2:12-17

NT

Revelation 2:12-17

esv

Jesus Speaks As a Powerful Judge

“And to the angel

Destination

of the church

Descriptive

in Pergamum

Locative

write:

‘The words

Content #1

of him

Producer

who has the sharp two- edged sword.

Jesus Praises Faithfulness to the Gospel

“‘I know

Concessive

where you dwell,

Content

where Satan’s throne is.

Yet you hold fast my name,

Content #2a

and you did not deny my faith

Content #2b

even in the days

Explanation

of Antipas

Reference

my faithful witness,

who was killed

among you,

where Satan dwells.

Jesus Rebukes Tolerance of Idolatry and Immorality in the Church

But I have a few things

Ground #1

against you:

Disadvantage

you have some there

who hold the teaching

of Balaam,

who taught Balak

to put a stumbling block

before the sons

of Israel,

Relationship

so that they might eat food sacrificed

Purpose #1

to idols

Advantage

and practice sexual immorality.

Purpose #2

So also you have some

Ground #2

who hold the teaching

of the Nicolaitans.

Therefore repent.

Content #3a

If not,

Condition

I will come ... soon

Content #3ba

to you

and war

Content #3bb

against them

with the sword

Means

of my mouth.

Source

Jesus Promises Everlasting Life to Those Who Overcome Their Disobedience

He

who has an ear,

let him hear

Content #4

what the Spirit says

to the churches.

To the one

who conquers

I will give some

Content #5a

of the hidden manna,

Partitive

and I will give him a white stone,

Content #5b

with a new name written

on the stone

that no one knows

Negative

except the one

who receives it.’

phrasing

Notes

Head: Focus: The focus of this section is the life of the mind . We want to think accurately according to the truth of God’s Word we’ve phrased. Questions: How should I think differently about God/myself/others because of what I’ve just phrased? What doctrines are taught in this passage? What specific contribution to those doctrines does this passage make? What other Scripture texts add to the truths taught in this passage? Why does Jesus describe himself as the one "who has the sharp two-edged sword" (12g)? Because his words are powerful , and he will use them to judge unbelievers, and even Christians. See Heb 4:11-13, which also emphasizes perseverance, and John 12:47-48. How was "Satan's throne" in Pergamum (13c)? Pergamum was the Washington D.C. of its day in Asia Minor. It was also the heart of pagan idol worship. To refuse to worship in this way was to be a traitor . What was "the teaching of Balaam," and how did the false teachers proclaim it (14)? Look up and read Numbers 25:1-6. What was "the teaching of the Nicolaitans" (15c)? We don't know; it must have been distinguished from teaching the idol worship and immorality were OK for believers, for it is mentioned separately, and qualified with "also" (15a). What is "the hidden manna" (17i)? It is interesting that the story of Balaam takes place during the wilderness wanderings, as does God's daily giving of manna . The 24,000 were killed in Numbers 25 would have kept enjoying God's provision had they not rebelled! They ate idol food , and so were barred from eating God's food . What is the "white stone" (17j)? T here are many possibilities! In ancient times, a white stone could be used in a vote, expressing someone’s vote to acquit someone of a crime. Sometimes a white stone was used like an entry ticket to a banquet or some such event. Think of Jesus’ parable of the wedding banquet, where a wedding garment was required for entry (Matt 22:1-14), and think of God’s description of His bride wearing “fine linen, bright and pure” in Rev 19:8, which represents “the righteous deeds of the saints” (v. 8), and is followed by a description of the happiness of those who are "invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb" (v. 9). Heart: Focus: The focus of this section is the life of the emotions . We want to feel accurately according to the truth of God’s Word we’ve phrased. Questions: How should I feel differently about God/myself/etc. because of what I’ve just phrased? What emotions are expressed in this passage? What emotions does this passage exhort me to feel? We ought to feel the danger we're in if we don't repent of sin, for Jesus holds a razor-sharp sword. He is the perfect Judge. He does say, "Fear not" to John in 1:17, but to those who insist on sinning, he says in 2:12-17, "Be very afraid !" We ought to feel encouraged that Jesus knows exactly where we live - the trials we face at work, in our hearts, at school, and at home. He sees and will praise faithfulness to him. We ought to rejoice at the knowledge of our certain acceptance by Christ in eternity, if we are overcomers through his power. Hands: Focus: The focus of this section is the life of the will . We want to act accurately according to the truth of God’s Word we’ve phrased. Questions: How should I act differently because of what I’ve just phrased? What motivations does this passage give for acting differently? What sins do I need to repent of and put off? What good works do I need to put on? This letter is written to the faithful in the church, as it is not they who are worshipping idols and committing immorality. However, Jesus rebukes them for the sin of these others . It seems like they were tolerating this idolatry in their church (see v. 16). We need to repent of tolerance of sin - not just in our own lives, but in the lives of people we know and love, especially fellow church members. See Gal 6:1-5. We need to cling to Jesus' "name" and "faith" (13d-e), even if we are rejected by others. For to do so means to be accepted by Jesus!

notes