We noticed last week that Jesus is in charge of churches or assemblies; and while ekklesia means “called out” these city recognized groups are made up of the “called out”. Yet Jesus acknowledges them as a unit, a candlestick, which he says he will fight against and remove if they do the things that Jesus himself lists. However, the individuals who do not partake in these things are not fought against with the church or assembly. The individual is spared and promised future positions. What we learn is that an organization can be extinguished and its sinful members dealt with, but the innocent are not reproved and rebuked. Jesus fights against the organizations that mislead and misrepresent him, and the devil attacks anyone who sins. The key is the holiness of the individual. If a church becomes corrupt, the only reversal from Jesus dealing with it is repentance as an entire group. If an individual becomes corrupt, the only reversal from the devil having a place to attack the individual is repentance. From this perspective, the repentant individuals will be given special rewards for overcoming. Overcoming what?
Some of the seven churches that Jesus wrote to were being persecuted. Some of the churches were dealing with people trying to take over their group, using evil doctrines. Some of the churches were lazy, forgetful, and simply not doing the things that they needed to do. While these seven churches represent ages of the church as a whole, they also represent church bodies today. The promise to the overcomer is in relation to the struggles we all face. We must continue to conquer until we die.
Ephesus
Revelation 2:7 (KJV)
7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
The first thing we want to notice is that the Spirit speaks to the assemblies. How does the Spirit speak to the assemblies? Through people. Logically, if the assemblies shut the mouths of the people, how will the assemblies hear the Spirit speak? Some assemblies believe the Spirit only speaks to the leaders, this is a Nicolaitan idea. Remember David and Nathan, the prophet spoke to the king. The laity is just as inspired as the leaders and should be listened to.
In Ephesus they found people who claimed that they were apostles but were actually lying. The laity was able to decipher truth from error. This problem does not give the leadership authority over the laity. The people who promote themselves as apostles, prophets, or something of importance, almost always come into an assembly and attempt to take it over with their ideas or their programs. The laity usually sees through this before the church leaders.
Remember these Ephesians hated the works of the Nicolaitans. These called out people have been patiently enduring; they have not fainted, become exhausted, or grown weary. They did however forget their first love. Spiritually they have been through many battles, and even though they have done well, they have forgotten Jesus, the one that they love. If they repent, they will be overcomers or conquerers. The work of the ministry always causes us to lose sight of Jesus who is the reason for the ministry.
Revelation 2:7 G3588 The one G2192 having G3775 an ear, G191 hear G5100 what G3588 the G4151 spirit G3004 says G3588 to the G1577 assemblies! G3588 To the one G3528 overcoming, G1325 I will give G1473 to him G2068 to eat G1537 from G3588 the G3586 tree G3588 G2222 of life, G3739 which G1510.2.3 is G1722 in G3319 the midst G3588 of the G3857 paradise G3588 G2316 of my God. G1473
3528LSJ Gloss:νικάω to conquer, prevail, vanquish
Dodson: νικάω I conquer, overcome
I conquer, am victorious, overcome, prevail, subdue.
Thayer:
1) to conquer
1a) to carry off the victory, come off victorious
1a1) of Christ, victorious over all His foes
1a2) of Christians, that hold fast their faith even unto death against the power of their foes, and temptations and persecutions
1a3) when one is arraigned or goes to law, to win the case, maintain one's cause
νικάω
nikaō nik-ah'-o From G3529; to subdue (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory.
Notice this word nikaō. It is the same root form of the word Nicolaitans. All of these messages at the end of each assembly are written to individual overcomers. Not to the assembly as a whole. No one can hide behind the others in the church, each person is accounted individually. Those who prevail and are victorious over persecutions, temptations, and spiritual battles, whether presenting in the form of people attempting to seduce them and overtake them or heavy intangible pressure, enduring to the end of our earthly life is key. Those who overcome are granted to eat from the tree of life.
2222LSJ Gloss:ζωή a living
Dodson: ζωή life life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence.
Thayer:
1) life
1a) the state of one who is possessed of vitality or is animate
1b) every living soul
2) life
2a) of the absolute fulness 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
2b) life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ, but after the resurrection to be consummated by new accessions (among them a more perfect body), and to last for ever.
For Synonyms see entry G5821
ζωή
zōē dzo-ay' From G2198; life (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: life (-time).
This word zōē, meaning life, is interesting. There is breath life, a book of life, eternal life, a tree of life, a crown of life, and Eve’s name means Life. Clearly what the overcomer is overcoming is this life, breath life. The overcomer then eats from the tree of life and receives eternal life. In other words, if we endure through this life, we will have eternal life. Where is this tree of life? In paradise.
3857LSJ Gloss: παράδεισος a park
Dodson: παράδεισος Paradise.
Thayer:
1) among the Persians a grand enclosure or preserve, hunting ground, park, shady and well watered, in which wild animals, were kept for the hunt; it was enclosed by walls and furnished with towers for the hunters
2) a garden, pleasure ground
2a) grove, park
3) the part of Hades which was thought by the later Jews to be the abode of the souls of pious until the resurrection: but some understand this to be a heavenly paradise
4) the upper regions of the heavens. According to the early church Fathers, the paradise in which our first parents dwelt before the fall still exists, neither on the earth or in the heavens, but above and beyond the world
5) heaven
παράδεισος
paradeisos par-ad'-i-sos Of Oriental origin (compare [H6508]); a park, that is, (specifically) an Eden (place of future happiness, “paradise”) KJV Usage: paradise.
Paradise is a park called Eden. Eden happens to be a proper name. This particular paradise/park in Genesis is called Eden. This is where the tree of the knowledge of good and evil is located. It is also where the tree of life is. God planted trees in paradise and put Adam there.
Genesis2:8 G2532 And G5452 God planted G3588 G2316 G3857 paradise G1722 in G* Eden G2596 according to G395 the east, G2532 and G5087 he put G1563 there G3588 the G444 man G3739 whom G4111 he shaped.
9 G2532 And G1816 [2caused to rise up G3588 G2316 1God] G2089 yet G1537 from G3588 the G1093 earth G3956 every G3586 [2tree G5611 1beautiful] G1519 to G3706 the sight, G2532 and G2570 good G1519 for G1035 food, G2532 and G3588 the G3586 tree G3588 G2222 of life G1722 in G3319 the midst G3588 of the G3857 paradise, G2532 and G3588 the G3586 tree, G3588 the one G1492 to know G1110 knowing G2570 good G2532 and G4190 evil.
10 G4215 And a river G1161 G1607 goes forth G1537 from G* Eden G4222 to water G3588 the G3857 paradise; G1564 from there G873 it separates G1519 into G5064 four G746 sources.
Genesis 2:15 G2532 And G2983 [3took G2962 1 the lord G3588 G2316 2God] G3588 the G444 man G3739 whom G4111 he shaped, G2532 and G5087 put G1473 him G1722 in G3588 the G3857 paradise G2038 to work G1473 it G2532 and G5442 to guard.
16 G2532 And G1781 [3gave charge G2962 1 the lord G3588 G2316 2God] G3588 to G* Adam, G3004 saying, G575 From G3956 all G3586 of a tree G3588 of the one G1722 in G3588 the G3857 paradise G1035 [2food G2068 1you shall eat],
17 G575 but from G1161 G3588 the G3586 tree G3588 of the G1097 knowing G2570 good G2532 and G4190 evil, G3756 you shall not G2068 eat G575 from G1473 it; G3588 but in whatever G1161 G302 G2250 day G2068 you should eat G575 from G1473 it, G2288 to death G599 you shall die
We know the story; Adam and Eve ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and the first thing they noticed (as far as good and evil) is that they were naked. Being naked had been neither good nor evil, but now it was evil and they hid from God. The very next thing they did was to deflect and/or blame rather than owning up to their own behavior before Yahweh.
Genesis 3:22 G2532 And G2036 God said, G3588 G2316 G2400 Behold, G* Adam G1096 has become G5613 as G1520 one G1537 of G1473 us, G3588 G1097 to know G2570 good G2532 and G4190 evil. G2532 And G3568 now, G3379 lest at any time G1614 he might stretch out G3588 the G5495 hand, G2532 and G2983 should take G575 from G3588 the G3586 tree G3588 G2222 of life, G2532 and G2068 should eat, G2532 and G2198 will live G1519 into G3588 the G165 eon --
23 G2532 that G1821 [3ejected G1473 4him G2962 1 the lord G3588 G2316 2God] G1537 from G3588 the G3857 paradise G3588 of the G5172 delicacy, G2038 to work G3588 the G1093 earth G1537 from G3739 which G2983 he was taken.
24 G2532 And G1544 he cast out G3588 G* Adam, G2532 and G2733.1 settled G1473 him G561 before G3588 the G3857 paradise G3588 of the G5172 delicacy, G2532 and G5021 ordered G3588 the G5502 cherubim, G2532 and G3588 the G5394.1 flaming G4501 [2broadsword G3588 G4762 1turning], G5442 to guard G3588 the G3598 way G3588 of the G3586 tree G3588 G2222 of life
If Adam and Eve had eaten from the tree of life they would have lived eternally apart from and away from God in their sinful state. The way to the tree of life in paradise had to be closed off so that no one, Adam, Eve, or their offspring, could go into paradise. If they could re-enter paradise they could eat the fruit of the tree of life and live eternally in their sinful state, dooming all of mankind that would follow. Paradise/Eden, had to be closed with Cherubim and flaming swords. We have a solution. Jesus came to free the righteous dead in the compartment of Hades called Abraham’s Bay and open the way to paradise again after his death.
Luke 23:43 G2532 And G2036 [2said G1473 3to him G3588 G* 1Jesus], G281 Amen G3004 I say G1473 to you, G4594 Today G3326 with G1473 me G1510.8.2 you will be G1722 in G3588 G3857 paradise.
Jesus has the keys to death and hades. This was the first part of Jesus’ plan for salvation. The grave could not hold Jesus because he was sinless. After witnessing to the imprisoned dead and setting the captives free, Jesus opened paradise for the righteous dead. Who has access to paradise upon death? Those who believe on Jesus, making Him Lord and Savior. Paul was stoned and left for dead. He was harpazo’d into paradise.
2 Corinthians 12:4 G3754 that G726 he was seized by force G1519 into G3588 G3857 paradise, G2532 and G191 heard G731 [2not made known G4487 1sayings], G3739 which G3756 is not allowed G1832 G444 for a man G2980 to speak.
Paul heard things that men are not allowed to speak. There are times and seasons and preparations for the coming kingdom, but today there are only a few secrets that we are allowed to know. The rest of the secret mysteries are for the times when we enter paradise, and as we know from Jesus’ letter, he is there giving the overcomers fruit from the tree of life.
Who has an ear to hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies? Who will allow the Spirit to teach the laity? Who will allow the laity to hear from the Spirit? This is Jesus speaking to the assemblies.
Smyrna was an assembly being abused by people claiming that they were Jews. They were afflicted, and in distress, and impoverished. They were abused and slandered as well. All of those persecutions would lead to some of them being imprisoned and murdered.
Smyrna
Revelation 2:10-11 (KJV)
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.
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.
Smyrna was struggling, but Jesus says they are rich. The overcomer won’t be hurt by the second death.
Revelation 2:10 G3367 Do not G5399 fear G3739 the things G3195 you are about G3958 to suffer! G2400 Behold G1211 indeed, G3195 [3is about G906 4to throw G3588 1the G1228 2devil] G1537 some of G1473 you G1519 in G5438 prison, G2443 that G3985 you should be tested. G2532 And G2192 you shall have G2347 affliction G2250 [2days G1176 1ten]. G1096 Be G4103 trustworthy G891 unto G2288 death! G2532 and G1325 I will give G1473 to you G3588 the G4735 crown G3588 G2222 of life.
11 G3588 The one G2192 having G3775 an ear, G191 hear G5100 what G3588 the G4151 spirit G3004 says G3588 to the G1577 assemblies! G3588 The one G3528 overcoming, G3766.2 in no way G91 should be injured G1537 by G3588 the G2288 [2death G3588 G1208 1second].
4735 LSJ Gloss: στέφανος that which surrounds
Dodson: στέφανος a crown, garland a crown, garland, honor, glory.
Thayer:
1) a crown
1a) a mark of royal or (in general) exalted rank
1a1) the wreath or garland which was given as a prize to victors in public games
1b) metaph. the eternal blessedness which will be given as a prize to the genuine servants of God and Christ: the crown (wreath) which is the reward of the righteousness
1c) that which is an ornament and honour to one
For Synonyms see entry G5833
στέφανος
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, G1238), literally or figuratively KJV Usage: crown.
Does this crown seem different than eating from the tree of life? It is. This is something that they will wear to symbolize that they died for Jesus. They will have eternal life, but as a badge of royalty or a symbol of honor, these people who suffer, are persecuted, and are obedient to death will be eternally honored.
This is what the Spirit says to the assemblies. Jesus is asking who can hear what the Spirit says?
We studied the problems at Pergamum last week including the place where the satan dwells. This is also the assembly where people were behaving like Balaam and the Nicolaitans. Yet they held fast to the name of Jesus. One of their own was martyred, but they did not deny their faith. They withstood the fear and intimidation of martyrdom. But they had other problems.
Pergamum
Revelation 2:17 (KJV)
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.
If these people overcome, they will get to eat special hidden food. This type of manna is not for everyone. Is it possible that the foods sacrificed to idols were gourmet foods? Delicacies? Maybe food that was hard to get in Pergamum? Jesus will be giving special delicacies to these people who resisted eating food sacrificed to idols and overcame. There are a few other things that these overcomers receive.
Revelation 2:17 G3588 The one G2192 having G3775 an ear, G191 hear G5100 what G3588 the G4151 spirit G3004 says G3588 to the G1577 assemblies! G3588 To the one G3528 overcoming G1325 I shall give G1473 to him G2068 to eat G575 from G3588 the G3131 manna G3588 G2928 being hid; G2532 and G1325 I will give G1473 to him G5586 [2small stone G3022 1a white], G2532 and G1909 upon G3588 the G5586 small stone G3686 [2name G2537 1a new] G1125 being written, G3739 which G3762 no one G1492 knew G1508 except G3588 the one G2983 receiving
5586LSJ Gloss: ψῆφος a small stone, a pebble, rubbed and rounded
Dodson: ψῆφος a pebble, a vote (a) a pebble, small stone, (b) hence, from their use in voting: a vote.
Thayer:
1) a small worn smooth stone, a pebble
1a) in the ancient courts of justice the accused were condemned by black pebbles and the acquitted by white
2) a vote (on account of the use of pebbles in voting)
ψῆφος
psēphos psay'-fos From the same as G5584; a pebble (as worn smooth by handling), that is, (by implication of use as a counter or ballot) a verdict (of acquittal) or ticket (of admission); a vote KJV Usage: stone, voice.
3022LSJ Gloss:λευκός light, bright, brilliant
Dodson: λευκός white, bright white, bright, brilliant.
Thayer:
1) light, bright, brilliant
1a) brilliant from whiteness, (dazzling) white
1a1) of the garments of angels, and of those exalted to the splendour of the heavenly state
1a2) shining or white garments worn on festive or state occasions
1a3) of white garments as the sign of innocence and purity of the soul
1b) dead white
1b1) of the whitening colour of ripening grain
λευκός
leukos lyoo-kos' From λύκη lukē (“light”); white KJV Usage: white.
3686 LSJ Gloss: ὄνομα by name
Dodson: ὄνομα name, character, reputation name, character, fame, reputation.
Thayer:
1) name: univ. of proper names
2) the name is used for everything which the name covers, everything the thought or feeling of which is aroused in the mind by mentioning, hearing, remembering, the name, i.e. for one's rank, authority, interests, pleasure, command, excellences, deeds etc.
3) persons reckoned up by name
4) the cause or reason named: on this account, because he suffers as a Christian, for this reason
ὄνομα
onoma on'-om-ah From a presumed derivative of the base of G1097 (compare G3685); a “name” (literally or figuratively), (authority, character) KJV Usage: called, (+ sur-) name (-d).
In our day we do not understand what a white stone is but this was the way that people voted and judged things in the first century. The people who dealt with the teachings of Balaam on earth and overcame, will be able to judge in the future. They are also given a name or a reputation to go with their position. If we put this together it seems as if they will be given an authoritative position to judge. The new name given to these overcomers is something that no one else will know. This tells us that the name or position itself will be unique.
Can we hear what the Spirit is saying to the assemblies? Jesus wants us to know that the Holy Spirit is here to help.
Thyatira is under the corruption of a female who calls herself a prophetess. This woman is seducing people away from morality. It is not simply the act of adultery or formication that the sinful people are caught in, it is the desire to lead others into sin as well. She claims to be prophetic, but she also leads people into eating food sacrificed to idols, just like in Pergamum.
Thyatira
Revelation 2:24-29 (KJV)
24 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.
26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
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.
28 And I will give him the morning star.
29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
False prophets/prophetesses rise up when the laity is not allowed to use their spiritual gifts. If the laity is oppressed by their leaders, they will submit to their leaders and not hear from the Spirit themselves. Leaders are just as vulnerable (if not more so than the laity), to being misled. When a false prophetess arises weaker people who have not overcome their lusts will be led astray. Here in Thyatira there are some who were not seduced. They are told to hold fast until Jesus himself comes.
Revelation 2:24 G1473 And to you G1161 G3004 I say, G3588 to the G3062 rest, G3588 to the ones G1722 in G* Thyatira, G3745 As many as G3756 have not G2192 G3588 G1322 this teaching, G3778 G2532 and G3748 the ones who G3756 knew not G1097 G3588 the G901 deeps G3588 G4567 of Satan, G5613 as G3004 they say, G3756 I will not G906 throw G1909 upon G1473 you G243 another G922 load.
906 LSJ Gloss: βάλλω to throw
Dodson: βάλλω I cast, throw, rush, put, place, drop (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop.
Thayer:
1) to throw or let go of a thing without caring where it falls
1a) to scatter, to throw, cast into
1b) to give over to one's care uncertain about the result
1c) of fluids
1c1) to pour, pour into of rivers
1c2) to pour out
2) to put into, insert
βάλλω
ballō bal'-lo A primary verb; to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense) KJV Usage: arise, cast (out), X dung, lay, lie, pour, put (up), send, strike, throw (down), thrust.
243LSJ Gloss:ἄλλος alius, another, one besides
Dodson:ἄλλος other, another, different other, another (of more than two), different.
Thayer:
1) another, other
For Synonyms see entry G5806
ἄλλος
allos al'-los A primary word; “else” , that is, different (in many applications)
KJV Usage: more, one (another), (an-, some an-) other (-s, -wise).
922LSJ Gloss:βάρος weight
Dodson: βάρος a weight, burden a weight, burden, lit. or met.
Thayer:
1) heaviness, weight, burden, trouble
For Synonyms see entry G5819
βάρος
baros bar'-os Probably from the same as G939 (through the notion of going down; compare G899); weight; in the New Testament only, figuratively a load, abundance, authority KJV Usage: burden (-some), weight.
For those already resisting the false teachings of the false prophetess, Jesus will not pour out a different weight on them. This is their promise. They have dealt with the false prophetess by not submitting to her. They mastered this area of their lives. Now Jesus says, continue to be a master over sin.
Revelation 2:25 G4133 Only G3739 what G2192 you have, G2902 hold G891 until G3739 of which G302 ever time G2240 I shall come!
2902LSJ Gloss:κρατέω to be strong, mighty, powerful
Dodson: κρατέω I lay hold of, obtain I am strong, mighty, hence: I rule, am master, prevail; I obtain, take hold of; I hold, hold fast.
Thayer:
1) to have power, be powerful
1a) to be chief, be master of, to rule
2) to get possession of
2a) to become master of, to obtain
2b) to take hold of
2c) to take hold of, take, seize
2c1) to lay hands on one in order to get him into one's power
3) to hold
3a) to hold in the hand
3b) to hold fast, i.e. not discard or let go
3b1) to keep carefully and faithfully
3c) to continue to hold, to retain
3c1) of death continuing to hold one
3c2) to hold in check, restrain
κρατέω
krateō krat-eh'-o From G2904; to use strength, that is, seize or retain (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: hold (by, fast), keep, lay hand (hold) on, obtain, retain, take (by).
2240LSJ Gloss:ἥκω to have come, be present, be here
Dodson: ἥκω I have come, am present I have come, am present, have arrived.
Thayer:
1) to have come, have arrived, be present
2) metaph.
2a) to come to one, i.e. to seek an intimacy with one, become his follower: to come upon one (unexpectedly)
2b) to come upon one, of things endured
ἥκω
hēkō hay'-ko A primary verb; to arrive, that is, be present (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: come.
‘Continue to master sin until I come’ is what Jesus is saying to Thyatira. When will he arrive? He will call the redeemed from the clouds, but he will also arrive at the end of the tribulation with his saints. As we know, during the tribulation many people will come to Christ and many will be martyred. There will be more sin and more evil on the earth in those days than today. Master sin until he comes. This is not just a message for us living now, but for all people, even during the tribulation, until he comes.
Revelation 2:26 G2532 And G3588 the one G3528 overcoming, G2532 and G3588 the one G5083 giving heed G891 unto G5056 the end G3588 G2041 of my works, G1473 G1325 I will give G1473 to him G1849 authority G1909 over G3588 the G1484 nations.
5083LSJ Gloss:τηρέω to watch over, protect, guard
Dodson: τηρέω I keep, guard, observe I keep, guard, observe, watch over.
Thayer:
1) to attend to carefully, take care of
1a) to guard
1b) metaph. to keep, one in the state in which he is
1c) to observe
1d) to reserve: to undergo something
For Synonyms see entry G5874
τηρέω
tēreō tay-reh'-o From τηρός teros (a watch; perhaps akin to G2334); to guard (from loss or injury, properly by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from G5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from G2892, which implies a fortress or full military lines of apparatus), that is, 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) KJV Usage: hold fast, keep (-er), (ob-, pre-, re) serve, watch.
5056 LSJ Gloss: τέλος the fulfilment
Dodson: τέλος an end, purpose, tax (a) an end, (b) event or issue, (c) the principal end, aim, purpose, (d) a tax.
Thayer:
1) end
1a) termination, the limit at which a thing ceases to be (always of the end of some act or state, but not of the end of a period of time)
1b) the end
1b1) the last in any succession or series
1b2) eternal
1c) that by which a thing is finished, its close, issue
1d) the end to which all things relate, the aim, purpose
2) toll, custom (i.e. indirect tax on goods)
τέλος
telos tel'-os From a primary word τέλλω tellō (to set out for a definite point or goal); properly the point aimed at as a limit, that is, (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 Usage: + continual, custom, end (-ing), finally, uttermost.
2041LSJ Gloss:ἔργον work
Dodson:ἔργον work, labor, action, deed work, task, employment; a deed, action; that which is wrought or made, a work.
Thayer:
1) business, employment, that which any one is occupied
1a) that which one undertakes to do, enterprise, undertaking
2) any product whatever, any thing accomplished by hand, art, industry, or mind
3) an act, deed, thing done: the idea of working is emphasised in opp. to that which is less than work
ἔργον
ergon er'-gon From ἔργω ergō (a primary but obsolete word; to work); toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication an act KJV Usage: deed, doing, labour, work.
We need to keep guard til the end of Jesus’ business on the earth. Master sin and watch over Jesus’ work until the end of the age. Then one will be given jurisdiction over the ethnic groups.
1849LSJ Gloss:ἐξουσία power
Dodson: ἐξουσία power, authority, weight (a) power, authority, weight, especially: moral authority, influence, (b) in a quasi-personal sense, derived from later Judaism, of a spiritual power, and hence of an earthly power.
Thayer:
1) power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases
1a) leave or permission
2) physical and mental power
2a) the ability or strength with which one is endued, which he either possesses or exercises
3) the power of authority (influence) and of right (privi
ἐξουσία
exousia ex-oo-see'-ah From G1832 (in the sense of ability); privilege, that is, (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence KJV Usage: authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.
1484LSJ Gloss:ἔθνος a number of people accustomed to live together, a company, body of men
Dodson:ἔθνος a race, people, the Gentiles a race, people, nation; the nations, heathen world, Gentiles.
Thayer:
1) a multitude (whether of men or of beasts) associated or living together
1a) a company, troop, swarm
2) a multitude of individuals of the same nature or genus
2a) the human family
3) a tribe, nation, people group
4) in the OT, foreign nations not worshipping the true God, pagans, Gentiles
5) Paul uses the term for Gentile Christians
ἔθνος
ethnos eth'-nos Probably from G1486; a race (as of the same habit), that is, a tribe; specifically a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually by implication pagan) KJV Usage: Gentile, heathen, nation, people.
Not only will the overcomer have jurisdiction over peoples and tribes, he will shepherd them with a staff of iron. Jesus does this as well.
Revelation 2:27 G2532 And G4165 he shall tend G1473 them G1722 with G4464 a rod G4603 of iron, G5613 as G3588 the G4632 vessels G3588 G2764 made of clay G4937 shall be broken; G5613 as G2504 I also G2983 have received G3844 from G3588 G3962 my father; G1473
4165LSJ Gloss:ποιμαίνω to be shepherd
Dodson:ποιμαίνω I shepherd, tend I shepherd, tend, herd; hence: I rule, govern.
Thayer:
1) to feed, to tend a flock, keep sheep
1a) to rule, govern
1a1) of rulers
1a2) to furnish pasture for food
1a3) to nourish
1a4) to cherish one's body, to serve the body
1a5) to supply the requisites for the soul's need
For Synonyms see entry G5824
ποιμαίνω
poimainō poy-mah'ee-no From G4166; to tend as a shepherd (or figuratively superviser) KJV Usage: feed (cattle), rule.
4464LSJ Gloss:ῥάβδος a rod, wand, stick, switch
Dodson:ῤάβδος a rod, staff a rod, staff, staff of authority, scepter.
Thayer:
1) a staff, a walking stick, a twig, rod, branch
2) a rod with which one is beaten
3) a staff
3a) as used on a journey, or to lean upon, or by shepherds
3b) when applied to kings
3b1) with a rod of iron, indicates the severest, most rigorous rule
3b2) a royal sceptre
ῥάβδος
rhabdos hrab'-dos From the base of G4474; a stick or wand (as a cudgel, a cane or a baton of royalty) KJV Usage: rod, sceptre, staff.
4632LSJ Gloss:σκεῦος a vessel
Dodson:σκεῦος a vessel to contain liquid, utensil, tackle a vessel to contain liquid; a vessel of mercy or wrath; any instrument by which anything is done; a household utensil; of ships: tackle.
Thayer:
1) a vessel
2) an implement
2a) in the plural
2a1) household utensils, domestic gear
2a2) the tackle and armament of vessels, used specifically of sails and ropes
3) metaph.
3a) a man of quality, a chosen instrument
3b) in a bad sense, an assistant in accomplishing an evil deed
σκεῦος
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 Usage: goods, sail, stuff, vessel.
4937LSJ Gloss:συντρίβω to rub together
Dodson:συντρίβω I break by crushing I break by crushing, break in pieces, shatter, crush, bruise.
Thayer:
1) break, to break in pieces, shiver
2) to tread down
2a) to put Satan under foot and (as a conqueror) trample on him
2b) to break down, crush
2b1) to tear one's body and shatter one's strength
συντρίβω
suntribō soon-tree'-bo From G4862 and the base of G5147; to crush completely, that is, to shatter (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: break (in pieces), broken to shivers (+ -hearted), bruise
Why will these overcomers break and shatter the clay pots? These clay pots are defective. They can’t hold water or goods. They are weak and broken already. The overcomer will shepherd the nations but break in pieces the problematic clay pots. Just as Jesus has authority from his Father, he will give this authority to the overcomers.
This tells us that in the millennial reign there will be people (vessels), that are sinful, resistant to Jesus’ rule, and troublemakers. We know that if nations behave in obstinance towards the holy days they will not receive rain. We also know that the desert waste lands will be a haunt for evil spirits. So even though Jesus rules as King of kings and Lord of lords there will still be sinful people and evil places. Those who overcome will be judges (Pergamum) and rulers (Thyatira). And they will receive the early morning star.
Revelation 2:28 G2532 and G1325 I will give G1473 to him G3588 the G792 [2star G3588 G4407 1early morning]. 29 G3588 The one G2192 having G3775 an ear, G191 hear G5100 what G3588 the G4151 spirit G3004 says G3588 to the G1577 assemblies!
792LSJ Gloss:ἀστήρ euphon.
Dodson:ἀστήρ a star.
Thayer:
1) a star
ἀστήρ
astēr as-tare' Probably from the base of G4766; a star (as strown over the sky), literally or figuratively KJV Usage: star.
4407Dodson:πρωϊνός belonging to the morning belonging to the morning, early.
Thayer:
1) pertaining to the morning
πρωΐνός
prōinos pro-ee-nos' From G4404; pertaining to the dawn, that is, matutinal
KJV Usage: morning.
What is the early morning star? Venus is the bright and morning star. It is a planet. Jesus is the bright and morning star as well. What does this mean?
Genesis 1:16 G2532 And G4160 God made G3588 G2316 G3588 the G1417 two G5458 [2luminaries G3588 G3173 1great]; G3588 the G5458 [2luminary G3588 G3173 1greater] G1519 for G746 beginnings G3588 of the G2250 day, G2532 and G3588 the G5458 [2luminary G3588 G1640 1lesser] G1519 for G746 beginnings G3588 of the G3571 night, G2532 and G3588 the G792 stars.
17 G2532 And G5087 [2put G1473 3them G3588 G2316 1God] G1722 in G3588 the G4733 firmament G3588 of the G3772 heaven, G5620 so as G5316 to shine G1909 upon G3588 the G1093 earth,
18 G2532 and G756 to begin G3588 the G2250 day G2532 and G3588 the G3571 night, G2532 and G1316 to part G303.1 between G3588 the G5457 light G2532 and G303.1 between G3588 the G4655 darkness. G2532 And G1492 God beheld G3588 G2316 G3754 that G2570 it was good
There are lights for the beginning of the day and lights for the beginning of the night. But there is one light that is a light of the night that shines in the day. This is the planet Venus. It is called a star and is visible in the morning. Jesus is the bright early morning star.
Revelation 22:16 G1473 I G* Jesus G3992 sent forth G3588 G32 my angel G1473 G3140 to testify G1473 to you G3778 these things G1909 unto G3588 the G1577 assemblies. G1473 I G1510.2.1 am G3588 the G4491 root G2532 and G3588 the G1085 race G3588 G* of David, G3588 the G792 [3star G3588 G2986 1bright G4407 2early morning]
We studied this story of the misconception about the satan who is really the evening star, Hesperus, the falling star at night. Jesus is the rising star of the morning, Phōsphoros. In order to tell a story so that people would understand the contentions between the satan and Yahweh, people had a story of two twin brothers, one good and one evil. The one who rises at night is chased away by the other bigger planets. The other brother who is good, rises in the morning and no planets are chasing it away. It looks like it is rising and everyone can see it.
Venus is seen in the east in the morning and the west in the evening and was known as the Shepherds star. Peter says this Morning Star arises in our hearts.
http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2017/11/candlesticks-torches-seven-eyes.html
2 Peter 1:19 (AMP)
19 And we have the prophetic word [made] firmer still. You will do well to pay close attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dismal (squalid and dark) place, until the day breaks through [the gloom] and the Morning Star rises (comes into being) in your hearts.
5459 LSJ Gloss: φωσφόρος bringing
Dodson: φωσφόρος light-bearing, radiant, the morning-star
(lit: light-bearing), radiant, the morning-star.
Thayer:
1) light bringing, giving light
2) the planet Venus, the morning star, day star
3) metaph. Christ
φωσφόρος
phōsphoros foce-for'-os From G5457 and G5342; light bearing (“phosphorus”), that is, (specifically) the morning star (figuratively) KJV Usage: day star.
Jesus is the rising morning star. Stars give light. It precedes the sunrise, then remains with the sun until the sun takes over. This illumination is to rise in our hearts. It is a light that announced the bigger light.
Giving overcomers the morning star is giving people a prominent light that everyone on earth will see. The gift is the illumination for others, such as a leader or a teacher. Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords, is this same bright and morning star. Jesus announces the Father. These overcomers announce Jesus. Jesus gives overcomers the light to lead others.
Can we hear what the Spirit says to the called out? Do we understand what the Spirit is saying to the assemblies? We have to remember that the Holy Spirit is speaking to the ekklesia, not necessarily to only one person in the churches so that there is only one individual with this information. Jesus is asking who can hear? The Spirit speaks. Listen.
