You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. - James 4:4
In the first sermon of this series, I described the Pre-Tribulation Rapture timeline of eschatology and explained briefly why I am a proponent of it. From my perspective, this is the framework that best supports and reconciles the various events spoken about in Revelation. According to this theological position, we are currently living in (and perhaps very near to the end of) the Church Age. The Church Age will conclude when Jesus returns for all Christians (both the living and dead) at an event called the Rapture.
I believe that the first 3 chapters of Revelation collectively represent the Church Age. Chapter 1 provides an account of events immediately leading up to John’s incredible vision, while chapters 2 & 3 relate specifically to the 7 churches of Asia and generally to the Christian church at large. Some Bible commentators have suggested that these 7 churches represent 7 periods or subdivisions of the Church Age. While this theory has some general merit, it is rather ambiguous and speculative. For me, the much greater emphasis is that the 7 churches of Asia depict different types of churches that can be found at all times throughout the Church Age.
This morning we will continue with part 2 of our 3-part message on the 7 churches of Asia. Last week we introduced this portion of Revelation and talked about the church at Ephesus. As you may remember, it is widely known as “The Loveless Church”. In today’s sermon, we will consider 3 more of these New Testament churches.
I. THE MESSAGE TO SMYRNA (Revelation 2:8-11)
The second letter is addressed to the leader and congregation of the church at Smyrna. Jesus begins by identifying Himself as “The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life”. As is the case in most of these letters, Jesus' greeting to each church refers back to His original introduction to John in chapter 1.
Jesus acknowledged that the church of Smyrna was experiencing difficulties, trouble, and tribulation. They were being smeared and slandered by unbelieving and unsaved Jews. Though rich with the spiritual blessings of God, from an earthly perspective the church and its members were poor and lowly. Whatsmore, Jesus predicted that their suffering would continue and foretold that some would even be tested by being thrown into prison. That said, He urged them to remain faithful and not to be afraid.
In His remarks, Jesus spoke pointedly of a coming tribulation that would last for “10 days”. There are differing interpretations of what this prediction refers to. Some suggest that it points to a decade-long Roman persecution of the Smrynan church that took place during the mid-second century. During these years of intense persecution, the pastor of the church at Smyrna (an early church father named Polycarp) was martyred in approximately 156 AD. We cannot be absolutely certain about the specific meaning of the “10 days”, but this explanation is definitely possible. The greater point is that the church at Smyrna had already and would continue to suffer for the cause of Christ. It is characterized as “The Suffering Church”.
This letter closes with a promise that those who remained faithful, even unto death, would receive the crown of life (see James 1:12). Jesus advised every believer to hear and take this message to heart. He promised that everyone who perseveres and overcomes the trials of life will not be harmed by the “second death” (see Revelation 20:14).
II. THE MESSAGE TO PERGAMUM (Revelation 2:12-17)
The third letter is written to the pastor and people of the church at Pergamum. Pergamum was a beautiful, art-filled cultural center known for its worship of pagan gods. In His salutation, Jesus identified Himself as “the One who has the sharp two-edged sword”.
The city of Pergamum was originally founded by the Greeks. A large and ornate altar had been built there as a monument to their chief god Zeus. When Rome came to power, they adopted this magnificent structure as their own. The mythological and false gods of Greece, Rome, and other ancient cultures all served as competitors and rivals of the one true, living God. With this in mind, many Bible commentators believe that Jesus was referring the altar to Zeus when He spoke about “Satan’s throne”. He also described Pergamum as the place where “Satan dwells”.
Jesus started by acknowledging that the church in Pergamum was located in a challenging city. He applauded them for remaining faithful and demonstrating courage despite their arduous circumstances and idolatrous environment, specifically mentioning their refusal to deny the faith during the days of Antipas. According to tradition, Antipas was a student of John who had become the bishop or pastor of the church at Pergamum. He was a physician as well. He was martyred by the Romans during the mid to late first century (the exact date is disputed) by being roasted to death in a brazen or copper bull.
After complimenting their faith, Jesus then listed some serious problems that greatly hindered the Pergamum church. Some of their members followed the teachings of Balaam, an Old Testament prophet who had been hired by Balak to curse Israel (see Numbers 22-24). Still others embraced the heresies of the Nicolaitans, who were also mentioned in the earlier letter to Ephesus. The church was knowingly permitting these congregants to eat foods that had been sacrificed to idols and to practice acts of sexual immorality. Jesus sternly warned them to either repent or face judgment. The excessive tolerance of the church at Pergamum has led it to become known as “The Compromising Church”.
At the end of the letter, there is a call for all believers to listen and learn from the instructions given to the Pergamum church. All Christians have to be careful about compromising the things of God with those of the world. The one who overcomes will receive 2 things - some hidden manna and a white stone with a new name on it that is known only by the one who receives it. Though the exact meaning of these gifts is disputed, the most common interpretations are that the hidden manna represents the miraculous spiritual provision of Jesus (see John 6:48-51) and the white stone inscribed with the new name symbolizes a ticket providing privileged access into God’s presence (mirroring the Roman custom of rewarding athletic victors with white stones that entitled them to participate in an award’s banquet). Stated plainly, the redeemed will ultimately enjoy the Lord’s eternal presence and provision.
III. THE MESSAGE TO THYATIRA (Revelation 2:18-29)
The fourth letter is addressed to the pastor and congregation of the church in Thyatira. Jesus opened it by identifying Himself as “The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and feet like burnished bronze”. He then complimented the church for their love, faith, service, perseverance, and “greater works”. Apparently, perhaps due to its growth, this church was doing more for the Lord presently than it had done previously.
Despite these strengths, Jesus condemned the church of Thyatira for tolerating a false prophetess that He dubbed as “Jezebel”. Perhaps this was her actual name, but it is most likely a reference to the wicked Queen of Israel, the wife of King Ahab, described in the Old Testament (see 1 Kings 18 and 21). This Jezebel-like woman was leading the Christians of Thyatira astray into sinful and adulterous conduct. Jesus explained that He’d given her ample time to repent, but she’d outright refused. Therefore, He promised to throw her onto a bed of sickness and cast her unrepentant sexual partners into great tribulation. This warning should be understood both literally and metaphorically. In addition, Jesus declared that He’d kill her children with the plague so that all the churches would know undoubtedly that He is the Lord. For their sin, the church of Thyatira is often thought of as “The Adulterous Church”.
Jesus urged those who had resisted Jezebel’s charms and remained faithful to hold fast until He arrived. He promised to give overcomers “authority over the nations”, just as He Himself had been given ruling authority by His Father. Christians will reign with Christ during the Millennium (see Revelation 20:6). Furthermore, Jesus promised to give His children “the morning star”. In essence, He was promising to give Himself - “the bright and morning star” (see Revelation 22:16) - completely and eternally to His people. May all Christians hear and give special attention to this message!
CONCLUSION
The churches of Pergamum and Thyatira were both affected by the same disease - spiritual compromise. They had been infiltrated by false teachers who misled many. They permitted sinful conduct to remain in their midst unchecked. They listened to and promoted heresies and even chased after worldly lusts. Meanwhile, in nearby Smyrna, the church was suffering from intense persecution and oppression because of its refusal to compromise the truth of God.
Inevitably, most churches will take on one of these 2 characteristics. They will either stand resolutely and unapologetically for Christ while resisting immorality, which will most certainly invite suffering and tribulation, or they will prostitute themselves by compromising with the Devil and this fallen world ultimately destroying their testimony and effectiveness. Which are we?
In the first sermon of this series, I described the Pre-Tribulation Rapture timeline of eschatology and explained briefly why I am a proponent of it. From my perspective, this is the framework that best supports and reconciles the various events spoken about in Revelation. According to this theological position, we are currently living in (and perhaps very near to the end of) the Church Age. The Church Age will conclude when Jesus returns for all Christians (both the living and dead) at an event called the Rapture.
I believe that the first 3 chapters of Revelation collectively represent the Church Age. Chapter 1 provides an account of events immediately leading up to John’s incredible vision, while chapters 2 & 3 relate specifically to the 7 churches of Asia and generally to the Christian church at large. Some Bible commentators have suggested that these 7 churches represent 7 periods or subdivisions of the Church Age. While this theory has some general merit, it is rather ambiguous and speculative. For me, the much greater emphasis is that the 7 churches of Asia depict different types of churches that can be found at all times throughout the Church Age.
This morning we will continue with part 2 of our 3-part message on the 7 churches of Asia. Last week we introduced this portion of Revelation and talked about the church at Ephesus. As you may remember, it is widely known as “The Loveless Church”. In today’s sermon, we will consider 3 more of these New Testament churches.
I. THE MESSAGE TO SMYRNA (Revelation 2:8-11)
The second letter is addressed to the leader and congregation of the church at Smyrna. Jesus begins by identifying Himself as “The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life”. As is the case in most of these letters, Jesus' greeting to each church refers back to His original introduction to John in chapter 1.
Jesus acknowledged that the church of Smyrna was experiencing difficulties, trouble, and tribulation. They were being smeared and slandered by unbelieving and unsaved Jews. Though rich with the spiritual blessings of God, from an earthly perspective the church and its members were poor and lowly. Whatsmore, Jesus predicted that their suffering would continue and foretold that some would even be tested by being thrown into prison. That said, He urged them to remain faithful and not to be afraid.
In His remarks, Jesus spoke pointedly of a coming tribulation that would last for “10 days”. There are differing interpretations of what this prediction refers to. Some suggest that it points to a decade-long Roman persecution of the Smrynan church that took place during the mid-second century. During these years of intense persecution, the pastor of the church at Smyrna (an early church father named Polycarp) was martyred in approximately 156 AD. We cannot be absolutely certain about the specific meaning of the “10 days”, but this explanation is definitely possible. The greater point is that the church at Smyrna had already and would continue to suffer for the cause of Christ. It is characterized as “The Suffering Church”.
This letter closes with a promise that those who remained faithful, even unto death, would receive the crown of life (see James 1:12). Jesus advised every believer to hear and take this message to heart. He promised that everyone who perseveres and overcomes the trials of life will not be harmed by the “second death” (see Revelation 20:14).
II. THE MESSAGE TO PERGAMUM (Revelation 2:12-17)
The third letter is written to the pastor and people of the church at Pergamum. Pergamum was a beautiful, art-filled cultural center known for its worship of pagan gods. In His salutation, Jesus identified Himself as “the One who has the sharp two-edged sword”.
The city of Pergamum was originally founded by the Greeks. A large and ornate altar had been built there as a monument to their chief god Zeus. When Rome came to power, they adopted this magnificent structure as their own. The mythological and false gods of Greece, Rome, and other ancient cultures all served as competitors and rivals of the one true, living God. With this in mind, many Bible commentators believe that Jesus was referring the altar to Zeus when He spoke about “Satan’s throne”. He also described Pergamum as the place where “Satan dwells”.
Jesus started by acknowledging that the church in Pergamum was located in a challenging city. He applauded them for remaining faithful and demonstrating courage despite their arduous circumstances and idolatrous environment, specifically mentioning their refusal to deny the faith during the days of Antipas. According to tradition, Antipas was a student of John who had become the bishop or pastor of the church at Pergamum. He was a physician as well. He was martyred by the Romans during the mid to late first century (the exact date is disputed) by being roasted to death in a brazen or copper bull.
After complimenting their faith, Jesus then listed some serious problems that greatly hindered the Pergamum church. Some of their members followed the teachings of Balaam, an Old Testament prophet who had been hired by Balak to curse Israel (see Numbers 22-24). Still others embraced the heresies of the Nicolaitans, who were also mentioned in the earlier letter to Ephesus. The church was knowingly permitting these congregants to eat foods that had been sacrificed to idols and to practice acts of sexual immorality. Jesus sternly warned them to either repent or face judgment. The excessive tolerance of the church at Pergamum has led it to become known as “The Compromising Church”.
At the end of the letter, there is a call for all believers to listen and learn from the instructions given to the Pergamum church. All Christians have to be careful about compromising the things of God with those of the world. The one who overcomes will receive 2 things - some hidden manna and a white stone with a new name on it that is known only by the one who receives it. Though the exact meaning of these gifts is disputed, the most common interpretations are that the hidden manna represents the miraculous spiritual provision of Jesus (see John 6:48-51) and the white stone inscribed with the new name symbolizes a ticket providing privileged access into God’s presence (mirroring the Roman custom of rewarding athletic victors with white stones that entitled them to participate in an award’s banquet). Stated plainly, the redeemed will ultimately enjoy the Lord’s eternal presence and provision.
III. THE MESSAGE TO THYATIRA (Revelation 2:18-29)
The fourth letter is addressed to the pastor and congregation of the church in Thyatira. Jesus opened it by identifying Himself as “The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and feet like burnished bronze”. He then complimented the church for their love, faith, service, perseverance, and “greater works”. Apparently, perhaps due to its growth, this church was doing more for the Lord presently than it had done previously.
Despite these strengths, Jesus condemned the church of Thyatira for tolerating a false prophetess that He dubbed as “Jezebel”. Perhaps this was her actual name, but it is most likely a reference to the wicked Queen of Israel, the wife of King Ahab, described in the Old Testament (see 1 Kings 18 and 21). This Jezebel-like woman was leading the Christians of Thyatira astray into sinful and adulterous conduct. Jesus explained that He’d given her ample time to repent, but she’d outright refused. Therefore, He promised to throw her onto a bed of sickness and cast her unrepentant sexual partners into great tribulation. This warning should be understood both literally and metaphorically. In addition, Jesus declared that He’d kill her children with the plague so that all the churches would know undoubtedly that He is the Lord. For their sin, the church of Thyatira is often thought of as “The Adulterous Church”.
Jesus urged those who had resisted Jezebel’s charms and remained faithful to hold fast until He arrived. He promised to give overcomers “authority over the nations”, just as He Himself had been given ruling authority by His Father. Christians will reign with Christ during the Millennium (see Revelation 20:6). Furthermore, Jesus promised to give His children “the morning star”. In essence, He was promising to give Himself - “the bright and morning star” (see Revelation 22:16) - completely and eternally to His people. May all Christians hear and give special attention to this message!
CONCLUSION
The churches of Pergamum and Thyatira were both affected by the same disease - spiritual compromise. They had been infiltrated by false teachers who misled many. They permitted sinful conduct to remain in their midst unchecked. They listened to and promoted heresies and even chased after worldly lusts. Meanwhile, in nearby Smyrna, the church was suffering from intense persecution and oppression because of its refusal to compromise the truth of God.
Inevitably, most churches will take on one of these 2 characteristics. They will either stand resolutely and unapologetically for Christ while resisting immorality, which will most certainly invite suffering and tribulation, or they will prostitute themselves by compromising with the Devil and this fallen world ultimately destroying their testimony and effectiveness. Which are we?