Reading Plan · Day 359
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Revelation 1-3
Day 359
About Revelation
The Book of Revelation was the final book of the Bible. It was written by John from the island of Patmos around 96 AD. This would have been about five years after his epistles. In much the same way the Book of Daniel was the main prophetic book for those who lived during the Dispensation of the Law, this book was the main prophetic book for those who live during our current dispensation. This book had four sections relative to the chronology of prophecy. The first section was made up of the first three chapters which documented events prior to the Tribulation. The second section was made up of the next three chapters which presented a big picture perspective of events in order from the beginning of the Tribulation to the end of the Tribulation. The third section was the largest and most confusing section. In twelve chapters, the events of the Tribulation were presented from several different perspectives, resulting in a layered presentation of the Tribulation. The fourth and final section consisted of four chapters that presented, in chronological order, events from the end of the Tribulation through eternity.
Day 359 Read
Where You Stopped
Revelation 1
1The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show unto his servants, even the things which must shortly come to pass: and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John; 2who bare witness of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, even of all things that he saw.
1The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
2Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
Commentary · verses 1-2
3Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things that are written therein: for the time is at hand.
3Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
Commentary · verse 3
This book came with a blessing!: Blessed are those who read and hear/understand (the WHY) the words of this prophecy and keep those things that were written within. After all, the purpose of this book was to uncover/unveil what would happen. The point of this book was that we can understand the events of this book, to the point the reader would receive a blessing. The reason this book is so difficult to understand is that it contained a tremendous amount of Doctrine and one must understand Doctrine at a high level to receive the blessing from reading this book.
In this commentary for the Book of Daniel, we stated that Daniel had the greatest understanding of Doctrine among any author of the Old Testament. Likewise, John had the greatest understanding of Doctrine among any author of the New Testament. Consequently, like Daniel, he was the author of the book with the greatest prophecies within his dispensation.
4John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from him who is and who was and who is to come; and from the seven Spirits that are before his throne;
4John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;
Commentary · verse 4
Doctrine: There are seven Spirits before the throne of God. Isaiah 11:2 listed the seven Spirits of God. They were the Spirit of: Jehovah, wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and fear of Jehovah.
5and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loveth us, and loosed us from our sins by his blood; 6and he made us to be a kingdom, to be priests unto his God and Father; to him be the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
5And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
6And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Commentary · verses 5-6
John began his letter to the seven churches in Asia with a greeting from God the Father, the seven Spirits of God, and Jesus Christ.
7Behold, he cometh with the clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they that pierced him; and all the tribes of the earth shall mourn over him. Even so, Amen.
7Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
Commentary · verse 7
Verse 7 referred to the physical coming of Christ to earth at the end of the Tribulation. John referenced Zechariah 14:1-5 and Zechariah 12:10.
8I am the Alpha and the Omega, saith the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
8I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Commentary · verse 8
This was stated to John by Jesus.
Doctrines on this passage
9I John, your brother and partaker with you in the tribulation and kingdom and patience which are in Jesus, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
9I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Commentary · verse 9
John was exiled to the island of Patmos because of his beliefs when he received this revelation.
10I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet
10I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
Commentary · verse 10
Even though John was exiled to this island, he was still in the Spirit. He heard a great voice as of a trumpet, which was Jesus.
11saying, What thou seest, write in a book and send it to the seven churches: unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamum, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
12And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And having turned I saw seven golden candlesticks;
11Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
12And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
Commentary · verses 11-12
The seven gold candlesticks represented the seven churches that Jesus told John to write to.
13and in the midst of the candlesticks one like unto a son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about at the breasts with a golden girdle.
13And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
Commentary · verse 13
Daniel saw something similar in Daniel 7:13 and Daniel 10:5-10.
14And his head and his hair were white as white wool, white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15and his feet like unto burnished brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace; and his voice as the voice of many waters.
16And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
14His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
15And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
16And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
Commentary · verses 14-16
The phrase "out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword" was similar to Matthew 4:4 when Jesus referenced Deuteronomy 8:3 which stated that man lived by everything that proceeded out of the Mouth of God. In Matthew 4:4 everything was replaced by every word, and "word" was rhema. We have seen in Ephesians 6:17 that rhema, the Word of God, was the sword of the Spirit. Notice throughout this book, Jesus will fight with what proceeds out of His Mouth. Jesus will do spiritual warfare with words.
17And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as one dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying, Fear not; I am the first and the last,
17And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
Commentary · verse 17
Daniel responded in a similar way in Daniel 10:9.
18and the Living one; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.
18I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Commentary · verse 18
Doctrine: Jesus has the keys of death and Hades, which we also call hell.
19Write therefore the things which thou sawest, and the things which are, and the things which shall come to pass hereafter; 20the mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks are seven churches.
19Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
20The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
Commentary · verses 19-20
The seven stars represented the angels of seven churches. Each church had an angel.
Commentary · verse 20
Chapters 2 and 3 covered the letters John wrote to the seven churches in Asia. Each of these letters to the seven churches in Asia were similar to a performance review. We should look at what Jesus told these churches to see if we can learn what He expects out of His Church (Bride). Each of these churches were actual churches to whom John sent these writings. Also, many scholars believed each of these churches represented a "church age" during our current dispensation, with the last church (Laodicea) representing our time today. Finally, each letter followed a general structure:
- the beginning gave a description of Jesus,
- the church was told what it did well and what it did not do well, and
- the end told of a benefit to those who overcome, those that make it to eternal life.
Each section closed with the exhortation for those who have ears to hear. For the first three churches, the exhortation introduced the benefit to the overcomer.
Doctrines on this passage
Where You Stopped
Revelation 2
Commentary · verses 1-7
Verses 1-7: the church of Ephesus.
1To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, he that walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks:
1Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
Commentary · verse 1
Description of Christ: Jesus held the seven angels in His right Hand and walked in the midst of the seven churches.
2I know thy works, and thy toil and patience, and that thou canst not bear evil men, and didst try them that call themselves apostles, and they are not, and didst find them false; 3and thou hast patience and didst bear for my name’s sake, and hast not grown weary.
2I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
3And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
Commentary · verse 3
Did well: could not bear evil, did try (prove out) false apostles, was patient, and for Christ's name they worked and did not faint.
4But I have this against thee, that thou didst leave thy first love.
4Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
Commentary · verse 4
Did not do well: they did leave their first love, which was the First Command. The word Ephesus came from "permitted, to let go, relax." In this sentence, "first love" meant the emotion and desire one has when they first fall in love.
5Remember therefore whence thou art fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I come to thee, and will move thy candlestick out of its place, except thou repent.
5Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
Commentary · verse 5
They were warned to repent or Jesus would remove that church.
6But this thou hast, that thou hatest the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
6But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
Commentary · verse 6
They did not follow the works of the Nicolaitans. The Nicolaitans were a gnostic sect. They believed they had special revelation that was not possessed by others. This special revelation introduced new doctrine, contradicting God's Doctrine, that allowed them to do whatever they felt like doing. It also created a hierarchy within the church: those with the special revelation ruled over everyone else instead of serving. Jesus was pleased with this church because they knew God's Doctrine, not only to the point they resisted the Nicolaitans, but they were also able to try (prove out) false apostles.
7He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.
7He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
Commentary · verse 7
Those who overcome: will eat of the tree of life in the midst of the paradise of God.
As it related to our dispensation, the church in Ephesus represented the time from Christ's resurrection to about 200 AD. Notice, the emphasis on focusing on God (First Command) and knowing God's Doctrine. The church during the first church age did know its Doctrine, but it focused on the effects more than the cause, which was the First Command.
Doctrines on this passage
Commentary · verses 8-11
Verses 8-11: the church in Smyrna.
8And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These things saith the first and the last, who was dead, and lived again:
8And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
Commentary · verse 8
Description of Christ: Jesus is the first and last who was dead and is now alive.
9I know thy tribulation, and thy poverty (but thou art rich), and the blasphemy of them that say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
9I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
Commentary · verse 9
Did well: Their works, tribulation, and poverty were known. Some Jews there only said they were Jews but were actually of the synagogue of Satan.
10Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer: behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life.
10Fear 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: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Commentary · verse 10
Did not do well: There was nothing that this church did wrong. Instead, they got an exhortation concerning impending difficulties: Do not fear suffering; there will be persecution. Be faithful to death and you will receive life. The word Smyrna was a derivative of myrrh which meant "bitter."
11He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
11He 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.
Commentary · verse 11
Those who overcome: will not be hurt of the second death (see Revelation 20:14).
As it related to our dispensation, the church in Smyrna represented the time from around 200 AD to around 325 AD. The church was persecuted by Rome right up to the rise of Constantine in 313 AD.
Commentary · verses 12-17
Verses 12-17: the church in Pergamum.
12And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These things saith he that hath the sharp two-edged sword:
12And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
Commentary · verse 12
Description of Christ: Jesus has the sharp sword with two edges, the rhema: the powerful and revelatory Word of God without precedent.
13I know where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s throne is; and thou holdest fast my name, and didst not deny my faith, even in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwelleth.
13I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
Commentary · verse 13
Did well: They held fast to Jesus' name and did not deny the faith even during martyrdom. The word Pergamum meant "height, elevation."
14But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there some that hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication.
14But 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.
Commentary · verse 14
Did not do well: they held doctrine of Balaam, which meant they supplied their own HOW/WHY, which sounded a lot like...
15So hast thou also some that hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans in like manner.
15So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
Commentary · verse 15
The Nicolaitans supplied their own HOW/WHY to justify their man-made doctrine that contradicted God's Doctrine.
16Repent therefore; or else I come to thee quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth.
16Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
Commentary · verse 16
They were commanded to repent or Jesus would come quickly and fight against them with the sword of Jesus' Mouth, which is God's Word. How much more proof do you need to understand that spiritual warfare is not physical but is done by words and sentences?
17He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and upon the stone a new name written, which no one knoweth but he that receiveth it.
17He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
Commentary · verse 17
Those who overcome: will eat hidden manna and will receive a white stone with a new name which only the man receiving will know. This "new name" will be the name of who you ARE, who God created you to BE. The word "name" meant "cause." Who you ARE is the cause of who God created you to BE.
As it related to our dispensation, the church in Pergamum represented the time from around 325 AD to around 600 AD. Constantine declared himself a defender of Christianity. While this seemed like a victory for Christianity, it actually resulted in Christianity being institutionalized. In the process of making Christianity available to the masses, it was infused with pagan practices, including hierarchy. Christianity had a good appearance (right WHAT), however the doctrines (HOW/WHY) were not completely from God.
Doctrines on this passage
Commentary · verses 18-29
Verses 18-29: the church in Thyatira.
18And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like unto burnished brass:
18And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
Commentary · verse 18
Description of Christ: Jesus has Eyes like a flame of fire and Feet of burnished (fine) brass.
19I know thy works, and thy love and faith and ministry and patience, and that thy last works are more than the first.
19I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
Commentary · verse 19
Did well: Their works, love, service, faith, patience, and humility were known.
20But I have this against thee, that thou sufferest the woman Jezebel, who calleth herself a prophetess; and she teacheth and seduceth my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols.
20Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Commentary · verse 20
Did not do well: permitting Jezebel who facilitated fornication.
Note: This Jezebel in Revelation was someone that was living at that time, not the Jezebel from the Old Testament. Notice, the name Thyatira meant "dominating female."
21And I gave her time that she should repent; and she willeth not to repent of her fornication.
22Behold, I cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of her works.
23And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto each one of you according to your works.
21And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
22Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
23And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
Commentary · verse 23
In verse 23, "reins" referred to kidneys, meaning the innermost part of the mind.
Doctrines on this passage
24But to you I say, to the rest that are in Thyatira, as many as have not this teaching, who know not the deep things of Satan, as they are wont to say; I cast upon you none other burden.
24But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
Commentary · verse 24
Again, this church was dealing with man-made doctrine. We should know the depths of Satan.
25Nevertheless that which ye have, hold fast till I come.
26And he that overcometh, and he that keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give authority over the nations:
25But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
26And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Commentary · verse 26
Those who overcome: will receive authority over the nations.
27and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to shivers; as I also have received of my Father: 28and I will give him the morning star.
27And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
28And I will give him the morning star.
Commentary · verse 28
The "morning star" referred to Jesus.
29He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.
29He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Commentary · verse 29
As it related to our dispensation, the church in Thyatira represented the time from around 600 AD to around 1500 AD. This period covered the Dark Ages. Some people believed the dominating female of this time period was the Catholic Church which they believe was the same as the Mystery of Babylon. In 607 AD, Boniface III was recognized as the first universal Pope. The Inquisition began in 1184.
Where You Stopped
Revelation 3
Commentary · verses 1-6
Verses 1-6: the church in Sardis.
1And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars: I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and thou art dead.
1And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
Commentary · verse 1
Description of Christ: Jesus has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars. Sardis lived (physically) but was dead (spiritually). The word "Sardis" meant "red." It also had a derivation sardonic that meant "ironically humorous, scornful and mocking, in a sarcastic manner." This church had the reputation (man's perspective) of being alive, but actually (God's perspective) they were dead. This church had a right WHAT with a wrong (or no) HOW/WHY.
2Be thou watchful, and establish the things that remain, which were ready to die: for I have found no works of thine perfected before my God.
2Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
Commentary · verse 2
Did well: nothing.
Did not do well: No works of theirs were perfected: were increased because of a right HOW/WHY. They had some things (WHAT's) that remained. This church got a warning to be watchful and establish WHAT they had not completely lost.
3Remember therefore how thou hast received and didst hear; and keep it, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
3Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Commentary · verse 3
This church was told to repent after remembering what they had originally received and heard. Continuing not to remember and repent would cause this church not to be aware when Jesus came back.
4But thou hast a few names in Sardis that did not defile their garments: and they shall walk with me in white; for they are worthy.
4Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
Commentary · verse 4
A few individuals in Sardis were not defiled.
5He that overcometh shall thus be arrayed in white garments; and I will in no wise blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
5He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Commentary · verse 5
Those who overcome: will be clothed in white raiment and will not be blotted out of the book of life (Salvation) but Jesus will confess their name before the Father and before His angels.
As it related to our dispensation, the church in Sardis represented the time from around 1500 AD to around 1700 AD. This was the time of Martin Luther and John Calvin, two men who even today have "a name that livest":
- Martin Luther taught the man-made doctrine of grace: "unmerited favor."
- John Calvin taught the same religion of the Pharisees and Nicolaitans: A right WHAT with a contradictory HOW/WHY that was not supported by God's Word. Like Mormons and Muslims, John Calvin combined the Dispensation of the Law with the current Dispensation of Grace.
Both of these men introduced man-made doctrines that compromised the Doctrine of Salvation.
6He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.
6He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Commentary · verses 7-13
Verses 7-13: the church in Philadelphia.
7And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth and none shall shut, and that shutteth and none openeth:
7And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
Commentary · verse 7
Description of Christ: Jesus is holy, true, hath the key of David, and He openeth and shutteth. The "key of David" had to do with the coming Kingdom of God. The part about Jesus opening and shutting had to do with the final judgment. The "door" is open now, once the final judgment is complete, the "door" will be shut.
8I know thy works (behold, I have set before thee a door opened, which none can shut), that thou hast a little power, and didst keep my word, and didst not deny my name.
8I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
Commentary · verse 8
Did well: More about the door, this church did two things well, but they were really good things: they kept the Word and they did not deny Jesus' Name.
Did not do well: Nothing? The next verses spoke of benefits.
9Behold, I give of the synagogue of Satan, of them that say they are Jews, and they are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
9Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
Commentary · verse 9
The unbelievers who claimed to be believers would bow down before this church. This didn't mean that they would be worshipping people but that they would be worshipping in front of people. Ultimately, this was in tandem with these people seeing the love Christ had for this church.
10Because thou didst keep the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of trial, that hour which is to come upon the whole world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
10Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Commentary · verse 10
The hour of temptation will be an extended period of time, the Tribulation. This verse referred to the pre-Tribulation Rapture of Christians.
11I come quickly: hold fast that which thou hast, that no one take thy crown.
11Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
Commentary · verse 11
Notice, if no one is able to forfeit their Salvation ("thy crown") then why would people have to be told to hold fast so that no one took their Salvation? Again, this was another example that God provided everything for Salvation, but it is the responsibility of the individual to attain it and walk in it.
12He that overcometh, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go out thence no more: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God, and mine own new name.
12Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
Commentary · verse 12
Those who overcome: will be made a pillar in the temple of the Father and will go no more out and will have written on them the Name of God and the name of His city - the new Jerusalem.
As it related to our dispensation, the church in Philadelphia represented the time from around 1700 AD to around 1900 AD. This time period was one of "brotherly love" (meaning of Philadelphia) in the church, especially in America with the Great Awakenings. Believers loving believers led to a great revival.
13He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.
13He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Commentary · verses 14-22
Verses 14-22: the church in Laodicea.
14And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God:
14And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
Commentary · verse 14
Description of Christ: Jesus is the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God.
15I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
15I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Commentary · verse 15
Did well: Nothing.
Did not do well: Jesus wanted them to go cold or hot. The terms "cold" and "hot" were directional. Go hard one way or the other; state your will; God will correct you if you are wrong. Being lukewarm was not stating your will and remaining under mercy.
God responds through Justice to a person who is gaining or losing value. This means that God cannot respond to a person who is doing nothing and remaining under mercy. The individual ought to go towards what they believe is right, believing it is hot, and then be willing to find out if it was cold or hot based on God's response.
Some people try to say cold and hot are both good, that cold water refreshes and hot water soothes. They are not both good, otherwise Jesus would not have had to make the obvious point that He would that we were good. Jesus stated He would that we either made progress the right way (so His Will could be done through us) or we made progress the wrong way (so He could correct us through Justice, which would eventually be for our good).
16So because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spew thee out of my mouth.
16So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Commentary · verse 16
This church was lukewarm. They did not state their will. Lukewarm is spewed (vomited) out of Jesus' Mouth (the place of creation). This statement was more extreme than it reads to most people. It would be as if Jesus emphatically stated about lukewarm people, "You make me sick!!"
Many people are deceived by thinking lukewarm is better than cold. This is comparative thinking. Believing that as long as you are not a murderer, you are a "good" person and God will let you attain Salvation is deception. Actually, Jesus would rather you be cold than lukewarm because He cannot do anything with a person who is lukewarm.
Doctrines on this passage
17Because thou sayest, I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art the wretched one and miserable and poor and blind and naked:
17Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Commentary · verse 17
This church was focused on the physical. They were satisfied with their physical wealth and declared they were in need of nothing (pride), they did not need to state their will and progress towards anything because they were satisfied.
18I counsel thee to buy of me gold refined by fire, that thou mayest become rich; and white garments, that thou mayest clothe thyself, and that the shame of thy nakedness be not made manifest; and eyesalve to anoint thine eyes, that thou mayest see.
18I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Commentary · verse 18
They should "buy" (an exchange of value) gold tried by fire from Jesus that they would be spiritually rich, "buy" white raiment to cover their sin, and anoint their eyes so they could see. The first step towards making progress is to be aware, to see. The first step for this church is to become aware of their true spiritual condition: poor, naked, and blind.
19As many as I love, I reprove and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Commentary · verse 19
Those Jesus loves He rebukes and chastens. Jesus told this church to be zealous (get some energy so they could make progress) and repent which meant turn and make progress in the other way.
20Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
20Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Commentary · verse 20
Doctrine: Jesus is knocking on our doors.
Doctrine: It is up to us to choose to open it.
Doctrine: If we do, Jesus will dine with us. Jesus loves to eat.
21He that overcometh, I will give to him to sit down with me in my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father in his throne.
21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Commentary · verse 21
Those who overcome: will be granted to sit with Jesus on His throne.
As it related to our dispensation, the church in Laodicea represented the time from around 1900 AD through today and to the end of our dispensation. Today, the church is lukewarm. In fact, many churches and "Christian" authors justify being lukewarm. It is very difficult to get "Christians" to state their will and share the definitions for the words they use. The church today needs to recognize its true spiritual condition and repent. Periods of satisfaction and inactivity will occur to those who follow periods of tremendous growth (Philadelphia Age) by allowing their flesh to convince them they deserve a break.
22He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.
22He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Commentary · verse 22
This ended the first section of the Book of Revelation that focused on the seven churches in Asia and the events prior to the Tribulation. Revelation chapters 1, 2, and 3 all occurred in the first section of the diagram.
This was the revelation of Jesus Christ that was given to John to show believers the things that will come to pass. This was done by an angel. John saw everything that was in this account.