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LESSON 06
- CHAPTER 2:1-2:11
Printed
Version: Pages 65-76
R E V E L A T I O N
Charles Caldwell Ryrie, p. 26-37
Ephesus
& Smyrna
These lessons are
written as an accompanment to
Charles C. Ryrie's [1996] Book
REVELATION
Everyday Bible Commentary
Moody Publishers
Chicago
ISBN: 978-0-8024-1825-8
(You Must Own your own copy)
(Ryrie's book text is not included in these lessons)
THE SEVEN
CHURCHES Part-1
II. "THE
THINGS WHICH ARE" 2:1-3:22
(Ryrie: Pg. 26-30 The 7 churches of Asia - Charts)
(Ryrie: Pg. 31) The
Introduction – The Pattern
A Commentary
Jesus’ revelation to John gives a very graphic vision of the human race – and here especially “the human race” as the Church of Jesus Christ. While we give assent to our personal and spiritual failings we also, as human beings, hold on to “how good we really are” in spite of what we know about our true nature.
Here, beginning in Chapter two, Jesus calls our attention to 7 different churches in what was the Roman district known as “Asia.” We’ve mentioned before that this is not the countries now known as being in “Asia.” The Asia of that time was basically the area now known as Turkey. These seven churches were connected by a circular road system that was part of the cross-continent traffic from what we now call Europe to Asia, Russia, Mongolia, China, etc. This meant that much of the traffic passing through was very multinational and much of the language was Greek, based and related to Hellenism [About the time of Alexander the Great & the spread of the Greek gods. Alexander died at the ripe old age of 32 in Babylon, June 323 A.D.]. That would also mean that much of the human contact with the churches would be “Gentile,” non-Jewish – and this would include the membership of these 7 churches.
Jesus has chosen these 7 churches as representative of “patterns” of church membership and living. As you will see… these patterns are demonstrated in the text as 1. Relationship to the Lord, 2. Items of Commendation, 3. Condemnation, 4. Exhortation, and 5. Promise.
I want you to focus your attention during the study of the Seven Churches upon each church’s description for each of these 5 patterns. That’s so important… these 5 patterns, and the comments Jesus makes about them are what is possible to be present and active in each body of Christ (The Local Church) today- We need to on the lookout to make sure that our church body is in agreement with the positive patterns… and constantly guarding ourselves from the negative patterns.
In my research I found another Henreitta Mears book, “What
The New Testament Is All About.” She wrote, “Suppose you should find in your
morning mail a letter from Jesus! You would read that letter as you never read
any letter before in your life. You would be very likely to do everything it
said, wouldn’t you? Well, in the second and third chapters of Revelation we have
seen seven letters from Jesus to Christians, and these seven letters are to you
and to me!”[1]
In case you don’t see the importance of these warnings…
here’s a not-so-brief listing from just three New Testament books written about
the things we should be looking for to avoid and if found… change.
2 Timothy – He says, Man will be: lovers of self,
lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient, unholy, unloving,
irreconcilable, gossipers, without self-control, brutal, haters of good,
treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure, and seeming to be
godly--denying God’s power.
2 Peter – He says, within your church, false
prophets will arise, false teachers among you, indulgence in the flesh,
despising authority, revealing where there is no knowledge, taking pleasure in
reveling, eyes full of adultery, not ceasing from sin, unstable souls, forsaking
the right, and promising freedom yet slaving.
Jude – He says that certain persons have crept in
unnoticed, denying Christ, defiling the flesh, rejecting authority, reveling in
natural things, caring for only themselves, casting up their shame, grumblers,
fault finders, lust followers, arrogant speakers, flatters for advantage,
mockers, causers of divisions, worldly minded, and devoid of the Spirit
(unbelievers).
These letters to the seven churches (He only writes to
seven churches, God's perfect number) should set our sights as representative of all churches
everywhere during the Church age.
That was back them… and Jesus tells us that we need to be
aware that back then is still now. We are to be like HIM, and only like HIM.
THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS
(review pg. 26-30) THE SEVEN CHURCHES 2:1-3:22
II. (Ryrie Pg. 32) "THE THINGS WHICH ARE"
The Introduction - The Pattern
A. The Message to Ephesus 2:1-7
1. Destination 2:1
2. The Lord 2:1
3. Commendation 2:2-3, 6
4. Commendation 4:4
5. Exhortation 2:5
6. Promise 2:7
Joining Ryrie’s Study Guide
on Page 31
RYRIE’S INTRODUCTION: Ryrie P. 31
“The Things Which Are” Ryrie P. 32
Our Intro Commentary
Keep you papers open to the Scripture Texts as we go
through the “Letter to Ephesus.” Please remember that the word “angel”
means messenger… which can be a heavenly messenger or possibly the “Shepherd” of
each church – or both at the same time.
THE VISUALIZED TEXT
A. The Message to Ephesus 2:1-7
1.
Destination 2:1
1 “To
the angel
of the church
in Ephesus write:
Ryrie page 33
The Text
2.
The Lord 2:1
The One who holds
the seven stars
in His right hand,
Ryrie page 33, the bottom
Our Commentary
Back in Revelation 1:16, as Ryrie reports, Jesus is holding firmly the Seven Stars (the Churches and their Angels) and we should be reminded that these letters are Jesus’ love letters to His churches.
The Text (2:1 continued)
the One
who walks among
[Lit. in the middle of]
the seven golden lampstands
says this:
Commendation 2:2—3 & 6
2 ‘I know
your deeds and
your toil and
[YOUR] perseverance
[or steadfastness], and
that you cannot
tolerate evil men, and
[that] you put to the test
those who call themselves apostles, and
they are not, and
[that]
you
found them to be false; 3 and
[that] you
have perseverance [or steadfastness] and
[that] [you]
have endured for My name’s sake, and
[that] [you]
have not grown weary
(6 Yet this
you do have, that
you hate the deeds
of the Nicolaitans,
which I also hate.)
(Ryrie Pg. 34)
Our Commentary
The reference to Balaam, a foreign (prophet) who was used
by the territory of Moab to curse the Israelites – you may remember God used his
donkey to speak to him to get His attention – but, The Lord made Balaam only
speak praises to the Israelites instead.
4.
Condemnation 2:4
The Text
4 But
I have this against
you,
that you have left
your first love.
Ryrie page 34
Our Commentary
Remember back to the history of Moses and the Israelites
being led out of Egypt and when Moses is called by God to leave the nation and
travel to the top of the mountain to meet with “their God”… before he could get
to the top of the mountain, the nation had already abandoned their God and were
worshipping the golden calf-idol (which their other leader, Arron, had
instructed the Israelites to melt their golden jewelry to make). King David
drifted away from the Lord as he approached the end of his career – and the
nation with him. Shortly in years before this revelation, the nation of Israel
forsook their God and put His Son to death on the Cross. It was the plan from
the beginning, but Israel and its leadership was responsible for their actions.
And so too, we, in our churches, need to always be aware that it is possible to
forsake the Lord God… and we will be held responsible. So, don’t!
5.
Exhortation 2:5-6
5 Therefore
remember from where
you have fallen, and
repent and
do the deeds
you did at first [Lit. first deeds];
or else I
am coming to you
and
will remove
your lampstand out of its place
unless you repent
6 Yet this
you do have, that
you hate the deeds
of the Nicolaitans,
which I also hate.
Ryrie page 34 bottom
Our Comments
Just to add a note to Ryrie’s last comment; there is a big
difference between feelings and works. As a member of The Church (not a local
church, but a member of the body of Christ in a local church) it is part of your
calling to make sure that the “good works” as a believer are accomplished.
Because you actually perform those good works they will be credited to you.
Having nice thoughts or feelings about those good works will bring you no reward
from Him. Helping the poor, the ill, the downtrodden; proclaiming the Gospel,
teaching where needed; helping with necessary tasks; helping your neighbors;
etc. “Doing” the good things is the message, not just thinking about doing or
“feeling” good feelings about other’s works and deeds. Remember who you were
before you received salvation, remember all the excitement and good activities
you got involved with. If you have left them, like the Philadelphians, repent
and return to your good works, for Christ.
6.
Promise 2:7
7 He who has an ear,
let him hear
what the Spirit says
to the churches.
To him who overcomes,
I will grant to eat
of the tree of life
which is in the Paradise of God.’
Ryrie page 35 top
Our Comments
The “Overcomer,” those possessing “The Tree of Life,” those
possessing Eternal life – forever… are the definition of the believer who is in
The Lord Jesus Christ. As verse 7 infers, if you are hearing God, His Word, His
Son, His Holy Spirit then YOU are a believer. If you are not hearing, it’s time
to re-think your salvation and do something about it.
THE VISUALIZED TEXT
B. The Message to Smyrna 2:8—11
1.
Destination 2:8a
8 “And to the angel of the
church in Smyrna write:
Ryrie page 35
No our Comment
2.
The Lord 2:8b
The first and the last,
who was [Lit.
became] dead, and
has come to life,
says this:
Ryrie page 36
Our Comments
Ryrie’s comment is totally relevant. These churches were the beginning of the movement of The Christ across the world, all of its peoples and tribes. Being human, most of us think of how much time we have left in this world – and not enough thinking upon dying and returning to life for an eternity – endless life – and being destined to live that life as a Child of God and a Royal Priesthood, and to be with Christ for all of that eternity. So then, what cost are we willing to endure for that privilege?
3.
Commendation 2:9
9 ‘I know
your tribulation
and
your poverty (but
you are rich), and
the blasphemy
by those who
say they are Jews and
are not,
but are a synagogue of Satan.
Ryrie Page 36
Our Comments
Polycarp was a disciple of John (the writer of Revelation). He was 86 years old and leader of Smyrna when Herod, on behalf of the then Ceasar, took 8 martyrs from the local church. Polycarp was the 9th. He was burned and a reported miracle was reported preventing his death, and they passed a sword through Him. His dead body was then burned. His famous statement, “86 years I have served Him and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?[2] ”
4.
Exhortation 2:10
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 will
be tested, and
you will have
tribulation for ten days.
Be faithful [or Prove yourself faithful] until death,
and I will give
you the crown of life.
Ryrie Page 36
Our Comments
The Scriptures mention it quite often – but it is not
mentioned in our churches very much, “Be faithful until death….” In a normal
life (a life not hampered with late life mental illness) the value of Biblical
faith in the life can only be adequately judged at the end of the life. Some,
who seem to be dedicated to Christ, fall away from faith along the way. This is
not saying that a true believer will fall away, but that true faith can only be
judged by the end result – and then, only by God Himself.
5. Promise, 2:11
11 He who has an ear,
let him hear
what the Spirit says to the churches.
'He who overcomes
will not be hurt
by the second death.’
Ryrie, Pg. 37 top
Our Commentary
As Ryrie points out that there is a double-negative in the
Hebrew Text. Most translators correct their versions to avoid this anomaly.
However, it plays a very important part in the understanding of this verse. The
believer in Jesus has this very special promise – here’s word for word direct
translation of the Hebrew: “The one-having ear, let him hear any(thing) the
spirit is saying to the called-out-ones, the one conquering NOT NO may be being
injured out of the death – the second.” Or, in better English, “The one having
(an) ear, let him hear what the spirit is saying to the ecclesias (members of
the church body), the one conquering NO, NOT any, may be being injured by
the second death.”
Just a final reminder… All of these things represent
both the things of John’s day and all the days since, even now. So study,
worship, pray, and keep your focus on keeping the “Body of Christ” clean,
blessed, joyful, and free from all these negative things, and full of these
positive things – always, full of Faith till His return.
[1]
Mears, Henrietta C., “What the New Testament Is All About,” ©1966 b G/L
Publications, Glendale CA
[2]
https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/study/module/polycarp/
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