Enduring Word Bible Commentary Revelation Chapter 2

Enduring Word Bible Commentary Revelation Chapter 2

Revelation chapter 2 contains the letters to the seven churches in Asia. Each letter begins with an address to the angel of the church, likely a reference to the spiritual leaders of the congregation.

Verse 1: The letter to the church in Ephesus

The letter to the church in Ephesus commends the congregation for their hard work and perseverance, as well as their refusal to tolerate false teachers. However, they are rebuked for abandoning their first love, likely a reference to their initial passion for Christ and the gospel. The letter encourages them to repent and return to their first love, or else face the removal of their lampstand, a symbol of their status as a church.

Verse 8: The letter to the church in Smyrna

The letter to the church in Smyrna acknowledges the persecution and suffering that the congregation is enduring, and encourages them to remain faithful in the face of death. They are promised a crown of life for their faithfulness.

Verse 12: The letter to the church in Pergamum

The letter to the church in Pergamum commends the congregation for their perseverance in the face of persecution, but rebukes them for tolerating false teachers who are leading the people astray. The letter warns that unless they repent, they will face judgment.

Verse 18: The letter to the church in Thyatira

The letter to the church in Thyatira commends the congregation for their love, faith, service, and perseverance, but rebukes them for tolerating a false prophetess who is leading the people astray. The letter warns that unless they repent, they will face judgment.

Chapter 2:23: "I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds."

Verse 1: The letter to the church in Sardis

The letter to the church in Sardis rebukes the congregation for their spiritual deadness, and calls them to wake up and strengthen what remains. The letter promises that those who overcome will be clothed in white garments and will not have their names blotted out of the book of life.

Verse 8: The letter to the church in Philadelphia

The letter to the church in Philadelphia commends the congregation for their faithfulness and perseverance, and promises them an open door that no one can shut. The letter also promises that those who overcome will be made pillars in the temple of God.

Verse 14: The letter to the church in Laodicea

The letter to the church in Laodicea rebukes the congregation for their lukewarmness and self-sufficiency, and calls them to repent and turn to Christ. The letter promises that those who overcome will sit with Christ on his throne.

Overall, the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 serve as a call to repentance and faithfulness for all believers, reminding us of the importance of maintaining our first love for Christ, resisting false teaching, persevering in the face of persecution, and remaining faithful to the end.

Read more....