Revelation (Part 2)

By Mary Jane Chaignot

In this second section of Revelation, we will explore the messages to the Seven Churches. Each letter addresses whatever particular geographical, cultural, or religious situation was germane to each specific church. None of the letters are independent; they were addressed to all at the same time. It will be most helpful to think of these letters as prophetic messages that spoke to the concerns of those who were hearing the letters read to them. Hence, it is appropriate to think they were addressing real problems in each church.

Now the big question is, "Why these seven churches?" Obviously, there were more than seven churches in this area at that time. Some think these seven merely represent all of the churches, keeping in mind again that the number seven is a symbol of completeness. In that sense, the number seven represents all the churches in the area. More importantly, however, scholars have noted that all seven of these churches were connected along a major Roman highway at intervals of 30-40 miles. Each of them had a Roman law court where Christians could be tried. Three of them had temples dedicated to Caesar, so they were sizable towns. These weren't ignorant farmers in the back country. So the underlying issue in all of them was how do Christians witness to their faith in a real and viable fashion in a city with a rather sophisticated, hostile population?

The letters follow a particular format; they are addressed to an angel, include a prophetic messenger formula, have a Christological ascription, and express divine knowledge. There is a main body in each letter that ends with a call to attention and obedience. There is also an eschatological promise.

Scholars are aware that each letter is addressed to an angel of the church, but they are not sure what that signifies. Since "angel" means "messenger," it probably has more of a transcendent quality than an "angelic" church member. Some think of this like a "guardian" angel for each church. These angels are generally admonished and are not to be worshiped. In a sense, we are overhearing what is told to these angels. There is no doubt, however, that these were messages that were meant to be heard.

The prophetic messenger formula is typically, "Thus says the Lord…" John adapts this style by saying, "The words of him who…" The message that follows is in the first person. For the Christological ascriptions, John uses the Christological attributes mentioned in 1:9-20. These declarations serve a theological purpose. These commands of Christ are a model for living an ethical life under very difficult circumstances. Everything is bound up with the truths of 1:9-20. Divine knowledge simply means the Lord repeats, "I know…" Whether he knows for good or bad is determined by the church. But God is aware of all suffering and is able to penetrate each individual's heart. God just knows what is going on in their lives. And what God sees might be different from what the Church sees or how it thinks of itself.

The body of each letter is a combination of rebuke/praise and promise/peril. There are two letters (to Smyrna and Philadelphia) that only have praise – no rebuke. Each message ends with a call for "he who has an ear, let him hear." This is very similar to Jesus' message in the gospels. This is a call for attention and obedience. It is also followed by an eschatological promise. Those who "conquer" will be blessed. These letters are not addressing morals, per se, but how to live life in view of the reality of 1:9-20. A key word in Revelation is "conquering"; it means winning the victory. Jesus conquered, and they must, too.

The end result is that these letters give a glimpse into the life of the early churches. They speak to the tension that existed between faith/unfaith, responsibility or the lack thereof. These letters are not addressed to individuals, but to the community as a whole. Know that these Christians are living in a very hostile world. Yet, even in this context, they are called to witness to the Christ. John acknowledges their tribulations, and promises that things will only get worse! Christianity, at this point, is a tiny religion compared to the Emperor cult. Jews have been very hostile towards Christianity, and Christians run the risk from all sides of being hauled before the authorities. Even when that is not the end result, they still suffered from severe economic repercussions. John will talk about the "synagogues of Satan" or Satan's throne. It's like saying that the devil is working through the Roman authorities. Over against this, however, is the Spirit who works through the power of God. The church is the working out of these tensions as an active participant, not as a spectator.

There are many divisions in these small churches. Some have been visited by leaders who claimed "apostleship" but brought a different message. Others have struggled with internal conflicts. These churches had the charge of deciding what was to be considered as authentic doctrine. In addition there was the whole issue of accommodation to the surrounding culture. John does not equivocate – it's either/or. Those who participate in such events are taking part in idol worship and are betraying their faith. This wasn't just a dogmatic issue, but also related to a proper understanding of the Christian life. The only proper criterion for authentic prophecy would be to follow the example of Jesus' life – and that would include death on the cross, if it came to that.

In view of these tribulations, John exhorts these churches to "hold firm." This is not passive resignation, but active holding, of standing one's ground and not giving in. Sometimes this means "patient endurance," or having courage in the face of Roman interrogation. This is the essence of Christian responsibility and has nothing to do with passivity. He also addresses the issue of "works." This again means responsible Christian conduct. It is not passive waiting, but active service. Some of the churches are called to repentance – to change their ways. They needed to reorient themselves to a new model of life. This wasn't a one-time change, but an ongoing process. Several churches are commended for their love. This is not the sentimental kind, but an active caring for others. It's the kind of love Jesus had for sinners, including those who crucified him. This kind of love is the supreme expression of Christian life. They are to love as they have been loved.

The theological basis for all this is that God is simply sovereign. Christ now shares his throne. He got there by "conquering," by giving his life for others, and for the truth of the gospel. Christians are to follow – including martyrdom, if needed. This is the ultimate point of decision. The future, the victory over all is God's gift, but this gift goes hand-in-hand with human responsibility.

There are seven divisions in this section: 2:1-7 -- Letter to Ephesus; 2:8-11 – Letter to Smyrna; 2:12-17 – Letter to Pergamum; 2:18-27 – Letter to Thyatira; 3:1-6 – Letter to Sardis; 3:7-13 – Letter to Philadelphia; 3:14-22 – Letter to Laodicea.

I -- 2:1-7 -- Letter to Ephesus

  • 2:1
    • Letter is addressed to an angel
    • This is perhaps a guardian and representative of the city who functions as a "messenger" but also is a "witness" – overseeing
    • God's plan 
    • The implication, of course, is that "God is watching"
    • The prophetic formula is: "These are the words…" 
    • They will always address the specific needs of each church
    • Here in Ephesus, the Christological attribute is that Christ holds seven stars and lampstands – an indication of sovereignty
    • Since this was the "mother church," they needed to be reminded who was in control
  • 2:2-3
    • I know your works
    • He doesn't just see what they are doing now but also their whole "walk" of life
    • Their "work" included doing battle with false teachers
    • They had "tested" them and found them to be wanting
  • 2:4
    • Then comes the "but…"
    • "I have this against you…" – this statement defines their spiritual and moral problem
    • It is an indication of divine displeasure and will lead to judgment if changes are not made
    • They have abandoned their "first love" – the love they had at first
    • This included their love for their fellow man as well as their love for God
    • The point is that their love had grown cold and was replaced by harsh orthodoxy
    • They loved truth more than they loved God or each other 
  • 2:5-6
    • Solution requires repentance, change
    • They are to go back to that earlier state of mind, those earlier standards
    • In so doing, they should remember how far they have fallen
    • This is a call for them to "repent" – to reflect on their past history, to be convicted of present errors; the bottom line is that they must change
    • They are to return to their "acts of love" toward God and each other
    • If they do not, judgment will be very severe
    • They will lose their lampstand (possibly means the loss of their status as a church)
    • They are to "hate" the Nicolaitans' deeds 
    • Scholars don't really know what this is
    • The Nicolaitans are linked to Balaam and Jezebel – symbols of idolatry and immorality
    • Perhaps they were preaching accommodation to the pagan cults, libertinism – freedom from the law
  • 2:7
    • Call to listen and a promise
    • "Those who have ears to hear, hear"
    • This is a prophetic warning to open one's mind and heart to kingdom truths
    • God has made these truths available; it is our responsibility to hear them
    • "Hearing" has the response of "obeying"
    • These words come to us via the Holy Spirit
    • It is a lesson for all – applied to "all" churches
    • They are challenged to be conquerors
    • This is an athletic and military metaphor – representing victory over vanquished foes
    • Their reward is to get what Adam and Eve did not – permission to eat from the tree of life
    • Since it's a tree, some see a connection with the cross
    • "It is the cross that gives life"
    • Symbol of Artemis was a date palm – this symbol countered that image of fertility
    • Tree stands in the paradise of God
    • Paradise: Persian word for enclosed park or garden 

II -- 2:8-11 – Letter to Smyrna

  • 2:8
    • Opening greeting is the same
    • The characteristic of Christ for this church is "First and Last"
    • That meant he was sovereign over history as well as the future (Isa 44:6, 48:12)
    • If Smyrna called itself "first", they had to remember that Jesus was "first"
    • Another characteristic is the Lord who was "Dead and came alive"
    • This is specific for the city who also had many rebirths
    • Each time the city was rebuilt, it came back stronger, better
  • 2:9
    • No "buts" in this letter
    • It was perhaps one of the smallest, most insignificant churches in the region
    • The message is that is it more important to be faithful than to be powerful
    • Christ "knows" their poverty, tribulation, and slander
    • In OT, poverty was seen as result of apostasy of nation
    • All the people had been given land; there should not have been any poverty
    • The people of Smyrna might have been harassed, lost their jobs
    • Persecution brought the church closer to God
    • Therefore, Christ could say "you are rich" (even though they were poverty stricken)
    • Another problem they were facing was slander
    • Slandering God's people is a form of blasphemy against God
    • Jews are referred to as the "synagogue of Satan"
    • They are tools of Satan against God
    • Satan here means "adversary", therefore they are adversaries against God
    • Because Christians were not Jews, they were not exempt from
    • Roman rules and regulations about emperor worship
    • Synagogue of Satan is in collusion with Rome
  • 2:10
    • Affliction is coming
    • Christ tells them not to be afraid even though suffering is imminent and unavoidable
    • Their lot would not be pleasant, but God would be with them
    • He gives no promise of an easy life, just divine comfort and blessing
    • They will be imprisoned: Rome did not use prison for punishment
    • People were simply detained awaiting trial or death
    • Satan will be testing them to see if they would apostate; God was testing faith
    • Affliction will be limited (10 days); it's a manageable amount
    • God is still in control; those 10 days will be horrible, but limited
    • They will not be tempted beyond what they can bear
    • Solution is faithful endurance – means putting one's trust in God
    • God is sovereign and will vindicate his suffering people
    • God will bring victory out of what seems like defeat
    • They will be given the crown of life: military, athletic metaphor – garland wreath
    • Smyrna was famous for its games; this would be a good metaphor for them
    • It also works with the death/life metaphor
    • Through his death, Jesus brings "life" out of death
    • They do not have to fear death
  • 2:11
    • "Listen"
    • Call to listen challenges hearers to obedience
    • Most of the people in Smyrna, it seems, were willing to hear
    • The fact that they are suffering suggests that they are listening
    • They are, then, "overcomers"
    • "Second Death" is the one that happens after physical death
    • They might, indeed, be killed by the first death, but they will not be destroyed
    • God will guarantee their "life"
    • This letter tells them not to worry about hard times, not to be discouraged

III -- 2:12-17 – Letter to Pergamum

  • 2:12
    • Addressed to the angel
    • Christ has the "double-edged sword" -- generally a symbol of divine justice
    • In 1:16 the sword came out of Christ's mouth – meant words of judgment
    • This tells the church that God is in charge, not some Roman proconsul
    • Ultimate power belongs to God; Romans can not do anything about that
  • 2:13
    • The Christ "knows" three things: the pagan world they live in, their faithful witness, and their endurance under persecution
    • They "live" where Satan has his throne
    • It's like saying Pergamum is the seat of Satan's power
    • Satan, here, probably refers to Roman power
    • Christ also knows their faithfulness
    • They continue to "hold fast," grasp forcibly, remain firm
    • Here they are holding fast to his "name" 
    • Being true to Jesus' name is to live up to the responsibility of a new identity – in this case, the ability to resist the Romans
    • To date, they have not renounced the faith
    • They have demonstrated their endurance under persecution
    • Antipas – legend has it that he was "roasted" to death for refusing paganism (possibly during the reign of Domitian)
    • Basically these people are living in Satan's hometown
    • There is total opposition of the pagan (Roman) people
  • 2:14-15
    • Their weaknesses
    • Unlike the church at Ephesus that opposed the Nicolaitan heresy, these people have been tolerating it
    • So even though they're being faithful, they are allowing a heresy to flourish, thereby putting the whole church in danger
    • Nicolaitan movement is described as "what Balaam taught"
    • (Story is in Num 22-24 – Balak asked him to place a curse on the Israelites – instead he blessed them)
    • Later on "Balaam's advise" was a metaphor for leading persons into apostasy
    • Two problems have resulted from the Nicolaitan movement: they eat meat sacrificed to idols, immorality
    • Apparently this heresy preached adaptation to the imperial cult
    • Frankly, most Romans did it out of a sense of duty
    • Immorality here probably means promiscuity
    • Teachings of Balaam could be literal or figurative
    • Teachings of Balaam could mean false teachers are trying to deceive
    • Teachings of Balaam could be simile for Nicolaitans
  • 2:16
    • The solution
    • Their church is endangered by the heretics
    • The solution is for them to "repent," change their ways, their approach
    • They should be willing to take on these false teachers
    • Their refusal to do so constitutes a sin
    • If they don't, the Christ will come to them
    • God will be the divine warrior
    • He will judge the heretics and their followers, as well as everyone
    • If the church had acted, the heretics would have found no hold
    • Their choice: war against the heretics, or God will – and you won't like it
    • The image of the sword comes into being again
  • 2:17
    • Call to listen
    • To ignore these words is to do so at their peril
    • To "hear" means to obey, so they should put these words into practice
    • Putting into practice means dealing with and eliminating false teachers
    • Those who do will get a reward: hidden manna, white stone
    • "Hidden Manna" could be a reference to Christ as the "bread of life"
    • Also might be obscure reference to messianic banquet at the end of time
    • "White Stone" is very elusive
    • It could mean a real stone, or a reference to Urim and Thummim
    • A white stone could also be used as a "ticket" to get into an event
    • Some see another athletic metaphor – white stones were given to the victor
    • Both of these are eschatological symbols having to do with the messianic feast

IV -- 2:18-27 – Letter to Thyatira

  • 2:18
    • Addressed to the angel – lets them know this is important
    • Their Christological attribute is the Son of God image
    • This would stress the relationship between God and Christ
    • This stands over against Apollo who is supposedly the "son of a god"
    • "Eyes like fire; feet like polished bronze" (Rev 1:14-15)
    • This would be especially relevant in a guild town
    • Eyes like raging fire means penetrating insight and judgment of Jesus
    • In this church there is a cult movement of Jezebel
    • Christ is aware of this; judgment is imminent
    • "Polished bronze" was a mixture of copper and zinc
    • This would have been another dig at Apollo, who was generally depicted on a horse with a double-bladed ax
    • This church should remember that Jesus is the divine warrior
  • 2:19
    • Four works are listed
    • Ephesus and Thyatira have serious problems, but they also have a list of good works
    • Love and faith – motivating force
    • Service and endurance – results that follow
    • Love – of both men and God (only used twice in book – here and Ephesus)
    • Love is a primary characteristic of those who love God
    • Faith – Trust in God and perseverance regardless of pressure, persecutions
    • Service – life of active care and help, ministry
    • Endurance – perseverance in the midst of pressure and hard times
    • Four terms describe a Christian life of caring for others
    • They are still doing this; they are being given high praise
  • 2:20-23
    • But they also have weaknesses
    • Like Pergamum, they had grown lax in their theological vigilance
    • They have been tolerating the very heresy the Ephesians had rejected
      • 2:20 
        • In Pergamum, they had false teachers; here they tolerate "Jezebel"
        • The word suggests they might permit it, support it, give it some money
        • No one is trying to take a stand against it
        • At issue here is the leader of the movement – known as Jezebel
        • (Jezebel led the northern kingdom into Baal worship. See 1, 2 Kings)
        • Obviously, this leader was a woman who called herself a prophet
        • She claimed that her message was direct from God
        • Some scholars think this was a reference to a sibyl outside the city
        • In reality, the leader remains unknown
        • She was a leader whose prophetic utterances made her a leader
        • She might have been a prominent woman who housed the church
        • The problem here involves the guilds – a necessity of life (think trade unions today)
        • Guild members would participate in feasts – including meat sacrificed to idols
        • Patron gods were always celebrated at the feast
        • Think of the ramifications of this for one's job security
        • Jezebel probably taught that it was ok to participate
        • Paul has language that says idols are nothing
        • She might have taken that literally
        • Christ says she's been teaching "slaves" idolatry and immorality
      • 2:21 
        • She's been given an opportunity to repent
        • God has given all of them time to repent, but that time is running out
        • The whole movement is addressed through her
      • 2:22 
        • Oracle of judgment
        • Judgment is already announced as a fact
        • Instead of a bed of idolatry, she will be on a bed of pain (sickness)
        • "I will strike her children dead" – refers to her followers
        • They hadn't reached her level yet, but they were in her camp
        • They will experience great tribulation
        • While the sin is generally Jezebel's, they are also culpable
      • 2:23 
      • Warning to the churches
      • Judgment will come "so all the churches will know"
      • This is now the second church to have allowed false teachers
      • The others need to realize this is not ok
      • Judgment is required to teach others the seriousness of the situation
      • Each church should self-examine itself
      • The "gift" to this church is judgment for their sins
      • They will be repaid for what they have done (both good and bad)
      • They will be judged by their works for God sees everything
  • 2:24-5
    • Further words for the faithful
    • In contrast to the idolaters, the faithful will "receive no other burden"
    • The faithful have not followed the false teachings
    • They have never known the "deep things of Satan"
    • Scholars aren't sure what is meant by "no other burden"
    • Perhaps it means no additional requirements, no additional judgment
    • It probably doesn't mean "don't worry about it"
    • They should still oppose these teachings
    • They should retain their faithfulness "until Christ returns"
  • 2:26-29
    • Those who listen and overcome
    • Only Christ's works can be the basis for Christian victory
    • Belief leads to action
    • We've already listed four good works in the beginning of letter
    • Basically, there are two promises
    • I will make the nations your inheritance
    • They will have a new authority; it includes the power to destroy
    • They will have a rod of iron to shatter their enemies like pottery
    • This is not a king's scepter, but rather a shepherd's club
    • Pottery was inscribed with the name of a nation, then broken to symbolize victory over that nation
    • The image is one of total destruction
    • The power of the overcomer is power given by God
    • The chain of command goes as follows: God-Christ-overcomer
    • Morning star – imagery unknown
    • There are OT references to stars as messianic symbols (Num 24:17)
    • The planet Venus was often used by Romans as a symbol of sovereignty
    • This message goes beyond Thyatira and addresses all "the churches"
    • Letter to Thyatira says greatest pressures are economic, not religious

V -- 3:1-6 – Letter to Sardis

  • 3:1
    • Message to the angel
    • Jesus holds the seven spirits, seven stars
    • This could be a possible reference to the "sevenfold Holy Spirit" (Zech 4:2, 10)
    • This church, nearly dead, can be revived only if the Spirit takes over
    • Again, holding seven stars suggests complete authority
    • There is no list of good deeds in this church; their strength is their weakness
    • They call themselves "alive," but they are "dead"
    • Their only claim to fame is their name
    • They were alive in their past; now they are dead
    • Life/death very relevant for this community – big religious issue
  • 3:2-3
    • The solution
    • Five imperatives are given, all focus on spiritual vigilance
    • They are like the city that had been conquered and destroyed due to lack of vigilance
    • They are commanded to be watchful – Wake up!
    • They have allowed themselves to fall asleep
    • They are commanded to strengthen what survives 
    • Most of the church is dead, the few that remain are in danger of dying
    • The reason for all this is their inadequate works
    • Possibly "love, faith, service, endurance" are all lacking
    • They are incomplete, not just in quantity, but also quality
    • They are to remember, obey, and repent
    • This is similar to what was said to Ephesus
    • They are to be obedient to the spiritual realities
    • Lastly, they are to repent, change the direction of their downward spiral and get right with God and Christ
    • There is a sense of urgency about this; time is running out
    • If they don't do this, they will experience the same fate as that of Sardis
  • 3:4-6
    • Promise for the "overcomers"
    • There is a righteous remnant in Sardis – they get a word of encouragement
    • They are described as "not having soiled their garments"
    • This would be a good image for Sardis that had a flourishing wool industry
    • Those who resist temptation "will walk with me in white"
    • This is almost like a victory march
    • While others have fallen, they have remained pure and holy
    • It refers to those who refused to accommodate the Christian walk to pagan demands
    • In addition to walking with Christ and wearing white, their names will never be erased from the book of life
    • This picks up on OT images of a heavenly register where all names are recorded
    • In a similar sense, cities kept records and so did the gods
    • Since Sardis was one of the oldest city, this would be especially meaningful
    • To erase someone's name was to exclude him from the community
    • Even Jesus said, "Your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:20)
    • The book of life contains only those who "made it" – those who were faithful, unspotted
    • Finally, the faithful are told their names will be confessed to the Father
    • Those who are not doing this, by default get the opposite treatment
  • 3:6
    • He who has ears to hear, let him hear
    • The letter ends with a call to heed this Spirit-filled message
    • People have to heed the warnings if they are to receive the promises
    • This really is a message from God, to the angel, to John, to the church

VI -- 3:7-13 – Letter to Philadelphia

  • 3:7
    • Letter to the Angel
    • Its beginning is similar to all the other letters
    • Philadelphia and Smyrna are the only two that are not rebuked
    • Both have a strong Jewish presence in the city – mention of "synagogues of Satan"
    • Their Christological attribute is the one who is "holy and true" – a reference to the Messiah
    • This would be in contrast to what Jews are saying about the "false Messiah"
    • Jesus also holds the key of David – from Isa 22:22
    • Eliakim, the chief steward of Hezekiah, was given the key to the house of David
    • What he shut, no one could open and vice versa; he had access to the king
    • In this case, Jesus is the Messiah who controls access to the kingdom
    • Jews might have thrown Christians out of synagogues
    • Christ has the authority, in turn, to exclude the Jews from the kingdom
    • His decision is final; when the door is shut, it cannot be opened
  • 3:8
    • Their strengths
    • They are doing some things right – there is only approval for them
    • They were in good standing with the Lord and needed encouragement
    • Christ has the power to open and shut, and now he gives that gift to them
    • No doubt the church had been excommunicated from the synagogues
    • But they have the keys to the kingdom
    • They are a small church, but they have persevered
    • They have little clout, little stature, but they have what counts
    • They have kept "my word and not denied my name"
    • They have guarded the gospel and obeyed it
  • 3:9-12
    • Rewards and challenges
    • They will be vindicated among those who had challenged them
    • Jews are again referred to as "those of the synagogue of Satan"
    • They call themselves Jews, but they lie
    • They claim to be God's people, but they have rejected God's Messiah
    • Furthermore, they are persecuting God's people
    • The "open door" probably refers to conversion of the Jews
    • Jewish oppressors will pay homage to Gentile believers
    • "I will make them come and bow so they will know"
    • What they will know is that God loves those who believe in the Messiah
  • 3:10
    • Protection
    • In light of their faithfulness, they get a big promise
    • God will protect them – but from what
    • Trials are still expected, so it must be protection during the trials
    • Some see this as a protection during the end times
    • Others see it as a protection from Satan and the unbelievers
    • In NT, persecution is seen as believers' lot, in fact their privilege
    • In Revelation, martyrdom is seen as a victory over Satan
    • It is much like Christ on the cross is seen as a victory over death
    • Protection does not mean exemption
  • 3:11
    • Exhortation to persevere
    • This is another reference to Christ's "coming"
    • In three other instances it involved judgment (Ephesus, Pergamum, Sardis)
    • Here it involves reward, for which they must persevere
    • They have the open door, citizenship in the kingdom, promised future vindication, and protection by God
    • If they don't persevere, they might lose their crown
    • This is again athletic language; the winner gets the laurel wreath
  • 3:12
    • Security and Status
    • To those who persevere, they will get a new security and a new name
    • All in all, this church gets seven promises
    • Even though it seems to be the weakest church, it gets the most rewards
    • They will be a pillar in the temple of God
    • Pillars represent stability and permanence – great in earthquake country
    • A lot of pillars have names inscribed on them
    • Here, God's name will be written on the believer
    • A pillar in the temple is metaphorical for the permanent place in the kingdom
    • And he will never have to leave it
    • Think of this in terms of earthquake country and having to leave the city
    • They will never have to do this again
    • They will be secure in the city and will never have to leave their homes
    • The fact of the matter, though, is that in the New Jerusalem there will be no need for a temple
    • Regarding the "name" written on the believer -- to have the name of
    • God on you is to belong to God, to be of His essence, to be His child
    • Several OT passages talk about God's name being written on every Israelite
    • The members of this Church will also have the new city written on them
    • It reflects the idea of having citizenship in the kingdom of God
    • The city of Philadelphia had changed its name in honor of the emperor
    • Now the believers will change their name to the city of God
    • It brings forth the idea of the New Jerusalem being an eschatological city
    • Because the "New Jerusalem" comes from heaven, it fulfills the promise of life in the presence of God
    • God will be with His people and He will live with them
    • They are citizens of an eternal city – great for earthquake country
    • Lastly, they will be given a new name of Jesus
    • We don't know what that name will be
    • Clearly, this remains to be heard – in the end of days
  • 3:13
    • Call to listen
    • They need to hear and to obey
    • The Spirit is calling them to respond, but whether or not they do so is up to them
    • This church has had a good history; it needs to be diligent to have a good future
    • They are to hold fast, just like all the other churches

VII -- 3:14-22 – Letter to Laodicea

  • 3:14
    • Message to the angel
    • Here the angel is being convicted by their bad behavior
    • Christ is the "Amen" – the word means "to verify" or "truth"
    • Jesus used it to authenticate his statements, to speak for God
    • It indicated the truthfulness of his statements
    • Unlike the Laodiceans, Jesus actually told the truth
    • Hence, he is the faithful and true witness
    • God's truthfulness is seen in his control of creation
    • Because of their wealth in Laodicea, they thought they were in control Jesus is saying this is not so. 
    • Jesus is in control, not only of creation, but also of their wealth
  • 3:15-16
    • Their strength
    • Like the letter to Sardis, these words are ironic
    • The best that can be said about them is that they are "hot and cold"
    • This is the city with no water supply, in close proximity to hot springs
    • Heropolis had the hot springs; Colosse was known for its pure, cold water
    • When the water was pumped in from hot springs, it was still lukewarm
    • He is speaking ironically in saying, "I know your works" – Oh wait, there aren't any!
    • Jesus wishes that they were either hot or cold
    • They should have been known for their healing works – hot and cold
    • Instead they are "lukewarm" – neither hot nor cold
    • Their works are useless, devoid
    • They were about to be vomited out -- like bad water
  • 3:17-18
    • Solutions to the problem
    • They were very wealthy; this led to a sense of self-sufficiency and complacency
    • The whole region was rich – the problem was the smugness that came with it
    • Someone bequeathed 2000 talents to the city (millions of dollars)
    • After rebuilding the city in 60CE, everything was new, expansive
    • They had a gymnasium, a stadium with a 900 foot track
    • The Church thought because they were materially wealthy, they were also spiritually wealthy
    • Just as the city did not need Rome, the Church did not need God
    • The members of this church had no problems with Jews or pagans
    • They all lived in bliss, succumbed to their affluent lifestyle
    • In fact, they were "wretched and pitiful," "poor, blind, and naked"
    • All these describe extreme unhappiness
    • They do not deserve pity; they are pitiful – they are challenged to change
    • "Poor, blind, naked" – indicates they had been going in the wrong direction
    • They've been buying from the wrong store
    • They are "poor" because they've been buying the wrong things
    • Buying gold from Jesus indicates purifying effect of suffering
    • In fact, this cannot be "purchased," it can only be received (gift)
    • "Wear white clothes" – again ironic in a place where black wool was prized
    • They can be dressed up in the world's finest, but still be naked before God
    • Nakedness stands for judgment and shamefulness; fine clothing indicated honor
    • In Revelation, white garments indicate righteousness
    • This is a call to repent, for realizing their shame, receiving the gift
    • Lastly, they were blind – This is quite ironic in light of their huge medical center
    • Apparently, they were famous for developing an eye salve They must "see" that they are all spiritually blind
  • 3:19-20
    • Additional solutions
    • "Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline"
    • Such an expression of love is unusual, until one remembers God loves the defeated
    • This love demands repentance; it is a wake-up call
    • The two words "correct and discipline" build on each other
    • The first is a rebuke, tries to convince the person to do something about it
    • The second has as its goal the training and guidance of the individual or church
    • The Father disciplines whom he loves
    • The only appropriate response is for them to "be zealous and repent"
    • They must be anxious to "get right with God"
    • They were blind to their own shortcomings
    • They are given an invitation
    • Everyone is challenged to open their lives to Christ, to invite him into their lives
    • If they do so, they have deep fellowship with him
    • "Behold" is to get their attention
    • He is at the door of each of their hearts, knocking to be allowed in
    • He is a loving visitor trying to enter their homes
    • But they have to "hear his voice, and open the door"
    • They are required to respond
    • The result will be fellowship – they will eat together
    • To share a meal was to share a life
    • The promise here is one of acceptance, sharing, and blessing
    • It may also have overtones of the final messianic banquet
  • 3:21-22
    • Challenge to overcome and listen
    • The faithful will share the glory of Christ in eternity
    • They will sit with him on the throne
    • This is an important transition to throne images that are coming in chapters 4-5
    • All who repent and persevere can inherit an eternal throne
    • In OT Yahweh sits on the throne in majesty and judgment
    • In NT, Son of Man shares God's throne
    • The victorious saints also sit on the throne
    • This is a major theological stance
    • Included here is a call to listen and obey
    • It is the Spirit who is speaking – for everyone to hear
    • What's at stake here is eternity itself

Each one of these letters begins with a word from the Lord. It includes praise for what the different cities are doing well, and a rebuke for their deficiencies. Two weren't doing anything well (Sardis and Laodicea), and two didn't have any deficiencies (Smyrna and Philadelphia). Each church received a promise if they were faithful "overcomers," and all were told to heed what was said. A whole new section begins next month with the "woes" that must occur before God's victory will be complete.

Bibliography

Aune, David, E. "Revelation." Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas, TX: Word Books, 1997. p. lxxviii.

Barclay, William. "Revelation." Daily Study Bible. Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Press. 1975.

Boring, M. Eugene. "Revelation." Interpretation. Louisville, KY: John Knox Press. 1989. p35.

Gaebelein, Frank. "Revelation." Expositor's Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing. 1985.

Keck, Leander. "Revelation." New Interpreter's Bible. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press. 1995.

Osborne, Grant. "Revelation." Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. 2002.

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