The following is a commentary on The Book of Revelation which I wrote for my doctoral thesis. I am in the process of enlarging the text which will be included as soon as the revision is completed.

A Walk Through

Revelation:

Verse By Verse

Melvin Payne

A WALK THROUGH REVELATION

VERSE BY VERSE

Melvin L. Payne, Thd.

This book is dedicated to my precious wife, Dot who

encouraged me to complete my doctorate. She is now

in the Presence of of Lord

Acknowledgments:

Special mention of appreciation to Gordie and Vikki Ellison who put the manuscript into book form.

I also owe a debt of gratitude to Lynda Briggs for her many hours of editing and proofing of the book.

I. Introduction......................................................................................................... iii

II. Commentary........................................................................................................ 1

Chapter 1...................................................................................................... 4

Chapter 2...................................................................................................... 4

Chapter 3...................................................................................................... 4

Chapter 4...................................................................................................... 4

Chapter 5...................................................................................................... 4

Chapter 6...................................................................................................... 4

Chapter 7...................................................................................................... 4

Chapter 8...................................................................................................... 4

Chapter 9...................................................................................................... 4

Chapter 10.................................................................................................... 4

Chapter 11.................................................................................................... 4

Chapter 12.................................................................................................... 4

Chapter 13.................................................................................................... 4

Chapter 14.................................................................................................... 4

Chapter 15.................................................................................................... 4

Chapter 17.................................................................................................... 4

Chapter 18.................................................................................................... 4

Chapter 19.................................................................................................... 4

Chapter 20.................................................................................................... 4

Chapter 21.................................................................................................... 4

Chapter 22.................................................................................................... 4

III. Appendix............................................................................................................ 6

IV. Works Cited....................................................................................................... 6

INTRODUCTION

As we begin our study of the Book of Revelation, there are some unique features about this book that we should call attention to.

1. Revelation is the only prophetic book in the New Testament, while there are seventeen in the Old Testament.

2. John reaches further back into eternity past than any other writer in Scripture. He opens his gospel with “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) Then, when he writes the Book of Revelation, he reaches farther on into eternity future and the eternal kingdom of our Lord.

3. A special blessing is promised to the readers of this book. On the other hand, a curse is upon any who dare to add to or remove from this book any of its writings.

4. Revelation is not a sealed book. When you read the prophecies of Daniel, you learn that Daniel was told to seal up some things. Now we read in Revelation where John is instructed not to seal up the prophecies.

5. There are a series of visions that have been revealed to John. These visions are expressed in symbols which deal with reality. There are different methods of interpretation but it is obvious that the literal interpretation is preferred unless John makes it clear that it is otherwise.

6. You will find that the Revelation does not originate anything, nor will it begin anything. You will, however, find that it brings together and concludes the things that were begun in other parts of the Scriptures.

There are different schools of thought on the details of interpretation of Revelation. When it comes to the broad interpretation, there are four major systems.

1. The pretreist interpretation holds that all of Revelation has already been fulfilled in the past. This teaching claims that it all had to do with John’s day and with the days of the Emperors of Rome. Those who hold this view see Revelation as a comfort to those Christians who were being persecuted, and were written with symbols that the Christian would quickly understand.

If this is true, then this book should be taken out of the Bible, because it has no meaning for today.

2. The historical interpretation holds that the Revelation is being fulfilled at all times, from John’s day to the present time. This is true as far as the seven churches are concerned, but as we look closer, it is obvious that the Book of Revelation is a prophetic book.

3. The historical-spiritualist interpretation is just a refinement of the historical theory. This theory states that the two beasts are imperial and provincial Rome. They claim that the book is to encourage Christians. According to this theory, Revelation has been largely fulfilled and contains only spiritual lessons for the church today.

This teaching that we know today as amillennialism has, for the most part, adopted this view.

4. The futurist interpretation is held by all premillennialists. This is the view that I take as I attempt to write a brief commentary on this great book. The futurist view follows a certain form of interpretation.

The futurists are divided into three different types of interpretation. Let us begin with the Post-tribulation view. This theory holds that the church will continue on earth until the second advent at the end of this present age, at which time, the church will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air as He comes from heaven on His way to earth for the second time. The church comes on back to earth with Jesus.

In order to support this theory, they must bypass some important criterion used in interpreting prophetic scripture. (1) Post-tribulationism must be based on a denial of dispensationalism. This is the only way they can place the church in the period called “the time of Jacob’s trouble.” (Jeremiah 30:7) (2) Consequently, the position rests on a denial of the distinctions between Israel and the church. (3) The position must rest on a denial of the Scripture's teaching concerning the nature and purpose of the tribulation period. Whereas Scripture uses such terms as wrath, judgment, indignation, trial, trouble, and destruction to describe this period, and states that the divine purpose in the period is to pour out judgment on sin, the advocates of this position must deny this essential teaching of the Word. (4) The post-tribulationist must deny all the distinctions observed from the Scriptures between the raptured and the second advent, making them one and the same event. (5) The post-tribulationist must deny the doctrine of imminence, which says that the Lord may come at any time, and substitute the teaching that a multitude of signs must be fulfilled before the Lord can possibly come. (6) The post-tribulationist must apply major passages of Scripture that outline God’s program for Israel (Matthew 13; Matthew 24, 25; Revelation 4-19) to the church in order to support his views. This system is based primarily on denials of the interpretations held by the pre-tribulation rapturist, rather than on a positive exposition of Scripture.

A view that is less prevalent than the post-tribulation rapture, is the mid-tribulation theory. According to this interpretation, the church will be raptured at the middle of the tribulation. The church will endure the events of the first half of the seven years of tribulation. This theory claims that the beginning of great tribulation begins with the sounding of the seventh trumpet and the catching away of the two witnesses in Revelation 11. This view is only a weakened version of post-tribulationism, and the same six errors of interpretation that bring down post-tribulationism are essentially the same that destroys mid-tribulationism.

The third prevalent interpretation is the pre-tribulation interpretation. This holds that the church, in its entirety, will, by resurrection and translation, be removed from the earth before any part of the seventieth week of Daniel begins.

Pre-tribulation rapturism rests essentially on one major premise – the literal method of interpretation of the Word of God. The church and Israel are two distinct groups with whom God has a divine plan. The church is a mystery, unrevealed in the Old Testament. This present mystery age intervenes within the program of God for Israel because of Israel’s rejection of the Messiah at His advent. This mystery program must be completed before God can resume His program with Israel and bring it to completion.

Pre-tribulationism holds that the church will be raptured out at the beginning of the Tribulation. There are some types and shadows in the Old Testament that indicate this. One such type is that of Enoch. Enoch walked with God and the record says that God took him, that is, God caught him up to heaven. This took place just before the flood judgment, therefore giving us a picture of the church. On the other hand, Noah and the Ark gives is a picture of Israel during the Tribulation. Noah entered the ark and survived the flood, then came out to live in the land.

As pre-tribulation believers, we hold that the rapture of the church is imminent, and the tribulation will begin immediately after the rapture of the church. We believe that the tribulation will last for a duration of seven years as corresponds with the seventy weeks of Daniel’s prophecies. Pre-tribulation belief also holds that the tribulation will be divided into two equal parts of three and one-half years. The last half being the Great Tribulation. During the Tribulation, the Antichrist will be revealed, a one-world system will emerge, and great persecution of believers will take place. Great changes will take place on earth as earth comes under the judgment of God. In the final end of that age, Jesus will come to conquer the nations of the world and to lock Satan up for a thousand years. Then Christ will reign with a theocratic rule during the millennium that follows. Satan is then loosed for a short time. God then steps in and casts Satan into the lake of fire for eternity.

THE RELATION OF JESUS CHRIST

CHAPTER 1

Revelation 1:19 gives the three main divisions in the book of Revelation. “Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;”

I. “The things which thou hast seen” (Revelation 1:1-20)

A. Introduction (Revelation 1:1-3)

Verse 1: “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John.”

1. “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” The word “revelation” means unveiling, appearing, coming; therefore we are to understand the meaning here to be the unveiling of things to come. It is quite clear that the Revelation is from the Lord Jesus Christ, and not the Revelation of St. John the Divine as has been attributed to John by translators of the Holy Bible.

2. “Which God gave unto him.” Jesus already knew what was to happen, therefore the scripture here refers to God giving to Jesus Christ all the glory of the Revelation because of His finished work on the cross of Calvary.

3. “To shew unto His servants which must shortly come to pass.” “Servant” means a bondslave – one who served out his time and because of love for his master wished to remain in service for him. “Shortly” means surely, or speedily.

4. It is in the remainder of the verse that we learn it was given to John as the human writer to record the message as Jesus Christ sent it by His angel.

Verse 2: “Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.”

1. John recorded in his gospel things from the beginning, Jesus the Word, etc. in the Gospel of John.

Verse 3: “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those thins which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”

1. A blessing is passed on to the individual who will study the Word, or even listen to someone else read or teach the word of this prophecy. McGee calls this verse the “Beatitude of Bible Study.”¹

B. Salutation (Revelation 1:4-8)

Verse 4: “John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne.”

1. John sends greetings to the seven churches located in Asia.

2. “Peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne.” John uses an oriental greeting “Peace be unto you” but also adds the word grace, for without grace it is totally impossible to have peace.

Verse 5: “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.”

1. “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness.” This greeting was also extended from Jesus Christ Himself. The fact the He is faithful proves that the Revelation will come to pass.

2. “The first begotten” He is the only Son of God “and the prince of the kings of the earth.” “Prince” is rendered ruler in the center column of the Scofield Bible. Surely, He is the ruler of all the kings of the earth.

3. “Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood.” John is giving praise for salvation that was purchased at Calvary. We should be able to rejoice when reading this part of the verse if indeed our sins are under the blood.

Verse 6: “And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

1. “Made us kings and priests” read “A kingdom of priests.” Believers are never called king.

2. As he reflects on the greatness of Jesus Christ, he shouts out “Amen.”

Verse 7: “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.”

1. “Behold, he cometh with clouds” reminds us of His ascension in the Book of Acts. The heavenly messenger stated that He would return in like manner as they had seen Him go. However, this is not the rapture event that is described here, but the second coming of our Lord.

2. “Every eye shall see him.” This was not possible until modern technology developed the Tel-Star system. Now with satellite, an event happening on the other side of the world can be seen here at the same moment.

Verse 8: “I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”

1. Jesus states that He is the A in the alphabet and the z as well. He is clearly declaring that the only way to God if through Him.

C. The Resurrected Christ Judging His Church (Revelation 1:9-18)

Verse 9: “I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

1. “John.” Here again John’s name is use. The other two are at the end of the book.

2. “Brother.” John uses this term to describe his relationship to the believers.

3. “In tribulation.” This does not refer to the coming tribulation of the world. John was in great trouble because Domitian (AD 96), the emperor of Rome had put him in prison on the isle of Patmos. He was there because of this faithfulness in preaching the Word as is further stated in this verse.

Verse 10: “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet.”

1. “In the Spirit on the Lord’s day.” This is interesting when you consider that John was locked up in a prison, yet he still took time to worship on the Lord’s day.

2. “In the Spirit.” This is a book that was birthed in the Holy Spirit, and the only way it can ever be understood is through the Spirit. The reason so many intellectual minds have a problem with the book is because they are trying to understand it from a position of human reasoning. It will never work.

3. John heard a voice like a war trumpet, and it spoke to him

Verse 11: “Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.”

1. Jesus states that He is the “Alpha and Omega”; these are the first and last letter in the Greek alphabet. This is repeat of verse 8.

2. John is commanded by Jesus to write down all that was about to be revealed to him, and to send the written letter to each of the seven churches listed.

3. These seven churches, when located on a map, are in a rough circle. This gives us a complete picture of the church cycle.

Verse 12: “And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks.”

1. John hears a thundering voice that startled him and as he whirls around he sees seven golden lamp stands. These are individual land stands and are different from the lamp stand in tabernacle.

Verse 13: “And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.”

1. The lamp stands were positioned in a circle and John saw someone standing in the middle.

2. The person is none other than the post-resurrection Jesus Christ.

3. The garments are those of the high priest (Exodus 28:2-4). The garments represent the inherent righteousness of Christ. In Him is no sin, and He knew no sin.

4. The girdle is about the breast, and speaks of Jesus’ judgment in truth.

Verse 14: “His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire.”

1. Jesus is the Ancient of Days (see Daniel 7:9) and white hair speaks of His eternal existence.

2. “His eyes were as a flame of fire.” These are the penetrating eyes of His holy love.

Verse 15: “And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.”

1. “Feet like unto fine brass.” This tells us He is also the judge.

2. The voice John hears is not the voice of the meek and good shepherd. Jesus’ voice is so powerful it sounded “as” the voice of many waters. This is the judgment voice of God, which we have heard throughout the scriptures. The prophet Jeremiah heard it. “The Lord shall roar from on high” (Jeremiah 25:30, and also the following scriptures: Joel 3:16, Amos 1:22, and Hosea 11:10).

Verse 16: “And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.”

1. The stars in Jesus’ right hand is explained in Verse 20. McGee says this shows that Jesus has the whole universe in His hands.¹ While I agree that Jesus does have the whole universe in his hand, I am compelled to accept the Bible’s own interpretation of it.

2. The “sharp two-edged” sword represents the Word.

3. “His countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.” You can’t even look at the sun.

Verse 17: “And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last.”

1. John’s vision of the resurrected Christ has a paralyzing effect on him.

2. Jesus speaks comfort to John and removes the fear.

3. “First and last” refers to His deity.

Verse 18: “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

1. Jesus left the celestial portals of glory to come to this low ground of sin and sorrow. He came to die that the believer might live.

2. “Evermore” means “into the ages upon ages.”

3. Jesus Christ removed the sting of death, broke the bonds that held the helpless person captive. Jesus also took possession of the key from Satan.

D. John is instructed to write. (Revelation 1:19-20)

Verse 19: “Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter.”

1. John is commanded to write down the things that will be revealed to him concerning things that happened in the past, things that were presently happening as well as things that would happen in the future.

Verse 20: “The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.”

1 An explanation of the ”hereafter” in verse 19 is given.

2. Notice Jesus says that He is holding the stars in His right hand. The stars are his ministers, the pastors of the church. A better word to use would be messengers.

CHAPTER 2

I. “The things which are” (Revelation 2:1-3:22)

Chapters 2 and 3 deal with the church history from the early church to the last stage of apostasy. Each church represents a period during which the conditions that prevailed in that church were the denominating influences of the particular period.

The instruction is given to the angel of the church. This is not an angel assigned to the individual church, but rather the pastor. The proper meaning to the word used here as angel is “messenger.” It is understood, however, that each messenger to the local assembly is the pastor.

A. The Letter to Ephesus

Verse 1: “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.”

1. “Ephesus.” The Apostolic church (AD 30-100). Ephesus is considered by Bible scholars to have been one of the largest and finest churches in New Testament times. Of the seven churches, it is the only one that has a mention of apostles with it.

Verse 2: “I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars.”

1. “Works.” According to Lahaye there is strong evidence that the early church preached the gospel around the world.¹ Romans 10:18, Romans 16:26, Colassians 1:6, as well as Colassians 1:23 are scriptures supporting this theory.

2. “Tried them which say they are apostles.” The early church was very strict about who they listened to. They made sure that the person was really called a man of God.

Verse 3: “And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake has laboured, and hast not fainted.”

1. The early church faithfully preached and practiced the Word.

2. They faced opposition but did not fall by the wayside.

Verse 4: “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.”

1. “Nevertheless.” In spite of all their good works, the faithful adherence to the truth, they fell victim to human nature. They lost sight of the real reason for their service. The love for the Lord and His work was lost. They were just going through the motions of serving.

Verse 5: “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”

1. Counsel is given to repent and return to the excitement and energy that was displayed at the beginning.

2. Failure to do so would bring the withdrawal of the Spirit of the Lord from that church. The light would go out.

Verse 6: “But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicholaitanes, which I also hate.”

1. The doctrine of Nicholaitanes is synonymous with modern day eccesilasticism according of Lahaye.²

2. The word “Nicholaitanes” comes from the Greek “nikao” – to conquer – and “laos” – the people. There is no record of a sect of people by that name, but the word refers to the earliest form of the notion of a priestly order, or clergy. That was later divided into the “priests” and “laity”.

Verse 7: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”

1. A spiritual ear is referred to here.

2. The tree of life is the same one mentioned in Revelation 22:2.

B. The Letter of Smyrna

Verse 8: “And unto the angel at the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive.”

1. The period of this stage in church history is to AD 316. The word “Smyrna” is the same word for “Myrrh,” which is a sweet smelling perfume. This church sent up a beautiful fragrance to the Lord. It was also necessary to crush myrrh in order for the fragrance to come forth. It was during this time of extreme persecution that the church exalted the glory of God. According to “Foxe’s Book of Martyrs,” five million Christians were put to death.

2. “Which was dead, and is alive” was real to these people and they needed to know that all of this was still in the plan and purpose of Almighty God.

Verse 9: “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.”

1. “Works,” “Tribulation,” “Poverty.” This church did not meet in the beautiful buildings, nor were their assemblies necessarily in buildings at all. Their congregation consisted of slaves, ex-slaves, freed slaves, run-away slaves, poor people. If any rich people were saved, their property was confiscated.

2. “But thou art rich.” There are some valuable things that money can’t buy. Those in possession of these commodities are far richer than material wealth.

3. “The blasphemy of them which say they are Jews… but are the synagogue of Satan.” The implication is that the Jews in Smyrna who had come to Christ were Jews inwardly as well as outwardly. In Romans 9:6, Paul says that not all Israel is Israel. It is his religion that makes a Jew a real Jew.

Verse 10: “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”

1. Jesus encourages them not to fear.

2. “Be thou faithful.” God challenges those persecuted saints to remain strong, not to turn aside, and for their faithfulness, they would be greatly rewarded.

Verse 11: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.”

1. “Second Death.” D. L. Moody put it like this, “He who is born once will die twice; he who us born twice will die once.” And if the Rapture takes place he will die not once if he is saved.

2. The first death concerns the body. The second death concerns the spirit and soul; it is eternal separation form God. No believer will have to undergo that.

C. The Letter to Pergamos – The Church Under

Verse 12: “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges.”

1. “Pergamos” means marriage or elevation. This church period was under imperial favor, when the church began to settle down in the world. Its history begins in A.D. 312 and runs to A.D. 606.

2. “Sharp sword with two edges” is the Word of God. In Pergamos, this was needed because of the fake religions that flourished there. This also shows absolute certainty of the theme.

Verse 13: “I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.”

1. “I know thy works.” We cannot hide ourselves form Him.

2. “Dwellest.” The Christians were in a dangerous environment because of the pagan worship.

3. “Satan’s seat” probably is a reference to the giant altar to Zeus, elevated about 800 feet from the plain below and visible for miles.³ It oculd also refer to all that was dominating and controlling the life and culture of this city, the snake god, Asklepios, would also serve as a symbolic picture of Satan and his power.

4. From this verse we learn that this was a worldly church.

5. “Thy holdest fast my name.” They believed that Jesus was the Son of God.

6. “And hast not denied my faith.” They were straight on the plan of salvation, yet they were worldly.

7. “Faith martyr.” The word martyr means witness. There was one who was faithful to give the true witness unto death.

Verse 14: “But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.”

1. “Doctrine of Balaan” was Balaam’s teaching Balac to corrupt the people who could not be cursed (see: II Peter 2:15, Jude 11, also Numbers 31:15-16) by tempting them to marry women of Moab, defile their separation, and abandon their pilgrim character.

2. Pergamos had lost their pilgrim character and was “dwelling” where Satan’s throne is – in the world (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11).

Verse 15: “So has thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.”

1. The deeds of the Nicolaitanes mentioned in verse 6 becomes the doctrine or teaching of the church at Pergamos.

2. God shows His holy displeasure of this practice to priest and laity.

Verse 16: “Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.”

1. The only cure for backsliding is to repent.

2. The object for rebuking error is the Word of God.

Verse 17: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”

1. “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna.” God has hidden truths to teach us, but He will not let us understand them if we are living in the world.

^2.“White stone.” Lahaye says the basic tone of agreement among Bible commentators is that it means assurance. White in the Bible refers to righteousness of God. He also says that in ancient times a white stone meant acquittal. The jurors voted by placing down a white stone, signifying that they acquitted the person of the crime.⁴

D. The Letter to Thyatira

Verse 18: “And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass.”

1. “Thyatira.” In Smyrna, the problem of Nicolaitanism began to take root. In the church of Pergamos, Nicolaitanism became a doctrine, or teaching, along with Balaamism. But in the church of Thyatira it triumphed to engulf and currupt the church. The word Thyatira means “continual sacrifice,” and we see this practice as the Roman Catholic Church begins to practice the Mass.

2. “Eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass.” This denotes He is looking with piercing eyes of judgment on the church because she has permitted the false teaching to creep into her midst and “seduce my servants.”

Verse 19: “I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.”

1. Six good things are listed that the Lord has to say about this church: works, charity, service, faith and patience.

2. “And the last more than the first.” History records the good works of the Catholic church in building hospitals, schools, etc. that have been a great help to society.

Verse 20: “Notwithstanding I have a few things againt thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel which calleth herself prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.”

1. “Notwithstanding.” “Nevertheless” or “in spite of” all the good mentioned in verse 18, the Lord says there are some things He cannot tolerate.

2. “Jezebel.” A cult religion is identified in the Scriptures as a woman. Here our Lord is speaking of a religious system that has caused His people to unite the church with the world.

Verse 21: “And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.”

1. “Fornication.” This is spiritual perversion.

2. God has given her time to repent of her false teachings and practices and return to the sound Word of God, but she refuses.

Verses 22, 23: “Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.”

1. “I will” shows a future action on God’s part. A threatening judgment is issued against this church, and be sure He will execute it!

2. This will be done during the tribulation period. A further, more detailed account appears later in Chapter 17.

Verses 24, 25: “But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.”

1. There is always a remnant of true believers that hold to the faith and will not waver.

2. The charge is verse 25 is to hold fast, or continue in the apostles doctrine until Jesus makes His second advent.

Verses 26-29: “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

1. In these verses there is clear evidence that the saints of God will judge and rule during the tribulation.

2. Jesus Christ will rule with righteous rule.

3. Jesus is the “bright and morning star” (Revelation 22:16).

CHAPTER 3

E. The Letter to Sardis

Verse 1: “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.”

1. “Sardis.” The word means “a remnant” or “escaping ones” or “those who came out.” This is the beginning of the great Reformation period.

2. Though there is little life in the church, God is still in control.

3. The tragedy of the Sardis or Reformation Church that earned them the condemnation of being a “dead” church was twofold.

First, they became state churches. The danger of this is that it included the entire population, thus eliminating salvation on a personal basis.

Second, the Reformation churches did not sufficiently change many customs and teachings that were practiced in the Roman Catholic Church. Some of these were: sprinkling, ritualism characteristic of pagan worship.

4. Repentance is still the answer to a right relationship with the Lord.

Verse 4: “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.”

1. There were some in this church that refused to give in to the compromising of the truth regardless of the cost.

Verses 5, 6: “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

1. To those who resisted the temptation to succumb to the trends of the day was promised a white garment to wear. Actually, these overcomers were the true born-again believers.

F. The Letter to Philadelphia

Verse 7: “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openth;”

1. “Philadelphia” means “brotherly love.”

2. The open door of the gospel resulted in a flourishing period that many theologians agree started about 400 years ago. This was a time when the Bible was translated into the language of the people and all could understand it. Thus broke out great national revivals and a wave of evangelism swept across Europe and eventually to North America.

Verse 8: “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou has a little strength, and hast kept my word, and has not denied my name.”

1. Though attempts have been made to try to stop the evangelistic movement, they have been unsuccessful.

2. There was a real return to religious faith, in reading as well as practicing the teachings of the Bible.

3. These churches which held to the truth for the most part were small: “little strength,” yet God has multiplied them into a mighty force that is hard to stamp out.

4. “Kept my word.” The Reformation churches, past and present, believe the Word of God, but are not characterized by obedience to it. The church of Philadelphia in contrast to this practice, is characterized by obedience to His Word.

5. “And hath not denied my name.” Satan has tried to counter an effective work of God. It is interesting to notice that the greatest increase in false Christs and false religion began during this period of time.

Verse 9: “Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.”

1. Christ promised that all the false religionists (religious impostors and false teachers) who claim to be Jews, but are not, would someday be subdued before them. These heretics will realize that, in persecuting the faithful church of Christ, they have turned their backs on Him.

Verse 10: “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.”

1. Because of their faithfulness, the promise is given that they will be spared the tribulation that is coming on earth for seven years.

Verse 11: “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”

1. The Lord’s counsel to the church of Philadelphia is based on His promise of His second coming. Notice that the challenge is made on the basis that the church of Philadelphia will be in existence at His coming.

2. The Philadelphian church is characterized by a spirit of revival and promotes evangelism and a missionary-minded church. The churches that are practicing this formula are enjoying unprecedented growth.

This is in sharp contrast with the Sardis or Laodicean churches which are having a hard time maintaining status quo. Many are losing more members than they are gaining. Their problem is they have not kept His word and they have denied His name.

Verse 12: “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.”

1. To the overcomer the challenge is three-fold. First, a pillar speaks of stability. Second, the writing of the names of God is indicative of the fact that the believer is identified with Christ by the seal of the name of God, which entitles him to have entrance into the city of God. Third, the believer not only has the name of God which entitles him to enter God’s city, but he also has the name of Christ which entitles him to be “His servant… and they shall see his face.”

Verse 13: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”

1. The believer is challenged to listen.

G. The Letter to Laodicea

Verse 14: “And unto the Angel of the Church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God."

1. “Laodicea.” The word means “rights of the people.” It is during this period that the church becomes apostate. Some Bible theologians believe this period set in when Israel became a nation in 1948.

2. Though most of the teaching is false, or mixed with error, Jesus says He is “the Amen, the faithful and true witness.” Many are teaching a new way to salvation, but it is filled with corruption. Jesus is still the door of salvation.

3. ”The beginning of the creation of God.” It is during this stage of church history that the theory of evolution begins to be accepted as fact without any valid proof. God says He alone is the creator.

Verse 15: “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot, I would that thou wert cold or hot.”

1. The church is lukewarm. It is not “hot”, meaning “zealous of good works,” not is it “cold”, meaning “lifeless”. Instead, it is lukewarm or indifferent having all kinds of organizations, programs, committees, activities, but no power. These churches are usually more interested in social action than Gospel action, more interested in reformation than transformation more interested in planning than praying.

Verse 16: “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”

1. Because of this condition of “lukewarmness”, it will make God sick, and He will vomit them up.

Verse 17: “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked."