Special Words from Jesus
Chapters 2 and 3
-2-
The Seven churches.
Asia Minor had many more than just seven churches. These seven were chosen for a good reason; each one had a unique set of qualities. Some had both negative and positive qualities. Some had only positive qualities, and some, only negative. Collectively they were chosen to represent a complete range of positives and negatives within the church in the whole world … from that time to this.[1]
Ephesus church
Paul stopped briefly in Ephesus as he left Corinth near the completion of his second missionary journey. Aquilla and Priscilla came from Corinth with Paul. He spoke in a synagogue and then left for Syria. We have no direct knowledge that Paul ‘planted’ a church here. A while later, while on his third missionary journey, he stopped in Ephesus, found believers that had not heard about the Holy Spirit. Paul corrected them, re-baptised them, and stayed on in Ephesus for an extended period of time.
Timothy connected with this church. When Paul wrote his two letters to Timothy, he was pastor or bishop over the Ephesus church.
Some historians tell us that Apostle John came here with Jesus’ mother, Mary and stayed a number of years, perhaps (likely) serving as bishop/pastor of the church.
Now, near the end of the first century, it is being recognised for its good works. But it is also being rebuked for its decline in its love for Jesus.
The works which they were doing would have been the ‘good works’ that every church should be involved in. They would have been helping the poor, taking care of orphans and widows etc. They would be doing those things which they believe Jesus would be doing if He were there.
Then what is the problem? They probably were no longer emphasizing salvation like they once did. They may have forgotten who and what they were before they came to Christ. They may even have begun to see themselves as somebody special. This is addressed in 2 Peter 1:9 [2]. It is a common problem. It is also very serious and can have devastating consequences.
This is a problem that besets not only churches, but individuals.
Church leadership is responsible for holding up the Saviour and remembering his saving grace. Since individuals make up the church, if each one ‘remembers’ and comes back to their first love, it will affect the whole church.
The recommended cure for the church in Ephesus is ‘remembering’ (v5).
The prodigal came back to the father when … he remembered.
Remembering can come too late. Abraham said to the rich man in hell, Remember when … This only produced more pain.
Jesus said, “This do in remembrance of Me”. Remembering Jesus and what He did for us, brings us back to remembering how undeserving we were (and are) of His favour (grace). Remember from where you have fallen. We have fallen from the ‘table’ of grace. We need to climb back up. The following verse may not entirely fit what was happening in Ephesus but it comes close:
Galatians 5:4 You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.
What is the warning? The Lampstand would be removed. In the picture given in chapter one, what would this look like? Jesus would be walking among six lampstands. The church would no longer be a church. By the way, what makes a group of people … a church?
"For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." Mt 18:20
In Jesus’ name … means to be gathered together because of Him, His love, His purpose in the world etc. Jesus says, I am there in the midst of them, leading them, having close fellowship with them as a family, blessing them, showing them wonderful things from his word. What a huge privilege it is to have Jesus actually 'in our midst'.
The following verses speak of an ongoing relationship with Jesus;
John 16:12 "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.
13 "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
14 "He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.
15 "All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.
All of the above would be gone. The people would be missing out on His invisible presence. And Jesus would no longer be receiving ‘glory’ from them since they would no longer be a church.
"to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. "Ephesians 3:21
Standing against the Nicolaitans
Who are the Nicolaitans?
There is no definitive answer in scripture, and not much in history. The two common theories are:
The promise to Overcomers.
In these two chapters Jesus is addressing churches. When he comes to the end of each letter to a particular church, he offers promises to overcomers. But I notice that he does not say, To them who overcome I will … He is not actually asking a whole church to ‘overcome’. To me it is amazing that He says, To him who overcomes, I will … Some of the churches we will look at are pretty bad … but if even one person responds, Jesus has a promised a blessing for that person.
Here the promise is, Re 2:7 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God." Adam and Eve were removed from the garden before they could eat from this tree and ‘live forever’. This promise at the very least is a promise that overcomers would not lose their salvation.
Extra study - A love grown cold. (Matt 24:12)
The age Jesus is speaking of in Matthew is characterised by:
- Christians being despised worldwide
- The reaction of many Christians to negative popularity.
- A situation ripe for false prophets to capitalise on.
- as a result of a doctrine that people want to hear, lawlessness develops in the church. The
doctrine is presented as 'liberty', as freedom in Christ. Christianity, worship, experience all
become totally self-centered. This total love of self results in ...
- love for others growing cold.
James addresses church 'in-fighting' and puts it down to self-centeredness.
John 15:18-21 is a portion of ‘the Lord’s prayer’. Take time to look it over carefully and then record your comments as the scripture ‘speaks to your heart’.
[1] Note – I must point out that if you are looking to read other commentaries on the book of Revelation you most definitely will come upon some that hold the viewpoint that each of these churches represents an era of church history. In this ‘view’ it is usually stated that we are in the last days and the church at large is characterized by the Laodicean (lukewarm) church. We are told by these commentators that we are in the Laodicean age. I do not agree with this view. I see it as being somewhat egotistical. The western church may be lukewarm. The USA represents about 29 percent of all Protestants in the world, but on the other hand, about 51 percent of the USA is protestant. We could possibly say that the American church is generally lukewarm but to say that the other 71 percent of believers in the world is lukewarm? The church in China is huge. Christians in Islam countries are multiplying. Are they Laodicean? Not a chance!
[2] 2 Peter 1:9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
Even though Jesus predicts this as a major problem in the ‘end of the age’ church, as He addresses the Ephesus church (in Revelation 2) He expects that this can be reversed.
Paul gives a clear directive to the Philippians (2:4) in which he expressly tells believers to focus on the needs and feelings of others in the church.
Some of the ‘present day tools’ which Satan might use:
Eph 4:22-32 Gives a comprehensive list of things to ‘put off’ and avoid and other things to put on.
Church Positives Negatives Warnings Promises
Ephesus Hard-working Departed from Repent or have Access to the tree of
Persevering first love. lampstand removed life in heaven.
Doctrinally sound.
Endured difficulties.
Stood against
Nicolaitanism.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Smyrna Enduring affliction Faithfulness to the point
and poverty. of death equals a crown
of life.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pergamum Remaining true Allowing those Remove them or Access to hidden
in the face of who hold the expect the sword manna and a new
persecution. doctrine of of God to come name.
Balaam and against you.
Nicolaitanism.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thyatira Good deeds, Tolerating a Repent or expect Privilege of ruling
love, faith, Jezebel spirit severe judgment with Christ.
perseverance, (sexual im- from God. Hold on Gift: the Morning Star
and 'increase'. morality etc. ) to what you have.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sardis 'Alive' in name Wake up and Will be clothed in
only. strengthen the white and your name
little that still remains will not be blotted out.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Philadelphia Some strength Do not let anyone Kept from the hour of
Not denied my take your crown. of trial.
name. Permanent resident of
the Holy City.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Laodicea Lukewarm, "Buy gold, white Rule with Christ.
wretched, pitiful clothes and eye salve.
poor, blind and naked. Open the door to me."
Asia Minor had many more than just seven churches. These seven were chosen for a good reason; each one had a unique set of qualities. Some had both negative and positive qualities. Some had only positive qualities, and some, only negative. Collectively they were chosen to represent a complete range of positives and negatives within the church in the whole world … from that time to this.[1]
Ephesus church
Paul stopped briefly in Ephesus as he left Corinth near the completion of his second missionary journey. Aquilla and Priscilla came from Corinth with Paul. He spoke in a synagogue and then left for Syria. We have no direct knowledge that Paul ‘planted’ a church here. A while later, while on his third missionary journey, he stopped in Ephesus, found believers that had not heard about the Holy Spirit. Paul corrected them, re-baptised them, and stayed on in Ephesus for an extended period of time.
Timothy connected with this church. When Paul wrote his two letters to Timothy, he was pastor or bishop over the Ephesus church.
Some historians tell us that Apostle John came here with Jesus’ mother, Mary and stayed a number of years, perhaps (likely) serving as bishop/pastor of the church.
Now, near the end of the first century, it is being recognised for its good works. But it is also being rebuked for its decline in its love for Jesus.
The works which they were doing would have been the ‘good works’ that every church should be involved in. They would have been helping the poor, taking care of orphans and widows etc. They would be doing those things which they believe Jesus would be doing if He were there.
Then what is the problem? They probably were no longer emphasizing salvation like they once did. They may have forgotten who and what they were before they came to Christ. They may even have begun to see themselves as somebody special. This is addressed in 2 Peter 1:9 [2]. It is a common problem. It is also very serious and can have devastating consequences.
This is a problem that besets not only churches, but individuals.
Church leadership is responsible for holding up the Saviour and remembering his saving grace. Since individuals make up the church, if each one ‘remembers’ and comes back to their first love, it will affect the whole church.
The recommended cure for the church in Ephesus is ‘remembering’ (v5).
The prodigal came back to the father when … he remembered.
Remembering can come too late. Abraham said to the rich man in hell, Remember when … This only produced more pain.
Jesus said, “This do in remembrance of Me”. Remembering Jesus and what He did for us, brings us back to remembering how undeserving we were (and are) of His favour (grace). Remember from where you have fallen. We have fallen from the ‘table’ of grace. We need to climb back up. The following verse may not entirely fit what was happening in Ephesus but it comes close:
Galatians 5:4 You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.
What is the warning? The Lampstand would be removed. In the picture given in chapter one, what would this look like? Jesus would be walking among six lampstands. The church would no longer be a church. By the way, what makes a group of people … a church?
"For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." Mt 18:20
In Jesus’ name … means to be gathered together because of Him, His love, His purpose in the world etc. Jesus says, I am there in the midst of them, leading them, having close fellowship with them as a family, blessing them, showing them wonderful things from his word. What a huge privilege it is to have Jesus actually 'in our midst'.
The following verses speak of an ongoing relationship with Jesus;
John 16:12 "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.
13 "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
14 "He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.
15 "All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.
All of the above would be gone. The people would be missing out on His invisible presence. And Jesus would no longer be receiving ‘glory’ from them since they would no longer be a church.
"to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. "Ephesians 3:21
Standing against the Nicolaitans
Who are the Nicolaitans?
There is no definitive answer in scripture, and not much in history. The two common theories are:
- From the etymology of the word: Nicos – to Conquer + Laos (laity or people). The thought here is that it is the practice of domineering (conquering) people. Peter counselled the Elders, 1Pe 5:2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; Was this a practice that was beginning even then? How long would it be until some of the church slipped further into error and eventually would be completely domineered by a Pope and (locally) by priests?
- Followers of a ‘gospel’ put forward by Nicolas. Acts:5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Coming from IRENAEUS (early second century) a ‘bishop’ in Lyons, France (known especially for his series of books titled, ‘Against Heresy’ written to counter the teachings of the Gnostics) indicated that Nicolaitanism might have derived from deacon Nicolas having departed from the faith, began to teach a ‘gospel’ of liberty, permitting sexual fornication, eating meat offered to idols, etc. However, commentators are quick to mention that there is absolutely no evidence that Nicolas ever apostatized. Some of the Gnostics, however, taught that the freedom we have extends to any of our desires. Jude in his one-chapter book takes on this heresy.
The promise to Overcomers.
In these two chapters Jesus is addressing churches. When he comes to the end of each letter to a particular church, he offers promises to overcomers. But I notice that he does not say, To them who overcome I will … He is not actually asking a whole church to ‘overcome’. To me it is amazing that He says, To him who overcomes, I will … Some of the churches we will look at are pretty bad … but if even one person responds, Jesus has a promised a blessing for that person.
Here the promise is, Re 2:7 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God." Adam and Eve were removed from the garden before they could eat from this tree and ‘live forever’. This promise at the very least is a promise that overcomers would not lose their salvation.
Extra study - A love grown cold. (Matt 24:12)
The age Jesus is speaking of in Matthew is characterised by:
- Christians being despised worldwide
- The reaction of many Christians to negative popularity.
- A situation ripe for false prophets to capitalise on.
- as a result of a doctrine that people want to hear, lawlessness develops in the church. The
doctrine is presented as 'liberty', as freedom in Christ. Christianity, worship, experience all
become totally self-centered. This total love of self results in ...
- love for others growing cold.
James addresses church 'in-fighting' and puts it down to self-centeredness.
John 15:18-21 is a portion of ‘the Lord’s prayer’. Take time to look it over carefully and then record your comments as the scripture ‘speaks to your heart’.
[1] Note – I must point out that if you are looking to read other commentaries on the book of Revelation you most definitely will come upon some that hold the viewpoint that each of these churches represents an era of church history. In this ‘view’ it is usually stated that we are in the last days and the church at large is characterized by the Laodicean (lukewarm) church. We are told by these commentators that we are in the Laodicean age. I do not agree with this view. I see it as being somewhat egotistical. The western church may be lukewarm. The USA represents about 29 percent of all Protestants in the world, but on the other hand, about 51 percent of the USA is protestant. We could possibly say that the American church is generally lukewarm but to say that the other 71 percent of believers in the world is lukewarm? The church in China is huge. Christians in Islam countries are multiplying. Are they Laodicean? Not a chance!
[2] 2 Peter 1:9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
Even though Jesus predicts this as a major problem in the ‘end of the age’ church, as He addresses the Ephesus church (in Revelation 2) He expects that this can be reversed.
Paul gives a clear directive to the Philippians (2:4) in which he expressly tells believers to focus on the needs and feelings of others in the church.
Some of the ‘present day tools’ which Satan might use:
Eph 4:22-32 Gives a comprehensive list of things to ‘put off’ and avoid and other things to put on.
Church Positives Negatives Warnings Promises
Ephesus Hard-working Departed from Repent or have Access to the tree of
Persevering first love. lampstand removed life in heaven.
Doctrinally sound.
Endured difficulties.
Stood against
Nicolaitanism.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Smyrna Enduring affliction Faithfulness to the point
and poverty. of death equals a crown
of life.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pergamum Remaining true Allowing those Remove them or Access to hidden
in the face of who hold the expect the sword manna and a new
persecution. doctrine of of God to come name.
Balaam and against you.
Nicolaitanism.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thyatira Good deeds, Tolerating a Repent or expect Privilege of ruling
love, faith, Jezebel spirit severe judgment with Christ.
perseverance, (sexual im- from God. Hold on Gift: the Morning Star
and 'increase'. morality etc. ) to what you have.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sardis 'Alive' in name Wake up and Will be clothed in
only. strengthen the white and your name
little that still remains will not be blotted out.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Philadelphia Some strength Do not let anyone Kept from the hour of
Not denied my take your crown. of trial.
name. Permanent resident of
the Holy City.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Laodicea Lukewarm, "Buy gold, white Rule with Christ.
wretched, pitiful clothes and eye salve.
poor, blind and naked. Open the door to me."