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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

A REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST

CHAPTER TWO:
FOUR ANGELS: LOVELESS, PERSECUTED, COMPROMISING, CORRUPT

[“Three Troubled Angels and One Faithful”]
Key Word: Hear
Theme Verse: 1

Revelation 2:1-4 – An Angel Who Left First Love

RV2:1 “To the angel in the congregation 55 in Ephesus, 56 write: This message is from 57 the One holding the 7 stars in his right hand 58 – the One walking about among the 7golden lampstands –

55

To the angel in the congregation: Or, messenger, leader. In the Jewish synagogue of the 1st Century AD the presiding officer or ruler was called the messenger or angel. This was one of the leading elders who received messages from Jerusalem and elsewhere. He then read them to the assembly. It is very likely that here “angel” refers to the presiding presbyter of the Christian congregation.

56	Ephesus: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Acts. [Acts 20:17-35]

57

This message is from: Or, KJV: these things saith he; KNX: a message to thee; deeds. Each of the seven Christine apocalyptic epistles follows a standard format: an introduction describing the sender, commendation where possible, a rebuke where needed, and then a promise to those who conquer. Each of these letters teaches much about the character of the glorified Christ as letters always reveal about their authors. See Biblical Articles on this subject.

58	The One holding the 7 stars in his right hand: This description would seem to confirm that each of the seven congregations received the complete book of Revelation.

RV2:2 I am aware of your works, 59 labor and endurance, 60 and that you cannot tolerate harmful men. 61 Also, that you put to the test those who call themselves apostles 62 though they are not as you found them to be pseudo [apostles].

59

I am aware of your works: Or, know. A common introduction to these letters. It must first be noted that in the Greek language there are both the singular “you” [SOU] and the plural “you” [HUMIN] which may not be noticed in English. Often the number is buried in the verb. The use of the singular indicates that the full thrust of the letter is not to the congregation directly, but rather to the “angel.” Thus, here, it is the angel who has left his first love, not the whole congregation, though this may have an affect on all. It certainly is a caution to all. A congregation is much influenced for good or bad by its president or presiding presbyter. In a few cases the plural “you” is used and these will noted below. The glorified Christ is very much interested in “works” and this may be noted in these letters. [Revelation 2:5, 6, 19, 22, 23, 26; 3:1, 2, 8, 15; 20:12, 13] The word works is worthy of research in the Christian Bible.

60

Labor and endurance: On the labors of the Saints see Revelation 14:13. The word endurance interestingly occurs seven times. [Revelation 1:9; 2:2, 3, 19; 3:10; 13:10; 14:12] It is not enough for a Christian to merely have faith or conviction – works, labor and endurance must also be present. Compare notes on Matthew 24:12, 13.

61

You cannot tolerate harmful men: Or, bad men, evildoers. The presiding presbyter will not put up with harmful or evil influences within the congregation. [Compare Acts 20:28-30] It is a blessing to a house church when those taking the lead work to maintain the pure and safe atmosphere of the fellowship. Note this in the epistle to Titus.

62

Put to the test those who call themselves apostles: Or, tried, proved. The office of apostle was the first or premier position among Christian elders. For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on 1 Corinthians 12:28 and Ephesians 4:12. This presiding presbyter is looking well to his congregation and does not permit outside evil influence even if they claim to be ‘apostles.’ Paul did the same. [2 Corinthians 11:14, 15] In the early Church there were apostles who traveled around from congregation to congregation. They claimed to represent the Church as a whole, but as the “last hour” arrived many were fakes and took advantage of the congregations. See 1 John 2:18.

RV2:3 Also, you continue to endure 63 and have carried the burden of my name 64 and have not become weary. 65

63	Continue to endure: This presiding presbyter has been in the Christian walk for some time and as far as exteriors are concerned as set a good example to the congregation. [Luke 21:19; Hebrews 12:1]

64	Carried the burden of my name: Jesus predicted his disciples would be hated for his name and so to be a Christian at these times – as well as others throughout the Gospel Age – is a burden to be borne with thanksgiving and joy. [1 Peter 4:14]

65	Not become weary: Or, fainted, tired, never flagged, not despair. [Galatians 6:9]

RV2:4 However, I continue to hold this against you: 66 you have abandoned your first love! 67

66

I continue to hold this against you: The Christ judges the hearts and motives of those who take the lead among the congregations. He does not hesitate with this first presbyter to tell him that all is not well and the glorified Master does this frankly. We wonder the reaction of this man when he first read this letter. None of us wants to hear from Christ, “I hold this against you.” If we do determine this might be a possibility we are wise to work and pray hard to “perfect godliness in the fear of God.” [2 Corinthians 7:1]

67

You have abandoned your first love: Or, left, no longer, given up. The “you” is the singular [SOU] and so is not addressed to the congregation, but to the “angel.” Jesus had warned of something similar at Matthew 24:12, 13. Despite all of this presbyter’s works, labors, endurance, he had lost something of his first zeal and love not only for Christ, but possibly also for the fellowship. An elder may be very busy in behalf of the congregation but down deep he has lost his original love. In addition, though he may go through the motions, down deep he no longer loves the flock as he did once. He floats through his duties oblivious to the individual member of the congregation.

Revelation 2:5-7 – Do Former Deeds to Gain Paradise

RV2:5 “Therefore, continue to keep in mind from where you have fallen 68 and repent! 69 Do the first works! 70 For if you do not I will come to you 71 and I shall remove your lampstand from you. 72

68

Continue to keep in mind from where you have fallen: Or, KJV: remember therefore from whence thou art fallen; WEY: be mindful, therefore, of the height from which you have fallen. The very thought makes the knees go weak. Christ tells this presbyter to remember how he felt when he first believed, how he had a true heart-felt zeal, how he loved everyone. How he gave 110 percent!

69	Repent: To feel grieved and change the mind about past thoughts, attitudes, and conduct.

70

Do the first works: Or, first works, as you lived at first, works you did previously. It is interesting that this presbyter has first been praised for his works at present – his labors and his enduring patience – but here he is called to go back to those original “works” and the heartfelt attitude and motive behind them. For the Greek for “love” is AGAPEN and this is an attribute driven by two things: pure motive and correct principle. It then is manifest in three things: interest, concern, and finally positive action seeking the highest good of another.

71	I will come to you: That is the presbyter as the Greek is the singular SOI.

72	I shall remove your lampstand from you: Likely meaning Christ would see that this presbyter is removed from his position in the congregation. The Greek is the singular SOU.

RV2:6 However, you do have this: you continue to hate the works of the Nicolaitians, 73 works I also hate.

73

Hate the works of the Nicolaitians: There is nothing wrong with proper “hate.” Compare Psalm 139:21. Nothing is known of these “works of the Nicolaitians” though some versions incorporate the word “sect.” The fact that this sect is not mentioned in the Christian Bible may confirm that it is a sect that became prominent after 66 AD, and more likely after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. This argues for a later date for the composition of Revelation.

RV2:7 Let the person with ears listen to what the Pneuma is saying 74 to the congregations: 75 To the person who conquers I will give [authority] to eat of the Tree of the Life that is in the Paradise of The God. 76 [Genesis 2:9; 3:22-24]

74	What the Pneuma is saying: Or, spirit. Each of the congregations receives this notice, amounting to seven spirits, or inspirations. Most of these statements occur before the blessing, but at least one occurs after.

75

To the congregations: Though the thrust of the message is directed to the “angel” the information may also be applied to the seven congregations. Some understand this to mean all the congregations of Christ throughout the Gospel Age. Others view it as prophetic of conditions that would obtain within end-time churches.

76	To eat of the Tree of the Life that is in the Paradise of The God: Jesus uses language borrowed from Genesis to refer to a heavenly paradise. Paul also parallels paradise with heaven at 2 Corinthians 12:2-4.

Revelation 2:8-11 – A Poor but Faithful Angel

RV2:8 “And to the angel in the congregation of Smyrna 77 write: This message is from the First and the Last 78 who died and came to life. 79

77	Smyrna: A congregation not mentioned in the Christian Bible. The name means “myrrh” and the modern location is Izmir.

78

First and the Last: Some make this an allusion to similar designations in Isaiah 40-44 with regard to Yehowah. However, the Greek here is HO PROTOS KAI HO ESCHATOS while the Greek at Isaiah 44:6 is PROTOS KAI EGO META. Even if the designation were the same, not only are the contexts different but similar designations to do not prove the same identity. There are several designations that are used of The God, Christ, and others – Father, God, Master, Savior, King, Husband.

79	Who died and came to life: God cannot die. Christ not only died but thereafter also came to life by means of the resurrection. The Greek for “came to life” is EZESEN and always means a resurrection. Compare notes on Romans 14:9 and Revelation 20:4-6.

RV2:9 I am aware of your persecution and poverty – though you are rich – and the blasphemy from those who call themselves Jews though they are not, 80 but rather belong to the Synagogue of Satan. 81

80	Call themselves Jews though they are not: The ‘Jewish’ influence is still present in the Church near the end of the 1st Century AD. There are two kinds of Jews. [Romans 2:28, 29; 9:6]

81	Synagogue of Satan: A powerful condemnation of these ‘Jews’. Compare the LXX at Psalm 22:16 where the ‘Synagogue of Wicked Men’ is mentioned.

RV2:10 Do not be frightened of what you are about to suffer. Look, the Devil is about to throw some of you into prison so that you may be tested by 10 days 82 [Daniel 1:12, 14 LXX] of oppression. Continue to be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life. 83 [James 1:12]

82	Tested by 10 days: The language is similar to Daniel 1:12, 14.

83	The crown of life: The only other occurrence of the phrase is James 1:12 and so we may assume Jesus references his half brother’s epistle.

RV2:11 Let the person with ears listen to what the Pneuma is saying to the congregations: The person who conquers will not be harmed by the Second Death. 84

84	Second Death: Here is an example of how John raises a subject long before it will be discussed. Compare notes on Revelation 20:6, 14. The “first” death is something traceable to Adam. [Romans 5:12] The Second Death is everlasting extinction and will always remain under the authority of God.

Revelation 2:12-13 – Hold Fast to My Name

RV2:12 “And to the angel 85 in the congregation of Pergamum 86 write: This message is from the One with the long, sharp, two-edged sword. 87

85	Angel: The presiding presbyter of the congregation. As in the other cases the epistle is addressed and largely directed to the elder himself.

86	Pergamum: A city in NW Asian Turkey not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. Encyclopaedia Britannica says of Pergamum: “… the chief center of the imperial cult under the early empire.” [1959, Vol. 17, p. 507]

87	The One with the long, sharp, two-edged sword: Referring to the earlier description of the Son of Humankind. Many who see Jesus, as a passive effeminate will not approve of such a description of Jesus Christ.

RV2:13 I am aware that you are dwelling where the throne of Satan 88 is and still you continue holding fast to my name. Also, you did not deny your faith in me during the days of my witness Antipas, 89 my faithful one, who was killed in your presence right there where Satan is dwelling.

88

Throne of Satan: A possible allusion to worship of the Emperor. “The phrase has been referred to the complex of pagan cults… but the main allusion is probably to emperor worship. This was where the worship of the divine emperor had been made the touchstone of civic loyalty under Domitian.” [New Bible Dictionary, edited by J. Douglas, 1985, p. 912]

89	The days of my witness Antipas: Though not mentioned in the Bible, the mention of this faithful brother shows the ongoing awareness of Christ regarding the martyrs. Since this Saint is unknown in the Christian Bible, it may argue for a later date for the composition of Revelation.

Revelation 2:14-17 – Some Hold On to False Teachings

RV2:14 “However, I do have a few things against you 90 in that you continue to have there those holding to Balaam’s teaching 91 – the one who taught Balak to throw a stumbling-block before the sons of Israel to [cause] them to eat things sacrificed to idols and to prostitute themselves. [Numbers 22:2; 25:1; 31:16]

90	I do have a few things against you: Again the “you” in the singular SOU indicates this is being addressed to the single angel – the church presbyter.

91	Balaam’s teaching: Jesus refers to Numbers 31:16 and the false prophet hired to curse Israel.

RV2:15 Thus, you also still have those who continue to hold the teaching of [the] Nicolatians. RV2:16 Therefore, repent! For if you do not I am coming to you suddenly, and then I will war with them by the long sword of my mouth! RV2:17 Let the person with ears listen to what the Pneuma is saying to the congregations: To the person who conquers I will give the hidden manna 92 [Hebrews 9:4] and a white pebble; 93 [Exodus 28:30] and upon this pebble a new name 94 [Isaiah 62:2] written that no one else knows except the person receiving it.

92	The hidden manna: A sample of the manna was preserved in the Ark of the Covenant and only Paul mentioned this in Hebrews 9:4.

93

A white pebble: There are several views. The pebble may be something of a friendship pebble which is broken with the names of two friends written on it. It is also possible it alludes to the lot that was in the high priests vestment pocket called the Urim and Thummim in which there were a black and white rock to determine a Yes or No answer to a holy question. It thus may allude to a favorable judgment by a good friend.

94	A new name: The phrase does occur in Isaiah 62:2. In some cultures a person may have many names: one given at birth, one given again by parents, a nick-name, and a special name between intimate friends, only known to them.

Revelation 2:18-19 – An Angel with Increased Deeds

RV2:18 “And to the angel in the congregation at Thyatira 95 write: This message is from the Son of The God 96 [Psalm 2:6] – the One having his eyes like a fiery flame and his feet like fine copper.

95	Thyatira: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Acts 16:14.

96	The Son of The God: No where in Revelation does Jesus ever call himself “God.” The phrase “son of God” may be taken from Psalm 2:7. [Psalm 89:26]

RV2:19 I am aware of your works! Also your love, faith, service, and endurance 97 – and that your recent works are more than your original ones.

97	Love, faith, service, and endurance: Four qualities Jesus highly prizes.

Revelation 2:20-23 – An Angel Tolerating Jezebel

RV2:20 “However, I have this against you: that you continue to tolerate that woman 98 Jezebel [2 Kings 9:22] – the person who calls herself a prophetess and continues to teach and mislead my slaves to prostitute themselves and eat things sacrificed to idols. [Numbers 31:16]

98

You continue to tolerate that woman: The Greek singular “you” [SOU] is used again. Some think this the wife of the presiding presbyter. Just as Jezebel “egged on” her husband, so this woman [or, wife] has a strong female influence in the congregation which leads to a lowered standard of morality. [1 Kings 21:25]

RV2:21 And I gave her time so she might repent, but she is unwilling to repent of her prostitution. RV2:22 Look, I am going to throw her into a bed along with those committing adultery with her, and cause them great affliction if they do not repent from her works. RV2:23 Also, her children I will kill in death, so that all the congregations will realize I am the One searching kidneys and hearts. I will give to all of you individually according to your works. [Jeremiah 11:20; Psalm 62:12]

Revelation 2:24-29 – A Steadfast Minority

RV2:24 “But I tell the rest of you 99 in Thyatira – all those who do not accept this teaching and who have not experienced ‘the deep things of Satan’ (as they put it) – I am not placing any heavier burden on you. 100 [Acts 15:28]

99

The rest of you: There is nothing harder than to be a Christian in a congregation where those in charge permit false teaching and a low standard of morality. Despite the conditions in this congregation, Christ knew there were those who refused to get involved. It seems these are clearly those who have no authority to do anything about the problem.

100	Not placing any heavier burden on you: The language is nearly identical to that of Acts 15:28. What he means is that he will not rebuke them and add more to the burdens they already endure.

RV2:25 Just continue to hold fast until that moment when I am likely to arrive. 101

101	When I am likely to arrive: Or, RHM: till I shall have come. The expression likely suggests if Jesus should arrive. Whether he does or not in their lifetimes, they will have remained steadfast in their faith. Even the Son does not know the day and hour of his Parousia. [Matthew 24:36]

RV2:26 Now the person who continues to conquer – and also continues to observe my works completely 102 – I will give authority over the non-Jews,

102	Observe my works completely: This cannot be done without a full knowledge of the Gospels and the words – which include his words – of Jesus.

RV2:27 and that one will shepherd them with a rod of iron, 103 breaking them to pieces like vessels of clay [Psalm 2:8, 9] – just as I have received in my Father’s presence. 104

103

Will shepherd them with a rod of iron: Jesus alludes to Psalm 2:8, 9 and indicates the faithful Saints will share in this type of rule. Judging from what follows in Revelation this rule with a rod of iron over the non-Jewish nations will take place during the Thousand Years. For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Revelation 20:4-6. [Isaiah 65:17-24]

104

Just as I have received in my Father’s presence: This occurred when Christ ascended to heaven and His presence in fulfillment of Daniel 7:13. Here the glorified Christ interprets Psalm 2:8, 9 as having been fulfilled upon his return to heaven. [Ephesians 1:19-22] For more details on Psalm 2:1, 2, 6, 7 compare notes on Acts 4:24-27 and Acts 13:33. Christ has been ruling with a rod of iron over his Church since his enthronement in 33 AD. Examples of this type of rule are seen several times in these letters.

RV2:28 Also, I will give to that one the morning star. 105

105	The morning star: See notes on Revelation 22:16. [Numbers 24:17] Something like the phrase is used regarding the satanic type at Isaiah 14:12. It is possible the designation refers to Messianic privileges as kings, judges, and priests during the Thousand Years.

RV2:29 Let the person with ears listen to what the Pneuma is saying to the congregations.

Review Questions on Chapter Two