The Revelation: Chapter 2

Daily Devotion in Revelation 2

Artwork from a 1611 KJV

Daily Nugget:
Messages to four different churches were penned in this chapter. These messages were not only to the churches of the day but also to those that would come and have similar spiritual problems. Those churches were illustrations of how the churches generally would be in the future. They pictured different church ages.

The first church mentioned was the church at Ephesus. That church discerned what was right and wrong and labored for the cause of Christ (Revelation 2:2-3). They were warned, however, that they had “left thy first love.” The church body had relaxed and lost the love for the Saviour that they had in the past.

This church in Ephesus also pictured what would happen to churches in general. During the period possibly between A. D. 70-170,1 the once strong church backslid and lost some of its zeal. They had left the love they had previously for God.

Only the Lord knows exactly when the church ages began and ended. The dates quoted in this devotion are from Charles Larkin’s The Book of Revelation. These dates are intended to give the reader an approximate time they may have occurred.

Smyrna was the second church described. Although this ministry was financially poor, they were rich in many spiritual areas (Revelation 2:9). However, this church faced much persecution. They were informed that Satan was behind their tribulations (Revelation 2:9-10) and that they should be faithful, even unto their deaths.

This church’s persecution pictured what happened to many churches between A. D. 170 and A. D. 3121. During this time, the true church faced tremendous oppression from Roman Emperors, beginning with Nero and ending with Diocletian.

The third church addressed was the church in Pergamos. Although they were faithful to Jesus, they were allowing the “doctrine of Balaam” (worldliness – Jude 11) to creep into their membership, along with the “doctrine of Nicolaitans.” The Nicolaitans were trying to establish the Old Testament priesthood within the church and separate the leaders and the “lay” people.

That prophecy was fulfilled in the churches from A. D. 312 to A. D. 6061. Constantine, and men like him, fused pagan beliefs with “Christian” doctrine during this time. Idols and immorality were forced upon the church.

Although the church in Thyatira was known for its charity, service, faith, and patience (Revelation 2:19), Jesus knew it had weaknesses and failings. They allowed a self-proclaimed prophetess, Jezebel, to erode what truth was left in the church. Her involvement led the church to commit spiritual fornication. Idolatry was rampant in the church.

This church pictured what happened in many churches, from A. D. 606 to the Reformation in A. D. 15201. During this time, the Catholic church introduced idolatry, masses, other pagan rites, and became powerful and controlling.

The history lessons in this chapter all came to pass. If guards are let down concerning spiritual matters, and any deviation from the truth is allowed, God’s real church will suffer loss.

The early churches that were written to were warned of their error. They had an opportunity to repent and return to what God had required of them. We, too, if we see our spiritual error being like those committed by the early churches, have a warning. Our condition and relationship with the Lord will worsen if we do nothing. If we admit our weaknesses, it is never too late to get right with the Lord. We can repent and return to living the way God requires.

1 Clarence Larkin. The Book of Revelation. Pages 20-27. Philadelphia, PA. Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate. 1919

Today’s Thought:
“The church is not a building. It is an assembly of believers whose desire is to live for God.”

Words to Understand:
Balaam: Balaam was a heathen diviner that the Midians and Moabites wanted to curse Israel so they could conquer Israel (Numbers 22).
Blasphemy: irreverent words spoken against God
Nicolaitans: a sect that was prevalent during the time of the early church. They were said to have obeyed some Old Testament dietary laws, encouraged idolatry, denied that God was the creator, and practiced some of Balaam’s teachings.
Martyr: one who dies for the cause of Christ

Today’s Reading:
Revelation 2
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 Nicolaitans, 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.
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.
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 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, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
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.