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THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS { REVELATION 2:1-7 }
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;
2. I know thy works, and thy labour, 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 laboured, and hast not fainted.
4. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
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.
6. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, 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.(Chapter 2 here)
This, the first church or the beginning of church history, was founded by Apollos and Paul in the city of Ephesus,
Acts 18:24
“And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.”
Acts 19:41
“And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.”
It is called the maiden church. Salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ was introduced by the early Apostles at Pentecost.
The infilling of the promised Holy Spirit took place and brought joy and blessing to the hearts of the people in that day, and developed in joining themselves together in the form of a church.
It became an authorized church of Christ, and Jesus stood in her midst holding her in the hollow of His right hand. Six other churches were also shown in His right hand, and the history of each church was to be written and sent to the pastors thereof.
Acts 2:1-4
1. And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind,and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:1-4
1. And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind,and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
The church at Ephesus had experienced the great ministry of healing and miracles, and became a great missionary center, and was educated in the deepest Spiritual truths. Dispensationally we see the history of this church in the years from 70 A.D. to 170 A.D.
God dealt with her in many great signs and wonders in her missionary effort and commended her for her good works, her labors, her patience, her holiness, her sincerity and discernment, and her faithfulness and steadfastness.
Nevertheless, she was denounced because she had left her First Love. The love in the church became secondary because of their great Spiritual insight, and because they put knowledge before love.
This is very common in churches in this day. A lopsided church will bring denouncement from the Lord. The love of God is absolutely necessary for the Church to be wedded to Christ. Love is a fruit of the Spirit:
This is very common in churches in this day. A lopsided church will bring denouncement from the Lord. The love of God is absolutely necessary for the Church to be wedded to Christ. Love is a fruit of the Spirit:
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,goodness,faith...Meekness, temperance:against such there is no law.”
Matthew 24:12
“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”
Jesus said because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. Love is something more than signing the church roll.
Love must be practical, and must actually be in our heart that we would lay down our lives for Jesus if need be.
Love is not just something in Our minds. So many Christians tell themselves that they love the Lord, but when it is put to the test they fail.
The Ephesus church was not ashamed of the Name of the Lord and upheld His Name at all times, and could not bear those who were evil, and tried those who came into the church professing that they were apostles, and they found them liars.
The church hated the evil deeds of the Nicolaitanes. The Nicolaitanes were bringing carnal practices into the church and were lifting themselves up in authority, justifying themselves and their deeds.
The promise to the church was conditional. If they took heed, if they had an ear to hear what the Spirit saith unto the CHURCHES, and repented and returned unto their First Love, and overcame their mistakes, then they would be given to eat of the Tree of Life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.
They were not just to have enough to get through the pearly gates (figuratively speaking) but they were to have enough to take them into the midst, the very heart of Paradise, into the hundred-fold, the Bride of Christ. The “wedding” is near at hand.
THE SMYRNA CHURCH {Revelation 2:8-ll}
Revelation 2:8-ll
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.
Prophetically from 170 A.D. to 312 A.D. In Revelation chapter 2 the church of Smyrna is known as the martyr church. Smyrna signifies suffering, the bitterness of death.
Prophetically from 170 A.D. to 312 A.D. In Revelation chapter 2 the church of Smyrna is known as the martyr church. Smyrna signifies suffering, the bitterness of death.
The Lord found no fault with the Smyrna church therefore there was no denunciation. Apparently they took advantage of the denouncement given to the Ephesus church.
Although they were not made perfect, they were pleasing in the eyes of the Lord in the progress they were making.
The anointing of God upon this church was not all joy and blessing as far as the flesh is concerned, but they suffered happily the bitter herbs as did Jesus the Son of God.
One of the ingredients in the composition of the anointing oil under the Old Covenant was the bitter herb myrrh.
One of the ingredients in the composition of the anointing oil under the Old Covenant was the bitter herb myrrh.
The anointing oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. The anointing of the Holy Spirit brings bitterness as well as joy. Myrrh was one of the gifts presented to the Christ Child after He was born into this world...
Matthew 2:11
“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”
Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit of God and suffered many heartaches and the bitterness of death.
They offered Him wine mixed with myrrh but He received it not...
Mark 15:23
"And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not."
He was glad and rejoiced in His suffering, even the bitterness of death.
Psalms 45:7-8
7. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness : therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
8. All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.
The Smyrna church was poor in worldly goods but was rich in the heavenly blessing of God. She was persecuted beyond measure by the world on the outside, and from within by false brethren who proclaimed to be Jews but were of the synagogue of Satan.
These were of the same blood that crucified our Lord on Calvary. They may have been a natural Jew, and claimed their inheritance thereby. Yet they were of the synagogue of Satan. The real Jew is a born again believer.....
7. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness : therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
8. All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.
The Smyrna church was poor in worldly goods but was rich in the heavenly blessing of God. She was persecuted beyond measure by the world on the outside, and from within by false brethren who proclaimed to be Jews but were of the synagogue of Satan.
These were of the same blood that crucified our Lord on Calvary. They may have been a natural Jew, and claimed their inheritance thereby. Yet they were of the synagogue of Satan. The real Jew is a born again believer.....
Romans 2:28-29
28. For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29. But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
29. But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Romans 9:6-8
6. Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:
7. Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
8. That is,They which are the children of the flesh,these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
7. Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
8. That is,They which are the children of the flesh,these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
Matthew 3:9
“And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.”
The church underwent a great persecution in their day, and was exhorted to fear none of those things which they were afraid to suffer.
The prophecy was that some would be put in prison, and there would be ten days of great tribulation...
Rev 2:10-11
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.
Those that overcome shall not be hurt of the second death, that is, their soul shall not die but will be resurrected unto life. Being faithful unto death signifies they would become martyrs for the Lord.
The church underwent a ten year persecution from 303 A.D. to 313 A.D. This could be the ten day tribulation period if the year for a day theory is used as it was in Joshua's day.
Numbers 14:34
"After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise."
Ezekiel 4:6
"And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again on thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed thee each day for a year."
Many were put to death and received the reward of the crown of life, and will have no part in the second death, which is the death of the soul, and not of the flesh...
Revelation 20:6
"Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection;on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years."
Read Revelation 20:14 and 21:8 below.
Revelation 20:14
“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.”
“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.”
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.”
Many more Christians will give their lives as martyrs in the Last Days, as we're told in Revelation 12:11 “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”
James tells us that if we endure temptations and are tried we shall receive the crown of life. It is said that Polycart was the pastor of the church at Smyrna, and became a martyr by being burned alive.
He told the heathen judge where he was tried, that he had served the Lord for 86 years and the Lord had never wronged him and he would not turn Him down even unto death.
THE PERGAMOS CHURCH {Revelation Chapter 2:12-17}
IT IS CALLED THE HERETICAL CHURCH
Revelation 2:12-17
12. And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
13. 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.
14. 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 stumblingblock 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 Nicolaitanes, 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 a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
The name Pergamos signifies marriage or a "tower of things high or lofty. True to the Biblical form the name signifies the characteristics of the bearer.
The Pergamos church had broken the barrier of holiness, by permitting the high minded and lofty spirit of fleshly worldly men and women to enter into the church, with their teaching of Balaam, and fornication and idol worship.
The church at Ephesus held a closed door to all impure doctrine, because in their heart, they hated the carnality of the world.
However, they became so involved in the deeper things taught in the Christian faith, that they let down in the missionary spirit of love for the lost souls and were denounced by the Lord.
The church at Smyrna also upheld the spirit of holiness in their order and was persecuted even unto death by the Jews, who were not Christians but were of the synagogue of Satan.
The Church at Pergamos let down the barriers and permitted the worldly spirit and their teaching to join with them, thereby becoming engaged in marriage to the doctrine of man as is described in the Thyatira Church.
This declares the beginning of church apostasy developed by the letting down in holiness and compromising with the carnality of the world.
Prophetically it is shown in church history to have taken place approximately from 312A.D. and continued in mixing with the worldly practices until 606 A.D.
The introduction to the Pergamos church in Revelation chapter 2 presents the essence and purpose of the Epistle to the church, these things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges.
He proposed to use the Sword in judgment unless They repented. Again following the Title given Himself,
He declares His knowledge of their sins. I KNOW THY WORKS, and the location where they dwell to be a territory of Satan's seat or throne.
Pergamos was the center of heathen idolatry: A Pagan university. It was the headquarters of Satan: therefore, the church was located on Satan's territory.
The persecution, tribulation, and martyrdom of the saints experienced in the Smyrna church, had calmed down since they had opened up to the world, however, it had not altogether ceased.
The church still held fast the name of Jesus, and did not deny the faith which they had followed so many years, although they were condemned for the mixture of the worldly fleshly members in the church, their faithful works were accepted if they repented of their wrong deeds.
Antipas was a faithful righteous servant of God, acting as the pastor of the church. Although he did not approve of the mixed congregation, he no doubt, was over-ruled by the members of the church.
He was considered a faithful martyr who was slain among them. History tells us that he was martyred by being placed in an iron image of a bull and heated red hot, and that he died praising and worshipping the Lord.
Although they were commended for their faith in Christ by not denying His name, they were condemned for permitting the doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaitans to be taught in the church.
Balaam was a prophet who was hired by Balak the king of Moab, to pronounce a curse upon Israel. The Lord knowing what was in the mind of the king, and knowing the weakness of Balaam, tested him to see what he would do.
The servants that were sent to Balaam by king Balak, were invited to tarry overnight until Balaam heard again from the Lord.
That night the Lord appeared unto Balaam and said, "If the men come unto you again go with them" so the next morning Balaam rose and saddled his ass and went with them, and the anger of the Lord was kindled because he went with them. Read the story in the 22nd chapter of Numbers.
Although Balaam could not curse Israel, he did have counsel with Balak and showed him a way to weaken the hosts of Israel, through fornication and the worship of Idols...
Numbers 31:15-16
15. "And Moses said unto them,Have ye saved all the women alive?"
16. "Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the Lord in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the Lord.”
Peor was the name of a mountain in Moab where Balak took Balaam, that he might see and curse Israel. It was a high peak, near the town of Baal-Peor, opposite the valley in which Israel camped, before entering into Canaan's Promised Land before the death of Moses. It is also referred to as mount Peor or mount of Baal.
2 Peter refers to Balaam as one who had gone astray, who loved the wages of unrighteousness..
2 Peter 2:14-16
14. Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
15. Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
16. But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
This counsel given by Balaam, was accepted as a doctrine by those who catered to the flesh, and was brought into the church of Pergamos. The Nicolaitans also taught this doctrine and other carnal practices. It was these doctrines of sin, that brought the twoedged Sword into the church.
Revelation 2:16
"Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against THEM (the sinners) with the Sword of my mouth.".....
It was the Spirit of Christ that brought the invitation to repent, and the promise to the overcomer, and this Spirit will be given only to those who have an ear to hear.
The promise of a white stone is an insignia of purity, holiness, and righteousness. And in the white stone is a new Name written. Not ON the stone, but engraved IN the stone.
The white Stone will not be given to one who has only a form of holiness, but to those who are deeply in love with the Lord; that righteousness and purity becomes a part of their very life instilled in their very being.
There were twelve stones on the breastplate which the high priest wore on his chest next to his heart. Those stones represent the twelve tribes in the purity of righteousness.
Even so the Church is upon the heart of our HIGH PRIEST (Jesus).
Likewise, the new Name must be engraved in the purity of the white stone. No man can know the New Name saving he who actually receives it in the innermost part of his being.
Head knowledge will not be accepted by merely believing. One must be a partaker of His Spirit in righteousness. It takes the promised hidden Manna to bring one to the place where they are worthy and capable of accepting the White Stone.
The Manna was the food given of God to instill and maintain life in the natural body, Unless It was eaten and hidden away in the body the substance of the Manna would fade away.
Head knowledge will not be accepted by merely believing. One must be a partaker of His Spirit in righteousness. It takes the promised hidden Manna to bring one to the place where they are worthy and capable of accepting the White Stone.
The Manna was the food given of God to instill and maintain life in the natural body, Unless It was eaten and hidden away in the body the substance of the Manna would fade away.
The hidden Manna spoken of in the Pergamos church, is the Word of God. Unless we eat thereof, our understanding will be void and the substance thereof will vanish away.
The Manna was so important when it was rained upon Israel, that God told Moses to hide away a portion in the Ark of the Covenant in a golden bowl, along with Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of stone. As long as It remained in the bowls of the Ark It maintained It's strength of life.
This was not done because the Lord wanted a keepsake, but rather, as an example to us under Grace, that in order to keep the Manna or Word, we must hide It away in our very bosom.
The Manna was so important when it was rained upon Israel, that God told Moses to hide away a portion in the Ark of the Covenant in a golden bowl, along with Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of stone. As long as It remained in the bowls of the Ark It maintained It's strength of life.
This was not done because the Lord wanted a keepsake, but rather, as an example to us under Grace, that in order to keep the Manna or Word, we must hide It away in our very bosom.
God's promise to the Church is the hidden Manna, which if we eat thereof, It will never spoil, but rather It will prepare us for the White Stone, which only he that receives It can know the value thereof and the Name thereof. The White Stone is the insignia of the wedding ring and the New Name is the LORD JESUS CHRIST.
The teaching of Balaam permitted fornication and the worship of idols in the church, and with the doctrine of the Nicolaitans the church became a mixture of heathen worship.
Such worldly carnality was an open invitation to the world, even as it is in this day in some churches.
Such worldly carnality was an open invitation to the world, even as it is in this day in some churches.
The church at Pergamos, up to this time, was small and scattered. When Rome came in, she was no longer despised but became an honorable worldly possession of Rome, with only a few honorable Christians within.
From a little unorganized and persecuted institution, her boundary stretched throughout the Roman Empire. The Emperor himself, became a member and insisted all Rome should accept the church.
This the beginning of the Roman Catholic Church. It became quite popular and was looked upon by Rome as the first church.
The introduction of the Sword with the two edges in this Epistle was to fight against THEM, the sinners in the church, who accepted the doctrine of carnality.
The Sword is the Word of God and is used in judgment and also to cut asunder the soul and Spirit.
Hebrews 4:12
"For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
From a little unorganized and persecuted institution, her boundary stretched throughout the Roman Empire. The Emperor himself, became a member and insisted all Rome should accept the church.
This the beginning of the Roman Catholic Church. It became quite popular and was looked upon by Rome as the first church.
The introduction of the Sword with the two edges in this Epistle was to fight against THEM, the sinners in the church, who accepted the doctrine of carnality.
The Sword is the Word of God and is used in judgment and also to cut asunder the soul and Spirit.
Hebrews 4:12
"For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
The call to repentance, to those who are not partakers of this doctrine clearly indicates that the Christians should separate themselves from the company of such evil doers or they too will face the Sword of Judgment.
The Word used as Manna brings life and understanding, but when It is used as a Sword, It brings judgment and death.
THE CHURCH AT THYATIRA {REVELATION 2:18-29}
Revelation 2:18-29
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prophetically this church is shown in its manifestation to be of a Jezebel character and it existed from about 606 A.D. to the period of 1500 A.D. It is known as the false prophetess church.
It was this period of the dispensation of time, that Jezebel held rule over the teaching in the church, in the period known as the middle of the dark ages.
Thyatira means a daughter of feminine oppressor, which bears out the characteristics of Jezebel and her teachings. Jezebel means unmarried.
She set herself up in the church as a teacher, declaring that the unmarried was justified in committing fornication, and that in doing so they legally wouldn't lose any virtue in the sight of God but would still remain in purity.
She set herself up in the church as a teacher, declaring that the unmarried was justified in committing fornication, and that in doing so they legally wouldn't lose any virtue in the sight of God but would still remain in purity.
The Satanic progress which began in the Pergamos church, overcame and took complete authority and rulership of the church at Thyatira, and changed the name to the Roman Catholic Church.
The Roman Catholics today claim to be the mother church of all churches or the first established church descending from Peter, but the historical record denies this claim.
Rituals and ceremonies were set up in the church. Sprinkling was substituted for emersion, Infant baptism was ordained; the worship of the Virgin Mary; the burning of candles; the eating of fish on a specified day; purgatory teachings; and many more were added.
Thyatira has all the earmarks of the most contaminated church of evil and corruption of the Seven Churches. In the sight of God, the infestation of Satanic filth, was at the lowest ebb.
From this period of time, the remaining righteous of the church were seeking a way to separate themselves from the church.
This Epistle was written unto the pastor of the church, who had been robbed of his authority: nevertheless, the exhortation was to those who were holding true to the Lord.
The Title of JESUS, the Author, was His eyes of fire. Eyes that could burn into the deepest sin.Eyes that could see the corruption about them, and also the works of the righteous.
Revelation Chapter 2:19
"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."
Revelation 1:14-15
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.
Although corruption had entered into the church and they were surrounded with worldly filth, these few righteous were gaining in growth and were commended for their steadfastness.
Jesus not only declared His knowledge of their works of righteousness, but also could see the corruption of those who were dwelling among them, therefore He declared His feet like as fine brass, Brass is biblically declared as a symbol of judgment.
Jesus herein has declared He would bring judgment, in the day of His appearing, when He shall walk again upon the earth and judge both the righteous and the wicked. We can be sure our sins will find us out and we will be called upon to give account of all our deeds.
Although the righteous were commended for their works, Jesus was disappointed with them because they suffered the teaching of filth and corruption by that woman Jezebel.
What He is saying to them is. If they can't control the leadership of the church, then they should remove themselves from the church lest the spirit of Jezebel should fall upon some of them.
This move was made in the developing of the Protestant movement, which is declared in church history.
Jesus not only declared His knowledge of their works of righteousness, but also could see the corruption of those who were dwelling among them, therefore He declared His feet like as fine brass, Brass is biblically declared as a symbol of judgment.
Jesus herein has declared He would bring judgment, in the day of His appearing, when He shall walk again upon the earth and judge both the righteous and the wicked. We can be sure our sins will find us out and we will be called upon to give account of all our deeds.
Although the righteous were commended for their works, Jesus was disappointed with them because they suffered the teaching of filth and corruption by that woman Jezebel.
What He is saying to them is. If they can't control the leadership of the church, then they should remove themselves from the church lest the spirit of Jezebel should fall upon some of them.
This move was made in the developing of the Protestant movement, which is declared in church history.
Jezebel was a false prophetess who was corrupting the church. The characteristics of Jezebel is recorded in first and second Kings. Second Kings records her as being in whoredom and witchcraft.
She was brought up under the teachings of her father who worshipped Baal. She married Ahab the king who reigned over Israel for 22 years.
Becoming the wife of Ahab, and the queen of Israel, she not only followed her past teachings of Baal, but imposed it upon the people of Israel.
Ahab under her influence, built a temple and an altar to Baal in Samaria.1 Kings 16:32 "And he reared up an altar for Baal in the House of Baal, which he had built in Samaria”
This was the downfall of Ahab: being led by the desires of his wife brought a curse on him, and the nation that followed in his footsteps.
This fits the condition which Matthew 13:33
speaks of in a parable.
Matthew 13:33
"The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a WOMAN took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the WHOLE was leavened."
While there is no harm in women having a part in the church, great harm can be done when they become the head of the church, as is shown in the case of Jezebel and Ahab. Ahab the king of all Israel, yielded to the teachings of Jezebel and was cursed by God.
It is for this reason that the church at Thyatira was denounced and that the Christian is exhorted not to marry one who is not of the household of faith.
One may be assured in themselves that it won't affect them, but sooner or later it becomes a drag on their Spiritual nature.
Jezebel gathered 450 prophets of Baal which ate at her table, and slew all the prophets of God that she could lay hands upon,
1 Kings 18:4-13.
When she was told of the slaughter of the prophets of Baal by Elijah, she threatened his life and he was obliged to flee for his own safety.
1 Kings 18:4-13
4. For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)
5. And Ahab said unto Obadiah, Go into the land, unto all fountains of water, and unto all brooks: peradventure we may find grass to save the horses and mules alive, that we lose not all the beasts.
6. So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.
7. And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met him: and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said, Art thou that my Lord Elijah?
8. And he answered him, I am: go, tell thy Lord, Behold, Elijah is here.
9. And he said, What have I sinned, that thou wouldest deliver thy servant into the hand of Ahab, to slay me?
10. As the LORD thy God liveth, there is no nation or kingdom, whither my Lord hath not sent to seek thee: and when they said, He is not here;he took an oath of the kingdom and nation, that they found thee not.
11. And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy Lord, Behold, Elijah is here.
12. And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from thee, that the spirit of the LORD shall carry thee whither I know not; and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find thee, he shall slay me: but I thy servant fear the LORD from my youth.
13. Was it not told my Lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of the LORD, how I hid an hundred men of the LORD's prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water?
5. And Ahab said unto Obadiah, Go into the land, unto all fountains of water, and unto all brooks: peradventure we may find grass to save the horses and mules alive, that we lose not all the beasts.
6. So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.
7. And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met him: and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said, Art thou that my Lord Elijah?
8. And he answered him, I am: go, tell thy Lord, Behold, Elijah is here.
9. And he said, What have I sinned, that thou wouldest deliver thy servant into the hand of Ahab, to slay me?
10. As the LORD thy God liveth, there is no nation or kingdom, whither my Lord hath not sent to seek thee: and when they said, He is not here;he took an oath of the kingdom and nation, that they found thee not.
11. And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy Lord, Behold, Elijah is here.
12. And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from thee, that the spirit of the LORD shall carry thee whither I know not; and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find thee, he shall slay me: but I thy servant fear the LORD from my youth.
13. Was it not told my Lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of the LORD, how I hid an hundred men of the LORD's prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water?
Because of Áhab's sin in permitting Jezebel to turn Israel from God to Baal, and because he permitted the prophets of God to be slain, God slew all of Ahab's family...
2 Kings 9:7
"And thou shalt smite the house of a Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the Lord, at the hand of Jezebel."
Again later Jezebel schemed a way for Ahab to possess the land of Naboth by false accusation and he was stoned to death.
When Elijah heard of this crime, he told Ahab that God's vengeance would fall upon him, and the dogs would eat Jezebel's body by the wall of property which he had stolen.
This prophecy was fulfilled 11 years after the death of Ahab. Jehu becoming king executed vengeance and moved to fulfill the judgment pronounced upon Jezebel.
2 Kings 9:7
"And thou shalt smite the house of a Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the Lord, at the hand of Jezebel."
Again later Jezebel schemed a way for Ahab to possess the land of Naboth by false accusation and he was stoned to death.
(Read 1 Kings 21st chapter : See Scriptures Here)
When Elijah heard of this crime, he told Ahab that God's vengeance would fall upon him, and the dogs would eat Jezebel's body by the wall of property which he had stolen.
This prophecy was fulfilled 11 years after the death of Ahab. Jehu becoming king executed vengeance and moved to fulfill the judgment pronounced upon Jezebel.
Jezebel painted her face and tired her head and stood at an open window, but Jehu was not enticed by her appearance and cried. Who is on my side? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs, and he said, Throw her down.
And Jehu drove over her with his chariot and her blood spattered the horses and the wall. Later he gave orders to bury her body, but they found that the dogs had eaten all but her skull, feet, and the palms of her hands.
And Jehu drove over her with his chariot and her blood spattered the horses and the wall. Later he gave orders to bury her body, but they found that the dogs had eaten all but her skull, feet, and the palms of her hands.
2 Kings 9:7
"And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD,at the hand of Jezebel."and....
"And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD,at the hand of Jezebel."and....
2 Kings 9:30-37
30. And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebelheard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window.
31. And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, Had Zimri peace, who slew his master?
32. And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs.
33. And he said, Throw her down. So they threw her down: and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and he trode her under foot.
34. And when he was come in, he did eat and drink, and said, Go, see now this cursed woman, and bury her: for she is a king's daughter.
35. And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands.
36. Wherefore they came again, and told him. And he said, This is the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel:
37. And the carcase of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel; so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel.
31. And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, Had Zimri peace, who slew his master?
32. And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs.
33. And he said, Throw her down. So they threw her down: and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and he trode her under foot.
34. And when he was come in, he did eat and drink, and said, Go, see now this cursed woman, and bury her: for she is a king's daughter.
35. And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands.
36. Wherefore they came again, and told him. And he said, This is the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel:
37. And the carcase of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel; so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel.
She was a bitter enemy to God and His prophets. She supported the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of the groves. Under her influence Israel forsook the covenant of the Lord. She tore down His altars.
She slew His prophets by false witnesses. She killed righteous Naboth who desired to obey the Word of God in not selling his vineyard. She satisfied her own selfish desires at any cost, even to murder. She was an evil woman doing an evil work for Satan.
The Jezebel in the church at Thyatira proclaimed herself to be the voice of God, disregarding the Word of God and directly opposing It...
Revelation 2:20-21
20. Not withstanding 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."
The mercy and longsuffering of God reaches unto the end, and then His wrath and judgments will be executed...
Revelation 2:22
"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 17th chapter of Revelation shows the Last Day condition of Jezebel and her destruction in the flesh, while her Spiritual judgment is yet to follow...
Revelation 2:23
"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."
Jesus will search the deep desires of the heart in all churches.
"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."
Jesus will search the deep desires of the heart in all churches.
Revelation 2:24
"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."
Although some may have tasted of the sins of Jezebel, God leaves an open invitation to repent and come out from among them.
But they that have ventured into the depths thereof, will not repent, for they will have gone too far with no judgment upon them as yet, and will find it impossible to believe and repent, until it is too late.
Although some may have tasted of the sins of Jezebel, God leaves an open invitation to repent and come out from among them.
But they that have ventured into the depths thereof, will not repent, for they will have gone too far with no judgment upon them as yet, and will find it impossible to believe and repent, until it is too late.
The exhortation to those who have been steadfast, is to hold fast until He comes, or until the coming of Jesus in judgment at His coming.
He that holds true until the end, He will give them the same power that He received from the Father : the power to rule over sin and to be a conqueror over all nations of sin and corruption with a rod of iron(a rod of strength) that they may become as He Himself is, a Bright and Morning Star. Let the ear heed to what the Spirit saith and the promise shall be fulfilled.
In the church at Thyatira in Revelation chapter 2 the sin of fornication and adultery is outstanding: the breaking down of morality, which we see so widely manifested in the very nature of people today, is a part of that breaking down.
However, there is a greater sin exposed and it is of a Spiritual nature, but of the same source, and when it is revealed it should cause God's people to walk softly before the Lord.
The process of building the Church into a Spiritual creation while She is still here on earth, involves not only the action of the flesh but the very thoughts of the mind, and the condition of the heart unto a New Creation.
If the fleshly, sinful deeds will be judged, how much more the Spiritual?
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