Revelation 2: Summary

SUMMARY OF THE CHAPTER:

 

 

 

 

 

In our previous studies we have seen that Revelation chapter 2:, beginning our section on the individualized letters to the seven churches of Asia, contains 4 main divisions:

 

1. Revelation 2:1-7 – Christ’s letter to the church at Ephesus
2. Revelation 2:8-11 – Christ’s letter to the church at Smyrna
3. Revelation 2:12-17 – Christ’s letter to the church at Pergamos
4. Revelation 2:18-29 – Christ’s letter to the church at Thyatira

 

SUMMARY OF EACH DIVISION OF CHAPTER:

 

1.  Revelation 2:1-7 – Christ’s letter to the church at Ephesus

In this letter, we see Christ presented as the Shepherd who possessed an intimate relationship with the Pastors of His local assemblies.

We also see the wonderful OUTWARD testimony of the assembly involving their seeming faithfulness in many differing areas of service.  However, in spite of their outward faithfulness, they were failing to put Christ first in all things.

This precipitated the need for Christ to warn them that, in the event they refused to repent, He would have to remove them from His circle of churches and break His fellowship with them.

Finally, we saw that He promised those who were genuinely saved (overcomers) that they could be assured of the receipt of eternal life in the presence of Almighty God.

 

For a much more detailed look at this section of Scripture:

http://wp.me/pU88A-3KZ

 

 

 2.  Revelation 2:8-11 – Christ’s letter to the church at Smyrna 

In this letter, we see Christ presented as the ultimate Victor over the powers of the darkness of this world.

We also see the condition of the assembly, although they were impoverished and persecuted they remained faithful in their stand for Christ.  The Lord continues by encouraging them to not fear, although greater persecutions would come upon them they were headed for great eternal rewards for their unflinching faithfulness.

Finally, we saw that He promised the overcomers that they would be assured they would not face eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire.

 

For a much more detailed look at this section of Scripture:

http://wp.me/pU88A-3LW

 

 

3.  Revelation 2:12-17 – Christ’s letter to the church at Pergamos

In this letter, we see Christ’s Word presented as the weapon which is able to destroy every spiritual enemy of Christ.

We also see the church’s great faithfulness in the midst of intense persecution, while allowing false teachers to continue to dwell in their midst.  What a seeming contradiction this is.. to remain faithful in presenting the truths of Christ while allowing those who hold to false teaching to continue in their membership.  Christ warned that if they did not discipline these false professors that He would come and deal with them using the Word.

Finally, we saw that He promised the overcomers that they were assured of receiving increased intimacy, knowledge and assurance that can be found only in Christ.

 

For a much more detailed look at this section of Scripture:

http://wp.me/pU88A-3MO

 

 

 4.  Revelation 2:18-29 – Christ’s letter to the church at Thyatira

In this letter, we see Christ presented as the just and fair Judge over all mankind.

We also see the churches condition was serious.  Although they were faithful in many areas, they were allowing a false prophetess, Jezebel, to mislead others in their assembly to commit idolatry.  He promised He would come and judge her and her followers.  In doing so, he would be setting an example from which other churches could learn.

Finally, we saw that He promised the overcomers that they would receive ruling and judging authority as well as additional truths about Christ.

 

For a much more detailed look at this section of Scripture:

http://wp.me/pU88A-3NL

 

 

WHAT’S COMING NEXT IN THIS SERIES?:

In our next lesson, we will finish looking at the personalized letters to the local assemblies found in chapter 3:. In the next chapter, we will be looking at the messages to the churches at Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.

 

Church Location	Name Meaning	Areas of Faithfulness	Areas of Unfaithfulness	Possible Punishment	Reward To Overcomers (proof of genuine salvation)
Ephesus	Desired or Allowed	Many areas of faithful outward service.  Hate doctrine of Nicolaitanes.	Left first love (Christ)Service not motivated by love for Christ.	Removal of candlestick (church no longer enjoying fellowship w God)	Eat of Tree of Life in Paradise
Smyrna	Myrrh	Spiritually rich	N/A	N/A	Not hurt by second death
Pergamos	Fortified Tower	Faithfulness in face of persecution	Allowing doctrine of Balaam and Nicolaitans(physical and spiritual fornication)	Will war against those who hold false teaching	Be given hidden manna and white stone with new name
Thyatira	Sacrifice, Offering, Corpse	Works of love, service, faith, patience	False Prophetess in midst. (sexual immorality and idol worship)	Sickness, tribulation and death upon her and her followers.	Be given power over the nations
Sardis	Depart, Escape, Exit	A few faithful areas of service remain. A few faithful members remain.	Testimony that they are spiritually alive but really dead.  Their works not “perfect” before God.	Will come upon them as a thief (implied removing anything of value leaving spiritually destitute)	White garments.  Name not blotted out of book, confess his name before the Father
Philadelphia	Love Of The Brethren	Kept Word not denied name of Christ. Persevered in trials	N/A	N/A	Permanent pillar in temple of God.  Name of God and New Jerusalem upon them. New name given to them
Laodicea	Judgment Of The People	N/A	Lukewarm service.  Blinded to their spiritual destitution.	Spew out of Lord’s mouth. Rebuking and chastening from Lord.	Sit with Christ in throne.

 

We will see that each message contains four basic parts:

1. Description of Christ
2. Commendation for faithfulness and consequences
3. Exposing unfaithfulness and consequences
4. Promise to Overcomers

 

May the Lord continue to bless us as we continue in our study of The Revelation Of Jesus Christ!

 

 

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