The Sword of My Mouth
“Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” (Rev 2:16 KJV)
Jesus commands the Church of Pergamos to repent or face judgment. Jesus is in opposition with those that tolerate sin.
Learn MoreThe Doctrine of Balaam
“But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.” (Rev 2:14 KJV)
Balaam was a false prophet that helped lead Israel into idolatry and immorality.
Learn MoreSatan’s Seat
“I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is:” (Rev 2:13a KJV)
Pergamos was the center for pagan worship – even worse than the pagan worship found in Smyrna. Pergamos was called Satan’s seat and the place where Satan dwelled.
Learn MoreThe Church of Pergamos
“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write;” (Rev 2:12a KJV)
Pergamos was the Roman capitol in Asia Minor and was located 50-60 miles north of Smyrna. Like Smyrna, Pergamos worshiped the emperor and pagan idolatry, and false apostles and priests.
Learn MoreThe Second Death
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” (Rev 2:11 KJV)
The second death refers to the eternal punishment in the lake of fire.
Learn MoreFear None
“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days:” (Rev 2:10a KJV)
Jesus doesn’t want us to fear those that would do evil to His people for His name’s sake. There will be trials, but we should remain faithful to Christ.
Learn MoreThy Works
“I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich)” (Rev 2:9a KJV)
Jesus names several points about the Church of Smyrna: their works, their tribulation, and their poverty. The Church of Smyrna withstood great persecution for the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was for these works and tribulation that Jesus commended them.
Learn MoreThe Church of Smyrna
“And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write;” (Rev 2:8a KJV)
Smyrna today is called Izmir and is located in Turkey. A disciple of John, a man named Polycarp, was the pastor of the Church of Smyrna until he was martyred in A.D. 155. The Church may have been started by Paul during his third missionary journey (Acts19).
Learn MoreHear
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;” (Rev 2:7a KJV)
Jesus exhorts us to listen and heed the warnings to the Churches.
Learn MoreHating the Deeds
“But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.” (Rev 2:6 KJV)
The Nicolaitans were a group of people within the Church that had built their own internal hierarchy and were teaching that fornication was not sinful.
Learn MoreDo the First Works
“Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works;” (Rev 2:5a KJV)
Jesus wants us to examine ourselves, judge ourselves, look into the mirror that is His Word and know what we should be and realize what we have become.
Learn MoreFirst Love
“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” (Rev 2:4 KJV)
The greatest commandment is that there is one God and we are to place God first.
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