Musings of a Winsome Heart: Building UP the Sheepfold; Smyrna, Pergamos, and the Second Death

Monday, July 16, 2012

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,

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.)

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.)

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.

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Monday, July 16, 2012

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