Understanding Revelation Commentary 6

 

Prophetic aspect of Revelation chapters 2-3

Understanding Revelation is critical to understanding where we’re at on the prophetic timeline! The Church age which is described in Revelation 2-3 is understood to be specific to the time when it was written. It is also understood to be universal to any given church throughout the ages. Including today. There is a prophetic understanding also. The seven churches describe different time periods of existence. Ephesus to Laodicea correspond with historical periods of time. The end of the Laodicean church corresponding with the church of today. This information is critical to the believer. We need to understand that the hour is late and that the coming of our Lord is at hand!

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Understanding Revelation Commentary 5

 

Sardis the dead church Watch this video by Amir Tsarfati

Revelation chapter 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of  God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. The seven spirits are the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Revelation helps us in understanding Revelation!

3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Mark 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. 4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

The church of Philadelphia

7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; 8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 

Philadelphia and Smyrna are the only churches where correction is not necessary. An open door of effective ministry is provided by the Lord. This church has a wonderful promise. To be kept from experiencing the tribulation period. They will be kept from that hour, that time which shall come upon all the world. It doesn’t say I will keep you through the tribulation. It says I will keep you from the tribulation. Delivered from the tribulation via the rapture of the Church. 1Cor. 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. Watch this video by Amir Tsarfati.

I will keep you from the hour of temptation (Tribulation)

10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 12  Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

These verses speak of permanency. Secured and established. Overcoming the world (with His help) enables us to reap these wonderful benefits.

The church of Laodicea

14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

A lukewarm condition. People indifferent to what is happening in the church. Church leadership is probably more interested in numbers growth than personal growth and relationship with Jesus. A church in bondage is not a very effective tool of the Savior. Lukewarm!

Trusting in riches

The Laodiceans are probably trusting in riches and missing the mark. This brings to mind the story of Jesus and the rich ruler. Luke 18:18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. 20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother.

21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. 22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. 23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. 24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through  a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Dining with Jesus

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Eating with someone signified becoming one with that person. Jesus was always wanting to eat supper with people. He wants to become one with us. Relationship is the currency of the kingdom. Gold and silver will not hold their value in the kingdom. As a matter of fact, they will be used as pavement which will be seen later on in the book. But right standing; relationship with the Lord holds much value. Drawing closer and closer to Him will translate into riches in the kingdom to come. It will also enable peace and blessed recreation in our lives in this world. Open the door, let Him in! Repent and trust in Him and His finished work at the cross.

Revelation Chapter 3 completes the documentation of the things that are of this current age. The Church age. The things which shall be hereafter starts with chapter 4 and are yet future after the rapture of the Church.

Understanding Revelation Commentary 4

Revelation chapter 2:1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; Verse 1:20 helps in understanding Revelation.

Revelation 1:20 says that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven golden candlesticks are the seven churches.

2 I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast labored, and hast not fainted.

This church has it going on! Works, labor, patience. They hated evil. They had a spirit of discernment. False teachers were identified and found to be liars. For the Lord’s name they labored. They have not fainted. What more could you ask for? What a dynamic ministry. But wait. 

You left your first Love!

4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Apparently the Lord is more interested in our relationship with Him than our works. He is not near as concerned about our establishing a mighty ministry as He is about our fellowship with Himself. We become sidetracked with ministry and doing works. Jesus says I just want to walk with you and talk with you. Enjoy time with you. (Our works don’t save us. Salvation is a free gift. Our good works motivated by the blessed rest and fellowship that we have in Jesus do evidence however the fact that we have received the free gift of Salvation.)

5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Remember the first works. How your relationship with Him was the most important thing in your life. Remember, repent, and return. Or else be removed and become irrelevant.

Deeds of the Nicolaitans

6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

They did hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans. This was a good thing. Nicolaitan comes from the combined Greek words nika (he conquers) and loan (people). So conquering or lording it over the common people. Hierarchy in the church. This is exactly the thing that the disciples were arguing over. Luke 9:46 Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.  And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him, 48 And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.

So we are to be childlike around one another. If one would desire to be great then he should become a servant. 

Remember the conditions of the blessing back in Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. If we overcome. If we hear the words and keep the things which are written therein then Jesus will give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

The tree of Life

We’ve heard about this tree before. Genesis 2:9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

After Adam fell, this tree was no longer available to him. Genesis 2:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: 23 Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. 24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. 

We will one day be able to again enjoy the fruit from this tree of life. The Lord promises it here in verse 7.  This fruit which improves our quality of life. We really begin to have access to it when we repent and turn and trust in Jesus Christ. He truly does give us life and that abundantly.

Now these churches all exist concurrently. In other words one can receive this teaching today. The conditions in any one of these seven churches can be seen in the church today. There is also a historical prospective which is interesting. The first church or Ephesus may be referring to the period of time during the ministry of the apostles or the first century.

The church of Smyrna could be referring to the second and third century church which experienced tremendous persecution. It was estimated that six million Christians were martyred during this period of time. Look at the Lords encouraging words to this church.

The church in Smyrna

8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of Life. 11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

The second death

An interesting statement. He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. This would naturally imply that he who doesn’t overcome would be hurt by the second death. Jesus is talking to believers here. As believers, we are secure in our salvation. Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Just don’t turn back to the ways of the world. Ezekiel 18:21-24.

But even if you do turn back, you can get saved again. Remember the prodigal son. Luke 15:11-32. Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is the only sin that will not be forgiven though. Matthew 12:31, 32. Jesus was responding to the Pharisees accusations of darkness and evil. They were saying that Jesus’ works which were the works of the Holy Spirit were of darkness and evil and of Satan. They were convinced. This is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit!

What is the second death. Revelation 20:13 says  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

Verse 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. Verse 15 whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. And again in Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

The church in Pergamos

12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is; and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 

15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him  white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. 

The state church

Possibly the development of the state church under Constantine. A church compromising the world. Trying to join with the worldly system. A church state system. An effort to legislate religious issues. We see idols coming into the church. Representations of Jesus and Mary and of the Apostles and Saints and Moses and so forth. The introduction of the arts and statues within the churches. External beauty and art. But we must worship internally. Jesus said in John 4:24 God is spirit, and the people who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. This church also holds to the doctrine of the Nicloaitans previously mentioned.

The white stone

The white stone was a stone of acceptance. The black stone was a stone of rejection, black-balled. I will give them a white stone and will receive him. I will accept him and give him a name, which no man knows except him who receives it.

The church in Thyatira

18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; 19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. 20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 

The unrepentant church will go into the tribulation period. The implication is that repentance would have spared them the suffering of the great tribulation.

23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. 24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 

26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron: as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Understanding Revelation Commentary 3

 Revelation chapter 1:1. The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 

Revelation is not a sealed book that is without understanding. It is the revealed testimony and prophecy of God. These things will come to pass on the earth. God gave it to Jesus. Jesus sent his angel to show it to John which he then wrote in the book. Things which must shortly take place doesn’t mean that they should have happened 2000 years ago. It means that the next event on the prophetic timeline is at hand. The rapture of the church. The removal of the Church from the earth. Once this event takes place, the earth will enter a dark and deceptive episode of history the likes of which have never been before nor will ever be again. Matthew 24:21

3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. 

As one reads, studies, hears, and keeps the words of this prophecy; one receives blessing and comfort. This should be the result of reading Revelation. Again, the time is at hand. Jesus is coming for His bride, the church. As we read we will discover that rapture of the Church could happen at any moment!

The Churches which are in Asia

4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen 

Jesus comes twice

We know that Jesus is coming in two different ways. He is coming as a thief in the night and also with power and great glory in the clouds. The cloud reference is described in Matthew 24:29. This comes at the end of the tribulation period. The thief reference occurs at the beginning of the same period. Matthew 24:36 describes this event. Things are normal at the beginning or just before the tribulation period. This is when He comes as a thief. People aren’t expecting Him.

Explanation of the two comings

Matthew 24:29. Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

(We know when this day will happen. It’s immediately after the tribulation)

31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (His elect will enter into the Millennium after the tribulation)

32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer [is] nigh: 33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, [even] at the doors. 34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. 35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

36 But of that day and hour knoweth no [man], no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

(What day? The verse 36 day is a different day than the one in verse 30. Know one knows when this one will happen. The one in verse 30 happens at the end of the tribulation period. The verse 36 day is a secret day.)

Jesus explains the “secret day” Watch the video by Amir Tsarfati

Matthew 24:37. But as the days of Noe [were], so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,

(Things are pretty normal when this day happens. This is in contrast to the day in Matthew 24 verse 30 which happens at the end of the tribulation period. Things are not normal at all at the end of the tribulation period!)

39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41 Two [women shall be] grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

(These people are taken on the secret day which is before the tribulation period.)

The Alpha and Omega

Revelation 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Revelation 9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

(There were more that seven churches during this time. Seven refers to the complete church which would also include us.)

Seven golden lamp stands

12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

The sound of many waters. Lake Mead in the US southwest has been shrinking for years. It’s now a fraction of what it used to be. Back in the early 80s it was full to the brim. Water was going over the spillways. You could walk the bridge over the spillway and experience that thunderous sound of many waters going over the damn. It was an awesome and frightening sound to be sure!

16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 

(So we have a description of the Lord in his glorified form but we don’t ever get a description of his human form in any of the gospels or epistles.)

18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. 

(Jesus has the keys of hell and of death because after he died on the cross he descended into that realm. Afterwards, He ascended. He lead those captives from their captivity for He had the keys of death and hell and He presides over death and hell.)

The Key to Understanding Revelation

19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; 

The command to John in Revelation 1, verse nineteen gives the key to understanding Revelation. Understanding the book is dependent upon using the key. There are three divisions to the book of Revelation.

Write the things which you have seen (Rev 1:19), This is past tense; so, it was this vision that he wrote of Jesus Christ that he saw in chapter one. Secondly, the things which are (Rev 1:19), These are the present things. And thirdly, the things which shall be hereafter (Rev 1:19);

The words “here after” are a translation of the Greek words “meta autos”, which means “after these things”. So you have John writing that which he saw. He will be writing in chapters two and three the things which are during this present age, the things of the church. And then as you begin in chapter four, he is going to write of the things that happen after the church is gone, the things that will be hereafter, or after these things. This is a master key to understanding Revelation. 

Meta Autos

Chapter four begins with the Greek words “meta autos”. “After these things, I saw a door open in heaven: and the first voice was as of a trumpet saying unto me; Come up hither, and I will show you things which must be”. Again the repetition of the Greek words “meta autos”, “after these things.” Chapter 4 starts the third section of the book. The future aspects of the book. 

We are now living in the eras of chapters two and three, “the things which are”. The church continues to exist, and the testimony and the witness of the church, and the witness of Jesus concerning His church.

There are three separate sections of the book. If you don’t get this, confusion will ensue. You will see the church in the midst of the tribulation and try to make the 144,000 the church and so on. There are all kinds of mixed up and exaggerated ideas that have come from the book of Revelation because people did not see the key in this first chapter.

Mystery of the Seven Stars

20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

(Now, the Lord explains the vision) The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the [messengers] of the seven churches (Rev 1:20):

The word “aggelos” in Greek is literally “messengers”. It is usually used of a heavenly messenger, but also used of earthly messengers too. Anyone who is bearing a message could be an aggelos, a messenger. The word by usage has come to mean a divine messenger, a heavenly being.

The seven stars are the messengers of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which you saw are the seven churches (Rev 1:20) The seven churches are the complete church and those who are ministering (messengers).

Chapter one completes the vision that John was given. The “things that you have seen” portion of the book of Revelation. The first part of the key of understanding the book. Chapters 2 and 3 will complete the second part of the key of understanding. Things that are. The Church age which is here and now. Chapters 4-22 will complete the third part of the key of understanding. Things that are still future. The other side of the Church age. After the Church is gone.