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The Revelation to John - Chapter 2
Revised 2013
- The rest of the book is addressed to these churches, ie to the whole church of the 1st C. Interpretation for our times must be based on this understanding. The problems of these churches are what the writer is concerned about. Letters to the churches make clear what the writer means by prophecies (1:3): exhortations to remain faithful, as from OT prophets. Revealing pictures of struggles of early Christian churches, both against external attacks, and from internal divisions - false prophets. Corruption appears possible. Nothing bad said about some, nothing good about others. 3 types of problems: false teaching, persecution, complacency. The latter may be most relevant to today. Focus is endurance. The grim reality of staying loyal to the gospel in face of social exclusion and human laxity is visible beneath poetic language, and presents a prelude to the visions of the cosmic battles in chapters 6-. In 110 AD Ignatius, bishop of Antioch, wrote letters to churches in this same area, indicating many of the same problems still there. No evidence of empire wide requirement to venerate emperor, but perhaps local decrees. Very little evidence of Roman persecution before 2nd C. Letter sent to the “angels” of each church: as stars believed to guide human destiny, so each church seen as having an angel who guides it (Cf personal guardian angel). Each letter starts with one of the descriptions of Christ in 1:13-16. Each letter indicates good knowledge of the city addressed. Can see 7 letters as “Liturgy of the Word”, before moving on to the Eucharistic cosmic battle and Lamb’s supper. Important to see these 7 churches = whole church as setting for the cosmic battle and celebration to be described in rest of book.
- 1 “He who holds the 7 stars” is God/Christ, the ‘emperor’ of all. He “walks among the 7 lampstands” => Christ is always present in the church. Ephesus, 250,000, capital of province of Asia, temple of Artemis, library of Celsus, theatre for 25,000.
- 2 Praise first, especially for discerning false apostles, who not only claimed to be prophets, but claimed authority from their positions in the church. Closed ranks and presented firm front to these false teachings, but perhaps become over-critical and lacked charity to those being misled.
- 4 Then the criticism. Charity seems to have lessened. Enthusiasm for the faith reduced.
- 5 Threat: lampstand - ie Christ’s presence - will be removed. Lampstand with 7 lamps indicated God’s presence (Zech 4:2). You must repent, you are engaged in warfare, and must resume practising Christian charity. Else your lampstand will be removed, Christ’s presence lost. And it has happened: in every one of these 7 churches Catholics now require permission to celebrate Mass.
- 6 Nicolaitians presumably the false apostles. No evidence to connect with Nicolas from Antioch (Acts 6:5).
- 7 “To conquer” means to prevail in battle, athletics, or any contest. Here it is the battle against Satan. Anyone who conquers - ie holds the faith in face of persecution - who benefit from the cancellation by Christ of the exile from the garden of Eden (Gen 2:9). Tree of life in the new Jerusalem (22:2), and contrasts with sacred tree of Artemis cult. Salvation reverses the curse of Adam. Christ is supposed to be speaking to John throughout, so the Spirit and the glorified Christ must be equivalent in relation to Christians.
- 8 Smyrna (Izmir), important commercial centre, 30 miles north of Ephesus. Christ is God (1:17-18), died and was resurrected. Polycarp bishop martyred 155 AD because of conflicts with Jews.
- 9 No criticism, but their material poverty & great suffering is known: it will be short compared to eternal life. They are really spiritually rich. Large Jewish community, very hostile to Christians. Perhaps some Christians were claiming to be the only true Jews (like RC?). Or perhaps some Christians were claiming to be Jews or keeping Jewish customs to escape persecution. “Slander” would include denouncing Christians for failing to sacrifice to the emperor, from which Jews were exempt. Poverty may be because displaced from Judea by war AD 66-74 (2nd C inscription).
- 10 Encouragement because more sufferings to come. 10 days implies short time, but pressure might tempt Christians to give in and accept pagan practices. Eternal life the reward, as in Christ’s title (2:8). Alludes to test of Daniel, tested for 10 days (Dan 1:12-15).
- 11 “Second death” - final punishment for sinners (20:11-15). Can only be avoided by remaining faithful now.
- 12 Pergamum (Bergama) 45 NE of Smyrna. Outstanding library, largest in world -> “parchment”. Was capital of substantial & wealthiest empire of Alexander’s successors. Roman Governor’s palace, so could be site of trial of Antipas. Centre of pagan worships, famous altar to Zeus & temple to Caesar, cults of goddess Roma & Augustus Caesar, leading to Rev calling city “throne of Satan”. Centre of cult of Asclepius, healer god, symbol serpent (cf Satan). Israel saw pagan nations against them as ruled by demonic forces: the real contest here is not just with Rome, but between God & the devil, who stands behind Rome. But Rev says the word of Christ has authority to bring judgement over the all-powerful emperor, in contrast to the “law of the sword” which gives the governor the authority to execute Antipas (cf 20:4).
- 13 Praise for persevering in their faith, though in pagan environment, and in face of persecution and martyrdom. “Satan’s throne” - emperor’s throne, or perhaps marble altar here dedicated to Zeus before 200 BC. Antipas appears to have been executed for witnessing to the faith.
- 14 Some suggesting follow pagan morality of Balaam, as did the Israelites (Num 25:1, 32:6). Also to visibly eat food sacrificed to idols - a continuing problem for Christians (Cf Gal), eg in ceremonial banquets. Freedom “to become all things” described by Paul (1 Cor 9:19-23) misunderstood and abused. Must not adopt pagan/secular ways in hope of encouraging converts - a real issue today! Though not believing the emperor was divine, so sacrifices & feasts in honour of emperor not really wrong, Rev says appearing to conform is not acceptable. Any form of taking part in imperial cult is worship of Satan. Whole range of issues about extent to which Christians could assimilate into the surrounding pagan culture.
- 16 “Sword of my mouth” - Christ’s words, which are effective and judge.
- 17 “Conquers” - keeps faith. “Hidden manna” = food of life: manna seen as pre-figuring the Eucharist, sustaining those facing trial, which in turn anticipates the messianic banquet in heaven. “White stone/amulet” - symbol of victory & joy. “New name” refers to Christian’s rebirth in Christ, as Christ receives the new name of “Lord” when he was exalted in heaven (Phil 2:6-11). Christians’ new names part of sharing in Christ’s victory when share in heavenly banquet. Manna and new names hidden in heaven for time being, but we should continue strong in our hope of these rewards of victory. “White stone” could have had variety of meanings - cf “blackball”.
- 18 Thyatira, (Akhisar) 40 miles SE of Pergamum. Frontier town with workers’ guilds, which may have included feasting in pagan temples. But lost to Pergamum bid for emperor’s temple. Explicit that message is from Son of God, who has eyes like flames and solid, unchanging feet of bronze. Flames & bronze would appeal to town of artisans and metal-workers. Centre of wool trade: Paul’s first european convert, Lydia of Thyatira, was a dealer in purple dye (Acts 16:11-15). Note the frequently important role women played in early church.
- 19 Praise for virtue in practising the faith and for its growth. Note the list of virtues of this community - should apply to all Christian communities!
- 20 But there is a big problem: they seem to tolerate a false teacher. Called “Jezebel” after Ahab’s Canaanite wife who caused Ahab to worship Baal (1 Kings 16:31; 2 Kings 9:22). She is condemned, but there is hope for her followers - if they repent. The woman “calls herself a prophet” - problem of how to discern true prophets. Her teaching appears same as Balaam above. Again the problem of eating food sacrificed to idols. Linking sexual immorality to idolatry was frequent, so indicates little about cult.
- 21 “Fornication” = idolatry.
- 22 Punishment for sinners is to be left in their sin.
- 24 Do not be tempted to dabble in satanic practices. “Deep things” usually at this time meant secrets about the end time and judgement. “I will not lay on you any other burden” (Acts 15:28) suggests need to be sensitive about the meat they buy, but not be socially exclusive like the Jews.
- 25 The gospel gives you all the knowledge about the end time you need to know.
- 26 Those who persevere in the faith will share in Christ’s authority and resurrection victory over death. Refers to Ps 2:8-9, originally promising a king of Israel victory in battle, but then seen as prophecy of destiny of Messiah, coming to inaugurate the age of glory for his people. Church then applied it to Jesus’ ultimate sovereignty.
- 27 Ps 2:9. Violence of punishment of this false prophet indicates seriousness of perverting the gift of prophecy.
- 28 Jesus Christ is the “morning star (Rev 22:16). Morning star symbolises victory over death. Those who resist false prophet and hold fast to the faith will not only share in the victory celebration but will share in Christ’s rule over nations. Therefore attempting to assimilate is misguided. Do we anticipate sharing in Christ’s authority?
- 29 Cf “Hear the word of the Lord” (1 Kings 22:19).