TO EPHESUS AND SMYRNA

REV. 2:1-11

Lesson 4

Introduction:  As our study opens, we are moving into the second part of God’s outline for the ages as revealed in Rev. 1:19, “The things which are.”

 

         I.      Our attention on the Church age

a.        Runs from Pentecost in Acts 2 until the coming of Christ for the Church in I Thess 4:13-18

b.       Since Revelation is a Book of Prophecy when written, it seems these Churches outline church history.

1.        Ephesus Church of the first century

2.        Smyrna, the persecuted church of the 2 and 3 century

3.        Pergamus was the church in favor from 312 until 500 A.D.

4.        Thyatira outlines the church of the dark ages from 500 until 1600

5.        Sardis is church of reformation of Martin Luther and John Knox.

6.       Philadelphia is the Church of Revival and Missionary outreach of 18th and 19th century.

7.       Laodicea is the end time Church of apostasy, which most Bible teachers seem to think was in full swing by the 20th century to end.

c.        The characteristics of these churches are seen running concurrently.

1.        Most have felt the last four run together until the end.

2.        I really feel that some of the characteristics of all seven run until the end.

       II.      The Church of Ephesus. (Vs. 1-7)

a.        The word Ephesus means “beloved or desired.”

1.        Notice Christ walks among the Churches.

a)   They are sent forth as His messengers.

b)  Under His direction and protection.

2.       Works labor and patience

a)   Works( Eph 2:10)

b)  Labor – refers to work when it becomes difficult.

c)   Patience is patient endurance. (James 1:3)

3.        They are commended for discernment.

a)   They knew how to tell right from wrong.(I John 4:1-3)

4.       They stood for truth in difficult days and did not quite (Vs 3)

5.        They endured test of time. (Gal. 6:9)

b.       God points out there error. (Vs 4-5)

1.        Left their first love

a)  Note they left and not lost first love

b)  Fruit of Spirit. (Gal. 5:22)

2.        First step in downward direction

3.       Remember and repent (Vs. 5)

a)   I John 1:9

b)  Loss of reward

c)  The area of the seven churches which was the light  of Christianity, now harbors the darkness of  Moslem fundamentalism

c.        They stood against Nicolaitanism. (Vs. 6)

1.       Most feel they were forerunners of clerical hierarchy which robs of spiritual freedom.

2.        Cover more in future

d.       Reward of victory (Vs. 7)

1.        As appeal to hear by the Holy Spirit to the Church

2.        Reward for overcoming (Vs. 7) is the tree of life and joys of heaven (Rev. 22:14)

     III.      To Smyrna the crushed or suffering Church (Vs 8-11)

a.        Smyrna mean “Myrrh” and Myrrh has to be crushed before it gives out its fragrance.

1.        For over 200 years the Church was under the iron heel of the Roman empire.

2.        Martyrdom was a constant threat until 312 AD under Constantine.

3.        Only Smyrna and Philadelphia  of the Churches have no rebuke.

a)  It has been said the blood of the martyrs was the seed of the Church.

b)  God expects progress from some and others are called upon to HOLD THE TRUTH THAT HAS BEEN RECEIVED.

b.       The conditions which existed at Symrna were known to God.(Vs.9)

1.        Their extreme poverty was the result of persecution for their faith in Christ.

2.       Smyrna was a wealthy city and as a seaport town known for its wickedness and opposition to the gospel.

3.        God says, “But thou art rich.”

a)   Rich in faith (James 2:5)

b)  Joint heirs of Christ in His coming Kingdom

c)   The religious leaders of Christ’s day rejected Him and nailed Him to the cross.

c.       The ten tries of Satan to abolish Christianity (Vs 10) some feel some feel, are 10 periods of history, which Foxes book of martyrs outlines.

1.       AD 67 Nero burned Rome and killed many Christians.  Many feel Peter and Paul were put to death in this time)

2.       AD 81 Timothy was beaten and died two days later.  (Simmon Bishop of Jerusalem was crucified)

3.       AD 108 – Ignatius was fed to wild beasts, as were others.  Some covered with thorns and spears run                                            through their sides)

4.       AD 162 - polycarp burned at the market place. (Many died agonizing deaths)

5.       AD 192  Boiling pitch poured over them and set on fire (Women put with mad bulls and killed while                                               others were put in scalding baths and beheaded for Christ)

6.       AD 235 – Tied to tails of wild horses and dragged to death.  (In this period mass graves were dug and Christians were killed and placed in them)AD 249 – On confession of faith were beaten and torn with hooks and burned to death (Christians were put in leather bags with snakes and scorpions and thrown into the sea)

7.        257 AD – Many in Africa received martyrs crowns. (300 Christians told to worship Jupiter and those who did not were put into pit ovens)

8.       274 A.D – Felix Bishop of Rome was beheaded on Dec. 22, 274 A.D.

9.        303 AD – Many have said this was the worst.  (Homes and whole towns were burned and all put to death)

d.       Reward to overcomers. (Vs 10,11)

1.        Crown of Life is (the martyrs crown)

2.        Second death holds no sting.(Vs 11) (Second death is spiritual death and it holds no fear

                          for Christians)

 

Conclusion: THIS SHOULD STIR US TO ACTION!