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The Victorious Church: Learning From the Seven Churches of Revelation – Revelation 2:12-17 – The Church at Pergamum

A Bit of Background Concerning the Church at Pergamum

  • about 60 miles north of Smyrna.
  • known for being a great religious, intellectual, and medical hub of the day.
  • the city was known for containing the alter of Zeus, one of the 7 wonders of the world. Also had the first temple dedicated to Ceasar.
  • the city contained a medical center which accompanied the worship of the deity of medicine, Aesculapius (signified by a coiled snake on a pole).

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The Victorious Church: Learning From the Seven Churches of Revelation – Revelation 2:8-11; 3:7-13 – The Churches at Smyrna and Philadelphia

SMYRNA

A Bit of Background Concerning the Church At Smyrna:

  • A port city located about 35 miles north of Ephesus. Current location is known as Izmir, Turkey.
  • A disciple of the apostle John served as pastor there until he was martyred around 155 AD.
  • A city of obvious wealth, known for its resorts, spas, and market places (Hunter, 29). First-hand geographical accounts in the first century describe Smyrna as “a beautiful city”.
  • We are not told in the Bible how the church came to exist in the city, many assume the gospel spread there from Ephesus.
  • The normal pattern for the letter given to each of the churches includes a: Commendation, Correction, Consequence of unheeded correction, and Conquering Promise. The church at Smyrna is one of two churches (along with Philadelphia) not given a Correction/Consequence.
  • This is also the shortest of the 7 letters.

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Revelation 2.1-7 – Commentary

The Church at Ephesus: A Call to Love

Ephesus was one of the most influential cities of the ancient world, a thriving metropolitan center at the time of John’s writing. As the capital of Asia (modern-day southwest Turkey), it was a powerful economic hub, boasting a large seaport that made it a key player in trade and commerce. Ephesus was not only wealthy but also highly cultured—yet deeply corrupt. The city was known as the center of worship for the goddess Diana (Artemis), and this religious devotion led to a widespread acceptance of dark arts, necromancy, and exorcisms. Paul ministered here for three years, as recorded in Acts 18-19, and left behind a strong Christian community. Later, Timothy was placed in charge of the churches in the region, and according to church tradition, the Apostle John also ministered there in his later years. Some traditions even suggest that Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her final days in Ephesus. The church in this city was not merely a small group of believers but a large and influential congregation. It had a strong foundation and a rich history, making Jesus’ words to them in Revelation 2:1-7 all the more significant.

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The Victorious Church: Learning From the Seven Churches of Revelation – Revelation 2:1-7 – The Church at Ephesus

You can watch a video of this teaching by clicking here.

A Bit of Background Concerning the Church At Ephesus:

  • A thriving metro area at the time of John’s writing.
  • The capital and largest city of Asia (southwest Turkey) the city had a large seaport which made it an influential city of trade.
  • Enjoyed much freedom as a democratically self-run city within the Roman Empire.
  • The city has been described as being wealthy, cultured and corrupt (Summers, 108).
  • Chiefly known as the city which hosted the worship of the goddess Diana, thus it was a hotbed for Asian-influenced dark arts, necromancy, and exorcisms (Hodge, vi).
  • Acts 18-19 highlight Paul’s ministry to the city, staying for 3 years to teach the gospel. Acts mentions a who’s who of sorts of those involved in ministering there. Timothy was later placed in charge of the churches in this area.
  • Church tradition holds that the Apostle John ministered there in his later years and that Mary, the mother of Jesus, passed away in the city as well.
  • The church that was birthed there is thought to be quite large and influential.

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Journey Through James: Chapter Five (Listening Guide)

5 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you.

  • Verses 1-6 are a heavy reminder that people are more important than ____________. That we are to focus more on building our faith, than our finances. It is important to remember that the Bible does not discourage wise ____________, but does denounce selfish, greedy living as we discuss these verses.
  • “rich” – This is more a general warning to the wealthy in James’ society, not necessarily (and we pray not) wealthy believers. These men were probably also mentioned in James 2:6-7. Apparently wealthy landowners were using their position in society to take ____________ of those who depended upon them for their livelihood. Instead of being a source of blessing to others, they were using their position for ____________ means.

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Journey Through James: Chapter Five (Commentary)

5 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you.

  • Verses 1-6 are a heavy reminder that people are more important than pennies. That we are to focus more on building our faith, than our finances. It is important to remember that the Bible does not discourage wise planning, but does denounce selfish, greedy living as we discuss these verses.
  • “rich” – This is more a general warning to the wealthy in James’ society, not necessarily (and we pray not) wealthy believers. These men were probably also mentioned in James 2:6-7. Apparently wealthy landowners were using their position in society to take advantage of those who depended upon them for their livelihood. Instead of being a source of blessing to others, they were using their position for selfish means.

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Journey Through James: Chapter 4 (Listening Guide)

4 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?

  • Chapter 4.1-10 opens with 2 options for achieving joy. The way of the __________. And the way of the__________.
  • “quarrels” – The word carries the idea of ongoing hostility. In an organization that has experienced great grace we cannot afford to be unforgiving and resentful to one another.
  • Is there anything sadder than such a church? The church is to be united in love for God and love for one another. The church is to be united around the truth of God. The church is to be united in worship and service.
  • “fights” –  outburst of anger
  • “your passions” – Meaning _____________________. Each person thought themselves to be the priority. From the Gk: we get the word Hedonism, you search for pleasure/joy.

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Journey Through James: Chapter 4 (Commentary)

4 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?

  • Chapter 4.1-10 opens with 2 options for achieving joy. The way of the world. And the way of the Lord.
  • “quarrels” – The word carries the idea of ongoing hostility. In an organization that has experienced great grace we cannot afford to be unforgiving and resentful to one another.
  • Is there anything sadder than such a church? The church is to be united in love for God and love for one another. The church is to be united around the truth of God. The church is to be united in worship and service.
  • “fights” –  outburst of anger
  • “your passions” – Meaning selfishness. Each person thought themselves to be the priority. From the Gk: we get the word Hedonism, you search for pleasure/joy.

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Journey Through James: Chapter 3 (Listening Guide)

3 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

  • A warning not just to teachers, but to all. We often want the glory of _______________ faith without putting forth the ______________ to obtain it.
  • APP: We all should focus on the ____________________ of service, not the benefits or notoriety of what may accompany it.
  • Recently, it has become far too common for notable church leaders to fall into sin.
  • James is highlighting the motives of our service.
  • “judged with greater strictness” – a motivational and scary verse.
  • “greater strictness” – this is why it is imperative to preach and teach God’s Word.

Continue reading “Journey Through James: Chapter 3 (Listening Guide)”

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Journey Through James: Chapter 3 (Commentary)

3 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

  • A warning not just to teachers, but to all. We often want the glory of notable faith without putting forth the work to obtain it.
  • APP: We all should focus on the qualifications of service, not the benefits or notoriety of what may accompany it.
  • Recently, it has become far too common for notable church leaders to fall into sin.
  • James is highlighting the motives of our service.
  • “judged with greater strictness” – a motivational and scary verse.
  • “greater strictness” – this is why it is imperative to preach and teach God’s Word.

Continue reading “Journey Through James: Chapter 3 (Commentary)”