Revela&on!! Lesson+#4+ What+Is, +the+seven+churches+(part+1)++ "What!Is,"!the!Seven!Churches!(Part!1)!

Transcription

1 Revela&on Lesson#4 WhatIs, thesevenchurches(part1) "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 1

2 Review HavingintroducedRevela2oninLessons1&2,Lesson#3took usdirectlyintothetext. InRevela2on1:19therisenandglorifiedChristcommanded John: Writedown,therefore,whatyouhaveseen,andwhat ishappening,andwhatwillhappenaierwards. Withthat, welearnedthebasic3ipartstructureofrevela2on:1)what was(past,chapter1);2)whatis(present,chapters2i3);and3) whatwillbe(future,chapters4i22). InLesson#3wefocusedonwhatwas;thatis,whatprompted JohntowriteRevela2ontobeginwith. "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 2

3 Preview TherisenandglorifiedChristcommandsJohntowritealeRerto eachofsevenchurchesinasiaminor:ephesus,smyrna, Pergamum,Thya2ra,Sardis,PhiladelphiaandLaodicea.If,as tradi2onclaims,ourapostlejohnistheleaderofthechurchat EphesusandtheauthorofRevela2on,thenallsixoftheother churchesarewithinjohn sgeographicalsphereofinfluence,and thelerersaretoserveas coverlerers forthevisionthatjohn willreceiveandthathewilltransmitinwri2ngtothechurches inrevela2on4i22. InLesson#4weexaminethefirstthreeofthesevenchurches andjohn slererstothem:ephesus,smyrnaandpergamum. "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 3

4 Pergamum Smyrna "Thya2ra "Sardis "Philadelphia Ephesus "Laodicea Patmos "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 4

5 Ephesus "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 5

6 Ephesuswasfabulousineveryway. FoundedasanA\cIIoniancolonyinthe 10 th centuryb.c.,ephesuswasanatural deepiwaterportandoneoftwelveci2esin theionianleagueduringtheclassicalgreek period. UnderRomanrule inst.paul sday Ephesuswasthesecondlargestcityinthe RomanEmpire,withapopula2onofaround 250,000.OnlyRomesurpasseditssizeand grandeur. AlongwithRomeandSyrianAn2och(which becamest.paul shomechurch),ephesus wasoneofonlythreeci2esintheempire withstreetligh2ngatnight "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 6

7 TheCardo, MainStreet inephesus.acitymadeen2relyofmarble,thecardohosted magnificentpublicbuildings,lushprivateresidencesandhighiendshops. PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 7

8 TheCardo,lookingupthestreet. PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 8

9 ThefountainofMemniusontheCardo. PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 9

10 TheterracesalongthewestsideoftheCardoboastedbeau2fulhomesfortheverywealthy. PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 10

11 ThelibraryofCelsus,oneofthethreegreatlibrariesoftheancientworld, alongwithalexandria,egyptandpergamum. PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 11

12 TheCardo,leadingtotheTheater(boRomright)andHarborStreet(turnlefattheTheater). TheEphesusbusinessdistrictistothelef,intheforeground. PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 12

13 ThefamoustheaterofEphesusseated25,000people PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 13

14 Around550B.C.theTempleofArtemis(or Diana)wascompletedinEphesus.This staggeringstructurewasoneoftheseven Wondersoftheancientworld.An2paterof SidoncompiledtheSevenWonders.Hereis whathehadtosayofthetempleof Artemis: IhaveseteyesonthewallofloIyBabylonon whichisaroadforchariots,andthestatueof ZeusbyAlpheus,andthehanginggardens,and thecolossusofthesun,andthelaborofthegreat pyramids,andthevasttombofmausolus,but whenisawthehouseofartemis[inephesus] thatmountedtotheclouds,thoseothermarvels losttheirbrilliance,andisaid, Lo,apartfrom Olympus,thesunneverlookedonanythingso grand. "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 14

15 Sadly,twentyIoneyearsaferTheodosiusImadeChris2anitytheofficialreligionoftheRomanEmpire,the TempleofArtemiswasdestroyedinA.D.401byamobledbySt.JohnChrysostom, whowasthenbishopofephesus.thisisallthatremains. PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 15

16 Withastork snest ontop ThesolestandingpillarfromtheTempleofArtemis. PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 16

17 To the angel of the church in Ephesus, write this: The one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks in the midst of the seven gold lampstands says this: I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate the wicked; you have tested those who call themselves apostles but are not, and discovered that they are imposters. Moreover, you have endurance and have suffered for my name, and you have not grown weary.... "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 17

18 Yet, I hold this against you: you have lost the love you had at first. Realize how far you have fallen. Repent and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. But you have this in your favor: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the victor I will give the right to eat from the tree of life that is in the garden of God. (2: 1-7) "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 18

19 Typically,eachofthe7leRers inrevela2onfollowsthe sameparern: 1. Gree2ng 2. Wordsofcommenda2on 3. Wordsofcondemna2on 4. Admoni2on "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 19

20 Ephesus: 1. Gree2ng 2. Wordsofcommenda2on 3. Wordsofcondemna2on 4. Admoni2on "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 20

21 To the angel of the church in Ephesus, write this: The one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks in the midst of the seven gold lampstands says this: I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate the wicked; you have tested those who call themselves apostles but are not, and discovered that they are imposters. Moreover, you have endurance and have suffered for my name, and you have not grown weary.... "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 21

22 Aswelearnedearlier, a ggeloß [an IgeIlos] isthegreekwordtranslated angel ;it meansliterally messenger. InScripture angels aremessengerssentbygodto speaktoortointeractwithhumanity.it s nicetothinkthatgodhasassignedan angel towatchovereachchurch(andhe maywellhave),butmorelikelythe angel of thechurchinephesusistheleaderofthat Chris2ancommunity,themessengerofthe Gospel. IfourApostleJohnistheleaderofthe churchinephesus,thenthe1 st lererin Revela2onisaddressedtohim Jesusholdsthe7starsinhisrighthand(the 7leadersofthe7churches)andhewalks amongthe7lampstands(the7churches, themselves). "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 22

23 Weshouldrecognizethein2macyof thisgree2ng.therisenandglorified Christwalksamongus.Heknowsevery detailofourlives,commendingusfor oursuccessesandadmonishingusfor ourfaults. Heholdsusintheverypalmofhishand asbothourprotectorandourguide. "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 23

24 Ephesus: 1. Gree2ng 2. Wordsofcommenda2on 3. Wordsofcondemna2on 4. Admoni2on "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 24

25 To the angel of the church in Ephesus, write this: The one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks in the midst of the seven gold lampstands says this: I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate the wicked; you have tested those who call themselves apostles but are not, and discovered that they are imposters. Moreover, you have endurance and have suffered for my name, and you have not grown weary.... "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 25

26 Iknow[oiÆda]yourworks,yourlabor,and yourendurance. Jesusaddressesnotonly the angel ofthechurchatephesus,butthe en2recommunity,so your isgramma2cally singularthroughoutthe7lerers[sou]. Jesussaid: Ifyouloveme,youwillkeepmy commands (John14:15).Empha2cally, we aresavedbygracethroughfaith, buta genuinesavingfaithwillalwaysmanifest itselfinalifeofac2velove,alifeofgood works.asjamessaid: Whatgoodisit,my brothers,ifsomeonesayshehasfaithbut doesnothaveworks (3:14);suchafaithis shallowatbest,selfidelusionatworst. TheChris2ancommunityatEphesusnotonly hascopiousworkstoshowfortheirfaith,but theyalsolaborhardandtheydon tgiveup. "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 26

27 Youcannottoleratethewicked. The word wicked iskakovß [kahikahs ]. Wicked referstothefalseteachersthat JohnsoopposesinhisthreeleRers,mensuch asdiotrophese(3john9). Youhavetestedthosewhocallthemselves apostlesbutarenot,anddiscoveredthatthey areimposters. Thereweremanypeople travelingaboutinjohn sdayclaimingtobe Apostles,buttheywerephonies,charlatans, andreligiousopportunists.atephesusthey wereexposedforwhattheyare Youhaveenduranceandhavesufferedfor myname,andyouhavenotgrownweary. TheLordagainemphasizeshowhardworking andsteadfastthechris2ansatephesusare, andhecommendsit. "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 27

28 Ephesus: 1. Gree2ng 2. Wordsofcommenda2on 3. Wordsofcondemna2on 4. Admoni2on "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 28

29 Yet, I hold this against you: you have lost the love you had at first. Realize how far you have fallen. Repent and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. But you have this in your favor: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the victor I will give the right to eat from the tree of life that is in the garden of God. (2: 1-7) "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 29

30 Yet,Iholdthisagainstyou:youhave losttheloveyouhadatfirst.realizehow faryouhavefallen. Althoughthe Chris2ansatEphesushaveworkedhard, sufferedandpersevered,theyhavelostthe fervoroftheirini2alfaith,theinnerfire theyfirsthadwhentheyfellinlovewith Christ. Repentanddotheworksyoudidat first. Theword repent ismetanoevw [mehitahinoia Io],literally toturn around, 180degrees;togetbacktowhere youwereatthestart. Otherwise,Iwillcometoyouand removeyourlampstand. Thatis,theLord willremoveyourchurch "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 30

31 ThechurchesinAsiaMinorwerethe enginepoweringtheearlychurch: considerst.paul sthreemissionary journeys;thechurchofsyrianan2och, homechurchofpaulandbarnabas;the CouncilofNicaea... Today,AsiaMinor(modernIday Turkey),althoughacons2tu2onally secularstate,hasapopula2onofnearly 80millionpeople,99.8%ofwhomare Muslim.Chris2ansand others are only.2%. Thereareonly11diocesanpriestsin Turkeyand50religiouspriests. "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 31

32 PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas AntakyaKatolikKillsese,theonlyRomanCatholicChurchinAntakya(An2och),Turkey. PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 32

33 Dr.CreasyandhissmallbandofadventurerscelebrateMassinAn2ochwithFr.DomenicoBertogli. PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 33

34 Youhatetheworksofthe Nicolaitans. Nicolaitans are followersofnicholas,butit s notcertainwhohewasor whathetaught.thechurchat Pergamumisalsoinfestedwith Nicolaitans (2:15). Whatevertheteachingwas,it fallsintothesamecategoryas thatofthe deceivers and an2christs thatjohnabhors in2john7i8. "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 34

35 Ephesus: 1. Gree2ng 2. Wordsofcommenda2on 3. Wordsofcondemna2on 4. Admoni2on "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 35

36 Yet, I hold this against you: you have lost the love you had at first. Realize how far you have fallen. Repent and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. But you have this in your favor: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the victor I will give the right to eat from the tree of life that is in the garden of God. (2: 1-7) "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 36

37 LucasCranachtheElder.Paradise(oilonlime),1530. MuseumofArtHistory,Vienna. TheLordclosestheleRerto thechurchatephesusby tellingthemtopayaren2on, andthenhepromisesthatif theydotheywillberewarded withfruitfromthe treeof lifethatisinthegardenof God (2:7). WesawthistreeinGenesis2: 19and3:22,andwewillsee itagaininrevela2on22:2. "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 37

38 Aswe venoted,tradi2onclaimsthat ourapostlejohnwasleaderofthe churchinephesus,andthattradi2on manifestsitselfinephesuswiththe remainsofthebasilicaofst.john, constructedbyjus2nianiinthe6 th century. Itwasbuiltoverwhatwasbelievedto betheburialsiteofourapostlejohn. "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 38

39 RemainsoftheBasilicaofSt.John,Ephesus. PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 39

40 InteriorwallsoftheBasilicaofSt.John. PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 40

41 TombofSt.JohntheApostle,Ephesus. PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 41

42 Smyrna "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 42

43 Pergamum Smyrna "Thya2ra "Sardis "Philadelphia Ephesus "Laodicea Patmos "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 43

44 Smyrnaistoday sizmir,the3rdlargestcity inmodernidayturkey,with3.3million people. SmyrnabeganasanAeolianseRlementin the11 th centuryb.c.,butthe NewCity developedinthe4 th centuryb.c.inthe wakeofalexanderthegreat sconquests. InNewTestament2mes,Smyrnaviedwith EphesusandPergamumforthe2tleof First CityofAsia, atrulybeau2fulandinfluen2al city. ThechurchatSmyrnawasfoundedduring thefirstcenturya.d.,butwedon tknowby whom.oneofitsearlybishops,polycarp (wholivedfroma.d ),was martyredhereina.d.155,at86yearsold. "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 44

45 Asayoungmanlivinginthecity,Polycarp mayhaveheardrevela2onreadfromthe actualmanuscriptinjohn shandwri2ng, deliveredfreshfrompatmos. ThechurchhistorianEusebiusrecountsthe martyrdomofpolycarp:hewastoldthatif herenouncedchrist,hewouldbesetfree. TheProconsulsaid, TaketheoathandI willletyougo.revilechrist Towhich Polycarpissaidtohavereplied, For86 yearsihavebeenhisservant,andhehas neverreviledme;howcanirevilemyking andmysavior? Atwhichpointhewassetonfire. "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 45

46 Excava2onsof NewSmyrna inizmirbeganin2002;theyaresponsoredbytheizmir ArchaeologyMuseumandtheMetropolitanMunicipalityofIzmir. PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 46

47 Thehardworkofsor2ngandcataloguingar2factsintheAgora. PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 47

48 AvastnetworkofvaultedRomanarchescreatedamul2Ilevel shoppingmall, bothbelow andaboveground.thearchnetworkalsoreducedtheimpactoffrequentearthquakes. PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 48

49 Lowerlevelofthe shoppingmall. PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 49

50 To the angel of the church in Smyrna, write this: The first and last, who once died but came to life, says this: I know your tribulation and poverty, but you are rich. I know the slander of those who claim to be Jews and are not, but rather are members of the assembly of Satan. Do not be afraid of anything that you are going to suffer. Indeed, the devil will throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will face an ordeal for ten days. Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The victor shall not be harmed by the second death. (2: 8-11) "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 50

51 Smyrna: 1. Gree2ng 2. Wordsofcommenda2on 3. Wordsofcondemna2on 4. Admoni2on "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 51

52 To the angel of the church in Smyrna, write this: The first and last, who once died but came to life, says this: I know your tribulation and poverty, but you are rich. I know the slander of those who claim to be Jews and are not, but rather are members of the assembly of Satan. Do not be afraid of anything that you are going to suffer. Indeed, the devil will throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will face an ordeal for ten days. Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The victor shall not be harmed by the second death. (2: 8-11) "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 52

53 AstheLordgreetedthechurchat Ephesuswith Theonewhoholds thesevenstarsinhisrighthandand walksinthemidstofthesevengold lampstandssaysthis...,sodoeshe greetthechurchatsmrynawith Thefirstandthelast,whoonce diedbutcametolife,saysthis... Inbothinstancesthegree2ng recallsarributesofchristthatwere men2onedpreviouslyinthe Prologueofchapter1. "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 53

54 Smyrna: 1. Gree2ng 2. Wordsofcommenda2on 3. Wordsofcondemna2on 4. Admoni2on "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 54

55 To the angel of the church in Smyrna, write this: The first and last, who once died but came to life, says this: I know your tribulation and poverty, but you are rich. I know the slander of those who claim to be Jews and are not, but rather are members of the assembly of Satan. Do not be afraid of anything that you are going to suffer. Indeed, the devil will throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will face an ordeal for ten days. Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The victor shall not be harmed by the second death. (2: 8-11) "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 55

56 Iknowyourtribula2onandpoverty,butyou arerich. Smyrnawasawealthy,influen2al cityinjohn sday,butthechurchfeltthebrunt ofpersecu2on,includingarrest,punishment, confisca2onofpropertyandthepovertythat followed.yet,thelordremindsthem,theyare spirituallyrich,evenastheysufferpersecu2on. Iknowtheslanderofthosewhoclaimtobe Jewsandarenot,butratheraremembersof theassemblyofsatan. TheRomanEmpire recognizedjudaismasanancientindigenous religion,anditwasprotectedunderroman law.butwhentensionsbetweenjudaismand Chris2anityworsened,Chris2anslosttheir protec2onasaminorsectundertheumbrella ofjudaism.apparently,thelargejewish popula2oninsmyrnaac2velypersecutedthe church,aswell. "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 56

57 Thedevilwillthrowsomeofyouintoprison, thatyoumaybetested,andyouwillfacean ordealfortendays. Boththecivilauthori2es andthejewspersecutedthechurchinsmyrna, butul2matelyitwassatanworkingbehindthe scenes.somepeople,indeed,willbe imprisonedandtheirfaithwillbetested severelyfor tendays, anumbersignifyinga transientperiod,notfinality,not todeath. Thewordtranslated ordeal isqliæyiß [thi lee Ipthis], tribula2on, afflic2on, or anguish. Remainfaithfulun2ldeath,andIwillgive youthecrownoflife. TheLordencourages thoseinsmyrnatoremainfaithful,evenifit meansuntodeath,for thecrownoflife awaitsthem. "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 57

58 Smyrna: 1. Gree2ng 2. Wordsofcommenda2on 3. Wordsofcondemna2on 4. Admoni2on "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 58

59 No2ce,therearenowordsofcondemna2onfor thechurchatsmyrna,perhapsbecausethe LordsawSmyrnaasamartyrchurch,onethat wassheddingitsbloodforhim. TheGreekwordmavrtuß [mar Itoos]means witness, onewhosedeathforchristspoke boldlyandwithul2mateconvic2on.indeed, the2 nd IcenturychurchfatherTertullianwrote that thebloodofthemartyrsistheseedofthe Church, 1 implyingthatmartyrdomisthe strongestwitnessonecanmaketoleadothers tochrist. InRevela2on6:9wewillmeetanarmyofsuch martyrsbeneathgod saltarinheaven, those whohadbeenslaughteredbecauseofthe witnesstheyboretothewordofgod. 1 Apologe&cus,chapter50. "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 59

60 Smyrna: 1. Gree2ng 2. Wordsofcommenda2on 3. Wordsofcondemna2on 4. Admoni2on "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 60

61 To the angel of the church in Smyrna, write this: The first and last, who once died but came to life, says this: I know your tribulation and poverty, but you are rich. I know the slander of those who claim to be Jews and are not, but rather are members of the assembly of Satan. Do not be afraid of anything that you are going to suffer. Indeed, the devil will throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will face an ordeal for ten days. Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The victor shall not be harmed by the second death. (2: 8-11) "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 61

62 Thevictorshallnotbeharmedbythe seconddeath. AsinhisleRertothechurchin Ephesus,JesusencouragesthoseinSmyrnato payaren2ontowhathehassaid,withthe assurancethatthosewhoperseveretotheend the victors [nikavw,nehika Io,onewho overcomes or prevails ] shallnotbe harmedbythe seconddeath. The seconddeath isthe pooloffire, the finalabodefor anyonewhosename[is]not foundwrizeninthebookoflife (22:15). "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 62

63 Pergamum "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 63

64 Pergamum Smyrna "Thya2ra "Sardis "Philadelphia Ephesus "Laodicea Patmos "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 64

65 Located16milesfromtheAegeanSeaona promontoryonthenorthsideofthecaicus River,Pergamumwasfoundedinthe3 rd centuryb.c.itwasthecapitalofthe KingdomofPergamumduringthe Hellenis2cperiod.Atitspeak,Pergamum washometo200,000peopleandboasted oneofthethreegreatlibrariesofthe ancientworld,alongwithalexandria,egypt andephesus. TheAsclepeionsitsatthefootof Pergamum sacropolis themostfamous healingcenterofitsday.hippocratesissaid tohavereceivedhismedicaltraininghere, andthefamedphysicianandphilosopher, Galen,studiedandworkedhere. "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 65

66 ApproachingtheAcropolisofPergamumfromthelushplainbelow. PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 66

67 AtoptheAcropolismarblecolumnsglisteninthesunlight. PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 67

68 TheTempleofTrajanaReststothestrengthoftheRomanimperialcultinthecity. PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 68

69 Pergamumboastedtwotheaters.ThisoneisthesteepesttheaterintheGrecoI Romanworld.Butwhataview PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 69

70 BeneaththeAcropolisofPergamumamonumentalroadleadstotheAsclepeion. PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 70

71 Theserpentisatradi2onalsymbolofmedicineandhealing. PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 71

72 TheAsclepeion scourtyard. PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 72

73 The medita2ontunnel thatledtohealingrooms. PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 73

74 AhealingroomattheAsclepeion. PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 74

75 TheAsclepeionalsoboastedmedicinalhealingpoolsandabeau2fultheater. PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 75

76 To the angel of the church in Pergamum, write this: The one with the sharp two-edged sword says this: I know that you live where Satan s throne is, and yet you hold fast to my name and have not denied your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was martyred among you, where Satan lives. Yet I have a few things against you. You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who instructed Balak to put a stumbling block before the Israelites; to eat food sacrificed to idols and to play the harlot. Likewise, you also have some people who hold to the teaching of [the] Nicolaitans. Therefore, repent. Otherwise I will come to you quickly and wage war against them with the sword of my mouth... "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 76

77 Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the victor I shall give some of the hidden manna; I shall also give a white amulet upon which is inscribed a new name, which no one knows except the one who receives it. (2: 12-17) "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 77

78 Pergamum: 1. Gree2ng 2. Wordsofcommenda2on 3. Wordsofcondemna2on 4. Admoni2on "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 78

79 To the angel of the church in Pergamum, write this: The one with the sharp two-edged sword says this: I know that you live where Satan s throne is, and yet you hold fast to my name and have not denied your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was martyred among you, where Satan lives. Yet I have a few things against you. You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who instructed Balak to put a stumbling block before the Israelites; to eat food sacrificed to idols and to play the harlot. Likewise, you also have some people who hold to the teaching of [the] Nicolaitans. Therefore, repent. Otherwise I will come to you quickly and wage war against them with the sword of my mouth... "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 79

80 OnceagaintheLord sgree2ng referstoarributesofchristfrom theprologue,this2metothesharp, twoiedgedswordcomingfromhis mouth,theswordofcommenda2on andcondemna2on. "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 80

81 Pergamum: 1. Gree2ng 2. Wordsofcommenda2on 3. Wordsofcondemna2on 4. Admoni2on "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 81

82 To the angel of the church in Pergamum, write this: The one with the sharp two-edged sword says this: I know that you live where Satan s throne is, and yet you hold fast to my name and have not denied your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was martyred among you, where Satan lives. Yet I have a few things against you. You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who instructed Balak to put a stumbling block before the Israelites; to eat food sacrificed to idols and to play the harlot. Likewise, you also have some people who hold to the teaching of [the] Nicolaitans. Therefore, repent. Otherwise I will come to you quickly and wage war against them with the sword of my mouth... "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 82

83 Holycow WhereSatanlives? "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 83

84 ThegreatAltarofZeussatonthisplazorm, wheresatan sthroneis (2:13). PhotographybyAnaMariaVargas "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 84

85 Todaythe AltarofZeus isinthepergamummuseuminberlin. Itwasoneofthemostbeau2fulaltarsoftheancientworld. "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 85

86 Pergamumwasanotherfabulouscityin AsiaMinor,withitsstunningaltartoZeus, patrongodofthecity;templeofathena, patrongoddessofthecity;andthetemple ofdionysius,patronoftheromanroyal dynasty.three2mesromehonored PergamumasthetempleIwardenofthe imperialcult.inaddi2on,pergamum s Asclepieion,withitsbeau2fulshrinetothe godasclepius,wasthemostfamous medicalcenterintheworld. Thus,theLordcommendsPergamum s Chris2ansfornotdenyingtheirfaithand accommoda2ngthemselvestothevery arrac2vepagancultureofthecity,acity wherean2pas(perhapsthechurch sleader) hadbeenmartyred. "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 86

87 Pergamum: 1. Gree2ng 2. Wordsofcommenda2on 3. Wordsofcondemna2on 4. Admoni2on "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 87

88 To the angel of the church in Pergamum, write this: The one with the sharp two-edged sword says this: I know that you live where Satan s throne is, and yet you hold fast to my name and have not denied your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was martyred among you, where Satan lives. Yet I have a few things against you. You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who instructed Balak to put a stumbling block before the Israelites; to eat food sacrificed to idols and to play the harlot. Likewise, you also have some people who hold to the teaching of [the] Nicolaitans. Therefore, repent. Otherwise I will come to you quickly and wage war against them with the sword of my mouth... "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 88

89 Youhavepeopletherewhoholdtothe teachingofbalaam. Recallourstudyof Numbers.WhentheIsraelitesarecampedon theplainsofmoaboppositejericho,thekingof Moabisterrifiedandseeksthehelpofthe famousprophetbalaamtoputacurseonthe Israelites.Aferseveraltries,Balaamfailsand thekingofmoabfireshim.butratherthan returninghome,balaamini2ates PlanB :ifyou can tbeattheisraelites,jointhemwereadthat theisraelitemenbegan whoring withthe Moabitewomen,ea2ngwiththemand worshipingtheirgods. That sthe teachingofbalaam : accommoda2onandassimila2onintothe dominantculture. AsinEphesus,manyChris2ansinPergamum arealsofollowingtheteachingofthe Nicolaitans. "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 89

90 Pergamum: 1. Gree2ng 2. Wordsofcommenda2on 3. Wordsofcondemna2on 4. Admoni2on "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 90

91 Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the victor I shall give some of the hidden manna; I shall also give a white amulet upon which is inscribed a new name, which no one knows except the one who receives it. (2: 12-17) "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 91

92 hiddenmanna... whiteamulet... anew name. AswelearnedinourstudyofJohn s Gospel,Jesusisthegenuinemanna,the bread ofgod...whichcomesdownfromheavenand giveslifetotheworld (John6:33).Jesus promisestothosewhokeepthefaiththathewill provideadeep,spiritualfoodtonourishtheir souls:theeucharis2cimplica2onsofjesus statementareclear. The whiteamulet isyhfqon leukhvn,literally a whitestone, perhapsatypeofadmission 2cketto theweddingfeastofthelamb (19:9). The newname referstoabeliever snew iden2tyinchrist.asst.paulremarks: Foryou havedied,andyourlifeishiddenwithchristin God.WhenChristyourlifeappears,thenyoutoo willappearwithhiminglory (Colossians3:3). "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 92

93 ourfaithintoac2on,wecanwork2relessly if wechoose tobringlightintotheworldandto livealifethathonorschrist. Butalongthewaywealsostumbleandfall, ofenwanderingdownthewrongpathsand tumblingintothicketsofweeds,somesownby others,somebyourselves. WeneedtopayaRen2ontowherewe regoing andtohowwegetthere,lestwebecomelost onourjourney. "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 93 InstudyingthefirstthreeofsevenleRerstothe sevenchurchesofasiaminor,wefindthatthey havesimilaropportuni2esandproblemsto thosewehavetoday. Withthevastarrayofopportuni2estheChurch offersforservingothers,fordeepeningour personalrela2onshipwithchristandforpu\ng

94 Ques2onsfordiscussionandthought 1. WhydoestheLordbeginthissequenceofleRersto thechurchatephesus? 2. WhentheLordnoteshowfarthechurchatEphesus hasfallen,whatdoeshemean? 3. WhydoestherisenandglorifiedChristnothaveany wordsofcondemna2onagainstthechurchinsmyrna? 4. InwhatsenseisPergamumtheplace wheresatan hashisthrone? 5. WhatwasbeingtaughtinPergamumthatwasso objec2onable? "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 94

95 Copyright 2016byLogosEduca2onalCorpora2on Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthiscourse audio,video,photography,maps, 2melinesorothermedia maybereproducedortransmiredinanyformby anymeans,electronicormechanical,includingphotocopying,recordingorby anyinforma2onstorageorretrievaldeviceswithoutpermissioninwri2ngora licensingagreementfromthecopyrightholder. "WhatIs,"theSevenChurches(Part1) 95