REVELATION – chapter 2-3
We have looked at the letters from Christ to the 7 churches in the Roman province of Asia.
The 7 churches in the Roman province of Asia.
There are different approaches to understanding the letters to the churches. Almost all interpret these letters primarily as letters to actual historical churches with specific commendations, warnings, and exhortations relevant to their situations.
Literal Interpretation: Some maintain that these messages only applied to those seven specific churches and the messages have no lasting significance. One of the criticisms of this theory is that it dismisses the prophetic nature of the messages, and reduces the significance of the prophecies coming from the glorified Christ.
Archetypes: Another point of view is that each of these historical churches represents different kinds of churches through history. One church may have the hard work and patience of Ephesus, while another the lukewarm attitude of Laodicea.
Chronological perspective. According to this view, each church mentioned in these chapters represents a period in church history, from the early church through to the end times. Dispensationalists in particular have described this as the seven church eras. They maintain that the messages to the seven churches imply a progressive history of things “which will take place after this” (Rev 1:19).
Combination Approach: Some blend elements of the above interpretations, recognizing both historical and symbolic significance in the letters, as well as their potential application to individual believers and the broader church.
John F. Walvoord noted: “Many expositors believe that in addition to the obvious implication of these messages the seven churches represent the chronological development of church history viewed spiritually. They note that Ephesus seems to be characteristic of the Apostolic Period in general and that the progression of evil climaxing in Laodicea seems to indicate the final state of apostasy of the church … The order of the messages to the churches seems to be divinely selected to give prophetically the main movement of church history” (The Revelation of Jesus Christ, 1989, pp. 51-52).
C.I. Scofield (1843-1921) said that “these messages by their
very terms go beyond the local assemblies mentioned.”
It can be seen that Ephesus … though a local church in
the apostle’s day, is typical of the first century as a whole;
Smyrna … characterizes the church under
persecution, e.g. from AD c. 100-316;
Pergamos … ‘where Satan dwells’ … is suggestive of
the church mixing with the world, e.g. in the Middle Ages;
Thyatira … reveals how evil progresses in the church
and idolatry is practiced;
Sardis … is representative of the church as dead, yet
still having a minority of godly men and women, as
during the Reformation;
Philadelphia … shows revival and a state of spiritual advance;
Laodicea … is illustrative of the final state of apostasy which the visible church will experience” (Scofield Study Bible, Revelation 1:20)
The well-known dispensationalist, Clarence Larkin was of this view as well.
THE SEVEN CHURCH AGES
Whenever a new 'period' has been introduced, there has not been a passing of the previous type of church, but simply the addition of another kind existing alongside. Today there continue to be churches of the medieval type (Pergamum and Thyatira), the Reformation-era type (Sardis), the missionary type (Philadelphia), and the liberal type (Laodicea).
In particular, those of the Reformed traditions object to the identification of Sardis with the Reformation church, since that church is described as having only a reputation for being alive, while it is in fact dead.
Likewise, Catholics would object to being identified as a church plagued by false teaching and idolatry.
And no doubt the modern Western church would object to being identified with a lukewarm church that is rich, but spiritually poor. Like the Laodicean church – they lack self awareness of their condition.
Jesus also taught 7 consecutive ‘kingdom’ parables in Matthew 13. The parables, if understood, reveal the “knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 13:11).
The 7 parables of Matthew 13 have a parallel with the 7 churches of Revelation 2 and 3. They are also typical of the 7 periods of Church history.
In Matthew 13 this corresponds to the Parable of the Sower.
While this parable is about the different responses to the gospel, in the context of the 7 kingdom parables, Jesus was also referring to the initial church age.
This parable marks the inception of the Christian era ever since our Lord began sowing the children of the kingdom while he was on earth. The sowing continues even until today (i.e. the Church Ages overlap).
Remember how Israel was cut off because of fruitlessness (the fig tree). Here, however, we find that despite the attempts of the enemy and the influence of persecution and worldliness, the good seed “produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown” i.e. exponential growth.
Paul refers to the rapid spread of the Gospel worldwide.
All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth. You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf… (Col 1:6-7)
The 120 disciples grew to over 3000 in just one day (Pentecost), which included many foreigners. (Acts 2:41)
It was soon about 5000. (Acts 4:4)
Despite persecution and intimidation, the early church teaches and witnesses on a daily basis. (Acts 5:42) The number of the disciples continued to ‘multiply’ in Jerusalem. (Acts 6:7)
After the martyrdom of Stephen, persecution breaks out.
Philip took the gospel to Samaria (Acts 8).
There is a lapse in the persecution and the church in Israel and Samaria then grows further. (Acts 9:31)
Years later, there were ‘thousands’ of Jewish believers just in Jerusalem alone. (Acts 21:17)
The persecution actually served to spread the Church and it reached Phoenicia (Lebanon), Cyprus and Antioch in Syria. (Acts 11:19)
This church at Antioch becomes the first missionary church and sends out Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey.
In Acts we read of two subsequent missionary trips by Paul, Silas and Timothy, and one by Barnabas and John Mark. The gospel is preached in Asia Minor and Europe.
Based on tradition, not necessarily reliable, the other apostles also evangelized these areas of the world.
Peter: Judea, Samaria, Syria, Asia Minor (Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia cf. 1 Pet 1:1), Rome (Italy).
James: Judea, possibly Spain
John: Judea, Samaria, Patmos, Asia Minor (in particular Ephesus)
Andrew: Thrace (Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey), Byzantium (later Constantinople), Sarmatia (Romania), Scythia (Ukraine, Russia).
Philip: Phrygia (Asia Minor), Greece, Scythia (Ukraine), Syria.
Matthew: Judea, Parthia, Ethiopia, Arabia, Palmyra, Black Sea area.
Thomas: Parthians, Medes, Persians [Iran], Hyrcanians (Turkmenistan), Bactrians [northern Afghanistan], Margians, Calamene in India.
James the son of Alphaeus: Egypt
Bartholomew / Nathanael: India, * Mesopotamia, Persia, Egypt, Armenia, Phrygia and the shores of the Black Sea.
Judas / Lebbaeus / Thaddaeus: the people of Edessa [in modern Turkey], Mesopotamia, Berytus (Beirut in Lebanon).
Simon the Zealot: Mesopotamia [including Parthia and Babylon], Egypt and Africa, the Britannia Isles [England].
Matthias: Judea, Ethiopia, Cappadocia.
* At that time, India meant everything from Arabia to the east.
The Apostolic Church (1st century) is a period when the Sower (Jesus) sowed the seed (the Word).
Despite the different
responses to the gospel and terrible persecution, the good seed produced “a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown,” resulting in around 1 million Christians by 100 AD.
An excerpt from Pliny the Younger’s (governor of the Roman province of Bithynia) letter to emperor Trajan about AD 110 indicates that, only 80 years after the crucifixion of Christ, Christianity had spread to the point that it was causing a notable stir in the Roman Empire:
The matter seems to me worthy of your consultation, especially on account of the numbers of defendants. For many of every age, of every social class, even of both
sexes, are being called to trial and will be called. Nor cities alone, but villages and even rural areas have been invaded by
the infection of this superstition.
Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15) The apostles took Jesus at his word and went north, south, east and west proclaiming the gospel. We need to do the same.
The letter to Ephesus is often seen as representing the apostolic era of the early church.
It was characterized by zeal and love for Christ. Jesus praises their hard work and perseverance in hardship (Rev 2:2-3).
They are praised for being doctrinally sound (2:2). They opposed the practices of the early Gnostic cult - the Nicolaitans (2:6).
Despite the praise, Jesus rebukes them for leaving their first love (2:4). It is a trap that we need to caution against - being very “down-the-line” doctrinally and yet drifting into a mediocre relationship with God.
This “Smyrna” era represents the persecuted church, reflecting the era of intense persecution and poverty faced by early Christians, especially under pagan Roman rule.
They were a poor and persecuted church - materially poor but spiritually rich.
Rev 2:9-10 (ESV) “I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) … Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
For ten days you will have tribulation:
Commentators debate the meaning of these ten days.
Some believe it applies only to Smyrna and was a literal ten days of severe persecution, with an emphasis being that it is a limited time. Barclay says, “The expression ten days is not to be taken literally; it is the normal Greek expression for a short time.”
Some think that this is a reference to the ten years of the final and worst persecution under Diocletian. “As the days in this book are what is commonly called prophetic days, each answering to a year, the ten years of tribulation may denote ten years of persecution; and this was precisely the duration of the persecution under Diocletian, during which all the Asiatic Churches were grievously afflicted.” (Clarke)
Persecution after blaming his burning of Rome on Christians. Paul beheaded; Peter crucified upside down.
1) Nero (r. 54-68)
Brief but violent; several thousand slain. John banished to Patmos.
2) Domitian
(r. 81-96)
Christianity regarded illegal: formalities of emperor worship. Ignatius burned at the stake.
3) Trajan
(r. 98-117)
Polycarp of Smyrna burned at the stake, the Christian martyrs of Lyons and Vienne (2 cities in France) martyred.
4) Marcus Aurelius (r. 161-180)
Others believe it is a reference to ten periods of persecution in the reign of pagan Roman Emperors.
Outlawed conversion to Christianity. He executed Irenaeus.
5) Septimius Severus (r. 193-211)
Reversed his predecessor Alexander’s policy of clemency towards Christians and persecuted them. He executed Hippolytus.
6) Maximinus Thrax (r. 235-238)
In AD 250, Decius issued the edict for the suppression of Christianity.
7) Decius
(r. 249-251)
At the end of AD 256 a new persecution of the Christians broke out. Killed Origen and Cyprian.
8) Valerian
(r. 253-260)
Through evil counsel suggested to him, he became an enemy and persecutor of the Christians.
9) Aurelian
(r. 270-275)
Besides being the 10th persecution, it also lasted 10 years (303-313) and was the severest ever persecution.
10) Diocletian
(r. 284-305)
Diocletian appointed his son-in-law, Galerius as his
Caesar (junior emperor) in 293 AD. Diocletian
began the persecution at the instigation of
Galerius, who allegedly burnt the Imperial
Palace and blamed it on Christians.
Many edicts were issued against Christians.
Churches were demolished, Christian books
were seized and burnt, Christians were
persecuted, imprisoned, tortured and killed.
February 23 was the feast of the Terminalia, for Terminus, the god of boundaries. It was the day they would terminate Christianity.
On February 23, 303, Diocletian ordered that the newly built Christian church at Nicomedia be razed, its scriptures burned, and its treasures seized. He ordered the doors of the church to be barred, and then burnt it with 600 Christians inside.
The Catacombs of Rome served as burial grounds for early Christians during this period. They span hundreds of miles and contain 4000 inscriptions of as many as 2-7 million graves.
It was at the insistence of Galerius that the last edicts of persecution against the Christians were published, beginning in 303, and this policy of repression was maintained by him until the appearance of the general edict of toleration, issued in 311, apparently during his last bout of illness. *
Galerius's last request was that Christians should pray for him as he suffered with a painful and fatal illness. *
* https:// en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/ Galerius
Galerius later admitted that the policy of trying
to eradicate Christianity had failed, saying:
“wherefore, for this our indulgence, they ought
to pray to their God for our safety, for that of the
republic, and for their own, that the republic
may continue uninjured on every side, and
that they may be able to live securely in
their homes.” *
This marked the end of official persecution of
Christians, which was officially legalized two years
later by Constantine and Licinius in the Edict of Milan.
Galerius died in late April or early May 311 from a horribly gruesome disease described by Eusebius and Lactantius, possibly some form of bowel cancer, gangrene or Fournier gangrene. *
* https:// en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/ Galerius
The Christians suffering persecution in the ‘Smyrna’ period before Constantine proclaimed religious freedom in AD 313 have this promise:
“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer… Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Rev 2:10)
This period was characterized by an even more intense persecution than the 1st century. We noted how it was in this era that Polycarp, the disciple of John was burnt at the stake.
When offered pardon if he would deny Christ he responded, “86 years have I have served him, and he has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King and my Saviour?”
Let’s look at some other famous martyrs.
Justin Martyr was arrested along with six friends (two of them slaves educated by him) for his Christian beliefs and teachings, particularly for his defense of Christianity against Roman paganism and philosophical systems of the time.
He was brought before the Roman authorities, and after refusing to renounce his Christian faith, he
was sentenced to death. He was scourged and
then beheaded around the year 165 AD, during
the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
Ignatius of Antioch was a bishop of Antioch and a disciple of the Apostle John. He is traditionally believed to have been martyred around AD 108 during the reign of the Emperor Trajan.
He was arrested for his Christian beliefs and writings and was taken to Rome to face trial. Ignatius wrote several letters to various Christian communities while he was en route to Rome, expressing his willingness to die for his faith and urging fellow Christians to remain steadfast in their beliefs.
According to tradition, Ignatius was thrown to wild beasts in the Roman Colosseum as a form of execution, thus becoming one of the earliest Christian martyrs.
Origen was born about 185 AD probably at Alexandria. He was well educated by his father Leonidas, who made him memorize passages from the Bible, and by Clement in the Catechetical school.
In the persecution of 202 AD when his father
was arrested, Origen was
restrained by his mother from
becoming a martyr by hiding
all his clothes, though he wrote
encouraging his father not to
change his beliefs for their
sake.
Leonidas was beheaded,
and his property was
confiscated, leaving
Origen to provide
for his mother
and six younger
brothers.
Origen earned money teaching Greek and copying manuscripts. Bishop Demetrius appointed him to succeed Clement as principal of the Catechetical school when he was only 18 years old.
He is still remembered for his extensive writings on theology.
He lived very ascetically, fasting often, rarely eating meat, never drinking wine, having only one coat, no shoes, and sleeping on the bare floor.
Origen's martyrdom occurred during the persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Decius in the year 250 AD.
He was subjected to various forms of torture and imprisonment for his refusal to renounce his Christian faith. He endured severe suffering, including being tortured on the rack and imprisoned in harsh conditions.
Although there are conflicting accounts, some suggest that he may have died in prison, while others suggest that he may have died shortly after his release as a result of his injuries inflicted by the torture he had endured.
Hippolytus was a Roman theologian who lived in the 3rd century AD.
He was exiled to the mines of Sardinia during the persecution of Emperor Maximinus Thrax around 235 AD.
It is generally believed that he suffered greatly during his exile, enduring harsh labour and torture.
One account suggests that he died as a result of his mistreatment in the mines, while others indicate that he may have been freed.
Cyprian was a prominent Christian in the 3rd century. He is considered one of the most important Christian writers of
his time. His writings on theology and ecclesiastical
discipline continue to be studied by Christians today.
The exact details vary depending on the sources, but the
general account is as follows: Cyprian was born in North
Africa around the year 200 AD. He was a well-educated
man and practiced as a successful lawyer before
converting to Christianity in mid-life. He quickly
rose through the ranks of the church and became
Bishop of Carthage around the year 249 AD.
During his time as bishop, Cyprian faced persecution from the Roman authorities. In 257 AD, Emperor Valerian issued an edict ordering the persecution of Christians throughout the empire. Cyprian was arrested and brought before the Roman proconsul in Carthage.
He was given the opportunity to recant his Christian faith and make sacrifices to the Roman gods, but he steadfastly refused. As a result, he was sentenced to exile in Curubis, a small town in modern-day Tunisia. During his exile, Cyprian continued to correspond with his followers and provide them with spiritual guidance.
Emperor Valerian issued another edict intensifying the persecution of Christians, and Cyprian was recalled from exile to Carthage. He reportedly had a vision forewarning him of his impending martyrdom. He asked for one day to settle his affairs and this allowed him to ensure that his wealth was used for the benefit of the poor rather than being confiscated by the authorities.
According to some accounts, Cyprian was led to the place of execution calmly and courageously. He knelt down and prayed before being beheaded, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his Christian beliefs.
PERPETUA & FELICITY
One of the oldest early Christian texts we have is “The Passion of the Holy Martyrs Perpetua and Felicity.” It is a diary by Vibia Perpetua - a 22-year well-educated Christian noblewoman living in Carthage (North Africa) - describing her imprisonment in AD 203. It was completed after her death by an editor.
Perpetua and her servant, Felicitas were arrested in a
new wave of persecution under Roman Emperor
Septimius Severus. At the time of her arrest, Perpetua
was nursing a baby.
When her pagan father visited and pleaded with her to
deny that she was a Christian, Perpetua responded that
it was impossible that she be called “anything other
than what I am, a Christian”. *
Those in the amphitheatre who had witnessed her
martyrdom reported that Perpetua, came into the arena
“joyfully as though they were on their way to Heaven.”
When Perpetua and her friends entered the stadium
they were singing Psalms in such a joyful demeanour
that the crowd demanded that the Christians be
scourged first. *
* https:// reformationsa.org/ index.php/ history/ 355-perpetua-courageous-christian-martyr
Tertullian was of Berber and Phoenician origin and was the son of a centurion in an African-based Roman legion.
He was born and lived in Carthage (in modern Tunisia). He clearly gained a good education (as a lawyer) and was known for his sharp intellect, theological prowess, and his role in shaping early Christian thought, particularly in the Latin-speaking West.
In his Apologeticum, Tertullian charged the Empire with unjust hatred against Christianity:
“The term ‘conspiracy’ should not be applied to us but rather to those who plot to foment hatred against decent and worthy people, those who shout for the blood of the innocent and plead forsooth in justification of their hatred the foolish excuse that the Christians are to blame for every public disaster and every misfortune that befalls the people.
“If the Tiber rises to the walls, if the Nile fails to rise and flood the fields, if the sky withholds its rain, if there is earthquake or famine or plague, straightway the cry arises: ‘The Christians to the lion!’ What, all of them, to a single lion?
“Every misfortune is ascribed to the Christians – as if earthquakes never happened until 33 AD…
“You say we are just another spin-off of philosophy, then. Well why don’t you persecute your philosophers, then, when they say the gods are fake, or bark against the emperors.
“Perhaps it is because the name of ‘philosopher’ does not drive out demons like ‘Christian’ does.
“We are not a new philosophy but a divine revelation.
“That’s why you can’t just exterminate us; the more you kill the more we are.
“The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.
“You praise those who endured pain and death - so long as they aren’t Christians! …
“And you frustrate your purpose. Because those who see us die, wonder why we do, for we die like the men you revere, not like slaves or criminals. And when they find out, they join us.”
The church ages continue after the start of the new age. At the end of this age the persecution by Roman pagans by ended by Constantine, in modern times the chief persecutors are Islamic and atheistic (Communist) states.
According to Open Doors, more than 365m Christians suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith.
In Open Doors' World Watch List top 50 alone, 317m Christians face very high or extreme levels.
SOURCE: https:// opendoorsus.org
SOURCE: https:// opendoorsus.org/ en-US/ persecution/ countries/#:~:text=More%20than
%20365m%20Christians%20suffer,very%20high%20or%20extreme%20levels.
Like the Christians who suffered persecution in the ‘Smyrna’ period Jesus gives this promise, “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer… Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Rev 2:10)
AUTHOR: Gavin Paynter
For more sermon downloads: https:// agfbrakpan.com
For more sermon downloads by Gavin Paynter: https:// agfbrakpan.com/ free-sermon-downloads-by-speaker/ Gavin%20Paynter
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