Revelation 2

Revelation 2 is the first part of Jesus' messages to the seven churches in Asia Minor. These messages are given through the Apostle John and contain commendations, rebukes, and exhortations for the churches, reflecting their spiritual conditions and offering guidance for correction. The messages also carry prophetic significance, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of the church through different periods of history.

Revelation 2:1 (NKJV)
“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:’”

Jesus is addressing the church of Ephesus, emphasizing His authority and presence. The “seven stars” represent the leaders of the churches, and the “seven golden lampstands” symbolize the churches themselves. By walking among the lampstands, Jesus shows His intimate involvement and care for the church, constantly observing their condition and guiding them.

Revelation 2:2-3 (NKJV)
“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.”

Jesus commends the Ephesians for their dedication, perseverance, and their commitment to truth. They have worked hard in ministry, shown patience under trials, and resisted false teachings by discerning true apostles from false ones. Despite hardships, they have not grown weary in their labor for the sake of Christ, reflecting their strength and faithfulness.

Revelation 2:4 (NKJV)
“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.”

Despite their commendable qualities, Jesus points out that the church has lost its initial fervor and passion for Him. Their love for God and for one another, which was once strong and vibrant, has diminished. This warning highlights that, even when good works are present, a lack of love can undermine their spiritual health and relationship with Christ.

Revelation 2:5 (NKJV)
“Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.”

Jesus calls the church to reflect on how far they have drifted from their original devotion. He urges them to repent and return to their former zeal, warning that failure to do so could result in the removal of their lampstand, symbolizing the loss of their spiritual vitality and witness. The appeal to repentance shows Christ’s desire for restoration.

Revelation 2:6 (NKJV)
“But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”

Although the church of Ephesus had faltered in love, they maintained a correct stance against false teachings, particularly those of the Nicolaitans, a group known for promoting immoral practices and compromising the faith. Jesus commends them for hating the corrupt deeds of this sect, aligning their values with His own.

Revelation 2:7 (NKJV)
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”

Jesus calls for spiritual attentiveness, urging believers to heed His words. He offers a promise to those who overcome—access to the tree of life, representing eternal life in God’s presence. This promise echoes the hope of restoration that Adam and Eve lost in the Garden of Eden, now offered to those who remain faithful to Christ.

Revelation 2:8-9 (NKJV)
“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, ‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.”

Jesus introduces Himself to the church of Smyrna as the One who has conquered death, providing hope in the face of their suffering. He acknowledges their tribulation and material poverty, but affirms that they are spiritually rich. He also warns them of false Jews who, by opposing the gospel, align themselves with Satan.

Revelation 2:10 (NKJV)
“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

Jesus prepares the church of Smyrna for impending persecution, urging them not to fear. Though they will face imprisonment and suffering, He encourages them to remain faithful even unto death. The promise of the “crown of life” assures them of eternal victory and reward, despite their earthly trials.

Revelation 2:11 (NKJV)
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”

Once again, Jesus calls for careful listening to His message. Those who overcome through faith will escape the “second death,” which is eternal separation from God. This promise offers hope and assurance to believers that their faithfulness will lead to eternal life in God’s presence, beyond physical death.

Revelation 2:12-13 (NKJV)
“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.’”

Jesus addresses the church in Pergamos, introducing Himself as the one with the sharp two-edged sword, symbolizing His authority to judge. He acknowledges that the church exists in a place of intense spiritual opposition, referred to as “Satan’s throne,” likely due to the pagan influences in the city. Despite this, the believers have remained loyal to Christ, even in the face of persecution and martyrdom, as seen in the example of Antipas, who was faithful unto death.

Revelation 2:14-15 (NKJV)
“But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.”

While commending their faithfulness, Jesus rebukes the church for tolerating members who hold to the doctrine of Balaam, a reference to the Old Testament story where Balaam led Israel into sin through idolatry and immorality. Similarly, some in the church are following immoral practices and false teachings, including those of the Nicolaitans. Jesus warns that these corrupt influences must be rejected.

Revelation 2:16 (NKJV)
“Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.”

Jesus calls the church to repentance, urging them to turn away from these false teachings and practices. If they refuse, He warns that He will come swiftly in judgment, wielding the sword of His mouth, a symbol of the power and authority of His word to expose and defeat error and sin.

Revelation 2:17 (NKJV)
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”

Jesus again calls for spiritual attentiveness, promising rewards to those who overcome. The “hidden manna” symbolizes spiritual sustenance and life in Christ, while the “white stone” with a new name suggests a personal, unique relationship with God and the promise of vindication. The new name signifies a transformed identity, known only to the individual and God.

Revelation 2:18-19 (NKJV)
“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, ‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.’”

Jesus addresses the church of Thyatira, introducing Himself as the Son of God with eyes like fire, symbolizing His penetrating insight, and feet of brass, symbolizing stability and strength. He acknowledges their commendable qualities—love, faith, service, and patience—and praises them for growing in good works, with their latter deeds surpassing their earlier efforts.

Revelation 2:20 (NKJV)
“Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.”

Despite their positive qualities, Jesus rebukes the church in Thyatira for tolerating a false teacher, symbolically named Jezebel, likely a reference to the Old Testament queen known for leading Israel into idolatry and immorality. This individual claims to be a prophetess but leads others into sinful practices, particularly sexual immorality and idolatry. Jesus strongly disapproves of the church's tolerance of such false teachings.

Revelation 2:21 (NKJV)
“And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.”

Jesus shows His mercy by revealing that He gave this false teacher an opportunity to repent, yet she refused to turn from her immoral ways. This demonstrates that God's judgment is always preceded by patience and a chance for repentance, but persistent rebellion against His ways will ultimately lead to consequences.

Revelation 2:22 (NKJV)
“Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.”

As a result of her unrepentant heart, Jesus declares judgment upon Jezebel, symbolized by casting her into a sickbed, representing suffering and affliction. Those who follow her teachings and commit spiritual adultery by engaging in idolatry and immorality will also face tribulation unless they repent of their actions. The warning is clear: judgment is avoidable through repentance.

Revelation 2:23 (NKJV)
“I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.”

Jesus’ judgment extends to those who have been deeply influenced by Jezebel’s teachings (“her children”), warning that they too will face death. This severe judgment serves as a warning to all the churches, reminding them that Christ is the one who searches the hearts and minds, discerning the true condition of each person. Everyone will be held accountable and rewarded or punished according to their deeds.

Revelation 2:24-25 (NKJV)
“Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. But hold fast what you have till I come.”

Jesus addresses the faithful believers in Thyatira who have resisted Jezebel’s teachings. He acknowledges that they have not been drawn into the deep deceptions that He equates with “the depths of Satan.” For these believers, Jesus places no additional burden on them except to continue holding fast to their faith and commitment until His return.

Revelation 2:26-27 (NKJV)
“And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’—as I also have received from My Father.”

Jesus promises that those who overcome and remain faithful to His teachings will share in His authority over the nations. This imagery of ruling with a rod of iron and dashing the nations like pottery reflects Psalm 2, where the Messiah is depicted as ruling with sovereign authority. Believers are promised a share in Christ's ultimate victory and reign.

Revelation 2:28 (NKJV)
“And I will give him the morning star.”

The "morning star" represents Jesus Himself (as revealed later in Revelation 22:16) and symbolizes the promise of eternal life and glory with Christ. Those who overcome are assured of a deep, intimate relationship with Him and the hope of eternal life, where they will dwell in His presence forever.

Revelation 2:29 (NKJV)
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Once again, Jesus concludes His message with a call for spiritual attentiveness. He urges all believers to listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to apply the lessons from these messages, not just to the individual churches but to all believers across time.