Christ now dictates letters to the seven Asian churches concerning
"what is now" (1:19). Each letter is addressed to the "angel,"
or "messenger" (pastor) of the Church. Each message identifies Jesus
in a special way, reveals an intimate knowledge of the Church addressed,
pinpoints the Church's most serious flaw, and then conveys a command intended
to correct the problem or warn the Church. The letter closes with a promise of
reward to the victor who responds obediently. Significantly, each promise is
eschatological—and alludes to some element found in Revelation 21-22.
The
believer’s personal application:
Each of us can be commended in some
respect—yet each of us also have areas in which we need to grow.
TEXTUAL INSIGHT
"To
the angel" (2:1):
The word angel means "messenger" and is used of human as well
as angelic agents.
“Ephesus:
letting go of first love” (2:4):
Most see this as the initial love of the Ephesians for each other (Ephesians
1:15). It's all too easy to be both traditional and active—and unloving. But
without an intense and vital love any Church will soon also be without light
(v. 5).
“Smyrna:
persecuted yet faithful”
(2:8-11):
This city of 200,000 was renowned for its wealth and contribution to
the sciences and medicine. It was also a center of emperor worship, having been
granted the right in A.D. 23 to build the first temple honoring Tiberius. Each
citizen was obligated to burn incense to the "god" Caesar annually and
was then issued a certificate of compliance. Christians refused to burn incense
and say "Caesar is Lord," and as a result, suffered intensely.
“Christ
as First and Last” (2:8):
This designation reminds the persecuted church that Christ is Sovereign,
the Creator, and also Lord of history.
“A
crown of life for the faithful”
(2:10):
Garlands of perishable flowers were worn by those worshiping pagan gods
and goddesses. Those who persevere in their worship of Christ are given a very
different crown—a crown of endless life!
“Pergamum:
moral compromise” (2:12-17):
Pergamum was a center of emperor worship, but also of Zeus: truly
"Satan's throne."
“Jesus'
sharp sword” (2:12):
Pergamum was one of a very few cities with the right to impose capital
punishment, symbolized by a sword. The church is reminded that Jesus bears a
sword too and has a much greater power.
“Moral
compromise” (2:14):
Balaam advised King Balak to compromise God's people by drawing Israel
into idolatry by enticing them sexually. A similar thing is happening in
Pergamum, many suggest through the enticement of temple priestesses who
practiced prostitution as part of religious rites.
"I will soon come" (2:16). This is not a reference to the
Second Coming, but to divine discipline of those Christians who refuse to
repent.
“Thyatira:
doctrinal defection” (2:18-29):
This inland city was a center of trade in textiles and leather. The Church
there is criticized for tolerating a woman, symbolically named Jezebel, who
promoted false teaching and also immorality.
“Fire and bronze” (2:18):
These aspects of the glorified Christ, only here named, the Son of God
in Revelation, are associated in both Testaments with judgment.
“Refusing
to repent” (2:21-23):
The accusation is addressed to "Jezebel" rather than the
church. This self-appointed prophetess is apparently a believer, destined to be
severely disciplined by sickness ("cast her on a bed of suffering")
and by the death of her "children" (followers).
The
characteristics of and admonitions to the Churches
“Ephesus,
the Steadfast” (2:1-7):
The Church: works hard, perseveres, rejects the wicked, and endures,
but left its first love.
Jesus’ description: He walks among the seven lamps (and is in heaven).
Jesus’ admonition to the Church: return to its first
love.
“Smyrna,
the Persecuted” (2:8-11):
The Church: suffers, is in poverty, and endures persecution.
Jesus’ description: He, who died, is alive again.
Jesus’ admonition to the Church: remain
faithful.
“Pergamum,
the Morally Compromising” (2:12-17):
The Church: remains true, is faithful to death, but tolerates
immorality
Jesus’ description: He holds a sharp, double-edged sword.
Jesus’ admonition to the Church: repent of their
evil ways.
“Thyatira,
the Doctrinally Compromising”
(2:18-29):
The Church: does more than at first, but tolerates immorality, false
doctrine.
Jesus’ description: Eyes of fire, feet of bronze.
Jesus’ admonition to the Church: hold to the
truth.
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