Revelation ch 2:18-end

We are here with John being instructed by Jesus concerning the 7 churches (7 means spiritual completeness in biblical numeric). Remember the names mean very little to us, it is the content of their teachings that matters. What we are to get out of this is that only 2 churches will be found teaching what is pleasing to Christ and if your church is not teaching as the 2 good ones were then you could be in some trouble. It is important to remember that John was taken to the millennium to be shown things before, during and after that time.

Ch. 2:18-29

2:18 (compare: Malachi 4:3, Rev 19:13-15). This is Christ in His purified body. We have another church here.

2:19 charity G 26; love. This church would seem to have many good qualities about them. Let’s see what Christ thinks about them. They have many works to show.

2:20 fornication G 4203; to act the harlot, to practice idolatry. Seduce G 4105; deceive, go astray. She calls herself a preacher or inspired speaker of God but is leading many to follow after the false Christ to come (compare: Mark 13:6). This is not speaking of the Jezebel of old but the one spoken of in Revelation 17 who draws many away from the true Christ; and teaches false doctrines of rapture and many other false traditions of men (compare: Ezekiel 18).

2:21 they were given time in order to repent of their wrong doings but did not. They kept teaching the same old traditions and falsehoods.

2:22 tribulation G 2347; persecution, trouble, burdens. (Compare: Romans 2:8-9, Romans 2:16, 2 Thess 2:8-12).  Remember Christ is coming back for a virgin bride, not one who is in bed (committing adultery) with the false Christ. To do this is the great apostasy.

2:23 this is speaking of a spiritual death for those who will not repent and follow after the true Christ. You will get what you deserve from the Lord, for He is fair.

2:24 (compare: 2 Cor 2:11). Do you know the depths of Satan? Do you know who his children are? (Compare: John 8:44, Matt 13:36-43). For those that don’t partake in the false doctrine, God will not burden them any farther.

2:25 hold fast to the truth you have and keep it undefiled; and don’t follow the deception which leads to anti-Christ.

2:26-27 power G 1849; strength. Nation G 1484; gentile. (Compare: Matt 24:13, Psalm 2:7-9). Christ is coming back as the King of kings and Lord of lords. There is correction coming for those who deserve it.

2:28 (compare: Num 24:17, false star: Isa 14:12). We will have the true Morning Star and not the fake star which is Lucifer. We will be given the truth to comprehend between the two.

2:29 do we understand the word of God? Listen to Christ and not men.