The church that had abandoned its first love for Christ (Revelation 2:4). They lost their first love for Christ, which in turn affected the love they had for others.
On the third preaching journey, Paul spent between two and three years teaching in the city (Acts 19: 8-10). He spent his time weeding out false doctrines and pagan practices. Ephesus derived its greatness from two sources, commercial trade and religion. During the Roman Period it was a center for the mother goddess worship, known to the Greeks as Artemis and to the Romans as Diana. Worship in the Temple was comprised of the burning of incense and the playing of flute music as a result of which the people reached an emotional frenzy in which shameless sexual orgies were engaged. These immoral practices of the priestesses and the merchants hawking silver shrines made it a difficult place to preach the Gospel.
1 To the messenger of the church in Ephesus write: These things saith the One holding the seven stars in His right hand, walking in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:
2 I know your deeds, your labor, and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, and you have tested and exposed as liars those who falsely claim to be apostles:
3 And you have perseverance, and have endured for the sake of My name, and have not grown weary:
4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love:
5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent:
(This was the Lord’s complaint about the Ephesian Church, the outcome of the Apostolic era. Many believers had lost their first love. Going through the motions, religious activities, church attendance, rituals, treating the assembling of ourselves together much the same way as attending club activities… all without passion. The Lord is passionate about His church and very unhappy with the lack of passion as we take Him and holy matters for granted.)
6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate:
(Nicolaitans (followers of Nicolas), a sect mentioned in (Revelation 2:6 Revelation 2:15) whose deeds were strongly condemned. They may have been identical with those who held the doctrine of Balaam. The doctrine of the Nicolaitans appears to have been a form of antinomianism, which makes the fatal mistake that man can freely partake in sin because the Law of God is no longer binding).
7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to eat from the tree of life in the Paradise of God:
The tree of life is mentioned three times in Genesis 2, in Eden, and again four times in Revelation, three of those in the final chapter. These instances seem to refer to Eden’s literal tree of life. We’re told the tree of life is presently in Paradise, the intermediate Heaven (Revelation 2:7). The New Jerusalem itself, also in the present Heaven, will be brought down, the tree of life and all, and placed on the New Earth (Revelation 21:2). Just as the tree was apparently relocated from Eden to the present Heaven, it will be relocated again to the New Earth.
In Eden, the tree appears to have been a source of ongoing physical life. The presence of the tree of life suggests a supernatural provision of life as Adam and Eve ate the fruit their Creator provided. Adam and Eve were designed to live forever, but to do so they likely needed to eat from the tree of life. Once they sinned, they were banned from the Garden, separated from the tree, and subject to physical death, just as they had experienced spiritual death. Since Eden, death has reigned throughout history. But on the New Earth, our access to the tree of life is forever restored. (Notice that there’s no mention of a tree of the knowledge of good and evil to test us. The redeemed have already known sin and its devastation; they will desire it no more.
Smyrna was a seaport city about 35 miles north of Ephesus. It has been described as the most beautiful of the seven cities. Today it is called Izmir, Turkey. Scripture does not give us any information concerning the founding of this church, nor is it mentioned in the book of Acts. Presumably, this church was founded during Paul’s ministry in Ephesus.
“The Greek word translated ‘Smyrna’ was used in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) to translate the Hebrew word for myrrh, a resinous substance used as a perfume for the living (Matthew 2:11) and the dead (John 19:39). Its association with death perfectly pictures the suffering church at Smyrna. Like myrrh, produced by crushing a fragrant plant, the church at Smyrna, crushed by persecution, gave off a fragrant aroma of faithfulness to God.
This was a message meant to encourage them in light of what they were facing presently and were about to face in the future. The church at Smyrna was to undergo some intense persecution and tribulation. Jesus wanted to encourage them to stand strong, even if it meant physical death.
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 your tribulation and poverty--but you are rich (in faith)--and the blasphemy of those claiming themselves to be Jews and are not but are a synagogue of Satan:
(Being a Jew is not because someone was born into that nationality or religion. Being of God’s chosen people comes through circumcision of the heart, which is spiritual rather than natural. This spiritual transformation comes by being united with Christ and born again (Col 2:11).
Paul explains in Galatians, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 3:28-29). In other words, the Church is now God’s chosen people on earth. Both Jews and Gentiles who have put their faith in Jesus, who have experienced a circumcision of the heart, are part of the kingdom of God. The inward reality of this faith is the true mark of a child of God!)
10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you might be tested; and you shall have tribulation ten days. Be faithful unto death, and I will give to you the crown of life:
(The Great Persecution, under Diocletian from A.D. 303 to 313, was a time of sudden transition and massive change in the history of Christianity. It's the change and what caused it that we want to focus on. Diocletian's goal was to wipe out the Church. He hunted down Christians and their Scriptures. He especially loved to get hold of church leaders. He was trying to turn them back to paganism, to the old Roman religion with the emperor as a God. Therefore, anyone he caught and tried could be released by offering a sacrifice to the gods or to the emperor. Many Christians fell away, and many others were tortured, thrown in a dungeon, or put to death.)
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:
Pergamum had distinguished itself in 29 B.C. by becoming the site of the first cult of a living Roman emperor. A temple was built and dedicated to the joint worship of the goddess Roma (a personification of the spirit of the empire) and the emperor Augustus. At the very time John wrote these words, Christians were suffering persecution for refusing to worship the emperor Domitian (A.D. 81-96), who insisted on being worshipped as "lord and god."
The Christians at Pergamum were tempted to compromise in their faith in order to enjoy the benefits of Roman citizenship. The Roman government tolerated any religious practice that also recognized and worshipped the emperor as deity. The choice facing the church was remaining faithful and suffering the cultural and economic consequences or compromising his or her faith in order to work and prosper.
At the time, this Church was not known as the Roman Catholic Church. The Church was volatile and busy brewing and formulating itself in its unique doctrine, but not yet solidified in all of its doctrine, teaching, traditions, and even its name. The name "Roman Catholic Church" would not be acquired until decades later.
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 Antipaswas my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth:
In A.D. 92, according to tradition, Antipas of Pergamum, a personal disciple of the Apostle John, was roasted to death in a brazen or copper bull during the persecutions of Emperor Domitian. Hieromartyr Antipas, the priest-martyr Antipas, had been made Bishop of the Christian church of Pergamum by the Apostle John during the reign of Nero. His witness to the Lord Jesus Christ by word and deed and miracles of healing began turning the people of Pergamum from offering sacrificial worship to idols that can neither see, nor hear, nor move, nor breathe. The pagan priests complained vehemently that he was misleading the people by causing them to commit apostasy from their faith in their ancestral gods by his personal example of moral and spiritual virtue, the firmness of his faith in his God, and his constant preaching about Jesus the Anointed One. When they demanded that he stop, he refused. He would not submit to their demand to stop preaching Christ and offer sacrifice to the idols. They became enraged and dragged him to the temple of Artemis, and there they threw him into a glowing, red-hot copper or brazen metal bull where they normally put their sacrifices to the idols to cast demons out of their own people. He loudly prayed God to receive his soul and strengthen the faith of the Christians, and begged God to forgive those who were inflicting on him this torment. He then departed as peacefully as if he fell asleep.
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 stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication:
Balaam, a prophet from Mesopotamia, was willing to use his God-given talents for illicit purposes. Even though he knew Balac was God’s enemy, he tried to sell his prophetic gifts to help him. When that didn’t work, Balaam counseled Balac on the most effective way to weaken Israel. This was through seduction, using Moabite and Midianite women to tempt the Israelites into sexual relationships and into pagan rituals.
According to 2 Peter 2:15, Balaam’s “way” is a choice to promote falsehood for financial reasons. According to Jude 1:11, Balaam’s “error” was his willingness to accommodate pagan beliefs out of greed. Jude 1:4 also refers to the sin of those “who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality.” One trait of false teachers in the church is that they attempt to turn Christian liberty into a “freedom” to be promiscuous (see Romans 14:1–5).
To eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication:
15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate:
16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth:
17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna (everlasting life), and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it:
(Represents a clean slate, new name)
Jesus knows what doctrines we are allowing to be taught in the church we attend. In the church at Thyatira, there were some people that would not go along with the teachings of Jezebel. In other words, they would not consent to an adulterous union of the church of Christ with the kingdoms of this world. As a result, not only were they excommunicated from the “church,” but they were also persecuted and martyred by the millions. They were told that they were cast out from the true church and therefore relegated to everlasting punishment, but, actually, they were the true church.
When the Church first started, it may have been quite difficult to live as a Christian in Thyatira. This is because of the pervasive idolatry and immorality that was promoted by the powerful trade unions which dominated the whole city's economy. If you wanted to make any commercial gains in Thyatira, you had to join a trade union. Without joining a trade union, you would be oppressed and ostracized out of business. Each trade union had its own patron god. As a trade union member, you would be expected to attend its regular fellowship meals which always began with the worship of the patron god's idol. The food was offered to the idol first, before it was consumed by the members. After each fellowship meal, the members would freely engage in immoral acts with one another.
Therefore, when a Thyatirian became a Christian, he would have to make a difficult decision. As a Christian, he cannot be involved in any idol worship or consume food that had been offered to idols because these sins are expressly forbidden by the Lord. He also had to abstain from fornication and from any form of sexual immorality (see Acts 15:20, 29; 1 Thessalonians 4:3). But in order to ply his trade successfully and enjoy any commercial and financial benefits at Thyatira, he would have to do these forbidden things or risk losing his membership in his trade union.
In the near future, when the Antichrist appears on the world scene, we may have to stake a stand against receiving the mark of the Beast (666) even though it means that we will not be able to buy or sell anything without having this mark (Revelation 13:17).
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 But I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads My servants to be sexually immoral and to eat food sacrificed to idols.
Jezebel’s story is found in 1 and 2 Kings. She was the daughter of Ethbaal, king of Tyre/Sidon and priest of the cult of Baal, a cruel, sensuous and revolting false god whose worship involved sexual degradation and lewdness. Ahab, king of Israel, married Jezebel and led the nation into Baal worship (1 Kings 16:31). Ahab and Jezebel’s reign over Israel is one of the saddest chapters in the history of God’s people.
What Is a Jezebel Spirit?
A Jezebel spirit is a demonic spirit that inhabits a person and causes them to be driven by sexual appetites. It’s often characterized by being seductive, unrepentant, and destructive. Like all spirits of Satan, this one likes to cause division, but it does so in an atypical way. Not many other evil spirits use sexual prowess to turn others away from Christ.
Thyatira stands for all churches that are ecclesiastical in government, liturgical in worship, and medieval in superstition. These arose in the fourth century after Christianity won the patronage of the Roman emperor. Among them is a certain Jezebel that the Lord hates. The original Jezebel slew the true prophets of God (1 Kings 18:4, 13). In Jesus’ letter, she stands for the papal church, which has a long history of persecuting true believers. The toll martyred by Rome runs into millions. (Please understand that this interpretation does not support hatred of Catholics. We should love Catholics no less than we love others. Christ does not censure the people in Catholic churches, but the religious system that enthralls them and keeps them away from Biblical truth.) The two modern churches that embody Thyatira are the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox.
Parallel- Rev 18:3- For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not:
Hence the day of grace was over for her, and the only thing that remained for her now was divine judgment! Perhaps some of you have heard the Gospel before and had been attracted to it, but you have yet to repent of your sins and turn to Jesus Christ alone for salvation. It's interesting that Christ says this woman Jezebel calls herself a "prophetess". So this church would be claiming to be doing God's work, but in truth it would be a fallen church, doing the work of Satan. She isn't a prophet of God, she is a prophet of the evil one. The Roman Catholic Church claims to be doing God's work, but in reality, as we can see from her false teachings and her history of killing God's people, she is doing the work of Satan.
22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed (of sickness), 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:
The Black Death was a plague pandemic which devastated Europe from 1347 to 1352, killing an estimated 25-30 million people) https://www.history.com/topics/middle-ages/black-death
The Thyatira period of the church is thought to be during the church "dark ages" when the Roman Catholic Church reigned from about 538 A.D. to the start of the Protestant reformation in the 16th Century. In His great mercy, Jesus gives Jezebel (this apostate church) time to repent. But she would not, and in open defiance continued to reject the truth of God's Word and cause many to commit fornication with her and lead them into apostasy. The Roman Catholic Church openly rejected the Word of God and exalted the Popes in place of Christ Jesus and led their followers down the path of great apostasy.
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:
(When Jesus said "to the rest in Thyatira" who have not known the "depths of Satan", He is talking about the small groups of people throughout the Middle Ages that sought to remain loyal to true apostolic Christianity).
25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come:
To hold fast means to hold tightly and firmly on to something, and not loosen one's grip of it. Christ wants you to hold fast what you already have.
26 And to the one who overcomes and continues in My work until the end, I will give authority over the nations:
The awards for holding fast faithfully is to receive 'power over the nations.' This refers to the privilege we will have to reign on earth with Christ during the time of His millennial kingdom, as well as Christ himself-the bright and morning star.
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 (during the Millennium)
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.