Chapters 1, 2, 3
Chapter 1: vs 1,2,3
“The Revelation of JESUS CHRIST” – theme of the Book
“God gave … to show” – the source and purpose
“sent … by His angel” – sent by an intermediary
“to His servant John” … the recipient and scribe
From the Father, to the Son, to Christ’s special messenger (the angel), to John, to US !!
vs 3 – God promises that you’ll be blessed if you study the Revelation and heed the instructions in the Book.
THESE ARE THE TIMES TO UNDERSTAND GOD’S REVELATIONS (Daniel 12: 8-10)
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vs 4,5,6 (The “seven spirits” represents the many works of the Holy Spirit – seven means perfection – completeness)” – - – (Spirits), who are before His throne.
vs 5 ” … firstborn of the dead” – Jesus was the first to be permanently resurrected from the dead – of many who will be resurrected !
vs 6 – a priest represents men before the throne of God – speaking to God on behalf of others – and speaking to men about God (Exodus 19:6)
vs 7,8 – clouds of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1, 1 Thess. 3:13, Jude 14:) Jesus will return with multitudes of saints (in the clouds).
IN THE OLD TESTAMENT THERE ARE PICTURES OF TWO MESSIAHs, ONE SUFFERING (Isaiah 53) AND ONE CONQUERING (Isaiah 9: 6-7).
The Jews will mourn Jesus’ return at the end of Armageddon since they will recognize Him as the ONE THEY REJECTED nearly 2000 years ago.
vs 8 – Jesus is Omnipotent (Col. 1:17) and holds all things together.
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vs 9,10,11 – John was in exile for preaching.
vs 10 – he was in the spirit (relating with God), oblivious to all other things going on around him
vs 11 – the seven churches represent all classes of churches and situations that they are in, even today
vs 12-18 – the seven lampstands represent the churches (the Menorah - Jewish candlestand). Jesus, the Light, is in the center.
Golden vest – Priest & Judge, with long robe and sash.
Head and Hair – purity and mature wisdom
Flaming eyes – pierce right through the unrighteous person
Bronze feet – symbol of judgment
vs 19,20 – ” … have seen” – the vision of Jesus as in Chapter 1 ” … the things which are” – situation regarding churches (ch. 2 & 3) up to time Jesus .comes back for the church [Rapture] ” … things which shall take place” – the Tribulation, up to the second coming of Jesus, at the end of Armageddon.
vs 20 – shows that all symbolism in the book of Revelation has definite meanings (which we will explore throughout our study).
Chapters 2 & 3
1. Ephesus: duty without love. Seaport, rich, used magic, well-taught. Outwardly warm – inwardly cold. Legalists – need pure motives.
2. Smyrna: poor and persecuted, but rich! A city of temples – faithful – devoted. They are overcomers !
3. Pergamos: compromise with world system. Learned, but tolerated evil teachings – had pagan temples.
4. Thyratira: the counterfeit. In the cloth industry – had fortune tellers, female priests, those who associate with occult will die. Stop, and no other burdens will be added. A remnant of their holdout believers will rule with Jesus in the Millennium !
5. Sardis: dead orthodoxy – a few of the people will be with Jesus. They are living in the past – wake up – revitalize what you got going . May relate to some churches from the Reformation era.
6. Philadelphia: revival and evangelism – keep up the good work. Filled with promises of rewards!
7. Laodicea: Apostasy – falling away from God. Has compromise and is lukewarm. Like the church of today, changed to conform to the influences of the world. He urges the true believers to stand up and respond to God’s love. Churches de-spiritualize Jesus to the role of a mere man.
ONLY TWO CHURCHES, SMYRNA AND PHILADELPHIA, WERE NOT REBUKED BY JESUS, BUT WERE ENCOURAGED TO HANG IN THERE !
Chapter 3: 19-22 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock … ” Jesus is willing for all to repent and be saved.
End Of Part I
