We ended the last chapter with Jesus telling us that the 7 candlesticks are the 7 churches and the 7 stars are the angels of the 7 churches. This chapter will deal with those 7 churches. These churches geographically made a circle. The names are not that important, rather the teachings are what matter. Within these teachings you will see an overall view of the teachings in today’s churches. Remember verse 10/19 of the first chapter. John was taken to the Lord’s Day to show us what is to happen on, before and after that day. The look at the churches is from the Lords Day and back to our time now (not 96 A.D.).
Ch. 2
2:1 Ephesus is the first church the Lord tells us about. As we learned in chapter 1, Jesus is the one who holds these things in His hand.
2:2 works G 2041; toil, effort, act, deed, labor. Labour G 2873; toil. Patience G 5281; cheerful (or hopeful endurance. Tried G 3985; to test, examine. Apostle G 652; a delegate or ambassador of the Gospel or Christ. Liars G 5571; untrue, false. So far this church has patience, work and can spot a false prophet with ease.
2:3 they have endured much work and patience for the Lords sake. So far this church would appear to be doing well.
2:4 first love: this is Jesus. Remember we are on the Lords Day and looking back. If a church that would seem to be doing well falls away from their first love, who did they leave Him for? Remember anti-Christ comes back claiming to be Christ and deceives many. They were deceived by the many false doctrines and traditions of men.
2:5 repent G 3340; to think differently afterward, change of heart. This is a serious charge against this church. The deception is coming so be ready, don’t leave your first love!
2:6 they hate the deeds of these (probably Baal worship).
2:7 (compare: John 16:33, Gen 2). Do you have an ear to understand; many will not and will be deceived. The Tree of Life is Christ (first love). These have left the Tree of Life for the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Satan).
2:8 first and last: Jesus. We have another church here.
2:9 tribulation G 2347; trouble, affliction. Poverty G 4432; poor. The Lord doesn’t care about earthly wealth. This is a church that Jesus finds no fault with. Does your church teach who those are that claim to be Jews but are not and are of the synagogue of Satan. These Jesus is speaking of are Kenites, the sons of Cain. (Compare: John 8:42-44, 1 Chron 2:55). The Kenites were scribes for Judah in the beginning. This is where the false Christ will come from. We must have knowledge in this area!
2:10 (compare: Heb 2:14, Mark 13:9-11). Fear G 5399; to frighten, to be alarmed, afraid. We must be delivered up before Satan to give a witness and testimony for God. Don’t fear anything, for God is with us! 10 days is all we have to endure and we will receive that crown of life. This is 10 days of individual trying (the hour of temptation), when we are delivered up before the devil/death (as the anti-Christ) to give a witness and allow the Holy Spirit to speak through us.
2:11 the second death is the death of the soul (compare: Rev 20:6/14, Rev 21:8). Those that overcome will have their spot in heaven for eternity with God. This church did well and found favor with God.
2:12 (compare: Rev 1:16, Eph 6:17, John 1:1). That sword is the word of God. We have another church here.
2:13 (compare: 2 Thess 2:4-6, Mal 4:6). Satan’s seat will be established on Mt. Zion in Jerusalem. This church has work and dwell where Satan is. Remember we are looking back in time to when this will happen. Antipas G 493/473/3962; anti father. He was against Satan and stood for God at that time. They would seem to be doing well.
2:14 (compare: Numbers 22). They followed after Baalam who taught for money and monetary gain. They also fell short in other areas.
2:15-16 they also went after idols as the church of Ephesus did. You do not want the Lord to fight against you, for you are guaranteed to be on the losing side! Stick to the word of God. We must separate the true from the false when it comes to the word of God (compare: 2 John 1:10-11).
2:17 (compare: Isa 62:2, Isa 65:15, Acts 15:17, John 6:57-58, Zech 3:9, Zech 4). Do you have ears to understand what God says? If you do then you will partake in the hidden manna (Bread of Life/word), and receive a new name which the Lord will give you. Have you received that new name, do you have eyes to see and ears to hear or are you deceived by Satan and his tricks. Stone G 5586; a pebble (as worn smooth over time). This has a deeper truth to it. We are to identify the enemy by the word and understand who and what he is (compare: Rev 13:18).
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