To Thyatira
The elders (“angel”) of this ecclesia are addressed by a description of Christ which depicts Him as a judge to be feared and respected: (Chap. 2. 18) “Who hath His eyes like unto a flame of fire”. Fire is often used in scripture as a symbol of judgment and destruction. (See Rev. 1. 14; 18. 8). This latter verse contains God’s promise to destroy Great Babylon completely, hence the words, “She shall be utterly burned with fire”, to which is added, “For strong is the Lord God who judgeth her”, showing that the burning is associated with judgment.
“Fine brass” (or white copper). This term is again symbolic of fire and indicates the readiness of the individual concerned to enter upon judgment.
In the following verses Christ’s evaluation of the ecclesia is made known. It is prefaced by the words, “I know thy works”. This preface is used in each of the messages to the seven ecclesias and serves as a strong reminder that Christ is at all times cognisant of the behavious of His servants.
The list of their attributes was quite impressive. Love, service, faith and patience received mention, as well as their works, which were not inconsiderable. Despite this good record, however, the Judge had a very serious complaint. The elders were condoning a number of people within the ecclesia in their proclamation of doctrines other than those delivered from apostolic sources and which even included the practice of eating things (meats) sacrificed to idols. Although verse 20 speaks of one woman as causing the trouble, verse 24 indicates a number of people were involved, the term “they” being used in the latter verse, as “The depths of Satan as they speak”. Just as the term “angel” referred to the arranging brethren, so the “satan” in the case before us applies to a number of people. The “depths of satan”, or deep things of the adversary (satan), were the corrupt teachings being put (forward by some members of the ecclesia, as though some superior knowledge was now available.
In regard to the use of the term “Jezebel” (v. 20), it is not surprising that the singular noun should be used to denote a number of people. The name has always been associated with evil and whatever is vile. Jezebel, the wife of Ahab, was a devoted worshipper of Baal who pitilessly persecuted the true worshippers of Yahweh. She planned the death of Elijah (1 Kings 19. 1-2) and schemed the murder of Naboth, because she coveted his vineyard (1 Kings 16. 21-22).
“To commit fornication.” This is spiritual fornication, or the association of ecclesial members with falsehoods and those who believed them. Jezebel was an idolater and the practice of idolatry remained in many countries even in the days of the apostles and afterward. Divine correction had not been instantly given to this wayward group; they had been given the opportunity to repent, but had not done so. Spiritual death and judgment according to their works is promised (v. 23), unless they give up their erroneous doctrines.
Those having the truth were exhorted to hold fast and were promised that at Christ’s coming they would have power over the nations and would rule over them. Verse 27 depicts the collision of the nations of mankind with the Son of God at His return. “He will break them to shivers as a potter’s vessel is broken.”
The term “Morning Star” occurs in Isaiah 14. 12, where the king of Babylon is addressed as “Daystar . Son of the morning”. The idea behind this statement is that he was the pre-eminent ruler over the first of the kingdoms of men. Christ will be pre-eminent in the Kingdom of God which of course will be the first or chief of the kingdoms on earth (it will embrace all other kingdoms, after firstly dashing them in pieces). (Rev. 22. 16; Dan. 2. 44-45).
To Sardis
This city was situated at the foot of Mount Imolus about 50 miles east of Smyrna. It had been taken by Cyrus in 546 B.C. Christ intimated that He, as the possessor of the knowledge and wisdom given by His Father (the seven spirits) and the overseer of the elders (chap. 3. 1) , knew that they were spiritually dead, despite the reputation among men that they were alive. The little strength left in them was ready to die. If they did not repent and remain watchful He would bring judgement upon them.
In verse 4 departure from the truth was styled “defiled their garments”. Those who did not depart from the truth would walk in white with Christ when He should come again. White clothing represents the righteousness of saints (Rev. 19. 8). Their pilgrimage (like ours) was to call forth all possible determination to conquer their fleshly desires and the errors of the religions with which they were surrounded. If they did this their names would be recorded in the Lamb’s book of life (chap 3. 5). They were advised to hearken to the word spoken (See also chap. 20. 12).
To Philadelphia
The ecclesia in this city was the only one of the seven addressed by Christ to receive commendation unmixed with censure. The city was some 28 miles away south-east of Sardis and was probably named after its founder, Attalus Philadelphious.
In verse 7 Christ stated that He had the “Key of David”. Reference is made to this in Isaiah 22. 22 in the following words, “The key of the house of David will I lay upon His shoulder”. “Key” can mean power, or the access to something denied to others. In olden times keys were made of wood; they were large and carried upon the shoulder. They indicated a person of authority. It was only through the Christ that the House of David would continue as promised. (2 Sam. 7). In Rev. 1. 18 Jesus is stated to have the keys of hell and of death. This is another way of stating that He is able to release the true believer from death and the grave.
Amos 9. 11 declares that God (through Christ) will build up the tabernacle of David that is fallen and will restore it as in the days of old. The house of David will be restored, Christ Himself will exercise the authority of that “house”: “A king shall reign and prosper.” David’s house is shut up at present; Christ at His coming will use the key in restoring that which is at present decayed.
The ecclesia at Philadelphia had not denied God’s name or truth (a little strength remained in them), and they would yet be blessed because of their faith and patience. The unbelieving Jews, styled the synagogue of Satan, in the same city would be brought to realize that these despised Gentiles indeed had the truth and were blessed of God.
Coming persecution or “the hour of temptation” is forecast, but they (the true believers) are promised God’s protection. They were advised to hold fast that which they possessed.
Reference is made in verse 12 to the “Temple of my God”, and “City of my God”, which is new Jerusalem. In Galatians 2. 9 James, Peter and John are noted as pillars. In other words they were those upon whom the new faith rested: “Ye are the temple of the living God . . . Ye are God’s building, ye are God’s husbandry.” Jesus in His beautiful prayer in Gethsemane besought the Father that all His disciples would be one just as He and His Father were one then. In Exodus 23. 21 Israel were warned to hearken to the angel, for said God, “My name is in Him”. The angel was invested with power and authority from God; likewise, the saints will wield divine authority and power in the future.
“The name of the city of my God—New Jerusalem”: God’s eyes are upon the promised land from the beginning even to the end of the year—or always. Jerusalem was chosen by God in the past (Dent. 11. 12) and will be again in the future (Zech. 1. 17; 2. 12; 3. 2). “Our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven from whence also we look for the Saviour” (Phil. 3. 20). In Rev. 21. 2 the New Jerusalem prepared as a Bride adorned for her husband is said to descend from heaven. Further explanation is given in verse 9, when John is told he will be shown the Bride, The Lamb’s wife. He then sees in a vision a beautiful city resplendent in glory, with priceless gems which reflect glory and light.
The foundations of the city’s wall (12 in number) had the names of the 12 apostles inscribed therein, showing that the edifice reared upon them, or the ecclesias, rested upon the word of the apostles. “Ye are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone” (Eph. 2. 19-22).
This city is a building comprised of persons. These persons, like gems, were once (or are now) in a very rough, unpolished state. However, in the process of overcoming this fleshly nature they are polished little by little. At last, when glorified by Christ, they reflect the glorious attributes of their Maker and Saviour. The wealth and honour of the nations shall come unto them:; -All things are yours.”
“The Father’s Name” (Rev. 3. 12). By referring to chapter 14. 1 we understand that God’s “Name” is written in their foreheads. In other words, the truth has been mentally absorbed and has governed the life and actions of the ones mentioned. The opposite of this is those who have the mark of the beast in their foreheads, or the sign of the cross; otherwise the fables of paganism nominally called Christianity. How appropriate to our present consideration are the words of our hymn, -Yes, wondrous things are spoken, Jerusalem of thee, To all God’s saints the token of love and liberty.”
To Laodicea
This last mentioned ecclesia has the least of any to commend it. Dr. Thomas was of the opinion that it represents the ecclesias today, living as we do at the very end of the Gentile age. The city was probably built by Antiochus II and named in honour of his wife Laodice (255-260 B.C.). It was the chief city of Phrygia in Asia Minor, near Colosse. Epaphras laboured here (Col. 4. 1 2-1 3). The Apostle Paul wrote to them (Col. 2. 1; 4. 15-16). It was situated some 56 miles from Smyrna.
Rev. 3. 14. The words here used in addressing the ecclesial elders in this city show Christ as the very opposite of those who are addressed, and therein rebuked them.
The “Amen” in Hebrew means faithfulness, and is also used in the sense “So be it”, signifying the assent or agreement of the person uttering it Of Christ it was written, “The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up” (Psa. 119. 9).
“The Beginning of the Creation of God”
This does not mean that Jesus existed before He was born of the virgin Mary. Just as Adam was the first of this race which is subject to sin and death, so Jesus is the first or beginning of the new creation, over whom sin and death shall not prevail.
Paul expressed this beautifully when in 1 Cor. 15. 20 he wrote, “But now is Christ risen from the dead and become the first-fruits of them that slept”. (See also Eph. 4. 15-16; Heb. 2. 7).
If Christ is the “first-fruits”, then it is implied that there will be second or later fruits. Paul’s following words explain this: “Afterward they that are Christ’s at His coming” (1 Cor. 15. 23).
“Thou art neither cold nor hot”
These words of Jesus described a condition of mind in Laodicia of not caring whether they were pleasing to their master or not. This state of mind was not then and will not now be tolerated by Christ.
“I Will Spew Thee Out Of My Mouth”
These words indicate that God would repudiate these supposed servants; they would be returned to the beggarly elements from which they had been taken.
The Cause of Apathy
Verse 17 leaves no doubt as to why the Laodiceans had degenerated. The possession of an abundance of this world’s goods had destroyed their spirit of reliance on God and caused them to trust in the flesh.
“Buy of Me Gold — Tried in Fire”
The divinely prescribed remedy was vigorous and enduring faith—the faithful suffering of persecution. Gold is only seen in its pure finished state after being refined by a process of heat treatment, whereby the dross or impurities are removed.
Individuals have their character refined by reason of the things they experience, for it is true, “We shall through much tribulation enter the Kingdom of God”. The Captain of our salvation was made “perfect through suffering-: how much more shall this apply to us?
“As Many As I Love I Rebuke and Chasten”
“God will scourge every son who comes unto Him”; “No chastening is joyous now, but when it is endured it bringeth forth the peaceable fruit of righteousness, to them who are exercised thereby” (Heb. 12. 6, 1 1 ).
The mental blindness of these servants of Christ was to be removed by “eye-salve”: they were to be enlightened by the word of God, read, studied and inwardly digested by them.
“Behold I Stand at the Door and Knock”
In these words is exhibited the grace and forbearance of the Almighty. He has suffered the continued faithlessness of individuals and nations for a long time, but will not always do so. The ecclesias addressed in these various letters were threatened with the extinction of their lightstand unless they repented and gave themselves over to the true worship and service of God.
“I know thy works.” These words prefaced the message to each ecclesia. Every individual, every ecclesia must realise today that Christ is in contact with our affairs now. Our opportunity is limited because this age has almost run its course.
“I will grant to sit with Me in My Throne”
To all those who will hear and overcome Christ gives the gracious promise that they will be associated with Him in the rulership, the administration, of the earth in the days to come: (Rev. 5. 9-10), “And bast made us unto our God kings and priests, and we shall reign on the earth”.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One