1. #2 Revelation Series 6/8/14 Grace Baptist Church PM
The Letters Chapter 2
#2 Revelation Series
6/8/14
Grace Baptist Church PM

2. Introduction:
Key Verse: Revelation 2:29- “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches.”
Chapter 2 begins the second major division of Revelation; the letters to the 7 churches (“the things which are”- Rev. 1:19).
Location. There were several churches in Asia Minor (Western Turkey), but only 7 were given a divine message. Verse 1 states that Christ “walketh in the midst” of the churches. He would have walked in a complete circle, beginning with Ephesus and ending with Laodicea. Scholars have noted the Ephesian church was a thriving, soul-winning center responsible for starting many other Asian churches including the other 6 referred to here.

3. Literal historical churches of John’s day.
Significance. The number 7 signifies “completion”- giving us a complete picture of the churches, etc. With that in mind, these letters were written to or represent:
Literal historical churches of John’s day.
Seven types of churches in each part of the church age. These 7 types can be seen today.
Seven prophetic periods of church history:
Ephesus- Apostolic Church (AD )
Smyrna- Persecuted Church ( )
Pergamos- State Church ( )
Thyatira- Papal Church ( )
Sardis- Reformed Church ( )
Philadelphia- Missionary Church ( )
Laodicea- Apostate Church (1900-?)

4. The Ephesian Church Forsaken Love (2:1-7)
The Saints
Spiritually strong apostolic church of first century.
Sea coast capitol- religious, political, commercial center. Temple of Diana- one of 7 wonders of the world.
Paul preached there 3 years (Acts 19 and 20).

5. Ephesus
The Source (2:1)
In each letter, Christ is described differently. Note His description in vs. 1
“Ephesus” means desirable, a desirable church.
“stars”- pastor or messenger.
“right hand”- place of power (John 10:27-30)

6. Ephesus
The State (2:2-3)
“I know thy works”- Christ knows all and sees all. He is qualified to approve or disapprove our churches.
He commended them for:
sacrificial service (2:2, 3) (Acts 20:20- missionary and evangelistic zeal)
Steadfastness (2:3) “Hast patience and not fainted” amidst Judaism’s legalism, paganism’s superstition and immorality (Acts 19).
Suppression of evil (2:2) “Canst not bear…”
Spiritual discernment (2:2) “Hast tried them…” (Acts 20:28-31; I Jn. 4:1)
Stand against the deeds of the Nicolaitans (2:6). A sect which divided the church into clergy and laity.

7. Ephesus
The Scolding (2:4) (Matt.24:12) A sin which no average person could detect.
The Suggestion (2:5)
Remember- how you were when you first got saved.
Repent- (Col. 2:6) or else the Lord would remove their witness. This is what happened. Islam rules that area today.