A Commentary on the Book of Revelation

Chapter 2

Letter to the Church in Ephesus

1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. 

The first letter dictated to John is to the church in Ephesus. Jesus identifies Himself as the one who is holding the seven stars in His hand and walking among the seven lampstands. While we, as readers of chapter one know that this person is Jesus, the people reading this as a standalone letter would not, therefore it is likely the entire document, or at least chapter one, was distributed to the churches. In other words these are not likely separate letters.

2 “ ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary.

Jesus tells this church that He is aware of their hard work and their on-going efforts. He notes their intolerance to those who are evil and tested those who call themselves apostles and further notes how they were able to identify them as frauds. He returns to the subject of their endurance, He recognizes how they have been pressing forward for Him, and have not tired. They were successful in keeping heresy out of the church. 

In addition to Jewish opposition, there were significant pagan influences around each of these seven churches. In Ephesus the temple of Diana (also known as Artemis, see Acts 19:21-41), the daughter of Zeus, was built. It was the main attraction in the city and was later recognized as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.

After noting what the church was good at doing the right things, Jesus identifies a problem, they had lost the love they had at first. Their love for Jesus was gone, they got so involved with protocol that they made the protocol the main feature of their ministry. They were diligent in studying God’s Word (otherwise they would not have been able to identify the false apostles), they actively rejected people who were evil, and were able to withstand criticism from those opposed to Jesus, but at the same time lost their relationship with Jesus. 

5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

Jesus offers them a solution. They need to go back to a time before they fell away from Him, repent of their neglect, then return to what they did when they first accepted Jesus. He warns them that if they do not, He will remove their lampstand from His presence. A church without Jesus is not a church.

6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Jesus adds another item in their favor, that they hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which He also hates. No one knows for sure who or what were the Nicolaitans. Irenaeus^[1] and others believe it refers to those who followed the false teachings of a false apostle named Nicolaus (see Acts 6:5). Others break the name into two Greek words, ‘nikáō’^[2] meaning victory or prevail, and ‘laós’^[3] referring to people in general (the root for the English word ‘laity’), potentially a reference to a people-led organization instead of a God-led movement. 

7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’

In an often used phrase in the Bible, Jesus tells those reading this letter, that those who have ears, let them listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to these churches (see Matthew 11:15; 13:9, 43; Mark 4:9, 23; Luke 14:35; Revelation 2:11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22; 13:9). Note that He wants all readers to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to the churches (plural). This is important to understand as each of these letters have application for every believer and church. These letters must be thoroughly read and any correction required applied, just as if they were addressed to us.

Jesus concludes the letter to the church in Ephesus with a promise to the one who applies the “Remember, Repent, and Return to Jesus” instruction, will be allowed to eat from the tree of life that offers life eternal with Him, in the paradise of God. Everyone should remember that the problem of sin began as a result of eating the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, which consequently made the tree of life no longer accessible (see Genesis 2:9, 17; 3:1-24). But here the fruit of the tree of life is now permitted, what changed? If Adam and Eve (or any other human) ate of the fruit of life while in the fallen state of sin they would be forever fallen (condemned). But now, after sin has been conquered by Jesus, eternal life in glorified sin-free perfect bodies is possible. Anyone who is victorious over sin through the blood of Jesus is considered to be “one who conquers” (see also Revelation 2:11; 21:7).

Letter to the Church in Smyrna

8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. 

To the church in Smyrna Jesus identified Himself as “the first and the last, who died and came to life.” We will note that this second letter speaks directly about death and suffering, beginning with its name ‘Smyrna’, whose root word is ‘myrrh’. While known for its medicinal applications and as an expensive perfume, myrrh was heavily used for embalming after death. Jesus does note that He died, but is now alive again, offering hope for all believers suffering. 

9 “ ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

Jesus tells them that He is aware of their persecution and suffering. He adds that He is also aware of their poverty, but then immediately notes that they are rich. They considered themselves to be a poor church under oppression, but Jesus saw them as being rich, perhaps not financially, but certainly one with great faith. Jesus also saw them as victims of slander from those that pretend to be Jews, from a group of people Jesus identifies as being from a synagogue of Satan. The Greek word ‘synagōgē’^[4] is closely related to Jewish assembly locations, but can also refer to any gathering of people or congregation. 

10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

In addition to the tribulation they already experienced, Jesus tells them to not fear the suffering that they will soon be upon them. He warns that the devil is about to throw some of them into prison where they may be tested. They will also experience additional affliction for ten days. Jesus tells them to be faithful (see Matthew 10:22), even to the point of death, as He promises to give them the crown of life (see James 1:12).

11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’

Jesus again points out that these words of His are for everyone’s benefit, they apply to all churches and believers. Then He promises to the “one who conquers,” (or victorious over) and perseveres, they will not be hurt by the second death (see Revelation 20:6, 14; 21:8). Note that believers are not protected from affliction, tribulation or persecution, but they do have Jesus and the Holy Spirit to help them through difficult times (see 2 Corinthians 1:3-6). It is also important to note that Jesus did not admonish them, He had nothing bad to say. This is the first of only two letters that Jesus offers fully favorable reports to.

Considerations

The Problem of Suffering

God never promised that when we become Christians that our lives would be any easier or that our suffering would stop. We need to remember that due to the fall of man (see Genesis 3:1-19) suffering is a reality for all humans. Plus, we see in the epistle of Romans, Paul noted that, "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him." (Romans 8:16-17) Did you see it? He wrote that "provided we suffer," not only do we still suffer from life's pains and sickness, we will also share in some of the same troubles Jesus dealt with during His ministry (see also John 15:20; Acts 14:21-22; 1 Corinthians 4:12; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 2 Timothy 2:12; 3:12; 1 Peter 5:10). 

In addition, Christians are also not free from persecution, which can be defined as anything from a serious disease to an annoying neighbor. But our suffering from persecution should not be confused with judgment or tribulation that are associated with the wrath of God. Our suffering becomes part of who we are, just as Paul said, "in order that we may also be glorified with Him." Which means being a follower of Christ will never be easy, nor will it be without struggle or pain (see also Titus 3:1-11; James 2:14-26; 1 John 3:18-24). But the good news is that we are never alone, pain and suffering not only strengthens us, it drives us closer to Jesus, to depend on Him. We need to remember that God is always in control, even when things appear very differently. Besides, pain and suffering should always remind us that earth is not our home, Heaven is!

Ten Days or Ten Periods

Since the Greek word ‘hēméra’,^[5] translated as ‘days’ in verse ten, can also relate to an indeterminate period of time (just like when someone says “back in the day,” etc.), many believe Jesus was speaking about ten periods of time when suffering was extensive. Some even consider this a reference to ten Christian-persecuting Roman emperors, although not all in succession (not all Caesars persecuted Christians). It is estimated that over five million believers died during their combined reigns. Christians faced severe persecution under Nero’s reign, plus he had Peter and Paul executed. But since the book of Revelation was likely written after Nero’s reign (54-68 A.D.), he is not included in this list.^[6]

Letter to the Church in Pergamum

12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. 

Jesus next addresses the church in Pergamum (Greek ‘Pérgamos’) a religious center well known for its pagan worship. The city had a cluster of famous temples dedicated to Zeus, Minerva, Apollo, Venus, Bacchus, and Aesculapius.^[7] It was also known as the primary worship center for the official emperor or “Caesar” religion. In this letter Jesus identifies Himself as the one who has the sharp two-edged sword (see Revelation 1:16, see also Considerations at the end of chapter one). 

Some theologians like to point out that even though the Greek ‘Pérgamos’ essentially means ‘citadel’ or similar, the name may actually be two words together ‘pér’ and ‘gámos’. The word ‘pér’ adds stress and forceful objection to the following or preceding word (like the words pervert and perturbed). The Greek ‘gámos’^[8] means marriage, which when appended to ‘pér’ they say it points to a stressful or perhaps ‘mixed’ marriage. An interesting premise since that does seem to align well with the theme of the letter. 

13 “ ‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 

Jesus acknowledges that the city where they are located is heavily pagan by identifying it where Satan’s throne can be found. History tells us that Zeus’ altar was very big, being approximately 125 feet long, 115 feet wide, and over 50 feet high, perhaps Satan used it as his throne. Being a church surrounded by pagan temples where vile pagan rituals were performed, would not be easy to exist, let alone evangelize. Even with that level of  opposition, they did not renounce Jesus. They did not deny Him even when Antipas was martyred by those around them. Antipas is short for Antipater, but we know nothing else about this faithful man. 

14 But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. 15 So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

After recognizing their strong faith, Jesus identifies several issues that He has against them. He notes that they follow the teaching of Balaam who taught Balak how to influence the Israelites into stumbling before God. Balaam is truly one of the oddities of the Old Testament (see Numbers chapters 22-24), perhaps best described as a “prophet for profit.” When king Balak saw the Israelites moving toward Moab on their way to the Promised Land, he hired Balaam to pronounce a curse on them. But Balaam was prevented by God to pronounce any curse on the Israelites and ended up blessing them each time he tried instead. Even though Balaam was unsuccessful in cursing the Israelites, he offered Balak a way for him to bring judgment on the Israelites. His plan included gathering several prostitutes from Moab to persuade the men of Israel to have sexual relations with them and then introduce the men to their gods, eat from the food sacrificed, and then bow down to them. The plan was tried and sadly it worked, and as a result, Balaam was responsible for the plague in Peor recorded in Numbers 25:1-9 where 24,000 Israelites died (see Numbers 31:16). Balaam is often spoke about in the Bible, although never favorably (see Deuteronomy 23:3-6; Nehemiah 13:1-3; 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11). Apparently the men of the church at Pergamum practiced similar sexual immorality, ate food sacrificed to and worshiped idols (see Acts 15:28-29; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; 10:18-22). Jesus also notes that they have some people who follow the teaching of the Nicolaitans, the same group mentioned in verse six, which noted that He hated their teaching. That teaching remains unknown. 

16 Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth.

Jesus calls them to repent of these sins. If they won’t, He tells them that He will come soon and war against them with the sharp two-edged sword in His mouth. Some believe that if the sword represents the dichotomy of law and gospel which leads to judgment and salvation, resulting in the war with Jesus ending with judgment and eternal condemnation. We need to remember that Jesus had previously commended them for their faith (see verse 13), which is all that is needed for salvation. But since they would not stop sinning, which broke fellowship with God and misrepresented Christian living, Jesus warned them to stop or He would bring them home to heaven.

17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’ 

We are told again that the message contained in this letter is for all believers and churches. Jesus promises to the believer that turns away from these sins, He will give some of the concealed manna. During their trek from Egypt to the Promised Land, God provided bread for the Israelites to eat. But when they saw it they asked “What is it?,” which in the Hebrew language forms the word ‘manna’ (see Exodus 16:15). Jesus earlier stated that He was the “Bread of Life,” and that anyone who eats of the “living bread” will live forever (see John 6:48-51). Jesus illustrated this when He said, “Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die.” (John 6:49-50) Being hidden does not imply that it is otherwise inaccessible, it is referring to being stored, ready to eat when the person repents. Jesus also gives those that conquer a “white stone” with a new name written on the stone. The Greek word that is translated as ‘stone’ (both times) is ‘psēphon’^[9] a small stone or pebble often used for voting, especially regarding someone’s guilt. A white stone represented acquittal and a black stone meant the person was thought to be guilty. Jesus was offering both an acquittal and a new beginning with an intimate name. Many of God’s people received new names including Abraham, Sarah, Israel, Peter, and Paul. Isaiah records “The nations shall see your righteousness, and all the kings your glory, and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will give.” (Isaiah 62:2)

Considerations

Do Not Conform to the World

The Bible clearly teaches that God’s way is not the world’s way. Perhaps the most succinct lesson regarding this gap is found in Romans 12:2, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (NLT, see also 1 Peter 1:14-16; 1 John 2:15-17) Paul is saying that as Christians we are no longer to think, desire, and certainly not lust over things that the world considers acceptable or important. Paul calls for a transformation into something new, we are to be fully committed to Jesus and God’s Word, there should be no compromises. To mix God’s way with the world’s way can only lead to frustration, confusion, and an inevitable break in fellowship with Jesus. 

Letter to the Church in Thyatira

18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 

To the people at the church in Thyatira, Jesus identifies Himself as the “Son of God.” But then adds from the description in chapter one, “who has eyes like a flame of fire,” (see verse 14) and “whose feet are like burnished bronze” (see verse 15). Both the eyes of fire and feet of bronze speak of judgment.

19 “ ‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.

Jesus complements the church for their long hours of serving God, patiently ministering in love and faith. He also recognized that they were steadily improving. 

20 But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.

Jesus begins His admonishment by referring to a specific person, Jezebel, who was likely a real person affiliated with that church. But it is interesting to note the similarities between this person and the Jezebel of the Old Testament. Jezebel was the daughter of Eth-Baal, King of Sidon, and Priest of Astarte. She married King Ahab to enable a profitable trade alliance between Israel (the Northern Kingdom) and Phoenicia (see 1 Kings 16:30-33). As a worshipper of Baal and Astarte, she influenced the people of Israel to worship them as well. She also strongly desired to exterminate all of the prophets of God. Jezebel once threatened to kill Elijah, who then fled to a cave many miles away (see 1 Kings 19:2). She is often considered one of the more cunning and unscrupulous women in the Old Testament. She was very successful in manipulating her husband which made her effectively the ruler of Israel. 

The Jezebel here is identified as a self-proclaimed prophetess who is teaching and seducing God’s people to practice sexual immorality and eat food sacrificed to idols. Much like the Jezebel of the Old Testament, as the worship of both Baal and Astarte involved a variety of sexual acts. The primary sin of the church was their acceptance of these perversions (again referring to the mixture of God’s ways with those of the world’s). 

21 I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. 22 Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, 23 and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.

These three verses offer an explicit response from Jesus regarding Jezebel’s sin and her unwillingness to repent of that sin. He will throw her onto a bed of suffering and sickness. Those that committed adultery with her will also suffer greatly unless they repent and turn away from her influence and her evil deeds. Jesus will also strike her children dead. His judgment often surprises readers, especially those that may not understand that He is a just God, unrepented sin must be punished and judged. Some believe that being “thrown into great tribulation” refers to the period of Tribulation, which would qualify as a time of great suffering. However, if God removed believers from the world prior to the Tribulation, then these ‘believers’ were not raptured. Seeing Jesus reacting harshly against sin should not surprise us, but both the response to Jezebel and those that joined her may be better understood by reading the last half of verse 23, Jesus knows the truth, He “searches mind and heart,” Believers can’t fake belief, Jesus will see right through any deception. Were these true believers or not, the text doesn’t directly answer, but He notes that through these disciplinary actions “all churches will know” that He knows the true person. While that tells us that He will only punish justly, it also tells us that He knows His own people. The sad truth is not everyone that is affiliated with or regularly attends a church is a believer. 

24 But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. 25 Only hold fast what you have until I come.

Jesus then addresses those of the church who do not follow Jezebel and her false teaching. Apparently some from the church correctly identified her teaching as the “deep things of Satan.” To them Jesus says He will not add to their burden, He will not ask for anything more, except for them to hold steady, to hang on, until He returns. This is the first reference to His second coming in these letters, this church will still exist when He comes back.

26 The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, 27 and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star.

Jesus promises to those who have either repented of their sin or considered the teachings and practices of Jezebel to be from Satan, will, at the end of the ‘church age’ and the beginning of the Millennium, be given joint authority over the nations. To rule with a rod of iron (see Psalm 2:7-9; 110:2; Hebrews 1:8) along with Jesus during His millennial reign through the authority given to Him from His Father (see Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 11:27; 28:18; John 3:35; 13:3; 17:2; 1 Corinthians 15:27; Ephesians 1:20-22; Philippians 2:9-10; Hebrews 1:2; 2:8; 1 Peter 3:22). He also promises to give them the morning star, which He later identifies as Himself. “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” (Revelation 22:16)

29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ 

This letter, like the others, is for every believer and church.

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[1] Irenaeus of Lyons. (1885). Irenæus against Heresies. In A. Roberts, J. Donaldson, & A. C. Coxe (Eds.), The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus (Vol. 1, p. 352). Christian Literature Company.

[2] Strong’s Greek 3528.

[3] Strong’s Greek 2992.

[4] Strong’s Greek 4864.

[5] Strong’s Greek 2250.

[6] List compiled from The New Encyclopedia of Christian Martyrs. Written by Mark Water (2001) John Hunt Publishers Ltd.

[7] Zodhiates, S. (2000). In The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). AMG Publishers.

[8] Strong’s Greek 1062.

[9] Strong’s Greek 5586.