Sardis, Measuring Up in the Sheepfold, the Book of Life

I am not sure about anyone else but this study of the seven churches scares me.  I realize that we do not do the things Jesus asked us to do in this day and time.  If we are to be part of the heavenly congregation, the episunagoge, the Pleiades, then we do have a responsibility to do what Jesus says here on earth.  Again we should remember that Paul established the churches and wrote them letters to help them manage the affairs of the congregation, then anywhere from 20 to 40 years later, Jesus wrote us to help us again manage the congregations.  Somehow we haven’t taken Jesus’ words to heart as much as Paul’s.  This scares me because we may one day find ourselves without excuse standing before the Lord and recognizing we were not doing what we were supposed to.  As with Thyatira, Sardis has some harsh language about the dead and death.  What we will see is that there very well may be people who sit next to us every week at church who are not saved.  They may attend church meetings but may never have confessed Jesus as their Lord or believed that God raised him from the dead.  We live in a time where if we are saved, our works are judged for rewards.  But to those who are not saved, their works are what they are judged by for eternity.  Yikes! Are those you know written in the Lambs Book?

Rev 3:1 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.

Again to reiterate why we are looking at the seven churches, Jesus has the seven stars, which are the seven angels of the seven churches.  We are looking at this in reference to the Pleiades and the episunagoge, the above congregation.  The Pleiades along with the Hyades are two star clusters residing in the constellation of Taurus. While the sheepfold is portrayed in Ursa Major and Ursa Minor and the congregation in the Pleiades, we are exploring what these two subjects should mean to us today.  How we are to look as a sheepfold on earth, and what we are to know as the future congregation in heaven.

Amos 5:8 Seek him that maketh the seven stars [strongs #3598] and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The Lord is his name: KJV

OT:3598 Kiymah (kee-maw'); from the same as OT:3558; a cluster of stars, i.e. the Pleiades: KJV - Pleiades, seven stars.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

( For more indepth  study see my previous blogs The Congregation the Pleiades, Our Hope Hidden in Christ, God Points Out Constellations to Us, What Do They Mean?, and The Throne of God, the Firmament, What Was Lucifer’s Plan.)

Jesus tells the church that he knows their deeds and their last name and they are living even though they are corpses.  That is a bad way to start a conversation.  “Hi everyone I know what you do and who you are and I know that you are living but you really are just corpses”. Is this the church of the living dead; was there a zombie apocalypse?  No, but obviously there is something they are doing wrong here.

Rev 3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. (Read my God)

Strengthen NT:4741 sterizo (stay-rid'-zo); from a presumed derivative of NT:2476 (like NT:4731); to set fast, i.e. (literally) to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or (figuratively) to confirm: KJV - fix, (e-) stablish, stedfastly set, strengthen.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Which remain NT:3062 loipoy (loy-poy'); masculine plural of a derivative of NT:3007; remaining ones: KJV - other, which remain, remnant, residue, rest.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:3007 leipo (li'-po); a primary verb; to leave, i.e. (intransitively or passively) to fail or be absent: KJV - be destitute (wanting), lack.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Are ready NT:3195 mello (mel'-lo); a strengthened form of NT:3199 (through the idea of expectation); to attend, i.e. be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probability, possibility, or hesitation): KJV - about, after that, be (almost), (that which is, things,  which was for) to come, intend, was to (be), mean, mind, be at the point, (be) ready,  return, shall (begin), (which, that) should (after, afterwards, hereafter) tarry, which was for, will, would, be yet.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

To die NT:599 apothnesko (ap-oth-nace'-ko); from NT:575 and NT:2348; to die off (literally or figuratively): KJV - be dead, death, die, lie a-dying, be slain (X with).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Not NT:3756 ou (oo); also (before a vowel) ouk (ook); and (before an aspirate) ouch (ookh); a primary word; the absolute negative [compare NT:3361] adverb; no or not: KJV -  long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, [can-] not,  nothing,  special, un ([-worthy]), when,  without,  yet but. See also NT:3364, NT:3372.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Perfect NT:4137 pleroo (play-ro'-o); from NT:4134; to make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.:KJV - accomplish,  after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Before NT:1799 enopion (en-o'-pee-on); neuter of a compound of NT:1722 and a derivative of NT:3700; in the face of (literally or figuratively):KJV - before, in the presence (sight) of, to.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

My NT:3450 mou (moo); the simpler form of NT:1700; of me: KJV - I, me, mine (own), my.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Ouch, this verse hurts.  Jesus tells them to intentionally turn to the destitute ones who are about to suffer death because He has absolutely not found their deeds fully complete in the face of His God.  In other words their works do not meet the requirements of God, as the NLT translates it.  Jesus doesn’t expect perfection but he does expect a certain level of works to be done for entering into the New City as we shall see. This very clearly implies that there is an amount of deeds that are to be done.  Their deeds were not enough in front of the face of God.  There are some who refuse to worship Jesus as Lord, and their works are not enough.  There is an untranslated word here, strongs # 3450, me, mine, my.  Jesus is measuring deeds and theirs were unsatisfactory in the presence of His Father.  This is not the position I want to be in.  They seem to be dying and they don’t even realize it. Look at the ones who are dying and wake them up. Do we have those in our churches who are not saved, who do nothing, who do not help or serve, or give, or enable others?  There is a measure of deeds we should attain to.  And yet their problem may have been a bit bigger than simply lack of works but they possibly lived like the world, doing the things of the world and not living for God.

Rev 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

Thou shalt watch NT:1127 gregoreuo (gray-gor-yoo'-o); from NT:1453; to keep awake, i.e. watch literally or figuratively):KJV - be vigilant, wake, (be) watch (-ful).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Hold fast NT:5083 tereo (tay-reh'-o); from teros (a watch; perhaps akin to NT:2334); to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from NT:5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from NT:2892, which implies a fortress or full military lines of apparatus), i.e. to note (a prophecy; figuratively, to fulfil a command); by implication, to detain (in custody; figuratively, to maintain); by extension, to withhold (for personal ends; figuratively, to keep unmarried); by extension, to withhold (for personal ends; figuratively, to keep unmarried):KJV - hold fast, keep (-er), (pre-, re-) serve, watch.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Jesus then says they should be reminded of what they have taken and heard, and guard what they learned, and repent or change their thinking.  If they don’t, Jesus will arrive as someone who steals and they won’t be aware what time he will be over them.  It sounds like they will be so immersed in their worldliness that they will be unaware of Jesus returning in the clouds. Remember how we established that there are three witnesses of Jesus returning in the clouds in our first blog on this series, mentioned by John, the angels via Luke, and Paul, all establishing Jesus’ return in the clouds.  That the word upon, in the Greek epi, is used, it is eluded to as Jesus will come at a precise time, over us.  What is over us? On some days it is clouds.  Also what does a thief do? A thief steals, but what will Jesus be stealing? I think a better question is who is Jesus stealing? Jesus is going to come over us and take people.  Remember harpazo is snatching away, that would be what Jesus is saying to the churches who are behaving a bit too worldly, ‘I’m coming and stealing away some of the people whose works measure up and you will be asleep and not know when I appear’.  On that day there will be great sorrow for those who were not prepared. 

Rev 3:4 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.

Have defiled NT:3435 moluno (mol-oo'-no); probably from NT:3189; to soil (figuratively): KJV - defile.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Garments NT:2440 himation (him-at'-ee-on); neuter of a presumed derivative of ennumi (to put on); a dress (inner or outer):KJV - apparel, cloke, clothes, garment, raiment, robe, vesture.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

They shall walk NT:4043 peripateo (per-ee-pat-eh'-o); from NT:4012 and NT:3961; to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary):KJV - go, be occupied with, walk (about).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Worthy NT:514 axios (ax'-ee-os); probably from NT:71; deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise):KJV - due reward, meet, [un-] worthy.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Jesus says there is a small or puny amount of people who have not soiled their clothes, and they will tread all around, wearing white with Him because they are deserving.  I am not sure how small small is to the Lord, but the Lord was willing to save Lot and his wife and two daughters out from the entire city.  Is it possible that the number of people spared from that church could be that small?  Those few will be able to travel around with Jesus wearing a clean white garment.

5 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.

Shall be clothed NT:4016 periballo (per-ee-bal'-lo); from NT:4012 and NT:906; to throw all around, i.e. invest (with a palisade or with clothing):KJV - array, cast about, clothe (-d me), put on.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Raiment same as 2440 above

I will blot out NT:1813 exaleipho (ex-al-i'-fo); from NT:1537 and NT:218; to smear out, i.e. obliterate (erase tears, figuratively, pardon sin): KJV - blot out, wipe away.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Book NT:976 biblos (bib'-los); properly, the inner bark of the papyrus plant, i.e. (by implication) a sheet or scroll of writing:KJV - book.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Life NT:2222 zoe (dzo-ay'); from NT:2198; life (literally or figuratively):KJV - life (-time). Compare NT:5590.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

I will confess NT:3670 homologeo (hom-ol-og-eh'-o); from a compound of the base of NT:3674 and NT:3056; to assent, i.e. covenant, acknowledge: KJV - con- (pro-) fess, confession is made, give thanks, promise.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Before 1799 same as above

Jesus says the overcomer likewise (or like the few in Sardis) will be dressed in white clothes and I won’t obliterate his name out of the book of life but I will acknowledge his name in the face of my Father and in the face of His angels.  To be announced in the face of the Father and the angels is a thing of honor.  While the majority did not live for Jesus, these few are announced as the ones who did.

6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.KJV

This is what Jesus is saying to the churches, not to the heathens who are not in the churches.  That is what we have to realize here, there are some in the churches that are not in the book of life. What is the Book of Life?

Phil 4:3And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life KJV

Here Paul implies that it is for fellowlabourers, those who are working for the Lord.  This is where some in the church might be falling short so that their works do not measure up by themselves.  We may not be aware of this but even today there are still religious organizations that do not teach that we have to be born again to be saved.  I remember someone saying that their previous protestant church never taught that we have to be born again and almost sent his entire family to hell. Wow.

Rev 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.KJV

Jesus says here that the people left on the earth whose names are not written in the book of life, once the church is gone, will worship Him. It seems it would be better to worship Him, Jesus, now and serve Him, so that we will get to walk with him wearing white, rather than going through the tribulation and worshiping Him at that time.  Why be stubborn?

Rev 17:8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.KJV

I like the way the NLT translates this verse, ‘the people belong to the world’; maybe they did not change their citizenship.  It is time to change our citizenship.  (See my previous blog Changing Your Citizenship to the Kingdom of God).

Rev 17:8 The beast you saw was once alive but isn't now. And yet he will soon come up out of the bottomless pit and go to eternal destruction. And the people who belong to this world, whose names were not written in the Book of Life before the world was made, will be amazed at the reappearance of this beast who had died. Holy Bible, New Living Translation ®, copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.

Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.KJV

As we previously read this verse when reading about the second death, those who are not written in the book of life are judged by the things they did according to their works, which were all written down.  There is a way to escape that time period, which would first be to make and confess Jesus as Lord of your life; then secondly, live for Him. 

Rev 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.KJV

Well that seems to say it all. Those not written in the book of life are judged according to works, but as we saw with Sardis, those people’s works were not measuring up.  Jesus said that they were going to die and they didn’t even know it.  They never left the world for the kingdom of God which Jesus preached.

Rev 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.KJV

The only ones who enter into the new and holy city Jerusalem are those written in the Lamb’s book of life.  That again speaks for itself.  Are the people in our churches written in the Lamb’s book of Life?  Are we?

Rev 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.KJV

This is also self explanatory.  The book of life is nothing to take lightly.  If you are written in it you are well off.  If you are not written in it you are in trouble. I think it would be better to confess Jesus as Lord now, live by faith, and have my works tried by fire for rewards, rather than find out later that my works do not measure up.  Let’s consider these passages.   

John 3:14-21 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. KJV

Rom 10:9-13 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.KJV

End Notes:

SARDIS  [SARR dis] — the capital city of Lydia in the province of Asia, in western Asia Minor (modern Turkey). The church at Sardis was one of the seven churches mentioned by John in the Book of Revelation (Rev 3:1-6).

Sardis was situated on the east bank of the Pactolus River about 80 kilometers (50 miles) east of Smyrna; it occupied a rocky spur of Mount Tmolus and a valley at the foot of this mountain. In ancient times Sardis was well fortified and easily defended. It became the capital of the ancient Lydian empire, then passed successively to the Persians, the Greeks, and the Romans during their respective dominance of the ancient world.

During its days as a Roman city, Sardis became an important Christian center. However, the church at Sardis was evidently affected by the complacency of the city and its reliance on past glory: "You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead" (Rev 3:1). Sardis, the dead church, was like "whitewashed tombs which...appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones" (Matt 23:27). Its thriving, healthy appearance masked an inner decay.

The most impressive building of ancient Sardis must have been its magnificent Temple of Artemis, built in the  fourth century B.C. The temple was 100 meters (327 feet) long and 50 meters (163 feet) wide and had 78 Ionic columns, each 17.7 meters (58 feet) high. Some of these columns remain standing until this day.

(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

Thyatira: Serving and Protecting the Sheepfold

Thyatira is an interesting church.  It is one place where their works of service are a wonderful thing but they also seem to suffer a non confrontational approach to sin.  One of the interesting things we’ve seen is that Jesus wants to get the church cleaned up.  In order to clean up the church someone has to confront the sin.  Today there are many times that sin is in the church and when someone in the church points it out to the leaders the person pointing it out gets reprimanded or scorned.  How is it that when someone speaks the truth they become the enemy? (see Galatians 4:16). It is an odd twist in today’s churches, but as we will see, Jesus gives people time to repent and then they are to be dealt with.  If we did this in our churches today we’d have less destructive sin and the sheep wouldn’t be bitten and devoured by the wolves in sheep’s clothing. It is amazing when the sheep are crying that they are being bitten by other sheep and no one bothers to point out that sheep don’t bite.  They are wolves.  Let’s try to make a distinction between them.  If your church allows the wolves into the sheepfold and doesn’t confront the sins they bring in, then your church is not in the will of the Lord Jesus.  Let’s read about Thyatira.

Rev 2:18 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;

Eyes NT:3788 ophthalmos (of-thal-mos'); from NT:3700; the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance):KJV - eye, sight.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Flame NT:5395 phlox (flox); from a primary phlego (to "flash" or "flame"); a blaze: KJV - flame (-ing).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Fire NT:4442 pur (poor); a primary word; "fire" (literally or figuratively, specifically, lightning):KJV - fiery, fire.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Feet NT:4228 pous (pooce); a primary word; a "foot" (figuratively or literally):KJV - foot (-stool).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Fine brass NT:5474 chalkolibanon (khal-kol-ib'-an-on); neuter of a compound of NT:5475 and NT:3030 (in the implied mean of whiteness or brilliancy); burnished copper, an alloy of copper (or gold) and silver having a brilliant lustre: KJV - fine brass.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Jesus announces that he is the Son of God, which is because there was someone claiming to have an “in” in spiritual insight. This time Jesus describes himself with eyes that are blazing fire and feet that are polished brass.  Jesus is ready for war. That seems like a clue as to how we might one day see Him as John described in Revelation 1:14 & 15

Rev 2:19 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.

Works NT:2041 ergon (er'-gon); from a primary (but obsolete) ergo (to work); toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act:KJV - deed, doing, labour, work.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Charity NT:26 agape (ag-ah'-pay); from NT:25; love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast:KJV - (feast of) charity ([-ably]), dear, love.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Faith NT:4102 pistis (pis'-tis); from NT:3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: KJV - assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Service NT:1248 diakonia (dee-ak-on-ee'-ah); from NT:1249; attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the Christian teacher, or techn. of the diaconate):KJV - (ad-) minister (-ing, -tration, -try), office, relief, service (-ing).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:1249 diakonos (dee-ak'-on-os); probably from an obsolete diako (to run on errands; compare NT:1377); an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a Christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon or deaconess):(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Patience NT:5281 hupomone (hoop-om-on-ay'); from NT:5278; cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy: KJV - enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

More NT:4119 pleion (pli-own); neuter pleion (pli'-on); or pleon (pleh'-on); comparative of NT:4183; more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion:KJV -  above,  exceed, more excellent, further, (very) great (-er), long (-er), (very) many, greater (more) part,  yet but.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

To Thyatira and Ephesus, Jesus is concerned with their works, and uses the figure of speech polysyndeton which means many “ands”.  For each clause take special note of the word connected with each “and”.  This draws our attention to the fact that this church is doing something Jesus sees. Jesus says I know the things you are doing, your benevolence, your moral conviction, your serving, your cheerful endurance; and your last works exceed your first. Jesus likes these things and later encourages them in these works. 

Rev 2:20 Notwithstanding I have [a few things] against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

Thou sufferest NT:863 aphiemi (af-ee'-ay-mee); from NT:575 and hiemi (to send; an intens. form of eimi, to go); to send forth, in various applications (as follow): KJV - cry, forgive, forsake, lay aside, leave, let (alone, be, go, have), omit, put (send) away, remit, suffer, yield up.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:575 apo (apo'); a primary particle; "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative):KJV - (X here-) after, ago, at, because of, before, by (the space of), for (-th), from, in, (out) of, off, (up-) on (-ce), since, with. In composition (as a prefix) it usually denotes separation, departure, cessation, completion, reversal, etc.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Jezebel NT:2403 Iezabel (ee-ed-zab-ale'); of Hebrew origin [OT:348]; Jezabel (i.e. Jezebel), a Tyrian woman (used as a synonym of a termagant or false teacher): KJV - Jezabel.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Calleth NT:3004 lego (leg'-o); a primary verb; properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words [usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas NT:2036 and NT:5346 generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while NT:4483 is properly, to break silence merely, and NT:2980 means an extended or random harangue]); by implication, to mean: KJV - ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say (-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Prophetess  NT:4398 prophetis (prof-ay'-tis); feminine of NT:4396; a female foreteller or an inspired woman:(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)KJV - ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say (-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:4396 prophetes (prof-ay'-tace); from a compound of NT:4253 and NT:5346; a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet: KJV - prophet.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Teach NT:1321 didasko (did-as'-ko); a prolonged (causative) form of a primary verb dao (to learn); to teach (in the same broad application): KJV - teach.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Seduce NT:4105 planao (plan-ah'-o); from NT:4106; to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue): KJV - go astray, deceive, err, seduce, wander, be out of the way.

NT:4106  (plan'-ay); feminine of NT:4108 (as abstractly); objectively, fraudulence; subjectively, a straying from orthodoxy or piety: KJV - deceit, to deceive, delusion, error.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

To commit fornication NT:4203 porneuo (porn-yoo'-o); from NT:4204; to act the harlot, i.e. (literally) indulge unlawful lust (of either sex), or (figuratively) practise idolatry: KJV - commit (fornication).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:4204 porne (por'-nay); feminine of NT:4205; a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater: KJV - harlot, whore.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Things sacrificed to idols NT:1494 eidolothuton (i-do-loth'-oo-ton); neuter of a compound of NT:1497 and a presumed derivative of NT:2380; an image-sacrifice, i.e. part of an idolatrous offering: KJV - (meat, thing that is) offered (in sacrifice, sacrificed) to (unto) idols.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

The phrase a few things, does not appear in the Greek text. There is an “and” missing between prophetess and teach.  Again this is a figure of speech; so take note of each word joined with the “and”. It seems there was a woman who was a wolf in sheep’s clothing in Thyatira leading people astray. She may have been a Jewish woman married to a leader in the church.   She told people she was a prophet, taught inappropriate sexual behavior, and to eat meats sacrificed to idols.  She was teaching this as if doing these things gave her a special connection with God and then she was telling people she had spiritual or intellectual insight.  If we remember, the original Jezebel who came from the land of the Nephilim and was the daughter of the king, brought her idolatrous practices to Israel.  (See my previous blog on King and Queen Manipulators Ahab and Jezebel) Likewise there was someone in the church of Thyatira who was doing the same things.  Wolves can be men or women.  But once again we are to protect the sheepfold as we saw in Pergamos. Instead of opening the doors wide for everyone to come in we need to pay attention to who is leading.  I once attended a church that would let anyone become a leader, what a mess that was. Without proper structure and guidance things can get messy very fast. This is the job of the shepherd. Don’t let in the wolves.

Rev 2:21 And [I] gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

Space NT:5550 chronos (khron'-os); of uncertain derivation; a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from NT:2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from NT:165, which denotes a particular period) or interval; by extension, an individual opportunity; by implication, delay: KJV -  years old, season, space, (X often-) time (-s), (a) while.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Fornication NT:4202 porneia (por-ni'-ah); from NT:4203; harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry:KJV - fornication.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

The word I is not in the text but may be properly combined with gave as Jesus is speaking.  However, if we take out the I we might see that the church gave her time to repent.  Whether it was the church or Jesus that gave her time to repent, she was confronted so that she had time to change. The word of means “out”,ek, in the Greek. She was to repent out of her fornication.  How did they do that? Jezebel, the Jewess wife of a church leader was probably confronted and shown the correct way to live but refused to and she probably continued to lead people astray.  Yet they left it at that, they did not remove her. It could be that she drew one person into fornication at a time, adding up to many people.  That is more likely the case rather than this woman holding a big meeting in the church leading everyone in the church astray. Through sexual lusts she seduced one at a time until it became a big problem in Thyatira. Also she may have brought in many pagan traditions as well, calling them things we have to do to serve God.  Think of some of the pagan traditions we see in church today.  Was that Jezebel’s doing? 

Rev 2:22 Behold, [I] will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

Will cast NT:906 ballo (bal'-lo); a primary verb; to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense): KJV - arise, cast (out),  dung, lay, lie, pour, put (up), send, strike, throw (down), thrust. Compare NT:4496.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

A bed NT:2825 kline (klee'-nay); from NT:2827; a couch (for sleep, sickness, sitting or eating): KJV - bed, table.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Commit adultery NT:3431 moicheuo (moy-khyoo'-o); from NT:3432; to commit adultery: KJV - commit adultery.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Tribulation NT:2347 thlipsis (thlip'-sis); from NT:2346; pressure (literally or figuratively): KJV - afflicted (-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Great NT:3173 megas (meg'-as); [including the prolonged forms, feminine megale, plural megaloi, etc.; compare also NT:3176, NT:3187]; big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application): KJV - (+fear) exceedingly, great (-est), high, large, loud, mighty,  (be) sore (afraid), strong,  to years.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Deeds NT:2041 see works above

The word I does not appear in the text here either, it could be properly supplied or it could be omitted. It may be that Jesus wants the church to throw this woman onto a couch with the ones who committed adultery with her to single them out since they did not repent out of their behavior.  But nonetheless, if Jesus is doing the singling out, the punishment is great.  For these people’s evil deeds to be exposed to the whole church would cause them to be shunned and their families to be humiliated.  It seems that this should be a public revealing by the church leaders.  We might have a whole lot less trouble in the church if people actually confronted sin.  I’m not talking about picking on one person for not living up to someone else’s standards, but when a church has several people in sin together, and people know about it, it should be confronted. There are times however when several in leadership know about a bad situation and their decision to not do anything about it is truly a problem.

On a personal note I once went to a church with home groups and a man molested a young girl after Bible study.  No one would talk about it or support the family or the young girl. They went to court and the man went to jail for a couple of years.  The family was not helped or supported and they left the church. Instead of exposing what happened the church leaders covered it up.  Years later this man moved across country and used some of the people in the church for references.  Those people didn’t know anything about what happened and gave good recommendations for this man.  I’m not saying that people can’t change and repent, but this church enabled this person to possibly be a child molester again. 

Another incident in the same church was a man who was abusive to his wife and son.  Instead of helping the woman they covered it up.  One day the man killed his wife and son and then committed suicide.  Couldn’t someone have helped in this situation?  No one wanted to take a stand against sin; instead they covered up the sin.  Maybe if someone could have separated the woman and child from the abuser they would still be alive. But no one wants to say anything bad.  The Pastor even taught everyone that love covers in silence.  Not according to Jesus. Love is to protect the sheep.

Rev 2:23 And [I] will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

Children NT:5043 teknon (tek'-non); from the base of NT:5088; a child (as produced):KJV - child, daughter, son.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

I will kill NT:615 apokteino (ap-ok-ti'-no); from NT:575 and kteino (to slay); to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy: KJV - put to death, kill, slay.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Death NT:2288 thanatos (than'-at-os); from NT:2348; (properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively): KJV -  deadly, (be ... death.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

I  NT:1473 ego (eg-o'); a primary pronoun of the first person I (only expressed when emphatic):KJV - I, me. For the other cases and the plural see NT:1691, NT:1698, NT:1700, NT:2248, NT:2249, NT:2254, NT:2257, etc.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

 Searcheth NT:2045ereunao (er-yoo-nah'-o) or eraunao (er-ouw-nah'-o); apparently from NT:2046 (through the idea of inquiry); to seek, i.e. (figuratively) to investigate:KJV - search.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Reins NT:3510 nephros (nef-ros'); of uncertain affinity; a kidney (plural), i.e. (figuratively) the inmost mind: KJV - reins.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Hearts NT:2588 kardia (kar-dee'-ah); prolonged from a primary kar (Latin, cor, "heart"); the heart, i.e. (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle: KJV - (+broken-) heart (-ed).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Works NT:2041 see Works above.

Again the word I in the beginning of the verse does not appear in the Greek but is properly combined with will as Jesus is speaking while the second I does appear in the text.  For those committing fornication with her there was either physical children or spiritual children that were or are going to be destroyed with death.  When we look at our next church we will see a clearer picture of this death. Jesus says then the assemblies will know that he is the one who searches the innermost thoughts and feelings, and he will give according to deeds.  If we take the mile high view we see something similar that happened to David and Bathsheba.  The first child from that affair was born sickly and died.  If it is Jesus who is doing the killing we can derive that people will not live long and prosper unless they repent out of their sin. This is not something most Christians like to talk about, but this is what the Bible says. Remember Jesus has the keys to hell and death.  We might also derive some clues from Paul speaking to the Corinthians and the Ephesians regarding delivering one to satan, 1 Corinthians 5:5 or in 1 Timothy 1:20. Also in Sardis we will see death come up again. We have to remember that this was written 30 or so years after Paul wrote to the churches, so Jesus is giving us guidance for church function. In any event if the shepherd is to protect the sheepfold, the sinners must be exposed and removed.  In this case this woman was seducing others into sexual perversions and pagan rituals Jesus was against the inaction from the church leaders.

There are a couple of connections to be made here.  Some people think that talking about sin is “old fashion” and if you are not hurting anyone else it’s alright.  But in the church it is hurting others; living a bad example in the church makes the younger ones think that it is acceptable, and in turn they shorten their own lives, and end up living in turmoil.  The whole church bears that burden.  Have you ever seen churches that are always in turmoil?  The first connection to make is that one bad apple does indeed spoil the whole bunch.  The second is that what you do, does in fact affect your health and well being. Jesus’ words are very strong. You may think that having fun is more important than living well, but we are eternal beings, this life is only a short time compared to eternity.

Rev 2:24-25 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. 25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.

Depths NT:901 bathus (bath-oos'); from the base of NT:939; profound (as going down), literally or figuratively:KJV - deep, very early.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Burden NT:922 baros (bar'-os); probably from the same as NT:939 (through the notion of going down; compare NT:899); weight; in the N. T. only figuratively, a load, abundance, authority:KJV - burden (-some), weight.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

I come NT:2240 heko (hay'-ko); a primary verb; to arrive, i.e. be present (literally or figuratively):KJV - come.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

To everyone in the church who doesn’t know the profoundness of satan, Jesus wasn’t going to put any other burdens on them.  This problem was enough.  They were to keep doing the good deeds they were doing until Jesus arrives.  Something to keep in mind is that in every church there are some who are misbehaving and some that live well.  Jesus does not condemn the entire church, nor does he punish the entire church, just the ones misbehaving.

Rev 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

End NT:5056 telos (tel'-os); from a primary tello (to set out for a definite point or goal); properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e. (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination [literally, figuratively or indefinitely], result [immediate, ultimate or prophetic], purpose); specifically, an impost or levy (as paid):KJV -  continual, custom, end (-ing), finally, uttermost. Compare NT:5411.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Nations NT:1484 ethnos (eth'-nos); probably from NT:1486; a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually by implication, pagan): KJV - Gentile, heathen, nation, people.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

It is not enough to overcome but to continue in Jesus’ deeds up to the finish line as well. Then Jesus will give exercised authority over the heathens.  When? In the future world, not this one.  One has to overcome and do good works to the end, now.  Then later, the overcomer will have leadership over a tribe. 

Rev 2:27 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.

Rod NT:4464 rhabdos (hrab'-dos); from the base of NT:4474; a stick or wand (as a cudgel, a cane or a baton of royalty):KJV - rod, sceptre, staff.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Vessels NT:4632 skeuos (skyoo'-os); of uncertain affinity; a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively [specifically, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband]):KJV - goods, sail, stuff, vessel.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Of  a potter NT:2764 keramikos (ker-am-ik-os'); from NT:2766; made of clay, i.e. earthen:KJV - of a potter.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Shall they be broken into shivers NT:4937 suntribo (soon-tree'-bo); from NT:4862 and the base of NT:5147; to crush completely, i.e. to shatter (literally or figuratively): KJV - break (in pieces), broken to shivers (+-hearted), bruise.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

The overcomer will rule with a staff of iron over the earthen goods and will bruise just as Jesus has the ability from the Father. This is why Jesus expects us to judge sin and remove it in the church.  If we don’t have the guts to do it now, on earth, we will not be overcomers and judges later. Obviously there has to be a balance when speaking of sin, but sexual immorality among those in the church, that leads others astray, is to be eradicated.  People have time to repent and if they do not come out of what they are in, Jesus holds the leaders responsible. 

Rev 2:28 And I will give him the morning star.

Star NT:792 aster (as-tare'); probably from the base of NT:4766; a star (as strown over the sky), literally or figuratively: KJV - star.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Morning NT:4407 proinos (pro-ee-nos'); from NT:4404; pertaining to the dawn, i.e. matutinal: KJV - morning.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

 LUCIFER [LOU see fur] (morning star) - the Latin name for the planet Venus. The word Lucifer appears only once in the Bible (Isa 14:12). Literally, the passage describes the overthrow of a tyrant, the king of Babylon. But many Bible scholars see in this passage a description of SATAN, who rebelled against the throne of God and was "brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit" (Isa 14:15). The same kind of interpretation is often given to Ezek 28:11-19. The description of the king of Tyre thus is believed to reach beyond that of an earthly ruler to the archangel who was cast out of heaven for leading a revolt against God. (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

Is it possible that Jesus will give these overcomers the same position Lucifer had?  Could it be in fact the actual planet Venus? Or is this figurative as Jesus is the one who holds the seven stars, therefore these overcomers will be similar to the angels of the churches?  We do know that they will have an authority over a group of beings made of clay and can use that authority to break them in pieces.  I like the way the Message reads.

Rev 2:24-28 "The rest of you Thyatirans, who have nothing to do with this outrage, who scorn this playing around with the Devil that gets paraded as profundity, be assured I'll not make life any harder for you than it already is. 25 Hold on to the truth you have until I get there. 26 "Here's the reward I have for every conqueror, everyone who keeps at it, refusing to give up: You'll rule the nations, 27 your Shepherd-King rule as firm as an iron staff, their resistance fragile as clay pots. This was the gift my Father gave me; I pass it along to you —   28 and with it, the Morning Star! (from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

Rev 2:29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

What is the Spirit saying to the churches?  There are those inside the fold who may be married to people in high up positions and are claiming they have special insights to God and leading people into perversions.  The people being led astray are servants of Jesus, not newly born again Christians. This implies there is a level of maturity among those being deceived.  The depth of satan’s deceptions are at work and the ones who are perverse should be confronted with repentance.  After a time if they don’t repent they should be publicly displayed before the church and removed.  That is the shepherd’s job.  While dealing with this type of sin the rest of the people should continue in their good works. 

End Notes

THYATIRA a city on the Lycus, founded by Seleucus Nicator, lay to the left of the road from Pergamos to Sardis, 27 miles from the latter city, and on the very confines of Mysia and Ionia, so as to be sometimes reckoned within the one and sometimes within the other. Dyeing apparently formed an important part of the industrial activity of Thyatira, as it did of that of Colossae and Laodicea. It is first mentioned in connection with Lydia, "a seller of purple." Acts 16:14. One of the Seven Churches of Asia was established here. Rev 2:18-29. The principal deity of the city was Apollo; but there was another superstition, of an extremely curious nature which seems to have been brought thither by some of the corrupted Jews of the dispersed tribes. A fane stood outside the walls, dedicated to Sambatha — the name of the sibyl who is sometimes called Chaldean, sometimes Jewish, sometimes Persian — in the midst of an enclosure designated "the Chaldaeans' court." This seems to lend an illustration to the obscure passage in Rev 2:20,21, which some interpret of the wife of the bishop. Now there is evidence to show that in Thyatira there was a great amalgamation of races. If the sibyl Sambatha was in reality a Jewess, lending her aid to the amalgamation of different religions, and not discountenanced by the authorities of the Judeo-Christian Church at Thyatira, both the censure and its qualification become easy of explanation. (The present name of the city is ak-Hissar ("white castle"). It has a reputation for the manufacture of scarlet cloth. Its present population is 15,000 to 20,000. There are nine mosques. — ED.)

(from Smith's Bible Dictionary, PC Study Bible formatted electronic database Copyright © 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

THYATIRA [thigh uh TIE ruh] — a city of the province of LYDIA in western Asia Minor (modern Turkey) situated on the road from Pergamos to Sardis. The city was on the southem bank of the Lycus River, a branch of the Hermus River.

Although never a large city, Thyatira was a thriving manufacturing and commercial center during New Testament times. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of many trade guilds and unions here. Membership in these trade guilds, necessary for financial and social success, often involved pagan customs and practices such as superstitious worship, union feasts using food sacrificed to pagan gods, and loose sexual morality.

The Book of Revelation refers to a certain woman known as "Jezebel" who taught and beguiled the Christians at Thyatira to conform to the paganism and sexual immorality of their surroundings (Rev 1:11; 2:18-29). In the church in Thyatira, one of the "seven churches which are in Asia" (Rev 1:4), Jezebel's followers seem to have been a minority because the majority of Christians in this church are commended.

The apostle Paul's first convert in Europe was "a certain woman named LYDIA...a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira" (Acts 16:14). The modern name of Thyatira is Akhisar, which means "white castle."

(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

Building UP the Sheepfold; Smyrna, Pergamos, and the Second Death

It is hard not to have an opinion about things. I’ve found that if I can keep my persuasions in check the word of God can speak for itself.  I was talking to someone who had certain opinions about the Bible but forgot to take into account some of the New Testament ideas such as the mystery and the sheepfold.  It seemed that this “new” thinking was causing stretch marks on this person’s brain to the end that it was easier to reject it all instead of let the word of God speak.  Learning is a lifelong process, and it is our obligation to God to search out His secrets.  The sheepfold is one of those secrets; an idea that there would be a period in time unlike any other where Jesus would raise up his church.  Jesus came, announcing God’s kingdom on earth; and now that it’s here, we are encouraged to live well. The seven churches of Revelation are quite important to our building up the congregation.  There are people who consistently want to tear the congregation apart and we can learn how to prevent that.

When we look at the next church written about in Revelation we can see that there were people who called themselves something that Jesus said they weren’t.  Jesus even goes so far as to say they are the congregation of satan.  It is hard to believe that almost two thousand years ago Jesus was saying people were satan’s assembly.  We think of more modern times when people have established satanic covens or churches but really this is something that was already in process in the days of John’s writing.  I would guess that being part of the synagogue of satan is being among people who rejected Jesus.  It also seems that there are still those who reject Jesus today.  Yet today there are some who openly worship satan.  They don’t seem to mind being called part of the synagogue of satan.  Let’s read about Smyrna.

Rev 2:8-17 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

Jesus again establishes that he is the first and the last.  It is an interesting study to look at that phrase in the Old and New Testament. 

Rev 2:9 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.

I Know NT:1492 eido (i'-do); a primary verb; used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent NT:3700 and NT:3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by implication (in the perf. only) to know:KJV - be aware, behold,  can (+not tell), consider, (have) know (-ledge), look (on), perceive, see, be sure, tell, understand, wish, wot. Compare NT:3700.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Tribulation NT:2347 thlipsis (thlip'-sis); from NT:2346; pressure (literally or figuratively):KJV - afflicted (-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Poverty NT:4432 ptocheia (pto-khi'-ah); from NT:4433; beggary, i.e. indigence (literally or figuratively):KJV - poverty.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Blasphemy NT:988 blasphemia (blas-fay-me'-ah); from NT:989; vilification (especially against God):KJV - blasphemy, evil speaking, railing.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:989 blasphemos (blas'-fay-mos); from a derivative of NT:984 and NT:5345; scurrilious, i.e. calumnious (against men), or (specially) impious (against God):KJV - blasphemer (-mous), railing.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Jews NT:2453 Ioudaios (ee-oo-dah'-yos); from NT:2448 (in the sense of NT:2455 as a country); Judaean, i.e. belonging to Jehudah:KJV - Jew (-ess), of Judaea.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Synagogue NT:4864 sunagoge (soon-ag-o-gay'); from (the reduplicated form of) NT:4863; an assemblage of persons; specifically, a Jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a Christian church:KJV - assembly, congregation, synagogue.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Satan NT:4567 Satanas (sat-an-as'); of Aramaic origin corresponding to NT:4566 (with the definite affix); the accuser, i.e. the devil:KJV - Satan.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:4566 Satan (sat-an'); of Hebrew origin [OT:7854]; Satan, i.e. the devil:KJV - Satan. Compare NT:4567.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

In this verse the words works and and, are not in the text. It should read: I know thy tribulation and poverty.    The first thing Jesus tells them is he sees their anguish or persecution and their destitution. He tells them that they are rich.  Jesus then says he knows the impious evil speech against God of some people who say they are Jews but are not; instead they are from satan’s meeting place.  Notice that Jesus says they are the synagogue not of the synagogue but the synagogue of satan.  Those are very strong words.  They didn’t join the group, they are the group. The Jews that were causing the people of the church of Smyrna persecution were the assembly of satan.  They say they are Judeans but they are not.  There are people who persecute the churches today. They are wolves in sheep’s clothing.  Wolves say they are something special but they are in the church to destroy the sheepfold.  Here is a question to ponder, what were Judeans doing in Smyrna? Did they go to Smyrna to be a part of the church or to dismantle it?

Rev 2:10 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.

Crown NT:4735 stephanos (stef'-an-os); from an apparently primary stepho (to twine or wreathe); a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fillet, NT:1238), literally or figuratively:KJV - crown.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Life NT:2222 zoe (dzo-ay'); from NT:2198; life (literally or figuratively):KJV - life (-time). Compare NT:5590.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.

NT:2222 zooee, zooees, hee

1.         universally, life, i. e. the state of one who is possessed of vitality or is animate: 1 Peter 3:10

2.         used emphatically,

a.         of the absolute fullness of life, both essential and ethical, which belongs to God, and through him both to the hypostatic logos and to Christ in whom the logos put on human nature:

b.         life real and genuine,

(from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Again the words of those things are not in the Greek text. The word some is also not in the text. Jesus says not to be frightened over what they/we will suffer.  The accuser will cast them/us into prison so that they/we would be examined.  Sometimes we forget that there are places in the world where being a Christian is a death sentence.  The Smyrna church is not unlike some of the other early churches of the first, second, and third century.  They, like Paul, were persecuted by people who said they were Jews but weren’t, and like those in Thessalonica who were persecuted by their own countrymen, people are still persecuted today.  Maybe not where you live, but where some people live being a Christian is a fearful thing.  But if people are faithful to martyrdom they will receive a crown of life. Some people are concerned about the persecution of the Jews today, but in God’s time line the Christians suffer persecution as well, and after the church is gone Israel will go through the parousia.

Rev 2:11 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.

Death NT:2288 thanatos (than'-at-os); from NT:2348; (properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively):KJV -  deadly, (be ... death.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:2348 thnesko (thnay'-sko); a strengthened form of a simpler primary thano (than'-o) (which is used for it only in certain tenses); to die (literally or figuratively):KJV - be dead, die.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:2288 thanatos, thanatou, ho  death

1.         properly, the death of the body, i. e. that separation (whether natural or violent) of the soul from the body by which the life on earth is ended: John 11:4

2.         metaphorically, the loss of that life which alone is worthy of the name, 2 Cor 3:7

3.         the miserable state of the wicked dead in hell is called -- now simply thanatos, Rom 1:32

4.         In the widest sense, death comprises all the miseries arising from sin, as well physical death as the loss of a life consecrated to God and blessed in him on earth (from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Again Jesus says this is for the churches not just Smyrna but for all churches.  If we look at the churches in a time line fashion, Smyrna is the time period of martyrdom of the church.  Although martyrdom of the church still continues today, we just don’t hear about it.  There are many opinions on the second death; we have to understand something simple, there is obviously one death before this one.  If Jesus is speaking this to the churches then there must be another death for those who do not overcome.  That is interesting.  If we relate it to Revelation 20:6, 14 & 21:8 There seems to be a time where some who are in the church but not overcomers have an opportunity to either avoid the second death or be cast into the lake of fire which is the second death.  But if we are overcomers now, we avoid the second death altogether.  Let’s look at Revelation to get some context on the second death.

Rev 20:2-21:18 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.5 {But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.} This is the first resurrection.6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.KJV

If the context of the Smyrna church is persecution unto death then the context of the second death is that some may have avoided physical death on earth by compromise or renouncing Jesus.  In Rev 20:4 the context there is the same but in a different time period.  In the time of the tribulation there will be those who are martyred not accepting the mark of the beast.  Those will be spared from the second death; they are the ones who reign for one thousand years with Christ. After the one thousand year reign the books will be opened, and the dead will rise and be judged as well as those who lived during the one thousand years.  During the one thousand year reign people will give birth, and die, and make choices on how to live.  When the devil is loosed to deceive the nations again, there will be some that are going to follow the devil. As for the churches there are those who are willing to die for Christ or those who during the tribulation do not accept the mark of the beast who will not be affected by the second death.

One more point to bring up is how can one be suffering in the lake of fire and brimstone, tormented day and night if they are dead a second time? We know there is consciousness in the grave as we previously saw from the accounts of Lucifer, and the rich man and Lazarus in Abraham’s bosom.  Death is a separation of body and soul as Thayer’s points out.  If we read Revelation carefully it was the souls of the martyred that John saw.  Breath life.  While in verse 20:5 we see that corpses came to life. The first sentence of verse 5 should be in parenthesis. (See below.) The second sentence refers back to verse 4.  The first resurrection, which is blessed and holy is the resurrection of the martyred for Christ.  These two verses do not say the corpses are part of the first resurrection but the martyred souls and they will be priests of God and Christ. Then in verse 12 again it is the corpses that stand before the throne in judgment. 

Rev 20:4-5 Then I saw thrones, and the people sitting on them had been given the authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony about Jesus and for proclaiming the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his statue, nor accepted his mark on their forehead or their hands. They all came to life again, and they reigned with Christ for a thousand years.5 This is the first resurrection. (The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the thousand years had ended.) Holy Bible, New Living Translation ®, copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.

Vs 4 Souls NT:5590 psuche (psoo-khay'); from NT:5594; breath, i.e. (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from NT:4151, which is the rational and immortal soul; and on the other from NT:2222, which is mere vitality, even of plants: these terms thus exactly correspond respectively to the Hebrew OT:5315, OT:7307 and OT:2416):KJV - heart (+-ily), life, mind, soul,  us,  you.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Vs 5 & 12 Dead NT:3498 nekros (nek-ros'); from an apparently primary nekus (a corpse); dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun):KJV - dead.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Vs 5 First NT:4413 protos (pro'-tos); contracted superlative of NT:4253; foremost (in time, place, order or importance):KJV - before, beginning, best, chief (-est), first (of all), former.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Vs 5 Resurrection NT:386  anastasis (an-as'-tas-is); from NT:450; a standing up again, i.e. (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication [its author]), or (figuratively) a (moral) recovery (of spiritual truth):KJV - raised to life again, resurrection, rise from the dead, that should rise, rising again.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

On to Pergamos

Rev 2:12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

This time Jesus is announcing himself differently. Jesus is the word of God, the logos, and the logos of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword.  Hebrews 4:12

Rev 2:13 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.

Thou dwellest NT:2730 katoikeo (kat-oy-keh'-o); from NT:2596 and NT:3611; to house permanently, i.e. reside (literally or figuratively):KJV - dwell (-er), inhabitant (-ter).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Seat NT:2362 thronos (thron'-os); from thrao (to sit); a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate: KJV - seat, throne.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Thou holdest fast NT:2902 krateo (krat-eh'-o); from NT:2904; to use strength, i.e. seize or retain (literally or figuratively):KJV - hold (by, fast), keep, lay hand (hold) on, obtain, retain, take (by).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Denied  NT:720 arneomai (ar-neh'-om-ahee); perhaps from NT:1 (as a negative particle) and the middle voice of NT:4483; to contradict, i.e. disavow, reject, abnegate:KJV - deny, refuse.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Faith NT:4102 pistis (pis'-tis); from NT:3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself:KJV - assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Again the word works does not appear in the Greek text. Jesus wants them to know that he knows where they reside and where satan’s throne is.  He also knows they are holding fast in His name and that they have not rejected their moral conviction. Even when a believer, Antipas, was martyred the church did not deny their faith and they continued in the name of Jesus.   In Smyrna the Jews who were persecuting them were the synagogue of satan, but in Pergamos satan had his throne there and was living among them. 

Rev 2:14 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 stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

Them that hold NT:2902 krateo (krat-eh'-o); from NT:2904; to use strength, i.e. seize or retain (literally or figuratively):KJV - hold (by, fast), keep, lay hand (hold) on, obtain, retain, take (by).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Doctrine NT:1322 didache (did-akh-ay'); from NT:1321; instruction (the act or the matter):KJV - doctrine, hath been taught.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Balaam NT:903 Balaam (bal-ah-am'); of Hebrew origin [OT:1109]; Balaam, a Mesopotamian (symbolic of a false teacher):KJV - Balaam.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

To cast NT:906 ballo (bal'-lo); a primary verb; to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense):KJV - arise, cast (out),  dung, lay, lie, pour, put (up), send, strike, throw (down), thrust. Compare NT:4496.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

 A stumbling block NT:4625 skandalon (skan'-dal-on) ("scandal"); probably from a derivative of NT:2578; a trap-stick (bent sapling), i.e. snare (figuratively, cause of displeasure or sin):KJV - occasion to fall (of stumbling), offence, thing that offends, stumblingblock.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Things sacrificed to idols NT:1494 eidolothuton (i-do-loth'-oo-ton); neuter of a compound of NT:1497 and a presumed derivative of NT:2380; an image-sacrifice, i.e. part of an idolatrous offering:KJV - (meat, thing that is) offered (in sacrifice, sacrificed) to (unto) idols.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

To commit fornication NT:4203 porneuo (porn-yoo'-o); from NT:4204; to act the harlot, i.e. (literally) indulge unlawful lust (of either sex), or (figuratively) practise idolatry:KJV - commit (fornication).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Jesus, speaking to the church at Pergamos and to all other churches says, there are people in the church who seize the teachings of Balaam. The manipulations Balaam taught Balak to use were being practiced in the church, like throwing a bent sapling in front of people to trip them.  People who were not of the church came in and started manipulating others to do things that were wrong.  We have to look at this from today’s perspective as well; do we allow people into the church who lead others astray?  We should not be letting these people in as we shall see. Pergamos had another group in their church that was a problem. 

Rev 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, [which thing I hate].

Which I hate NT:3668 homoios (hom-oy'-oce); adverb from NT:3664; similarly:KJV - likewise, so.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:3668 homoiooslikewise, equally, in the same way: Mark 4:16(from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

They also had the teachings of the people who used money and manipulations to overcome the people.  The words which I hate are translated improperly and should read likewise. Jesus is saying they had two different kinds of destructive groups attempting to trip up the church.  Jesus seems to be implying that not everyone should be allowed into the church, and those who are manipulators should not be allowed in.  This is what Jesus had against Pergamos, and he may have that against us. This also implies that churches are not open to everyone.  That seems to be different than what we see today.  Today many churches let everyone in and the sheep have to fend for themselves.  We open the doors wide, and people are not taught about these types of manipulators, so the people are bitten and devoured by them. Jesus just pointed out two different types of manipulative people that should not be in the church.  Logically this would mean our churches would be a bit smaller but they would be safer for the sheep.  That is what Jesus has against the churches. They are not safe places for His people. 

Rev 2:16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

I will come NT:2064 erchomai (er'-khom-ahee); middle voice of a primary verb (used only in the present and imperfect tenses, the others being supplied by a kindred [middle voice] eleuthomai (el-yoo'-thom-ahee); or [active] eltho (el'-tho); which do not otherwise occur); to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively):KJV - accompany, appear, bring, come, enter, fall out, go, grow,  light,  next, pass, resort, be set.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Will fight NT:4170 polemeo (pol-em-eh'-o); from NT:4171; to be (engaged) in warfare, i.e. to battle (literally or figuratively):KJV - fight, (make) war.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Them NT:846 autos (ow-tos'); from the particle au [perhaps akin to the base of NT:109 through the idea of a baffling wind] (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative NT:1438) of the third person and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:KJV - her, it (-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, ([self-], the) same, ([him-, my-, thyself, [your-] selves, she, that, their (-s), them ([-selves]), there [-at, -by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with], they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare NT:848.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Sword NT:4501 rhomphaia (hrom-fah'-yah); probably of foreign origin; a sabre, i.e. a long and broad cutlass (any weapon of the kind, literally or figuratively):KJV - sword.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Think differently, change the way you think and behave Jesus says. Janet M. Magiera points out that the word repent should have been included in verse 15.  (Aramaic Peshitta New Testament translation Janet M Magiera, Light of the Word Ministry, LWM Publications, pg.570  footnotes.) Jesus will appear to us soon.  He will soon battle with the twoedged sword of His mouth.  I like the way the Message makes the point.

Rev 2:16 "Enough! Don't give in to them; I'll be with you soon. I'm fed up and about to cut them to pieces with my sword-sharp words. (from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

Rev 2:17 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.

Manna NT:3131 manna (man'-nah); of Hebrew origin [OT:4478]; manna (i.e. man), an edible gum:KJV - manna.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Hidden NT:2928 krupto (kroop'-to); a primary verb; to conceal (properly, by covering):KJV - hide (self), keep secret, secret [-ly].(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

A stone NT:5586 psephos (psay'-fos); from the same as NT:5584; a pebble (as worn smooth by handling), i.e. (by implication of use as a counter or ballot) a verdict (of acquittal) or ticket (of admission); a vote: KJV - stone, voice.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

In NT:1909 epi (ep-ee'); a primary preposition; properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution [with the genitive case], i.e. over, upon, etc.; of rest (with the det.) at, on, etc.; of direction (with the accusative case) towards, upon, etc.: KJV - about (the times), above, after, against, among, as long as (touching), at, beside,  have charge of, (be-, [wherefore-]), in (a place, as much as, the time of, -to), (because) of, (up-) on (behalf of), over, (by, for) the space of, through (-out), (un-) to (-ward), with. In compounds it retains essentially the same import, at, upon, etc. (literally or figuratively).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Name NT:3686 onoma (on'-om-ah); from a presumed derivative of the base of NT:1097 (compare NT:3685); a "name" (literally or figuratively) [authority, character]:KJV - called, (+sur-) name (-d).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Receives NT:2983 lambano (lam-ban'-o); a prolonged form of a primary verb, which is use only as an alternate in certain tenses; to take (in very many applications, literally and figuratively [properly objective or active, to get hold of; whereas NT:1209 is rather subjective or passive, to have offered to one; while NT:138 is more violent, to seize or remove]): KJV - accept,  be amazed, assay, attain, bring,  when I call, catch, come on (X unto),  forget, have, hold, obtain, receive (X after), take (away, up).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

To the churches, plural.  To eat does not appear in the Greek Text. Jesus will give those who overcome the manipulators, concealed food. He will also give a white smooth voting ballot with an engraved surname which only the person who takes it will know.  This seems to indicate that those who overcome will be judges, who cast ballots and their ballot will be cast with a smooth white stone that has a new name on it.  No one else will know that name, which seems to imply a secret ballot. 

The message to these two churches and us as well seems to be that people need to protect the flock from the manipulators and the deceivers, even being faithful in Jesus’ name to death.  If we are faithful to Jesus we will receive blessings in the future such as a Crown of Life, hidden food, freedom from the second death, and a voting ballot with a new name.  Considering that we deal with these same issues today Jesus is helping us to build the sheepfold.  If people can mature they will receive more benefits in the future.  Strengthening the sheepfold by making them aware of wolves and chasing the wolves out seems to be what we are to do. This is one way we build the sheepfold.

End Notes

Smyrna  (myrrh), a city of Asia Minor, situated on the AEgean Sea, 40 miles north of Ephesus. Allusion is made to it in Rev 2:8-11. It was founded by Alexander the Great, and was situated twenty shades (2 1/2 miles) from the city of the same name, which after a long series of wars with the Lydians had been finally taken and sacked by Halyattes. The ancient city was built by some piratical Greeks 1500 years before Christ. It seems not impossible that the message to the church in Smyrna contains allusions to the ritual of the pagan mysteries which prevailed in that city. In the time of Strabo the ruins of the old Smyrna still existed, and were partially inhabited, but the new city was one of the most beautiful in all Asia. The streets were laid out as near as might be at right angles. There was a large public library there, and also a handsome building surrounded with porticos which served as a museum. It was consecrated as a heroum to Homer, whom the Smyrnaeans claimed as a countryman. Olympian games were celebrated here, and excited great interest. (Smyrna is still a large city of 180,000 to 200,000 inhabitants, of which a larger proportion are Franks than in any other town in Turkey; 20,000 are Greeks, 9000 Jews, 8000 Armenians, 1000 Europeans, and the rest are Moslems. — ED.)

(from Smith's Bible Dictionary, PC Study Bible formatted electronic database Copyright © 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

PERGAMOS [PURR guh mos] (citadel) - the chief city of Mysia, near the Caicus River in northwest Asia Minor (modern Turkey) and the site of one of the seven churches of Asia (Rev 1:11; 2:12-17; Pergamum, RSV, NIV, NEB, NASB). The city, situated opposite the island of Lesbos, was about 24 kilometers (15 miles) from the Aegean Sea.

In its early history Pergamos became a city-state, then a powerful nation after Attalus I (241 B.C. - 197 B.C.) defeated the Gauls (Galatians). It stood as a symbol of Greek superiority over the barbarians. Great buildings were erected and a library containing over 200,000 items was established. The Egyptians, concerned with this library which rivaled their own at ALEXANDRIA, refused to ship papyrus to Pergamos. As a result, a new form of writing material, Pergamena charta, or parchment, was developed.

In the days of Roman dominance throughout Asia Minor, Pergamos became the capital of the Roman province of Asia. In a gesture of friendship, Mark Antony gave Pergamos' library to Cleopatra; its volumes were moved to Alexandria.

Not only was Pergamos a government center with three imperial temples, but it was also the site of the temple of Asklepios (the Greco-Roman god of medicine and healing), and the medical center where the physician Galen worked (about  A.D. 160). Here also was a temple to Athena and a temple to Zeus with an altar showing Zeus defeating snake-like giants. In the Book of Revelation, John spoke of Pergamos as the place "where Satan's throne is" (Rev 2:13). This could be a reference to the cult of EMPEROR WORSHIP, because Pergamos was a center where this form of loyalty was pledged to the emperor of the Roman Empire.

(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)