A Call to Glorious Victory!

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A New Generation, How are Things Going?

Approximately 60 years after Christ death and resurrection, and after much documented and recorded instruction leading up to the ascension of Jesus, and decades of Apostolic encouragements/warnings/and further instruction, how are things going within this new body of Christ, and specifically these seven churches? Were they holding fast to that instruction which was given to them from Jesus and the Apostles, or were they drifting in many different directions and disciplines? YES! They were doing both.

And now, considering the MANY churches and minsters around the world today that believe, teach, and hold fast to different ideas, doctrines, traditions, and social acceptances. What is Christ true heart, mind, and zeal for His church body and its members? We'll read it for ourselves below. It's spoken with love and concern, yet its direct, unfiltered, and spoken with an assertive authority. Clearly, gleaning straight from the heart and mind of Christ, choices and actions as a body in Christ will have its effect. Will Christs’ fervency for the first century church reflect or impact the 21st century churches of today? Let’s review those below, along with a brief before and after history to know just what these early churches were up against in their communities. Then we’ll follow up with a final summary.

But first, let’s get familiar with something that multiple churches were either accepting, or tolerating, or resisting that we’ll read about. This will align with the topic of this study, choices and their impact. And that would be groups within the church that were mixing pagan practices with their professed Christian faith. Whether it was the teaching of the Nicolaitans, Balaam, or the reference to Jezebel and her followers, the teachings and pagan activities were despised by Jesus, which included idolatrous sacrificial meals, and sexual immorality. 

It is believed by many that the Nicolaitans held a gnostic view (a secret knowledge), and that is the spirit and body are not under the same control or accountability, therefore whatever is done in the body won’t affect the spirit, and whatever was best for the spirit, nothing done in the body will hold any account to the spirit. As we’ll soon read, Jesus hated this teaching and their deeds that followed (literally despised and abhorred). It stands in stark contrast to many of His, and some Apostles, teachings that action within the body to align the Christians’ confession and faith to the words of Christ is essential (Matthew 16:24, John 14:15, 2 Corinthians 5:9-11, James 1:21-25). 

It was a very deceptive teaching for members within the church body, as we’ve already read and learned of the account with Jezebel and her “children”. We’ll read of those consequences and warnings again within this study, as Jesus’ heart and mind are unwavering throughout the evaluations despite the social normals that these seven churches were planted within.  

In the late first century AD, Ephesus was a metropolis city with estimated 200-250 thousand residents. It was a large and prosperous city with a seaport harbor in decline, but that harbor once helped this city to thrive. It included a large library, a large market, a massive 25,000 seat theatre, as well as many pagan temples and a brothel.  In summary; It was a huge (for a first century standard), busy city permeating with pagan worship with its estimated 20 temples and shrines. This city also included temples for Roman emperors. We’ll keep that in mind as we read the Revelation messages to these Christians to know what they were truly up against. Being a Christian in this city had its numerous challenges and risk, and these individuals were tested regularly to hold fast as the challenges were evident from outside the church, and from within as we’ll read.

Let’s also keep in mind the early zeal, love and commitment of this church. On Paul’s third missionary journey, he was in Ephesus for an estimated 2 ½ - 3 years and he taught in the hall of Tyrannus every day for 2 of those years, and the disciples were obviously disciplined and committed in their response. Hence the riot against Paul by the idol’s craftsman within the city as Paul’s teaching was causing a threat on their livelihood. 

Revelation 2:1-7

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;

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: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 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. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 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.

We’ll start with addressing the reoccurring structure to the messages. Jesus first begins the messages with the commendations (if there are any), as He is clearly caring for the churches and their members, and very much aware of all their activity. 

For Ephesus, even with the commendations, faithfulness through trials, holding fast to sound doctrine instead of something He hated, why could the lampstand still be removed? Jesus had already given clear instruction that love was the highest mark, or proof of his disciples.  We’ll begin to see a two-fold pattern here among the messages to the churches. 

John 13:34,35

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

We can read from Paul’s letter to the Ephesus church; love was evident at one time. Paul had already commended this church for their love for the saints. 

Ephesians 1:15 (Paul Writes)

Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints

The love was there, but without the proper guidance and determination, any attribute or commitment can be quickly or gradually weakened and overcome. To Christ by this time, it was commendable for this fellowship's labors and withstanding false apostles and influence. However, something essential was missing. What may have been taking place? We can only speculate at this time, but according to numerous Apostles letters; descension, division, gossip, and careless attitudes are on the list of challenges to avoid within the church body. And above all other attributes in Paul's letter to the Corinthians, love was the most essential. Without it, all other attributes and sacrifices would profit nothing. This clearly reflects Christs’ warning to the Ephesians, return to the first(love) or the lamp stand will be removed, regardless of the commendable actions.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity (love), I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

After The Message

According to early church historians Irineus and Eusebius, the Apostle John is believed to have traveled to Ephesus after his release from Patmos, and the early theologian and writer Jerome writes that John remained there until his natural death at an extreme old age. John is also said to have ministered at Ephesus gatherings speaking the same familiar words to the disciples and brothers, “little children, love one another”. They started to question on why he repeated these words to them, it seems John may have been fully aware of why this church received this direct command from Jesus to return to their “first love”.

Although any record of how the message immediately impacted the church may be scarce, if any, and the ruins at Ephesus show a dim picture, the church did flourish in Ephesus for centuries and two Christian summit councils were held there in 431 and 449. Between natural disasters, economic challenges and national raids from foreign entities, over time Ephesus was abandoned and some residents including Christians relocated to what is now modern Selcuk, and the church along with it. So, for Ephesus proper, that lampstand was eventually removed and the church no longer exist. However today, although there is now an estimated less than 1% of a Christian demographic in Turkey, in the Selcuk community just under two miles from Ephesus, according to various sources there is a small group of Protestant Christians that still meet in that town, and a Catholic pilgrimage to the various historical sites. However, any local Christians in that area, if any, would not be without some challenges for their faith, once again. 

If we follow the seven ancient churches of Revelation around the Western portion of Asia (now Turkey), they will create a circle.  The road system was well established to connect these cities, and it’s not by accident. Since the time of the Pax Romana (Roman Peace) this gave the opportunity for paths and roadway upgrades by the Roman empire in ancient Asia-Minor. Ancient travelers knew this circular route as a logistics and travel route for its system of roads, giving way for trade, communications, and travel. Notably, the order of the messages delivered to John follow this exact well-established mail and trade route clock-wise around the Western Asia-minor region, starting at Ephesus.  Hence, the roadway upgrades throughout the Roman empire were made ready by the Romans which would allow the spread the gospel and the messages to the seven churches and beyond more efficiently. Timing of coincidence?! Maybe, maybe not?

From Ephesus on the West coast, Smyrna would have been the next church along that circular route, North of Ephesus and located at the head of a bay of the Aegean Sea.  Ancient terms have referenced Smyrna as “beauty”, and an “ornament”. Like Ephesus, it was populated with a large theatre, temples, a library, as well as schools.  It was a place of festivals and athletics, and like Ephesus, it was a busy, bustling place with picturesque architecture. So far Jesus has chosen to address churches in two rather large well populated cities, but this is where the similarities end between the two churches. The situation and message for the Smyrna church is very different from that of the Ephesus church. 

Let’s dig into what was taking place in the early church history to better understand the message to the church at Smyrna, and let’s understand the extreme conditions that the early church had to endure in Smyrna and other areas to understand this message in its full weight for those individuals. 

The Roman Imperial Cult

There had been sporadic times and places of peace for the ancient church. But in the early church within the 1st to 4th centuries (prior to the time Roman emperor Gallienus issuing the decree of tolerance for the Christin faith), persecutions would break out and they could be localized to a city, or widespread throughout the Roman empire. Severe persecutions would start for those refusing to honor the Roman empire’s requirements for Roman Imperial Cult worship, and the new Christian faith within the empire drawing attention and converts seemed to be their biggest challenge in this area, and refusing the required Roman Imperial Cult would be considered an act of treason. 

These persecutions could involve loosing your possessions or your income and livelihood, enduring torture, and death by many means. From decapitation, being mauled by animals, crucified, or burned alive. All on a spectacle display for the community to watch and be warned.  Some of the first Apostles shared this fate of martyrdom at the discretion of Roman officials, such as Paul and Peter during Emperor Nero’s persecution within the Roman capitol starting in 64 AD. And Smyrna is rightfully referenced as the persecuted church, as this church body suffered many things throughout its early centuries. One of the Apostle John’s own disciples and students, Polycarp, was martyred in Smyrna in the mid second century AD at age 85 or 86 for refusing this act of worship to the Roman Imperial Cult, and for this Polycarp was burned alive while fastened to a stake. Some eyewitness accounts state he was also pierced with a dagger, since the body would not burn as expected. Another martyr account is Pionius, who shared the same fate as Polycarp for the same reason in Smyrna, but only after being tortured first in the 3rd century AD during the Decian persecution. Other anonymous eyewitness accounts write of Christians “whipped to shreds”, and a young man named Germanicus given alive over to wild beast.  This is the harsh reality of what the early church faced at times to remain faithful.  

Revelation 2:8-11

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

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. 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. 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.

Jesus let them know from His first-hand experience, they’re not alone in their sufferings while facing physical death. He had already been there! These Smyrna church members are promised that they will be alive forever more as Christ is, so hold fast, even though the challenges are evident, this reflects the words of Jesus in John 12:24-26, and Matthew 10:38,39.  And the true eternal riches will be given freely, as we’ve already read of in a previous study.

Even through the blasphemy of these “Jews”, Christians continued to remain faithful. But Jesus considers these particular  “Jews” to be in line with Satan. This sounds very familiar to Jesus’ gospel ministry years  where in John 8:13-45 He assailed the religious leaders and those that refused Him, and informed them just who they had aligned themselves to. And it wasn’t God. This division would now continue to cause a harassment and entice Christian persecutions as reporting Christians to the Roman authorities was not uncommon. As we’ve already read, God still has a plan for His nation and people of Israel, but in the early church years, this division of was causing much friction. 

Paul Teaches the Roman Church about God's Love and Future Plan for the Nation of Israel.

Let's have a deeper understanding of this conflict between these two covenants and belief systems so we're not misguided in our heart and thoughts. The final plan for the gentiles and the nation of Israel, as well as the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem is clearly laid out. Paul teaches in Romans chapters 9-11, that Israel (All the tribes of Israel, Judah included) is beloved for the sake of the forefathers, and we should not be wise in our own site, and we should know that a partial hardening of Israel's hearts has taken place until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. Paul’s teaching seems to refute any doctrine that removes God’s “firstborn” (Exodus 4:22, Jeremiah 31:9) from God's love and attention. Paul also informs us that they are still “beloved” (Romans 11:28) and they still have a place in God’s future plans, as we’ve already read in a previous study (Jeremiah 32:36-42). A clear distinction is made between Israel and the gentiles in Romans 9-11, and any other understanding, according to Paul, we are simply being “wise in your own site” (Romans 11:13-32). 

In that great battle that we've already read of as Jesus returns with a rod of iron, we get a glimpse into another aspect of what has sparked this intense conflict as a global rebellion is in full motion. Which includes a massacre against the Christian saints still on the earth at that time, as well as a siege against Judah and Jerusalem with impossible odd's for this nation to defend itself with its own strength. We read in (Zechariah 12) that God will zealously stand against the enemies of the house of Judah and the city of Jerusalem in a future time. As all nations are gathered against the inhabitants of Jerusalem, then upon the house of David God will pour out protection, favor, and grace on these inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. As they look upon Him they have pierced when Christ returns (Revelation 1:7), they will mourn with bitterness as they are defended against a coalition of all nations of the earth set to destroy them. Jesus wept over this city (Luke 19:41), and in this future time of conflict, these inhabitants of Jerusalem and Judah will mourn and weep bitterly over whom they pierced as God extends his protection, favor and grace, grafting them back into the  root,  just as Paul mentioned in Romans 11. 

After the Message

This early church would continue to endure persecution for centuries, and this thriving church would remain steadfast even up into the 20th century. As we read, a decree of tolerance was issued by Gallienus easing the early church persecution. Then in 313, emperor Constantine legalized Christianity within the Roman empire, followed by Emperor Theodosius establishing Christianity as the Roman state religion in 380. The Roman empire persecution was over for the early church permanently. Then in 1402, the execution of Christians surfaced again in Smyrna with a siege of the city by the Turco-Mongols. And early into the early 20th century, an estimated tens of thousands of Christians were killed or displaced in the Smyrna area leading up to the nationwide population exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1922/1923.  The church at Smyrna remains active today in the 21st century. However, it is now a small demographic minority compared to what it once was up into the 20th century. More on that later in the study.

Lastly, it’s worth noting; Smyrna is a synonymous term for myrrh. The word Smyrna comes from the Greek word myrrh, which the root word for myrrh means bitter. To release the sweet fragrance of this tree resin, it must be crushed.  As we read the message to the church at Smyrna, the comparison of this city name to the church throughout the centuries is obvious. As this church was encouraged to be faithful “even unto death”, the light and fragrance of this church did shine and fill the environment for centuries, and it still shines today! But not without its many physical casualties. This city seems to have been a true battleground for Christian spiritual warfare for two millennia as they chose to embraced the promised “crown of life”.

Pergamos, the Beautiful City Set on a Hill! 

Literally! This city (North East of Smyrna) was elevated at around 1000 feet above the valley floor and could only be accessed by the South side. As the other three were as cliffs, or steep drops making access from two sides nearly impossible.  And access from the East side would have been a major challenge as this was very rugged and heavily guarded with royal palaces.  The theater of Pergamum was built into a hillside, creating the steepest theater in the ancient world. Clearly It was a unique setting even in today’s standards.  This city attracted ancient Roman Emperors, as well as famous philosophers and orators, physicians and scientist, Greek generals and writers.  Even Mark Anthony made his mark in Pergamos history, as he plundered the 200,000-scroll library from this city in the first century BC and gifted these to Cleopatra.  

This city also housed massive pagan temples such as an alter to Zeus, and as we learned, emperor worship was not unusual in the early church history. In 29 BC, Pergamos was given permission to build a temple to a living emperor. This was followed by the city being awarded as a temple warden (Neokoros) which would allot this city to be the guardian of the Roman Imperial Cult for Roman rulers.  This city would eventually host three emperor temples for required emperor worship, as well as holding title as the Roman governor’s official headquarters. Burning a pinch incense to these emperors to honor them as “Lord” was not an option. Any refusal would be deemed as treason, and execution was likely as the local governor wielded the “right of the sword” from Rome for determining and carrying out execution, even on a Roman citizen. This city became a major religious and administrative center for required Roman emperor worship, and Jesus knew this well.

Revelation 2:12-17

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 stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 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 commendations are first on Christ mind as they are holding fast, even in the environment we read of and as this church had its challenges from the outside and from within.  Antipas, who is believed by traditions to have been ordained by John to be bishop of Pergamum, was held up as their local testimony and an example to an unwavering faith. According to traditional accounts, Antipas, like Polycarp was tested severely, being burned alive.  Only this time it was carried out by roasting within a brazen bull. Another brutal form of torture and execution that the early Christians had to face and endure at times. As some would refuse to lose sight of what lies beyond those brutal challenges. 

As we read, Jesus hates the mixing of his Christian body with pagan practices and their false teachings. Hence, the Roman governor wielded the “right of the sword” in this city, and Jesus’ words seem to reflect this symbology clearly as the church could recognize the weight of the term “sword of my mouth”. They shouldn’t fear the governor’s sword that the city knew of well, but rather Jesus encourages His own to revere the one who can come and fight against a wayward group or individual with a different sword. These groups (and occasionally individuals) are regularly warned within these messages for mixing pagan practices and contradictory teachings within the church, contrasting Jesus’ words.  

The Assertive and Authoritative Words of Jesus! 

These words can calm the storm and bring peace (Mark 4:35-41), inform His own of events to come (Matthew 24, John 16, Revelation 1:1-22:21), give his church a firm foundation to build their faith and efforts (Matthew 7:24,25), as well as bring chastisement and rebuke unto His own, with a follow up for action if needed as we’ve already read within Lesson 2 of this study series. This "sword of my mouth" will also initiate an active offense against a global system that is entirely engulfed in a hostile rebellion toward God, as we've read in Lesson 4.

In Lesson 5 Part 2, we'll continue the journey along that circular path into these ancient seven churches. 

We'll summarize all the messages soon within the study. But three things can be clear at this point.

• Christ is moving in and among His own, observing, commending, and warning.
• Christ heart and mind did not waver as these churches were planted in different environments. Revealing there is "No variableness, neither shadow of turning".
• If there were any, the commendations came first, and the messages ended with an encouragement of what was ultimately on Christ' mind for them. Which is Eternal life within the Kingdom of God. Some were drifting and wandering from that narrow path, and there was obviously some concern and rebuke there. More on that in the next study.