INTRODUCTION  (Read Chapter 1:1-3)

    In his introduction the author assures his readers that the information to follow … 

Comes From A Reliable Source: (vs. 1)
    The content is revealed to John by the Lord himself. 

Is Faithfully Reported: (vs. 2)
    John passed on the message exactly as he had heard and seen it unfolding before him.
    He was an eyewitness. (cf. Luke 1:2, 2, Peter 1:16, 1 John 1:1-4) 

Is Designed To Benefit Those Who Accept the Message: (vs. 3)
    (cf. Revelation 14:13, 16:15, 19:9, 20:6, 22:7, 22:14) 

A  MESSAGE  FOR  THE  CHURCHES  (Read Chapter 1:4-20) 

    John is writing separate letters to the seven churches in the province of Asia. In his greeting to the members of those churches we take note of the following … 

The Letters Are From A Senior Pastor To Pastors: (vs. 4)

   John was the Senior Pastor in the region. He was known as the Elder (2 John vs. 1). He was the Pastor of the church at Ephesus. He passed on the message to the pastors of six other central churches in the region. 

Jesus’ Life And Ministry Is Recalled: (vs. 5-8)
   Jesus is the Messiah. This is the meaning of the word Christ.
        -    he died a sacrificial death for our sins (vs. 5)
        -    he rose again and lives today (vs. 5, Hebrews 7:24-25)
        -    he loves us (vs. 5, Galatians 5:20, Ephesians 5:2)
        -    he sets us free (vs. 5, John 8:32,36, Luke 4:16-20, 1 Peter 18-19)
        -    he has chosen us to serve him (vs. 6)
        -    he rules over all (vs. 6, Colossians 1:15-20, Philippians 2:5-11, Revelation 19:16)
        -    he is coming again (vs. 7, Acts 1:9-11)
        -    he is one with the Father and the Holy Spirit (vs. 8 John 10:25-30, 14:8-11, 23-26, 16:5-15),
                    together they are the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8) 

The Messenger’s Credentials: (vs. 9-11)
    John had the right to be God’s messenger because ...
        -    he too had experienced suffering (vs. 9, cf. Ezekiel 3:15, 2 Corinthians 1:3-7)
        -    he showed steadfast endurance in times of trouble (vs. 9, cf. Matthew 24:13, Acts 14:22,
                  2 Corinthians 6:4, 2 Timothy 2:12)
        -    he had taught the Scriptures faithfully for a long time (vs. 9, 2 Timothy 3:10-17)
        -    he listened carefully to the Lord as he worshiped (vs. 10)
        -    he was willing to do what the Lord told him to do (vs. 11, cf. Acts 26:19, Hebrews 11:8,
                   Haggai 1:12)  

The Unique Person at the Centre of the Message: (vs. 12-16)
   The gold lamp stands picture the churches the message is intended for. (vs. 12)
   The Lord is always there with his people. (vs. 13, Matthew 18:20, Luke 24:15-16, 36, Ezekiel 48:35)
   He wears the robe of the priest and king for he is both. (vs. 13, Hebrews 4:14-16, 9:11-15, 6:20-7:28)
   Many of the words describing him are also used of God, reminding us that he is truly God. (vs. 14-16)
        -    head and hair pure white, indicating his awesome purity and agelessness (vs. 14, cf. Daniel 7:9)
        -    yes bright, revealing an inner intensity of purpose and understanding (vs. 14)
        -    feet strongly planted, reflecting his ability never to falter as he leads his people on (vs. 15,
                  John 10:4)
        -    voice of authority (vs. 15, Luke 8:12-15, Ezekiel 43:2)
        -    strong hands, directing and controlling the affairs of the nations, providing security for all who
                 trust in him (vs. 16, Proverbs 21:1, John 10:27-29, 2 Timothy 1:12)
        -    his word cuts like a sword (vs. 16, Hebrews 4:12)
        -    his outlook positive, unclouded, radiant, glorious (vs. 16, Matthew 17:1-2) 

Only One Possible Response: (vs. 17a)
   To bow in awe and surrender to Him. (cf. Ezekiel 1:26-28, Isaiah 6:1-7) 

Reassured by His Gentle Touch: (vs. 17b-20)
          -   fear not (vs. 17b, cf. Jeremiah 1:4-10)
          -    for Jesus Christ is Jehovah, the great I AM (vs. 17-18, Exodus 3:14-15,
                     John 6:35, 8:12, 10:11, 14:6)
          -    commission confirmed (vs. 19)
          -    the symbols given in vs. 12 and 16 are explained (vs. 20) 

Who are The Angels of the Seven Churches? (vs. 20)
   John wrote this book, as did other New Testament writers, in the Greek language. The word translated angel is ‘αγγελοs’. Its primary meaning is ‘messenger’. The word refers in this context to the Pastors of the seven churches. 

LETTER  TO  THE  CHURCH  IN  EPHESUS  (Read Chapter 2:1-7) 

To: The Pastor of the Church. (vs. 1)
From:  The Senior Pastor, the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:21-25, 5:1-4)
Instructions: Pass the message on to the members of the church. 

A Hard Working Church: (vs. 2-3)
           -    all its members were actively involved in the life of the church (vs. 2)
           -    they insisted on high standards of conduct (vs. 2)
           -    they were quick to discern error and kept out false teachers (vs. 2)
           -    they did not quit when trouble or persecution  struck (vs. 3) 

But Lacking Something: (vs. 4-5)
   The people no longer loved the Lord or each other like they did when they first became Christians. The fire was almost extinguished. (vs. 4)
   The church was strong on points of doctrine, but weak in the devotional life of its members.
   Their first love for the Lord came when the Scriptures were opened to them. (Acts 19)
   Paul warned the church leaders of the result of failing to keep the Scriptures central in the life of the church. (Acts 20:16-36. They are invited to re-discover their first love. (vs. 5) 

Commended For Their Identification Of Imposters: (vs. 6)
   Those they identified were the Nicolaitans who tried to merge the teachings and practices of other religions and schools of philosophy with the Christian faith. 

A Message For All: (vs. 7)
   The seven churches were historic churches of the first century. They may also be seen as representing a cross section of the churches of their time.
   They may also be understood as picturing the life of the church down through the centuries.
   The messages delivered first to the seven churches are meant also for the church in every generation.
   Access to the ‘tree of life’ is again possible. (cf. Genesis 3:22-24) 

TO  THE  CHURCH  IN  SMYRNA  (Read Chapter 2:8-11) 

To: A church whose members are poor but rich. (vs. 8)
From: One who died and rose again and is the beginning and ending of all life.
Action Required: Discuss the letter at next church meeting. 

At Peace Under Pressure: (vs. 9)
   The word translated suffering is ‘θλιφσιs’ (thlipsis), meaning ‘pressure, a crushing under a heavy weight’. (cf. Paul’s experience, 2 Corinthians 1:8-11) 

Having Little But Possessing Everything: (vs. 9)
    Read what Paul says about his experience. (2 Corinthians 6:10, 8:9, James 2:5, Ephesians 1:18, 2:7) 

Persecuted But Happy In the Lord: (vs. 9-10)
   Those accusing them did not really belong to the Lord – they belonged to Satan. (vs. 9)
   These people accused the Christians of being cannibals because they celebrated the Lord’s supper in their meetings.
   The further trials that they experience will only be of short duration. (vs. 10)
   A crown of life is waiting for them. (vs. 10, cf. 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 1 Peter 1:3-7)
   They are asked to remain faithful to the Lord. (vs. 10, Luke 12:35-48) 

The Holy Spirit Gives Understanding: (vs. 11)
    Read what Jesus taught about this aspect of the Holy Spirit’s ministry. (John 16:12-15) 

Destination Heaven Not Hell: (vs. 11)
   The phrase ‘the second death’ refers to the eternal separation from God after death of those who do no accept his offer of salvation through the sacrificial death of Christ. (cf. Revelation 20:11-14) 

TO  THE  CHURCH  IN  PERGAMUM  (Read Chapter 2:12-17) 

To: A church with an important decision to make. (vs. 12)
From: The Person whose message cuts to the heart.
Special Concern: The infiltration of error into the church. 

A Hostile Environment: (vs. 13)
   Even in the hostile environment of Pergamum where cults and pagan religions flourished, a church had been established. No situation is too hard for the Lord. (Genesis 18:14, Luke 18:27) 

Loyal, In Spite Of Incredible Opposition: (vs. 13)
   The church kept up its witness and preaching of the Gospel even though it resulted in the martyrdom of one of its members. 

But A Problem Had Arisen: (vs. 14-16)
   The church was not taking a stand against immorality and idolatry, just like God’s people at the time of Balaam failed to do so. (vs. 14, Numbers 22-24, 25:1-6, 31:16)
   And, unlike the church in Ephesus (vs. 6), they remained unconcerned about the growth of religious syncretism among them. (vs. 15)  

Faced With A Choice: (vs. 16)
  The message is clear, repent! That is, take action yourselves against this unholy infiltration into the church or become caught up in the judgment  which will follow the intervention of the Lord himself! (cf. Ezekiel 18:30-32) 

The Lord Offers Something Far Better: (vs. 17)
   Neither the philosophies of the Balaamites nor of the Nicolaitans can compare with this.
   The Lord gives spiritual food which satisfies. This is pictured in the ‘manna’ he provided for his people long ago. (Exodus 16, Deuteronomy 8:3, Psalm 78:23-25, John 6:22-50.)
    He also forms a unique, personal relationship with those who turn to him in repentance and commitment. This is signified in the metaphorical giving of a white stone engraved with a new name. The picture is drawn from description of the clothing worn by a High Priest. (Exodus 28:15-21, Leviticus 8:8) 

TO  THE  CHURCH  IN  THYATIRA  (Read Chapter 2:18-29) 

To: A church busy in all kinds of activities. (vs. 18)
From: One who discerns thoughts and motives of the heart.
Problem Identified: Compromise.

Commendation: (vs. 19)
   The Lord acknowledges the services the church is involved in. He is pleased with the members’ growth in maturity. Members of the church such as Lydia, gave hospitality to visitors. (Acts 16:13-15, 40) 

But Many Were Being Led Astray: (vs. 20)
   This is always a danger for those so busy in church activities that they have little time or energy left for walking closely with the Lord ‘in the light of his word’. It is easier to follow another teacher.
   The church was allowing a person like the Jezebel of another era to become prominent in the life of the church. (See 1 Kings 16:30-33, 2 Kings 9:22)
    Her teaching promoted idolatry and immorality. 

Repentance Is Called For: (vs. 21-23)
   Failure to respond leaves only the option of judgment from the Lord. His judgment is always just. Like the refiner’s fire its purpose is to purify by separating the dross from the genuine metal (Malachi 3:1-3, 4:1)

They Are Holding Onto The Truth: (vs. 24-28)
   They are able to discern the error in what the false teacher in their midst was claiming to be a further revelation of truth.
        -   As genuine servants of the Lord they will be pleased to see him when he returns. (vs. 25,
                    cf. Matthew 25: 31-46)
        -   They will reign with him in his kingdom, (vs. 26-27, 2 Timothy 2:12, Revelation 20:4,
                    cf. Luke 12:35-48)
        -   They will enjoy being in the presence of him who is called the ‘morning star’ for ever. (vs. 28,
                     cf. Revelation 22:16, 2 Peter 1:19, Numbers 24:17)

A Further Reminder: (vs. 29)
   Listen carefully to the voice of the Lord in the person of the Holy Spirit. (vs. 29) 

TO  THE  CHURCH  IN  SARDIS  (Read Chapter 3:1-6) 

To: A church which seems to be alive but is dead. (vs. 1)
From: The Lord who cannot be deceived.
Question: Can life return to the church?

   The phrase 'sevenfold Spirit of God' is a symbolic reference to the ever present Holy Spirit. (vs. 1,  cf. Revelation 1:4, 3:1, 4:5, 5:6)
   The churches, referred to as 'the seven stars', remain in his hands. He is concerned for their welfare and destiny. 

The Real Situation Is Revealed: (vs. 1)
   The church had all the external signs of being alive and well. But the inner reality was that it was dying.
   So far advanced was the spiritual sickness that it was as though the church was already dead. (cf. 2 Timothy 3:1-5,  James 2:17, Matthew 23:25-28, Isaiah 29:13) 

A Clear Call Goes Out To The Church: (vs. 2-3)
     -   Wake up! Quit the pretence! (vs. 2, cf. Romans 13:11, 1 Corinthians 15:33-34,
                Ephesians 5:10-14)
     -    Get back into a right relationship with God! (vs. 2)
     -    Return to what you first believed! (vs. 3, cf. Galatians 5:7-10, Jeremiah 6:16) 

If the Call Is Ignored: (vs. 3)
   The return of the Lord, coming suddenly like a thief at night, will find the people unready. (cf. Matthew 24:43-44, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3, 2 Peter 3:10) 

All Is Not Lost: (vs. 4-6)
   There are some who have not fallen by the wayside. They have not adopted the world view and value system of the city in which they live. They march to the beat of another drum. (vs. 4)
    -   They are worthy, not because of any good works of their own, but because they wear the garments of
            salvation given them by the Lord. They are clothed in the righteousness of Christ. (vs. 4-5, cf. Isaiah
            61:10)
     -   They do not spoil this clothing by willful sin.
     -   Their names remain in the Book of Life (vs. 5)
     -   They belong to the Lord for ever. (vs. 5)  

TO  THE  CHURCH  IN  PHILADELPHIA  (Read Chapter 3:7-13) 

To: The church presented with a wide open door. (vs. 7)
From: The Lord who opens doors.
Challenge: Grasp every new opportunity to advance the Gospel. 

The Lord is In Control of the Doors: (vs. 7)
   Once a door of opportunity is opened it remains open unless the Lord closes it. If a door is closed it remains closed until the Lord opens it. (cf. Isaiah 22:19-24)
   Paul trusted the Lord to open doors for him. He also trusted him when doors were closed. (1 Corinthians 16:7-9, 2 Corinthians 2:12, Colossians 4:3, Acts 16:6) 

What is Required for Entering Open Doors? (vs. 8-13)
     -   Not ability, but availability. Not confidence in powerful committees but trusting in the Lord’s power.
            (vs. 8, cf. Zechariah 4:6, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Philippians 4:13)
     -   Not questioning and endless discussion but obedience to his word. (vs. 8) Not wavering in confidence in
            the integrity of the Scriptures, but holding fast to their truth. (vs. 8, cf. 1 Timothy 6:20, 2 Timothy
            1:13-14, Ephesians 6:14)
      -   Not quitting, but persevering. (vs. 10, 11, cf. Ephesians 6:18, 2 Timothy 2:3,10, 4:5, James 5:10-11)

Promises For Those Who Enter: (vs. 8-13)
      -   Eventual acknowledgement by those who oppose the Christian message. (vs. 9)
      -    Protection during trials now and from the great tribulation to come. (vs. 10, Psalm 61:1-4, John
                17:14-19, 2 Peter 2:9, Revelation 7:13-17)
      -   The crown of life. (vs. 11, cf. Revelation 2:10)
      -   A special place in the everlasting Kingdom of God. Stones now, pillars then. (vs. 12,
                  cf. Ephesians 2:19-22, 1 Peter 2:5, Revelation 21:22) 

TO  THE  CHURCH  IN  LAODICEA  (Read Chapter 3:14-22) 

To: The lukewarm church.
From: The One who is the source of all life. (vs. 14, cf. John 14:6)
Challenge: Be one thing or the other! 

A Church Which Can’t Make Up Its Mind: (vs. 15-17)
   Churches like that …
        -   present a sickening witness to the world and are nauseating to the Lord. (vs. 16-17, cf. 1 Corinthians
                11:27-30)
        -   imagine that their many church activities make them rich in Christian experience when in reality
               they are spiritually poor. (vs. 17)
        -    think that they understand the Scriptures but actually they are spiritually blind. (vs. 17, cf. 2 Peter
                  1:3-11, 1 John 1:5-7, 2:7-11) 

Advice From The Divine Counselor: (vs. 18-19, cf. Isaiah 9:6)
    -   Accept spiritual riches, the clothing of righteousness, and spiritual sight from Me, he says! (vs. 18,
                   cf. Isaiah 29:13-14, 18-19, 64:5-6, 61:10)
    -    Respond positively to my loving discipline! (vs. 19, cf. Hebrews 12:5-13)
    -    Think! The only purchase price required is your repentance! (vs. 19, cf. Isaiah 55:1, Ephesians
                   1:15-23) 

It Is Now Time For Decision: (vs. 20-22)
   People of every generation and religious persuasion and churchmanship are faced with this decision—to invite the Lord to take up residence in their inner person or to leave him outside. (vs. 20, cf. Joshua 24:14-15, 1 Kings 18:21)
   The invitation to open the door of the inner self to the gracious knocking of the Lord is extended to everyone.
   Those who respond will reign with him. (vs. 21)
   Whoever is willing to listen to his voice and hear his gentle knock will understand what he is saying. (vs. 22)

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