Jesus' Messages to the Churches - Ephesus and Smyrna
I. The next section of Revelation consists of messages to each of the seven churches mentioned in chapter 1
A. We notice that each congregation is treated independently.
1. The faults of one congregation are not necessarily the problems in another group.
2. The letters do not make reference to a regional headquarters or indicate any connect between the churches save Jesus Christ himself.
B. Each letter follows a basic pattern
1. Jesus states that he knows their condition
a. "Know" - "to have full knowledge, to know perfectly."
2. He praises the things they are doing well, if any.
3. He states his complaints against the congregation, if any.
4. He promises punishment to those who do not improve and rewards for those who do.
C. Within each letter, the description of the majestic Christ is interspersed.
D. While the letters are written to a specific church, they are told to read the other letters as well and heed their warnings.
II. Ephesus
A. The city of Ephesus was a noted port on the Aegean Sea.
1. It was the most prominent city in Asia at this time.
2. It was a self-governing city, able to appoint its own officials.
3. It was the center of worship to the goddess Diana.
a. The temple of Diana was one of the seven wonders of the world.
4. The city also boasted a theater which could seat 24,500 people.
B. The church in Ephesus was established in Acts 19 through the efforts of Aquilla, Priscilla, and later the apostle Paul.
1. Paul spent three years teaching in this city - Acts 20:31
2. The congregation at its start showed a strong love for the truth, burning their books of sorcery - Acts 19:19-20
3. They also had strong feelings for Paul as shown when he left - Acts 20:36-38
4. Paul also commended them for their love for one another - Eph. 1:15-16
III. The letter
A. From the one who controls the messengers and who walks among the churches.
B. Their good points
1. Jesus knows of their diligent labor
2. They have persevered - James 1:2-4
a. They have managed hold on without growing weary.
3. They have resisted the intrusion of false teachers by testing them - I John 4:1
a. This indicates they have so far heeded Paul's warning - Acts 20:28-29
b. They hated the false doctrine of the Nicolaitans
(1) We have no idea who the Nicolatans were or what they taught.
(2) Some suppose it was a branch of the Gnostics.
C. Their bad points
1. They have lost their first love. The zeal and fellowship that characterized them in the beginning were no longer there.
2. Truth without love is inadequate - I Cor 13:2-3
D. They are warned to rekindle that first love or Christ would remove their candlestick.
1. They would no longer be one of his churches.
E. To those who will give attention to Jesus' words, they would be granted eternal life (access to the tree of life).
IV. Smyrna
A. Smyrna is also a port city, located about 40 miles north of Ephesus.
B. It was noted for its scenic beauty, being nestled in rolling hills with deep forests.
C. The city called itself the first city because it was the first to accept Rome rule in Asia.
D. A famous landmark was an acropolis located on Mt. Pagas which looked like a crown. The crowned mountain became a symbol of the city.
E. We know nothing about the church in Smyrna, other than what is mentioned here in Revelation.
V. The letter
A. The letter is from the one who is the ultimate first and the ultimate last; the one who was resurrected.
B. No bad points are mentioned about this church.
C. Their good points
1. Jesus knows of their tribulations
a. This group was having more than trials, they were suffering persecution.
2. They also live in poverty.
a. Indicating that this group was composed of people from the poor side of town.
b. However, poor only describes their physical wealth. They are rich spiritually.
c. Their treasure was in heaven - Matt 6:20-21
3. They are being slandered by the Jews
a. Jesus said they were not true Jews - Rom 2:28-29; Phil 3:3
b. The Jews were following their master Satan - John 8:44
D. The warning
1. They are about to suffer increased persecution
2. A direct attack by Satan
a. Luke 22:31-32 - Satan would sift some like wheat as Peter was tested.
b. We are warned that Satan is looking to devour us - I Peter 5:8
3. This group would shortly suffer a severe testing.
4. The good news is that it would not last long (10 days)
a. Ten being a complete or full period.
b. Days in this context being a short period of time.
(1) Daniel asked for a testing of ten days - Dan 1:12,14
5. They need to be faithful, even to death
a. Jesus is saying some of them would die for their faith.
E. The reward for their faithfulness would be a crown of life - James 1:12
1. A victor's crown or a wreath of flowers used in festivities, such as a wedding.
2. I Cor 9:25 - We are looking to win an incorruptible crown
3. II Tim 4:8 - A crown of righteousness is awaiting us
F. If heeded, those who suffer and overcome will only face one death
1. The second death is eternity in hell - Rev 21:8
2. Christians will not partake in the second death - Rev 20:6