Revelation Chapter 2
As the book of Revelations begins, we find that Jesus instructs John to write letters to seven churches these are the lampstands that John saw in chapter 1. These churches were actual churches in John’s lifetime who were represented either by an angel that watched over them, or it is more likely that the reference is to a Pastor or Shepherd that is leading the church. Each letter that is written to these churches contains a similar format. There is first a description of Jesus (the one addressing the church), a commendation, a rebuke, a solution, a consequence for disobedience and a promise for conquerors.
Of course, these letters were also meant for churches to read and follow today as well as those churches that will go through the tribulation period. These letters will become so important for the persecuted church during the tribulation. And these letters are meant for each of us to read and to learn from as well since every believer is a member of the church.
The seven churches are first introduced as follows: Ephesus in Rev. 2:1, Smyrna in 2:8, Pergamum in 2:12, Thyatira in 2:18, Sardis in 3:1, Philadelphia in 3:7, and Laodicea in 3:14.
Let's Reflect
1. The first lampstand or church that is mentioned is Ephesus. Notice that Jesus is literally holding in His hand the light of each of these churches. What does He hold in His right hand?
2. In verse 4 we find the rebuke of the church of Ephesus; they have left their first love. The most important love is to love God and to love others. These two loves must be present together to be effective in the ministry of the gospel. Remember how excited you were when you first came to know Jesus as your Savior? Is it possible that you have forgotten how much you love Jesus? Our first love stems from what He did on the cross for us and that love is so great that it overflows from our heart and spills over to other people. It is so easy for churches to become so busy doing all the right things for the Lord that they forget their first love. What did Jesus say is the solution for those who have forgotten their first love?
3. The second church mentioned is Smyrna. Notice that Jesus sees all the difficult times that we endure as believers. What did Jesus say that He recognized the believers at Smyrna had endured? This church would be persecuted to the maximum. Some would lose their lives. Jesus told them to remain faithful despite the persecution and they would be rewarded how? There is mention of conquering and not being hurt by a second death. We will look at this truth of a second death (which is hell or the lake of fire) in chapter 20.
4. The next letter will be written to the church at Pergamum. Notice the description of Jesus in verse 12. Why will Jesus need to judge some people of this church? What are some of the church people doing that is sinful? Jesus teaches us here that when there are those in our church who hold incorrect doctrine or are involved in sin it is the responsibility of the leadership to correct the course of the church. These Nicolaitans were people who accepted sexual immorality.
5. The reward for overcoming these obstacles to the church was that they would receive ___________ and a white stone with a new name written on the stone. These are promises of eternal value. A white stone was a sign of a legal agreement made between two people. But more importantly Jesus will write a new name on that stone for the person who overcomes. Wouldn’t that be such a precious gift to receive a beautiful new name from Jesus who sees our effort to overcome wickedness?
6. The next church is Thyatira. Verse 20 tells us there is a woman prophetess who is teaching in this church and spreading false teachings. What nickname does Jesus call this woman? This woman refuses to repent and so Jesus tells the church that she will suffer consequences for her sin.
7. What will the church come to understand in an even greater way when they see this woman and her children suffer the consequences of her rebellion?
8. As for the rest of the church who had not listened to the teachings of that woman, they were encouraged to do what until Jesus returns?
9. The churches (believers) who overcome and follow after their first love will be rewarded. They will be the light (the star will be given to them) and they will also be given what?
