The Seven Assemblies of Revelation.

Transcription

1 The Seven Assemblies of Revelation. When looking to the seven letters written to the assemblies, we note at once that the word ecclesia translated church is not the proper translation. Ecclesia simply means an assembly. Any assembly of people who are called out from other people. When Saul says he persecuted the ecclesia of God, he does not use the word in the limited sense; it merely means that he persecuted the people of God, the congregation of God. The book of Revelation contains a record, by vision and prophecy of the events that were to happen in the Day of the Lord. The whole book is concerned with the Jew, the Gentile, the earth, and those not right in Christ. That is they are not under grace but under works. The corruption of Christianity that merges into a great apostasy of those who form a part of it. In these letters we see that everything is different, circumstances, standpoint, etc., all is warning of repentance, and promises are made only to the overcomers, and to those who shall endure unto the end. They are written to those who are under a covenant of works, and not to those who are under a covenant of grace. In Paul's letters to the church of God in Ephesus, God speaks to those who are on the highest ground of privilege and grace. Here there is no such blessing at all, except to the overcomers. Few people are aware that the evidence as to the existence of these assemblies as churches (buildings) is very scanty. Concerning some, not only is evidence lacking, but concerning others it is quite opposed to their ever having existed at all. Tertullian (about ) says that leaders of certain sects, such as Cerdon and Marcion, rejected the book of Revelation on the ground that it could not have been written by John, inasmuch as (among other reasons) there was no Christian church in existence at Thyatira in the time of John. Epiphanius who wrote about A.D. 367 deals with the Alogi, a sect which disputed the genuineness of the Revelation on the same grounds. He quotes there own words; Moreover, some of them (the Alogi) again seize on this passage in Rev. 2:18. And they allege, by way of opposition, that it is again said; write to the angel of the church which is in Thyatira, although there was no Christian church in Thyatira. How then could he write to a church which was not in existence? The answer of Epiphanius confirmed that historical fact, but his answer was that John wrote to the church at Thyatira not because it was then in existence, but because it would be at some future time. In A.D. 363 was held the Council of Laodicea. It was attended by 32 bishops of Asia, among whom was the bishop of Ephesus. (Polycarp, who was the bishop of Smyrna recorded that no church in Smyrna existed during the ministry of Paul). The Council framed a list or canon of the sacred books, but the book of Revelation was not included in the catalog at that time. This historical fact tells us that if these seven churches (buildings and assemblies within) were in existence at that time, then these letters and the book of Revelation would have been sent to them, with Laodicea here being one of them. And this Council would have included in the canon of sacred books, the book of Revelation as well.

2 John was not told to send 7 separate letters to 7 separate assemblies, he was told to write in a book and send it unto the seven assemblies. Rev. 1:1, The revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave to him to show to his servants---. Not to Christians as such, but to his servants. The word servants is used 14 times of those who are the subjects of the Revelation. In the Old Testament it is the common word for those under the covenant of works (Lev. 25:42,55). The letters to the seven assemblies are a complete treatment of problems that face the church today. The recurring dangers of losing their first love (2:4), of being afraid of suffering (2:10), doctrinal defection (2:14-15); moral departure (2:20), spiritual deadness (3:1-2), not holding fast (v.11), and lukewarmness (verses 15-16). Because these letters come from Christ himself, they take on significance as God's final word to the church down through the centuries. The final appeal to all individuals who will hear. People in churches today would do very well to listen. In Rev. 1:11 where the 7 assemblies are named, all the critical texts and authorities do not have the words which are in Asia they were added by the translators. Also all critical texts read in this first letter to Ephesus, To the angel of Ephesus, as noted, all critical texts omit the words which are in Asia. For these letters in their time of fulfillment would apply to the assemblies at large, not just in Asia but also in other parts of the world. The same would apply to the names of these cities given, they would be seen as figurative and symbolic as to have a different meaning. Also with this first letter to Ephesus, the words of the assembly of are not given in the critical texts, but rather added by the translators. The original texts read, To the angel (messenger) of Ephesus---. This indicates that this first letter was written directly to and for the angel/messenger of that city. Here Christ says, These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, he that walketh in the midst of the seven lampstands of gold. Here the reference is to Deut. 23:14, For the Lord thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee, therefore shall thy camp be holy, that he sees no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee (see also Lev. 26:12). In the 7 th letter to Laodicea all critical texts read, Unto the angel of the assembly of the Laodiceans, and not Unto the angel of the assembly of Laodicea. So it can be seen here that there is no assembly as such in a city by that name, rather it is being written to those of this assembly. To those of this assembly of the body of Christ who are seen as being of the Laodiceans who are neither hot nor cold in their standing with the Lord. Here the Lord is standing at the door, not sitting, and is about to take action. He is about to come and spew out all those that offend him. We read in Rev. 2:1, These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, he that walketh in the midst of the seven lampstands of gold. In the introduction of this 1st letter, we see Christ holding in his hand seven stars, and is walking among the seven lampstands. Rev. 1:20 tell us what these represent. The seven stars are (signify/represent) the angels (messengers/mouthpieces) of the seven assemblies; and the seven lampstands are (represent) the seven assemblies. So we see these letters written to these 7 assemblies represent lampstands that Christ walks in the midst of. And the stars represent angel/messengers or mouthpieces seen in each of these assemblies. Here in this first letter, Christ is seen as holding these messengers in his hand. This indicates to us that these messengers were in Christ's possession. To mean having them in his power for his own use. Whether for exalting, command or disposal. Page2 Of 8

3 As noted, the original texts read, To the angel (messenger) of Ephesus---. This indicates that this first letter was written directly to and for the angel/messenger of that city. Here Christ says, These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, he that walketh in the midst of the seven lampstands of gold. Here the reference is to Deut. 23:14, For the Lord thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee, therefore shall thy camp be holy, that he sees no unclean thing in thee, and turn away from thee (see also Lev. 26:12). Rev. 2:2, I know thy works---, this is the principle on which the Lord deals with the nation of Israel and all those not under the covenant of grace in the Day of the Lord; and they are under the covenant of works. In verses 3-4, and labor and endurance--, and thou didst try those who call themselves apostles, and are not, and didst find them liars. And thou hast endurance, and didst bear for the sake of my name, and hast not wearied. Nevertheless I have this against thee, that thou has left thy first love. (V.5), Remember therefore whence thou hast fallen and repent and do the first works; otherwise I am coming to thee, and I will remove thy lampstand out of its place except thou repent. Repentance is the first work for one and all, Jew or Gentile, and here we see him coming again, and the cry goes forth once more, repent. The removing of the lampstand (assembly) is a reference to the messenger Christ is speaking to. This is a reference to Rev. 11:4, the two lampstands that would stand for the Lord of the earth. (V.6), But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nikolaitanes, which I also hate. The Nikolaitanes are mentioned again in verse 15. History knows nothing definite of any people bearing such a name during the early age of Christianity. But the word Nikos means conqueror, and laos means people. This seems to indicate at the prophecy's fulfillment this would be its meaning. They would be a conqueror people, and a conqueror over people. This description fits the horseman seen in Rev. 6:2, And he went forth conquering, and in order that he might conquer. This is the beast anti-christ seen in chapter 13, and the false prophet, the beast of the earth infesting the body of Christ with false doctrines and practices. (V.7), He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the assemblies. We are told in Rev. 19:10 that the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy. To mean the book of Revelation is a prophetic testimony given and spoken by Christ. The same prophetic testimony given us by the apostle John, and those in the assemblies are warned to hear what the Spirit of prophecy given us by Christ is saying concerning this prophetic testimony, they receive. To him that overcometh, will I give to eat of the tree of life which is in the paradise of God. Rev. 2:8-11, And unto the angel (messenger) of the assembly in Smyrna write; These things saith the First and the Last who was dead, and returned to life. I know thy tribulation, and poverty nevertheless thou art rich. And I know the blasphemy from those who say that they themselves are Jews and they are not, but (rather of) Satan's synagogue (Satan's house/synagogue ; 2 Thess. 2-4). Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer; lo, the devil is about to cast (some,* this word was added by the translators); therefore here it should read: lo, the devil is about to cast of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days--. History shows nothing concerning having tribulation for ten days of those of this assembly. Be thou faithful unto death (to the point of death but not death itself. Rev. 9:6, for death shall flee from them ) Page3 Of 8

4 and I will give to thee the crown of life (see Rev. 14:14). He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the assemblies. He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. Rev. 2:12-13, And unto the angel (messenger) of the assembly in Pergamos write; These things saith he who hath the sharp two-edged sword. I know where thy dwellest, where Satan's throne is--. We see here that the angel/messenger and those of this assembly dwell where Satan's throne is. This reference brings us to the time and circumstances of Rev. 13:2 where the dragon gives the beast his power and his throne, and great authority. In Rev. 16:11, we see the 5 th angel poured out his vial upon the throne of the beast. Interestingly in history, Pergamos was the seat or throne of the ancient mysteries, and this is what is being alluded to here, not in a city as such, but in a kingdom. And thou holdest fast my name, and didst not deny my faith in the days of Antipas, my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you where Satan dwelleth. History knows nothing whatever about any such person named Antipas. The name Antipas means like the Father. This meaning seems to indicate one Christ-like, a Christian. This is indicated by the context, a witness who was faithful. In the following verses Christ warns that (v.14), Nevertheless I have against thee a few things, that thou hast there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel; to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. This has to do with idolatry, where fornication is also made a religion. The idolatry of old, which is again at this time on earth. Today, in the name of religion much of the body of Christ has allowed idolatry and fornication of all kinds in their assemblies, and even gives some high stations in those assemblies. Even to this point in time where same sex marriages are being condoned in the name of religion. And they perform these ceremonies in the name of the Lord. (V.15), So hast thou also those that hold fast the teaching of the Nikolaitanes in like manner. The first mention of this people are seen as noted, in Rev. 2:6 and these are said to mean a conqueror of people, and seen as being the beast and false prophet of Revelation chapter 13. And we are told that in this assembly some of them not only hold to the doctrine of Balaam, but also hold to the teaching of the Nikolaitanes. (V.16), Repent therefore, otherwise I will come unto thee speedily and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. (V.18), He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the assemblies; to him that overcometh will I give of the hidden manna (spiritual food, God's inspired word), and I will give unto him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which none knoweth save he that receiveth it. Rev. 2:18-19, And unto the angel (messenger) of the assembly in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God who hath his eyes like a flame of fire and his feet like unto polished brass. I know thy works, and love, and service, and faith, and thy patient endurance, and thy last works to be more than the first. (V.20), Nevertheless I have against thee that thou lettest alone the woman* Jezebel---. Here the G.L. And R.V. Margin read Thy wife. The application here, thy wife is the church in which this assembly is a part of. They put up, overlook, and don't take action to what the wife is doing. Among other things, she is committing adultery behind her husband's back. Not only adultery, but idolatry and fornication, and she at this time is fast becoming the woman seen in chapter 17, the false prophet seen in chapter 13, the beast of the Page4 Of 8

5 earth. She who calleth herself a prophetess, and she teacheth and deceiveth my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols. The reference here is to 1 Kings 26: The teaching is the same as that of Balaam and of the Nikolaitanes, only now much more organized throughout the body of Christ, and all in the name of religion. Everything seen in the book of Revelation shows that this will be the form of evil existing in the days when the beast will be given his power by the dragon in chapter 13 of Revelation. (V.21), And I gave her space in order that she might repent, and she willeth not to repent of her fornication. (V.22), Lo! I cast her into a bed, and those who are committing adultery with her into great tribulation except they repent of her works. (V.23), And her children will I kill with death (here to mean with pestilence seen in Rev. 16:10, the 5 th vial) and all the assemblies shall know that I am he that searcheth reigns and hearts, and will give unto you, each one, according to your works. (V. 24), But unto you I say, the rest that are in Thyatira, as many as hold not this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan ( as they say), I do not lay upon you any other burden. (V. 25), Nevertheless, what ye have hold fast till I come. (V ), And he that overcometh and keepeth my works unto the end, I will give him authority over the nations; and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as vessels of pottery are dashed in pieces; even as I also have received of my Father. (V.28-29), And I will give unto him the morning star. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the assemblies. Rev. 3:1, And unto the angel (messenger) of the assembly in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. Again we see that these are the angels of the seven assemblies, and they belong to Christ equally with the seven spirits. To cast down, punish, remove or exalt as he wills. In Rev. 5:6 we read that a lamb stood as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are (represent) the seven spirits of God. We see that these seven angel/messengers of these assemblies on earth, and the seven angels or spirits seen in Rev. 1:4 and compared to Heb. 1:7 in heaven; are connected together in a very clear manner. Again, when Christ speaks of having these, it means having them in his power for use, whether for disposal or command. (V.2), I know thy works, that thou hast a name, that thou livest, and art dead. These are those not right in Christ, and under the judgment of works, and are considered spiritually dead. Be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, that are about to die; for I have not found thy works fulfilled before my God. (V.3), Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and keep and repent. If, therefore, thou shalt not watch, I will come as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. This does not mean that if we kept watch, we would know exactly at what hour Christ would come; but if we kept watch, we would know the general time of his coming, for as Jesus says, thou hast received and heard. Otherwise, he will come to them unexpectedly, like a thief. As is seen in Matt. 24:43; Luke 12:39 and 2 Peter 3:10, it will come upon those in the world that look not for Christ. (V4-5), Nevertheless thou hast a few names in which defiled not their garments and they shall walk with me in white; because they are worthy. He that overcometh shall thus be arrayed in white garments; and I will not blot out his name from the book of life. It is not possible for a true believer in Christ to have his name blotted out. The teaching of Romans chapter 8 as to our Page5 Of 8

6 standing in Christ is the very opposite of what is spoken of here. Those blotted out from the book of life are those who are not truly in Christ, for they were not of us. (V.5b), And I will confess his name in the presence of his angels. (V.6), He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying unto the assemblies. The days of tribulation will be a time of trial, but the promise of being kept is given, and the hope of being delivered out of it is also given. Those who have this promise are seen in chapters 7,11,14 and 15. They go through but come out of the tribulation. Rev. 3:7, Unto the angel (messenger) of the assembly in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy and he that is true, he that hath the key of David---. The meaning of the key of David is given us in scripture. The Treasurer of the state, Shebna, who was over the house of David, carried the key in token of his office. But Shebna was later removed and Eliakim took his office. The use of the key of David is explained in what follows, it means having access to and control over the house and throne of David. The word house is seen in the prophecy of Isa. 22:22, but here it is omitted, for it is the throne, the kingdom that is referred to here. It is of the keys of the kingdom. This key belongs to Christ, and here it is the opening of the kingdom to give testimony of this coming kingdom; the coming of Christ. As scripture reveals, the coming of Elijah is to be two-fold, at Christ's first coming fulfilled by John the Baptist, and to be fulfilled in the time of Christ's second coming. This is seen in Mal. 4:5-6. In Luke 1:17 the angel speaks of how Elijah would come. And he (John the Baptist) shall go before him (Christ) in the SPIRIT and POWER of Elijah,---. This is the way Elijah came the first time in John the Baptist, through his TESTIMONY, and how he shall come again in another individual, in that spirit and power of Elijah. Jesus testifies to this in Matt. 17:11-12; And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elijah truly shall first come (a second time), and restore all things. But I say unto you, that Elijah is come already, (in spirit and power), and they knew him not,---. (V.13), Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist. (V.7b), He that openeth, and no one shall (from that time on) shut; that shutteth and no one shall open. Either way, it cannot be stopped or delayed, and will be fulfilled. (V.8), I know thy works; behold I have set before thee an opened door which no one can shut; that thou hast a little strength, and didst keep my word and didst not deny my name. (V.9), Behold, I make those of the synagogue (house) of Satan, who say that they are Jews (the spiritual seed) and are not, but do lie---. These being spoken of here who claim to be Jews and meet in their synagogues, are really of the house of Satan. They claim to be fellow servants in Christ (Matt. 24:49). Verse 10, Behold, I will make them to come and bow down before thy feet, and know that I have loved thee, because thou didst keep the word of my patience. I also shall keep thee out of the hour of trial (protected during the tribulation), which is about to come upon the whole world (including the church) to try them that dwell on the earth. (V.11-12), I come quickly; hold fast that which thou hast, that none take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall in no wise go forth anymore; and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God. This refers us to Ezek. 48:35 in the time of the end: --and the name of the city from (that) day (shall be) The Lord (Heb. YHWH Shammah is) there. As Christ says here, we see in Ezekiel the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God. The promise of the temple and city are completely fulfilled Page6 Of 8

7 in Rev. 21:2-3, the New Jerusalem which descendeth out of heaven from my God ---. (V.13), He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the assemblies. The letter to the assembly of Laodicea is the last and most solemn. All the letters cover, in a general way, the whole period covered by the book; but they also mark special stages of the apostasy and tribulation, and Laodicea marks the last stage. It is the final period shortly before chapter 19, where then we see the judge standeth at the door. At this time the whole position is reduced to the simple issue of Allegiance to Christ or beast anti-christ. Rev. 3:14-16, And unto the angel (messenger) of the assembly of the Laodiceans* write (as noted, all critical texts read of the Laodiceans ); These things saith the Amen the faithful and true witness the beginning of the creation of God. I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot; I would that thou wert cold or hot. Thus, because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am about to spew thee out of my mouth. These words are clear as to the condition of things of those who are not right in Christ. The same result of unfaithfulness in not keeping the word and commandments of God is spoken of in Lev. 18:25,28 and 20:22 where the people are told that for such disobedience the very land should spew them out. Concerning the nation of Israel and its land, this is what is being attempted by the nations of the world today. (V.17), Because thou sayest I am rich and have become enriched and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art the wretched one and the miserable and poor, and blind, and naked. (V.V.18-19), I counsel thee to buy of me gold refined in the fire that thou mayest be enriched; and white garments, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness may not be made manifest and eye-salve to anoint thine eyes, that thou mayest see. As many as I love I rebuke and chasten be zealous therefore and repent. (V.20), Behold, I am standing at the door, and am knocking--. This points us to Luke 12:35-38, the servants are to be like unto men that wait for their Lord when he shall return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh they may open to him immediately. Blessed are those servants whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching. (V.20b), If anyone hear my voice and open the door, I will come into him, and will sup with him, and he with me. This is the same watching spoken of in Luke 12:39, which represents the watching for the coming as a thief. Rev. 3:21-22, To him that overcometh will I give to take his seat with me on my throne, even as I also overcame and took my seat with my Father on his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying unto the assemblies. Here ends these seven letters that belong to the prophecy concerning the end of the age. The time of the Day of the Lord, the time of wrath and judgment. When works and not grace form the standing of all those, Jew and Gentile, that are not right in Christ ; who have fallen away and no longer under grace. But in God's righteous judgment, the call goes out for the final time, Repent and receive this blessing and hope for salvation. For the Kingdom of the Lord is at the door and the King of Kings, Jesus Christ our Lord is coming. God bless---twospirits Page7 Of 8

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