Revelation Exam
Schools of interpretation concerning the meaning of the seven churches:
a. Seven literal first century churches a. What Derickson believes b. Seven Tribulation churches a. c. Seven stages of church history a. Weak - Church history view (Used to be the conservative view but is mostly gone now) d. Seven kinds of churches a. He used to believe in this but has since changed to Seven Literal church, because there are only four kinds of churches among them.
Four steps in communicating the Revelation:
a. The Father to Christ b. Christ to the Angel c. The Angel to John d. John to the Churches
Rev 17
Religious Babylon (destroyed by the political Babylon) - The Beast and the Harlot
3. Warning: Those who do not repent face Jesus' surprise return. 3:3 1 John 2:28
Remember and hold fast - if you don't, you will not see the judgement coming. 'Remember' - a past imperative - means to continually keep remembering. Remember what God brought you from 'Hold fast' - guarding something and watching it. Repent - necessary 'If' - they may, they may not watch (type of Greek construction - If not A, then B)
4. Promise: Those who remain pure will walk with Jesus in white and be confessed by Him before the Father and His angels. 3:4-5
"defiling" - ritual defilement. There are those who have managed o avoid this. (Derickson believes there will be those in heaven who are not allowed to wear white because of their lifestyle (End of life, not beginning)). Who have grown spiritually?
4. Warning: If they did not repent, Jesus would come and make war with the Nicolaitans. 2:16
"quickly" - can mean speed of action, or it could mean soon (time) - probably first one, but it could have a double meaning, such as judgement will be swift. Could be any time. He will wage war against these people in a military sense. There are those who are teaching this today - the Prosperity gospel.
2. Commendation: They held fast to His name and did not deny the faith even when Antipas was martyred, "where Satan dwells." 2:13
'Held fast' - adhering to someone or something, to stay true under pressure. Also used in Col. 2:19 when people don't stick to something. 'My name' refers to Jesus person and character. Fait directed toward Christ - they have admitted this publicly in an Imperial city with Caesar worship.
Author
John
Purpose
John's purpose in writing the Revelation, as stated in 1:19, was to record what he saw and was told. Walvoord sees his purpose similarly in that he wrote "to reveal events which will take place immediately before, during, and following the second coming of Christ."
Rev 2
Letters to the first four churches (Ephesus, Smyrna (Best), Pergamum, & Thyatira (Worst))
Rev 3
Letters to the last three churches (Sardis, Philadelphia, & Laodicea)
3. Criticism: They tolerated a false prophetess named Jezebel who faced God's judgment, along with her consorts, for her immorality and idolatry. 2:20-23
"A few things", "But" - this is the strong one "Allow" - has the idea that they are tolerating her and letting her get away with stuff (Similar to the guy in Corinth with the guy who was sleeping with his step mother. No. God demands church discipline (never done harshly/judgmentally but therapeutically).
1. Criticism: They had allowed some to remain in the church (Nicolaitans) who held "the teaching of Balaam" in eating things sacrificed to idols and committing immorality. 2:14-15
"But" and "few" a small number of things, or small matters. Most likely the small number of things they nee to fix. Balaam - a true prophet of God but also a false prophet because he led Israel astray - He got the Jews to corrupt themselves. Balaam taught spiritual compromise - worship Christ and burn incense to Caesar (or in the Muslim world, go to the mosque and worship and then you home and read your Bible.) (idolatry, orgies, eating food dedicated to false gods, blood, or strangled animals) In Asia minor, converts were still participating in these things. Nicolaitans - a licentious sect of Christianity - teaching that participating in these pagan practices because the body and spirit are separate, so what the body does not affect the spirit. Paul taught the opposite of this, the body and soul impacted on another on each level. - Syncretism Today: Progressive morality is actually regressive and goes back to this type of thinking.
Thyatira - Exhortation
"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." 2:29 For those who haven't followed her into error, keep doing what you're doing. Faithfulness to the end - to him I will give power over the nations (Messianic rule - reigning with Christ in his kingdom) and the morning star (the blessings)
Meaning of "the Lord's day" (a)
(a) th kuriakh jjJhmera "the Lord's day" (th'/ kuriakh'/ hJmevra) (taken literally) 1) the middle term "Lord's" is actually an adjective and can mean "lordly" 2)1 Cor 11:20 uses the same structure (an adjective with the noun) for "the Lord's Supper".
Sardis...
...is warned of Jesus' surprise return for its incomplete deeds while the faithful are promised the privilege of identification with Christ in heaven. 3:1-6
Smyrna...
...persecuted and facing further tribulation, was called on to remain faithful until death with the promise of the crown of life in the resurrection. 2:8-11
"The Seven Spirits"
*Refers to the Holy Spirit, who inspires and guides the church." <- Most likely 1. The Holy Spirit (Interestingly, the Menorah has seven candles to represent the holy spirit. (Most likely - look at the Menorah next to God in the vision) 2. Seven Angels (unlikely) 3. Isaiah 11:2 4. The Firstborn (which gives him power over the Church)
Ephesus - "But" ...
...this is the biggest 'Except' that you can get in the Greek - so this means that they have all the orthodoxy without any of the love.
Pergamum...
...though holding fast to the faith, faced Christ's judgment for allowing the Nicolaitans to remain in their midst. 2:12-17
Thyatira...
...was exhorted to continued faithfulness and warned to reject the false prophetess Jezebel who faced severe judgment from Christ. 2:18-29 Center of the chiasm formed by the other churches- this is the center of the message and is where the real problem lies. This is the biggest problem and biggest reward. Sin: Syncretism
John's response to the first vision...
...was to pass out (1:17a) Jesus has to reach out and wake him up and give him his marching orders (Revelation)
Complement
...is reason for faithfulness in anticipation of His judgement of the world and establishment of His kingdom.
Pergamum - Promise
- Manna and a new name on a white stone would be given to those who overcome. 2:17b
Who was "Jezebel"?
- May be her actual name but probably isn't. - Paralleled with the first Jezebel in the OT (Who not only introduced idol/Baal worship, but her daughter also led another king astray, and her granddaughter killed off her own grandchildren so that she could be queen of Judah). Israel struggled with Baal worship up until their captivity. - She calls herself a prophetess - but is really a false teacher. They are in trouble because the church is allowing her to teach their leadership and lead them astray. - She leads them to commit sexual immorality and eating foods dedicated to idols. - She was potentially telling members that they could join these trade guilds because it is there job - calling for spiritual compromise. - She was given time to repent (idea of time is here is that the judgement was delayed, similar to Israel and Judah). - She was not willing to repent = rebellion on her part (as she knew she had been offered the chance) - She was thrown into a sick-bed - punished with disease. (Some illnesses are punishments from God). - He will also punish those who commit adultery/idolatry with her with be thrown into punishment with her. Same term to describe the suffering of the church in Smyrna (wants to make them miserable). - Deeds - same as "I know your works" - wants them to repent. - Vs 23 - "I'll kill her children with death" - very Hebrew. He won't just punish her, but He will kill her children also. As a result the churches with know (by experience) and serve as a warning to the others. - "Searching" making a careful and detailed investigation into their hearts - he has an audit for his people.
Laodicea's...
... empty profession will bring severe discipline from Jesus. 3:14-22
Threat to Ephesus...
....They must repent and do their first deeds or Christ will remove their lampstand. 2:5-6 Uses a perfect tense verb - they fell in the past and have not yet picked themselves up from that state. Love for God is expressed in action.
Ephesus...
....though orthodox, is warned to return to their first love in order to avoid judgment and to enjoy the tree of life in Paradise. 2:1-7
Coming with the clouds...
...allusion to (Dan 7:13) - The Son of Man comes with the clouds of heaven to receive dominion and power and glory and a kingdom that is everlasting.
The term for time is meant to communicate...
...as near to, or the immanence - it is poised to come at a moments notice.
Philedelphia's...
...faithful are promised submission of their enemies and access to the heavenly temple for remaining obedient. 3:7-13
John identifies...
...himself as a witness
New name on white stone:
1) Acquittal - in the roman world, when you went to trial, you were given a white stone as proof of you being found innocent. 2) Winners of Greek contests were given white stones as trophies to proof they did well. 3) Gladiators received white stones when they retired. Normally, they fought till they died. But for the truly successful ones, if the crowd voted so, they could reach retirement and given white stones as proof of their metal. 4) Most likely, it is the second one. 5) Given a new name - Christ exercising authority over us to give us a new name.
Three Views on the "overcomer":
1) All Believers (The saved people (Rev. 22:14-15)) 2) Believers who do not lose their salvation (Salvation by work) - Arminism 3) Only received by faithful believers as rewards (in Heaven) - The one Derickson holds to.
Aspects of His deity
1) Head and Hair white like snow (14a): symbolizes purity (this one crazy dude got the idea that this meant all good Christian men had to have short hair like sheep's wool - the real idea is that if the wool is pure white, which was incredibly rare, it was highly valued and expensive = purity (not mixed with grays or browns as it cheapens the worth of the wool) 2) Eyes like a flame (14b): Point is he is a Judge who sees through everything and it is a burning judgement 3) Feet like burnished bronze (15a): The idea of Devine judgement - Burnished Bronze was extremely valuable in that day, worth more than gold in some cultures. Ezekiel's visions = Angels with legs and feet of burnished bronze) 4) Voice like the sound of many waters (15b): Signifies Majesty and Power (Another throw-back to Ezekiel) - (Think Niagara Falls) Note: John is describing the same things as the other OT Prophets experienced because that is the way God does it. 5) Seven stars in His right hand (16a): Right Hand = power, control, authority Seven stars = seven churches of which he has total control 6) Two-edged sword out of His mouth (16b): Divine judgement (will be used elsewhere. (Two-edged sword was an executioners sword in the Roman world) 7) Face like the sun (16c): The Shekinah Glory - Mt of transfiguration - see the same thing.
Aspects of His humanity
1) In the midst of the lampstands (12): Jesus is very much aware of what is going on 2) Like a son of man (13a): See his humanity in his Messianic character/likeness 3) Robe reaching to His feet (13b): clothing of a Priest and a Judge 4) Golden Band (Girdle) (13c): can correspond as part of a high priest's sash/girdle (mention in exodus, Levit. 8, could be equivalent to the ephod)
1. Jesus, identified as "He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens," addresses the church in Philadelphia. 3:7
1. 'he who is holy' - looking at his nature and his claim to deity. 2. 'he who is true' - may go back to John 14:6, but also the emphasis that God is a God of truthful by his nature. Liars are paralleled with murders. 3. 'who has the key of David" - 'key' reference to Jesus' authority to either admit or refuse entrance to David's kingdom. 4. 'he who opens (...)' - absolute authority (Think about the conversation the Christ has with Peter when He gives him the keys to the kingdom and apostolic authority).
City of Ephesus
1. 1000 years old 2. John's chosen hometown - where he settled down and died (Where he is buried) 3. Seaport - it had the most merchant trade in all cities in Asia Minor, big, busy, and rich. (Asia Minor is the western third of Modern Turkey) 4. One of the wealthiest and most important cities (Why Paul started here, led to a great spread of church through Asia Minor) 5. Temple of Diana - One of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It has traditionally been thought that the temple was dedicated to sex and other time periods where it was dedicated to child birth. 6. Had lots of riots (dangerous area) - Christians increasing meant that visitors to the temple dwindled and those who sold little idols were greatly upset, rioted and, and drove Paul from the city.
The City of Pergamum:
1. 150 miles inland (modern day Turkey) - About 3 miles north of the Casus River, sandwich between two smaller streams leading to the Casus. It was a walled city with its own natural moat. - Hard to take 2. Roman Provincial HQ 3. Vellum - invented there. This is sheep skin turned into a scroll. When this occurred, histories and the Biblical documents were able to be preserved long-term. 4. Caesar Worship - Octavian granted them permission in 29 BC to build a temple to him. (at this point its 100+ years old). 5. Zeus + "Satan's Throne" - big statue that people think is what John was referring to. 6. Temple of Asclepios (The snake on the medical symbol) - The god of healing. This city had the main site for medical treatment and a medical school. Built a cylindrical temple - smaller scale Pantheon for hosting people, and many more things to 'heal' people.
Ephesus - promise =
= The overcomer will eat of the tree of life in Paradise. 2:7b
Seven Lamp-stands =
= seven churches Lamps themselves would either be placed on top or hung from a golden lampstand. If the Lampstand is removed so is the church
Chiasm
A - Ephesus - lost first love B - Smyrna - Synagogue of Satan C - Pergamum - (a dead church) D - Thyatira - Jezebel C' - Sardis - (A dead church) B' - Philadelphia - Synagogue of Satan (They will become a fixture in the presence of God) A' - Laodicea - luke warm
The City of Sardis:
1. Above the Hermes Valley (Nearly surrounded by cliffs of loose stone, can be easily defended (Think City of Petra in Jordan) - Capitol of Lydia (A significant country till they were conquered by the Persians, and then the Greeks, and was then given to Antiginous who rebuilt it, then it was taken by the Secluded, and then the Romans where it's importance declined as roads shifted. In 17AD there was a large earthquake and Caesar Tiberius rebuilt the city. They then were one of the compitors for building his temple (but Smyrna got it). 2. Wealth, Prestige, and Power (River that flowed through the city carried gold ore) (One of the three ribs in the bears mouth from Daniel) Had high quality wool there 3. Place where Greek and Eastern cultures mingled. 4. __549__ B.C., Creosus, King of Sardis fell to Cyrus, King of Persia. A helmet fell from the ridge on which the city sat and a soldier climbed down the cliff to get it, revealing secret foot holes in the seemingly impregnable wall. The Persians scaled the rock and found the fort unguarded (They had staged a fake attack at the entrance to the city. Captured, because the men had failed to stay awake. 5. The city fell again in __218__ b.c. because the guards were not alert due to overconfidence in its natural fortifications. The father of Antiochus Epiphanies took it here
The City of Thyatira:
1. Central Turkey (still in Asia Minor) - on the main trade/travel road through turkey (a Roman road - this meant that they were well kept and safe due to the roman soldiers) 2. Hermes Valley - the other road that passed them connects to Pergamum and Laodicea. Originally in the country called Lydia (a country that almost conquered the Assyrians and has been around since the time of Jonah). Lydia was eventually destroyed and refounded around 200 BC (About 300 years before john is writing). Established by Seclusis the I who began the Secludid empire (center for control). When the last king died, he bequeathed his country in 133 BC to the Romans. 3. Had a Roman Unit in the city. - meant it was well guarded which led to an upbeat economy and a wealthy city/manufacturing center. 4. Manufacturing Center - They made purple dye there, which was extremely valuable (Think of Lydia who sold the purple cloths), also had lots of metal working and garment making (high quality wool), and high-end pottery (natural clay in the area). 5. Trade Guilds - basically, they unionized. Problem: in order to work in these industries, you had to join a guild and each guild had its own god—if you don't worship these gods then you can't work in these industries (like signing off on agreeing to values to work for a company today).
The City of Smyrna:
1. Major Seaport (but not as big as Ephesus) (deep harbor) 2. Roman city (as a result was rich and influential - significant in terms of impact in that part of the world) (City in which other cities model themselves after) 3. Architecture (If you go to Turkey you can see some of it today) 4. Public Library (It was very famous in that day) (Today they have excavated that library and have some of the scroll slots available for examination) 5. Polycarp (he was a disciple of the Apostle John and pastored a church in Smyrna) 6. Emperor Worship (11 cities applied, only one was chosen (Smyrna) - they won the right to build a temple to Caesar, which was a huge matter of civic pride. It was more about patriotism than worship. People were expected to go there once a year, burn incense and say Caesar if Lord to receive a token that proves their loyalty. This became a test for Christians as they would say Jesus is Lord - if they were a true Christians they be fed to the Lions, and if they buckled then they could worship Caesar and be fine.) They did not celebrate diversity - if you did not conform, then you would be persecuted mercilessly. Alost all the group activities in a city were religious in some way, so the church had to walk carefully. There was no tolerance at all really. Even the Jews, though they were given permission by the Roman government to be monotheists, they were outcasts and shunned as the Roman people with they polytheists ideas viewed the Jews as Atheists essentially. Though the group as a whole was hated, individuals could incorporate into society, but overall there was a clear divide. 7. Severe Persecution of the Church (and anyone that was different really) Early into the second century, about 10-20 year after they got the letter massive waves of persecution occur there.
The City of Philadelphia:
1. Rich Farmlands - about 75 miles east of Smyrna in the Hermes Valley. At the junction of some major trade routes, built on a defensible hill - founded by a King of Pergamum that defeated Lydia and Frigia - built this city and names it after his brother's nickname because his brother was fiercely loyal to him. Rich Farmlands - had previous volcanic activity - the lava broke down and created amazing farmland (on a plateau). Wealthy city. 2. Had Clay soils ideal for pottery - their pottery was highly valued, and they had an ample of supply of this clay. Wealthy city. 3. Frequent Earthquakes (this still happens today in Turkey). Due to this, Philadelphia had to be rebuilt often. Worst one - AD 17 (When Christ is a teenager) - it completely leveled the city, which was a roman province at the time and Tiberius sent the funds to rebuild it - it was renamed NeoCeasaria (The New Caesar), and later renamed again Flavius (after the new Emperor) - many did not like this second one.
Schools of Interpretation
1. The Preterist School. Grew out of Amillennialism. Preterist means "past." Thus this approach to Revelation sees its fulfillment already past (Early Preterists = The Church-History View). It was fulfilled by Constantine in a.d. 312. This school of thought sees chapters 5-11 describing the victory of the church over ___Judaism___ and chapters 12-19 describing the victory of the church over ___Roman___ ___Paganism___. 2. The Historical School. Sees Revelation fulfilled through Church History. This approach is very common among conservative scholars. It was the view of the reformers. It sees the Revelation fulfilled in the church age. The Revelation is providing a panorama of church history. Thus, the seven churches of chapters two and three are descriptions of the condition of the church ___throughout___ ___history___ (And every generation has felt the church was living in Laodicea!). Ephesus A.D. 30-100 Apostolic Church Smyrna A.D. 100-313 Persecuted Church Pergamum A.D. 313-590 State Church Thyatira A.D. 590-1517 Papal Church Sardis A.D. 1517-1790 Reformed Church Philadelphia A.D. 1790-1900 Missionary Church Laodicaea A.D. 1900-present Apostate Church 3. The Idealist School. This view does not see the Revelation describing historical events but rather the conflict of ideas. Thus, the book is strictly ___symbolic____ and ____allegorical_____. This approach reflects all the weaknesses and failures of the allegorical method of interpretation. Liberal Scholars can hold this view. Idea: Elder John or some pseudo John, picked this genre of literature to write out his treatise on philosophical concepts. 4. The Futurist School. This approach sees everything from chapter four to twenty-two as future. It uses the Grammatico-historical hermeneutical approach to interpret the Revelation and expects its ___literal___ fulfillment, with the events and persons depicted by the symbols expected to occur in an historical and literal manner. This is what Derickson and Corban holds to. Chapter 4-22 are still waiting to be fulfilled. There is still a debate about the seven churches in this camp.
(Rev 1) - What does he mean by "shortly"?
1. The Preterist view (Missed this) 2. 'Shortly' from God's perspective rather than our own 3. (Problem) Greek would could also mean quickly, so that when it happens it will happen quickly. 4. Meaning from the Greek term is for a very brief period of time and referring to speed.
Arrangement
1. The epistle is structured around the ___Instructions___ __of_ ___Jesus___ in 1:19, with chapter one being "the things which you have seen," chapters two and three being "the things which are," and chapters four through twenty-two "the things that shall take place after these things." Also: - patterns of 7 - four visions Could also do: 2. repeated literary designs 3. Recapitulation view
4. Exhortation and promise: They were to be faithful until death with the promise of the crown of life and immunity from the second death. 2:10b-11
10 days - short time or 10 literal days. The Stephenas (?) - the Victors Crown/Wreath. Some take this life to be eternal life and then its life by works. The wreath that martyrs will wear in heaven, it is not eternal life but rather recognition of accomplishment. The Second death - is it only referring to Christians or to only some Christians? Many issues related to this verbiage. Derickson believes that the second death is the Lake of Fire - an eternal damnation of burning - those there do not cease to exist. Some see it as referring to a specific fire Others see it as a figure of speech - it's the opposite of what believers will experience, not literal lake of fire. 1 Peter 4: 5-6 Our level of commitment should be until death.
Rev 7
144,000 Sealed
Rev 11
2 Witnesses + 7th Trumpet (--> Brings us to the interlude )
Meaning of "the hour of testing":
: could be - The Great Tribulation Reasons: a. Comes on the whole earth b. They are kept from it c. Promise of 1 Thess 5:10 (Derickson thinks this relates to the rapture of the faithful (he is a pretribulation rapturist)). 'To test' - putting something through a fire to test the strength of the item.
Seven star =
= Angels messengers of the seven churches (either pastors/messengers or actual angels) - Derickson believes this is a reference to the pastors and that he is still in control. - Either way, they are the ones responsible for the church. (Individuals)
Rev 16
Bowl Judgements
Rev 10
Angel with the little scroll/book
Date
Around AD 95
Rev 19
Christ is Victorious - Returns
Subject of the Book of Revelation
Christ's victory...
Rev 18
Economic Babylon - or Babylon's Fall
1. Jesus, identified as having "eyes like a flame of fire" and feet "like burnished bronze," addresses the church in Thyatira. 2:18
Fire - always comes from God in judgement, it always purifies and kills. Is consistent through the old testament) - Eyes like fire - doomed. Fine brass/burnished bronze - they're not exactly sure what this is - this is the only instance where this word is used in the whole Bible. It is possibly John or Christ invented it in regards to the finest brass this city could produce (it was so pure that it was more valuable than its weight in gold). There was a guild there that produced a polished bronze there that worshipped the God of the Sun, Apollo (fire much?), so it could also refer to that (the bronze was used to create Roman armor).
1. Jesus, identified as "the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life," addresses the church in Smyrna. 2:8
First and Last - indicates that what they about to suffer is within his will and he is giving them advanced warning. Who was dead and came to life - reference to crucifixion and resurrection - He can sympathize with what they are about to endure
Characteristics
Four: 1. It has ___Visions___. They are interpreted by an __Angelic__ messenger. It details the ___Future___ ____Consummation____ of all conflict. And finally, it is filled with ____Symbolism____. 2. Revelation completes many themes begun earlier in the Bible. These include the fallen creation that is recreated, the rebellion of men that is crushed by God, the completion of salvation, the establishment of God's kingdom and rule on earth, and the fulfillment of all the promises to Israel. 3. large use of numbers 4. more areas of theology are covered in this one book than in any other Old Testament or New Testament work. These include such areas as Theology Proper, Christology, Angelology, Eschatology, etc.
Significance of the Tree of Life?
It's the Garden of Eden motif - access till sin came and communication with God until then - Heaven is the returning of these things
Rev 20
Millennial Kingdom + The White Throne Judgement
Rev 21
New Creation (New Jerusalem)
The City of Laodicea:
Paralleled to Ephesus - they have similar problems (but incredibly wealthy). Built around 250 BC - only about 300 years old. Built by Antiochus II Theos and named after his wife Laos. How cities were built: Find a hill with a spring, build up some walls, build up some houses and live there until the city is sacked and destroyed. After that, the newcomers would knock everything down and build on top of it, making the base continuously taller. Archeologists can study these layers to determine age. Cities were often left deserted after a raid for a while, but people inevitably moved back. Located 11miles west of Colossi and on a major highway. Also had a road coming from Pergamum, so many travelers went through the city. Destroyed by an Earthquake in AD 60, they turned down economic aid from Nero because they were so wealthy - they rebuilt it themselves. Only downside - they did not have a water supply in the city and had to pipe water from 20ish miles away from two springs - one hot and one cold (mineral spring). One spring came out piping hot and the other incredibly cold. Mineral water was good really cold, and can be tolerable hot, but when it is lukewarm it is disgusting. Bad water but great economics. 1. Sheep Raising 1. Textile Industry - known for their glossy black wool clothe (like Pendleton clothes) - famous for this. 2. Abundant agriculture (which meant wealth in an agrarian society) 4. Prestige and Influence - a city of movers and shakers. 5. Had a medical school (that developed a frigid eye powder that could be used for various eye diseases (which is incredibly common in that part of the world due to unclean water conditions). Sanitation wasn't a thing... 6. Banking and Finance center (due to their wealth) 7. Hot and cold springs - see above. (By the time water reached them from either spring it was luke warm.) (Did have spas and things by the hot spring - good for the skin, bad for the mouth and stomach)
2. Commendation: They had remained faithful and obedient. 3:8
Philadelphia 'I know your works' - 'I have set before you an open door' Greek verb tense is the perfect tense in that is has happened in the past and its effects continue to the present, so not only has he opened the door, but it has stayed open. 'and no one can shut' - reiterating is very Hebrew and emphasizes that no one can interfere with it. Nothing can stop the church from the path it is set upon. 'Power' = ability/enablement If you love me, then keep my commandments - and this church loves him.
3. Promise: Their persecutors, Jews, will bow at their feet and they will be kept from the tribulation. 3:9-10
Philadelphia 'Synagogue of Satan' - the Jews are turning the Christians in. They think they are serving God by doing this, but the passage tells that they are serving Satan. The Jews viewed Christians as traitors of the faith. The Jews were the only ones who did not have to worship Caesar and wanted to keep it that way. There are spiritual Jews and Physical Jews - Derickson says that 'true' Jews recognize Jesus as their Lord and Savior, false Jews do not. (Think back to the division of brothers to follow the line of blessing - Isaac and Ishmael, Jacob and Esau, etc - only one was chosen). 'Compel them' is going to make them bow - not considered worship but rather as an act of submission and recognition of their status. 'know that I have loved you' means to know by experience and recognize it.
The Things that were
Revelation 1
The things that are
Revelation 2 & 3
The things that will be
Revelation 4-22
1. Jesus, identified as having "the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars" addresses the church in Sardis. 3:1a
Seven Spirit - Seven Angels - allusion to 1:4 Allusion to the Holy Spirit - what Derickson believes to be most likely
3. Warning: They were about to suffer imprisonment and death. 2:10a
Stop being afraid (essentially tells them individually with how the words are structured)- he knows what is in store for you. Why stop fearing? Fear impacts how we respond. Testing - to determine the nature of something.
Rev 13
The Two Beasts (1 From the Sea and 1 from the Earth)
Main Players
The Lamb 144,000 Antichrist Beast from the Sea Witnesses of God
Rev 14
The Lamb and the 144,000
Rev 5
The Lamb and the Scroll (John cried here)
Rev 6
The Seal Judgements
Rev 4
The Thone Room of God (Same scene in Isaiah and Ezekiel]
Rev 22
The Tree of Life
Canonicity
The canonical status of the Revelation has not been questioned. It was not only cited widely and early by the church fathers, but called Scripture by Eusebius
Historical Background
The church experiencing persecution of emperor Domitian. -Emperor worship -Jews persecuting Christians -Beginnings of Gnosticism -Nero (fairly certain he was bipolar) came before Domitian and blamed the Christians for the fire, but Domitian actively sought them out to persecute them.
2. Commendation: Their latter deeds were greater than their earlier deeds of love, faith, service, and perseverance. 2:19
The church is growing in its impact (numbers) (Churches are supposed to be growing) - It looks like a healthy church.
Audience
The recipients of the book were the __Seven__ ___Churches (in Asia Minor)___ in the province of Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
1. Jesus, identified as "the One who has the sharp two-edged sword," addresses the church in Pergamum. 2:12
The term used usually referred to a large barbed sword that the Barbarians used - symbolized not the authority to judge, but the one that has the ability to pass judgment. The Executioners sword. Think the massive sword from Braveheart or Heimdall's sword—massive. Meant to invoke more of a warrior stance rather than an executioner's though.
Thyatira - Promise:
They will rule with Christ when He comes as reward for rejecting "the deep things of Satan" and holding fast to Christ. 2:24-28
2. Criticism: The church was dead and its deeds incomplete before God though it had a reputation for being alive. 3:1b-2
This is the church as being known as being a great church, 'alive', "But" (the strong version) he calls them dead. Be watchful and strengthen the things which remain - 'be watchful' is an allusion back to the city's history of not watching and being conquered. 'Strengthen' - to fix something in place so that it is unmovable. Salvage what you can and fix it. Why? "I have not found your works perfect" - here 'perfect' means that it is complete and has achieved its goal (not be sinless). Basically, saying that what they're doing is not what meant to be doing - they are below par.
2. Commendation: They had endured tribulation and poverty for Jesus and suffered at the hands of the Jews. 2:9
Tribulation - term has the idea of the oppression and the suffering intense persecution. Yet he calls them rich, plentifully supplied with what they need (word used can mean reach in the traditional sense, but it can also mean that they have all that need and plenty of it) Jews at this time period turned Christians into the Romans because they knew they did not have the permit to be monotheistic. God's perspective: Not all physical Jews are spiritual Jews (A synagogue of Satan)
Rev 15
Tribulation Martyrs (Song of Moses) + Angel with the 7 bowls
Rev 9
Trumpet Judgement 5-6 (locusts, 4 angels (kill 1/3 of mankind) = (or) the 1st Two Woes)
Rev 8
Trumpet Judgements 1-4 (Vegetation, seas, fresh waters, heavens dim (1/3 of everything))
"The Lord's Supper"
Two Options: 1) Sunday a) Same expression is used in the Didache b) Same meaning in modern Greek c) But...they say it would be impossible to give the whole vision in one day 2) The Day of the Lord a) John transported into the future b) Problem with this view = "Day of the Lord" is never used in Johannine literature anywhere else c) NT refers to Sunday as the "first day of the week" d) But...this term was common in the New Testament
Unity
Unity has been questioned but can be explained
Rev 1
Vision of Christ
Rev 12
Woman + Dragon
Meaning of 3:5, "I will not erase his name from the book of life."
a. A Record of all humanity - a common view. A list of those potentially saved (but if you're not going to be saved, then your name is erased. Makes works connected to salvation. b. A list of the physically alive. (Every city had one of these in those days. When someone was born, their name was written in the book and when they died their name was erased). (Roman cities) c. A List of the regenerate and this is looking at eternal security. This makes the blotting a figure of speech (Emphasizing the positive by saying the negative - common FOS for that time). The list of the redeemed. - The one Derickson holds to (May also allude to = Ex. 32:32-33) - Whatever it was, John's readers would have understood it.
Identity of Nicolaitans
a. (1) Forerunners of the Clergy 1) A sect within Christianity 2) From nikao (nikavw: to conquer) and laio (laiw: the people) - To conquer the People. 3) Walvoord (58) refers to them as "forerunners of the clerical hierarchy superimposed upon the laity and robbing them of spiritual freedom." b. (2) Licentious Sect 1) Advocated complete freedom in Christ 2) Reference to the doctrine of Balaam in verse 15 supports this Moral spiritual compromise and prophecy for a price - encourages Christians to live like Pagans. 3) Pergamum's social/political life and idolatry were closely linked 4) It was nearly impossible to buy meat in the market which was not sacrificed to an idol 5) Balaam's doctrine (intermarriage) and the Nicolaitan doctrine (freedom) would produce syncretism with paganism.
Basic arrangement of each of the seven letters:
a. Greeting b. Descriptive title of the Lord (comes out of the vision of Christ - the title he picks has to do with the issue the church is facing) c. Commendation (What they are doing right) d. Criticism, complaint, or condemnation (Except for two - Smyrna and another one) e. Warning or threat f. Exhortation g. Promise
Hidden manna
alludes to Israel in the wilderness - a gift from God to sustain them. Refuse pagan food and they will receive heavenly foods.
