being judged will respond to the message. 3) Also, God's protection doesn't mean that we will escape the fiery trials
caused by God's judgment. 4) Those refusing a message often seek to destroy the messenger. In John's
vision the beast from the Abyss turns his wrath upon the messengers and they die. Of course, this is not before they accomplish God's assigned task.
REVELATION 11THE SEVENTH TRUMPET: THE FINAL WOE
INTRODUCTION
A. In the interlude, we are introduced first to the strong angel with the little book in his hand.
1. Next, we witness the measuring of the temple. 1) John is given a reed like a measuring rod and is told to measure the
temple, altar, and worshipers. 2) Remember, these are visions which John saw. It was not the literal temple
that he was to measure, and it was not the literal city of Jerusalem that 208
was to be trodden underfoot for a literal forty-two months (70 A.D. advocates).
3) How could John literally measure the temple when he was in Patmos?
11:1-2: MEASURING THE TEMPLE
1: “Then there was given me a measuring rod like a staff; and someone said, ‘Get up and measure the temple of God and the altar, and those who worship in it.’”
1. There are only two visions mentioned in the Old Testament wherein something was measured. 1) Ezek 40:1-42:20: There was a complete measuring of the temple with all
its holy ordinances which was designed to cause the Israelites to make a separation between the holy and the common (Ezek 42:20; 43:10-11; 22:26).
2) Zech 2:1-5: There was a measuring of Jerusalem (after the captivity, Zech 1:1) and was designed to show that God would preserve and protect His suffering people.
2. Thus, the measuring of the temple in Rev 11:1-2 was to separate and protect His people, and is parallel to the sealing of the 144,000 in chapter 7. 1) They were sealed and measured for the same purpose. 2) The temple (sanctuary) represents the spiritual temple, God's dwelling
place or habitation among men (1 Cor 3:16-17; 2 Cor 6:16; Eph 2:21; 1 Tim 3:15).
3) The altar represents a place to offer sacrifices and prayers of the saints (6:9-11; 8:3-4).
4) The significance of the altar being measured is understood by the priests who alone worked there.
5) 1 Pet 2:4-5: All NT saints are priests and they serve around the altar offering spiritual sacrifices.
3. This is an interesting and rather unusual image. 1) We read in the Old Testament prophets the use of a measuring rod, like
Ezekiel used in Ezekiel 40. 2) The measuring rod represents a standard of truth by which religious deeds
are done; either in Christ or out of Christ.3) But this is not a simple measuring tool. He says that he is given a
measuring rod like a staff. 4) Now a rod was a symbol for judgment, correction, and authority. We read
of Christ using a rod of iron (Rev 2:27). 5) 1 Cor 4:21: Paul said, “should I come to you with a rod, or in love and a
spirit of gentleness?” 209
6) A rod was for beating and correcting. So we have a measuring tool that has two uses: primarily to measure, but also has the ability to correct. It would be similar to having a paddle to spank your children that had lines on it for measuring. The idea would be that you hope you measure up. This seems to be idea that John is presented with. John is told to measure but with a rod, causing the objects of the measuring to hope they will measure up.
2: “Leave out the court which is outside the temple and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations (Gentiles); and they will tread underfoot the holy city for forty-two months.”
1. The temple was to be measured but the outside court was to be left out. The temple (Christians or the church) would receive divine recognition and protection, while the outer court (the wicked or the world) would not. 1) John added that “the holy city,” later called, “the beloved city” in Rev
20:9 (again, the church, Heb 12:22; Gal 4:26) would be trodden under foot by those outside the court. In other words, the Christians or the church would be trodden under foot or persecuted by the world, but not touched in their relation to God.
2. This period of persecution would last forty-two months--the same length of time for the event of 11:3; 12:6, 14, and 13:5. 1) This is the same amount of time Daniel said the fourth kingdom (the
Roman) would persecute the saints (Dan 7:21-27). 2) The literal city of Jerusalem would be “trodden down of the Gentiles,
until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled” (Luke 21:24) which meant that it would have its “end” (Luke 21:9; Matt 24:6, 14).
3) John's “holy city,” however, would be trampled underfoot only for a limited time.
3. The following shows that the events of 11:2, 3; 12:6; 13:5, 7 and Dan 7:13-15 all referring to the same time period:1) 42 months - The holy city trodden (Rev 11:2). 2) 1,260 days - The two witnesses prophesy (Rev 11:3). 3) 1,260 days - The woman is fed in wilderness (Rev 12:6). 4) Time and times and half a time - 3 and 1/2 years - The beast would
continue...was granted to make war with the saints and overcome them (Rev 13:5, 7).
5) Time and times and half a time - 3 and 1/2 years - The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom...the saints would be given into his hand (Dan 7:23, 25).
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4. Understanding the encrypted meaning revolves around “7” (complete).1) 7 Churches (2-3).2) 7 Spirits & Stars (3:1).3) 7 Seals (6:1 – 8:5).4) 7 Trumpets (8:6 – 11:19).5) 3 ½ = 7/2 (½ of 7) – a short, broken, finite period of time.
5. Many who try to prove that this book is written about the destruction of Jerusalem say that this image of measuring the temple proves that the temple was in existence and the book was therefore written before 70 A.D. But this argument is not true for a couple of reasons. 1) First of all, John is not literally able to measure the temple because the
book is written in symbols. Further, John is in vision and is exiled on the isle of Patmos. He cannot literally measure the temple of God.
2) Second, the temple does not have to be in existence to measure it. Ezekiel was told to measure the temple in his vision, yet the temple had already been destroyed earlier in the book. So this is not argumentation for an early dating of the book. Let us just take the simplest interpretation.
11:3-6: THE TWO WITNESSES
3: “And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.
4: These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.”
3: 1. The third part of the interlude involves the two witnesses. 1) “Two” symbolizes strength (Eccl 4:9-12). 2) The early missionary journeys were accompanied two by two. 3) We see in these verses the symbol of the strength of the early apostles and
prophets bearing witness of the gospel. 4) This same testimony continued in the Word held and proclaimed by the
saints.
5) They gave a powerful witness for 1,260 days (again, the same time as in 11:2, 12:6, 14; Dan 7:21-26) clothed in sackcloth (a coarse sack fabric which was worn by ancient people in time of mourning); thus, they were prophesying through a time of affliction or persecution.
4: 2. This explanation of the two witnesses seems to be drawn from the vision in Zechariah 4. 1) The angel that talked with Zechariah asked him saying, “Do you not know
what these (the two olive trees) are?” (Zech 4:13). 211
2) The angel said, “These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth.”
3. In the context of Zechariah 3 & 4, Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel the governor were God's anointed ones. 1) It was through those offices that He was blessing Israel at that time. 2) The “two witnesses” of Rev 11 perhaps is referring to the apostles and
prophets.
3) The terms “they will prophesy” (11:3) and “their testimony” (11:7) no doubt refers to the testimony that was borne during the time of persecution (Rev 6:9; 12:11, 17; 19:10; 20:4).
4. Here again is a chart which shows that many of the terms in the book tie all the scenes together. 1) It will become more evident as we proceed, that this fact is important in
helping to obtain the correct interpretation of the book.
THE TESTIMONY OR WITNESS OF JESUS
Revelation 1:2 - Who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, and to all things that he saw.
Revelation 1:9 - I, John, both your brother and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 6:9 - When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held.
Revelation 11:7 - Now when they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them.
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Revelation 12:11 - And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
Revelation 12:17 - And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 19:10 - And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
Revelation 20:4 - And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
5: “And if anyone wants to harm them, fire flows out of their mouth and devours their enemies; so if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this way.
6: These have the power to shut up the sky, so that rain will not fall during the days of their prophesying; and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every plague, as often as they desire.”
1. Through their testimony, the two witnesses had great power and strength (11:3, 5, and 6). 1) They had power to devour their enemies and to prevent rain (as did
Elijah) and power to turn water into blood and afflict the earth with every plague (as did Moses).
2) All of this showed that the restraining force of the civil authorities were not able to destroy the early work of witnessing and preaching the gospel.
11:7-13: SATAN RELEASES A BEAST FROM THE ABYSS
7: “When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss (bottomless pit) will make war with them, and overcome them and kill them.
8: And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which mystically is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified.”
1. The testimony of the two witnesses must meet its opposing strength. 1) The beast that ascends out of the abyss (bottomless pit) (the beast, the
instrument that Satan used to overcome the saints, is not here identified; it will be identified in Ch 13 as the Roman Empire; see also 17:8) shall
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“make war with them”, and shall “overcome them and kill them” (see 13:7).
2) “Their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city” (called “Babylon” and “the great whore” and will later be identified as the city of Rome (14:8; 16:19; 17:5-6, 18; 18:2, 10, 16, 18, 19, 21, 24; 19:2).
3) Sodom (ungodliness) and Egypt (bondage to sin) are the things that put the Savior to death.
4) These opposing characteristics, the same ones that put Jesus to death, seem to overcome. If one makes the expression, “where also their (our Lord was
crucified” literal, why doesn't he also make the “beast,” “bottomless pit,” “their dead bodies,” and “they went up into heaven” (12) literal?)
9: “Those from the peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will look at their dead bodies for three and a half days, and will not permit their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb.
10: And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and celebrate; and they will send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.
11: But after the three and a half days, the breath of life from God came into them, and they stood on their feet; and great fear fell upon those who were watching them.
12: And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, ‘Come up here.’ Then they went up into heaven in the cloud, and their enemies watched them.
13: And in that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell; seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.”
10: 1. As the world gazes upon the bodies of the messengers lying in the street they “will rejoice over them and celebrate.”
11: 1) However, the celebration only lasts until the martyrs are resurrected and taken to heaven (12).
13: 2) It was then that the judgment of God came. The earth quaked and a tenth of the people of the city died. It was then that the survivors “gave glory to the God of heaven.”
2. This reminds us of the darkness, the earthquake and the resurrection of the dead in Jerusalem when Christ died on the cross (Matt 27:45-53). 1) Although that particular event is not what John is speaking of, I can only
think of the fall of the Rome as she persecuted Christians. 2) Rome has been judged, but Christ and His followers live on.
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3) After the fall of Rome, Christianity flourished as God resurrected His cause to a new height.
4) The world truly belongs to Christ and His followers. 5) The bittersweet experiences of life tend to confuse us, but Christ is in
control and His purposes will be accomplished.
3. In applying the scene to the Christians of that day, it seemed to them that Imperial Rome would be able to destroy Christianity. 1) Indeed, the influence and spread of Christianity was stopped by the great
persecution. 2) Its believers had been slaughtered; its voice was silenced. 3) Their dead bodies were a gazing-stock as the wicked rejoiced over them.4) However, Rome had not thought of the power of God. 5) After “three and a half days” (meaning a short time) “the breath of life
from God entered into them.” 6) The cause of Christianity will always eventually triumph (Col 2:15). 7) The church is restored to its power and influence. 8) Great fear fell on the earth dwellers as the two witnesses came alive and
went up to heaven. 9) In that hour there was a great earthquake (symbolizes a judgment from
God) and a tenth part of the city fell and seven thousand people were killed. Those who remained in the city were terrified and gave glory to God.
4. The witnessing or the preaching of the gospel had great force at first, but there soon arose a terrible persecution and many of the Christians were killed. 1) The witnessing seemed to be stopped. 2) However, the strong witness of God will eventually triumph, though
bitterly opposed. 3) The two witnesses being raised and taken into heaven indicates the
revival of the gospel cause.
5. John's vision compares with Isaiah's vision of the figurative resurrection of Israel from Babylonian exile (Isa 26:13-19), and with Ezekiel's vision of the valley of dry bones (Ezek 37:1-14) in which the prophet described the resurrection of Israel from the grave of their captivity. 1) Ezekiel's and John's visions contain several similar expressions, but
Ezekiel's referred to the return of Israel from exile, and John's to the victory over the heathen persecutors.
2) Also, remember that the kingdom was never to be destroyed, but was to be proven that it is an everlasting kingdom (Dan 7:21-27; Rev 11:15).
3) The purpose of John's words was to give comfort and encouragement to the suffering saints of his time as well as to suffering saints of any age.
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11:14-19: THE SEVENTH TRUMPET: CHRIST’S REIGN FORESEEN
14: “The second woe is past; behold, the third woe is coming quickly. 15: Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying,
‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.’
16: And the twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God,
17: saying, ‘We give You thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who are and who were, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign.
18: And the nations were enraged, and Your wrath came, and the time came for the dead to be judged, and the time to reward Your bond-servants the prophets and the saints and those who fear Your name, the small and the great, and to destroy those who destroy the earth.’”
1. Remember that when the seventh angel sounded, the mystery of God which was declared to the prophets would be finished (10:7).
15: 1) When the seventh angel sounded, there were great voices in heaven saying, “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ.”
2) This is precisely as Daniel the prophet declared (Dan 2:44-45; 7:21-27).3) Thus, the seventh trumpet or the third woe represents the last judgment
against Rome which will finish the words spoken by the prophets, will bring victory for the saints, and will demonstrate that the kingdom is an everlasting kingdom (Matt 16:18-19; Col 1:13-14; Heb 12:22-28).
16: 2. The song of thanksgiving is sung by the twenty-four elders (probably the redeemed of both Testaments; see comments under 4:4). They gave thanks to God because
17: 1) “You have taken Your great power, and have begun to reign.” He has demonstrated His reigning strength, indicating that Christians
have nothing to fear. 18: 2) “Your wrath came.”
See Rev 16:19 for an example of His wrath against the great city. 3) “And the time for the dead to be judged.”
Probably God's judgment against the spiritually dead rather than the final judgment--as in Dan 7:26-27.
4) “The time to reward Your bond-servants.” Probably here the reward of deliverance from persecution and
avenging the blood of the righteous dead. 5) “And destroy those who destroy the earth.”
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The wicked at that time that were killing Christians.
3. It is possible that the above is referring to the final judgment.1) However, it seems far better to give the book a consistent interpretation
rather than repeatedly changing from John's day to the end of time. 2) Each set of seals, trumpets, and bowls of wrath cover the same period of
time. 3) Each set concerns God's judgment against the wicked from beginning to
end, and each set is more severe than the preceding one.
19: “And the temple of God which is in heaven was opened; and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple, and there were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder and an earthquake and a great hailstorm.”
1. The opening of heaven to show the ark of the covenant shows that God keeps His covenant with His people. 1) Although the church is in a tremendous conflict with the world, and it
appears that the church will lose, God will keep His covenant--the church will be victorious.
2) Also, at the same time (as 11:19b shows) God's judgment of impending doom and disaster is reserved for the wicked (see also Isa 29:6).
3) By way of summary, we have studied regarding the seven churches (Ch. 1-3), the seven seals (Ch. 4-7) the seven trumpets (Ch. 8-11), and next, the seven figures (Ch. 12-14).
2. Thus, the seventh angel will finish or complete the mystery as declared to the prophets. 1) The seventh trumpet (11:14-19) fulfills the prophecies of the Old
Testament, the last of which reached to the destruction of the Roman Empire (Dan 2:36-45; 7:1-28).
2) The things which occurred in those early years of Christianity (about 100 A.D. to 250 A.D.) as revealed in the book of Revelation are the important length which fills up the whole of God's revelation.
3. No matter what you believe about the scenes the seven trumpets reveal there is no doubt what the scenes portray. 1) Christ's rule on earth and God’s temporal judgment upon the world’s
sinfulness. 2) We may not understand the specifics of each scene as they relate to
specific events in history, but we know the scenes portray God's temporal judgment upon mankind for their sins.
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CONCLUSION A. Do you have the seal of the living God upon your life? Do you rule with Christ
in His priestly kingdom? (Rev 1:5-6).
1. If Satan rules your life, he only seeks to destroy you. 1) In these chapters we have seen what happens when God turns us over to
the complete rule of Satan. 2) It is the demon from the abyss of hell that turns upon those following
demons like himself to destroy them. 3) This portrays for us the self-destructive ways of Satan. Satan is out to
make a mess out of our lives and our world. He is out to destroy your soul.
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