Bible Study of the Book of Revelation, Study 2: The Church in the World

Prologue — Revelation 1:1-8

Revelation begins: The Revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place.1

Who is taking the initiative to reveal himself? Who is the subject of that revelation? Who is the means of the revelation? To whom is the revelation ultimately given?

The phrase things which must shortly take place must be understood in light of the Apocalyptic literature of the time. In Apocalyptic literature, drawing upon Daniel 2:28, the phrase latter days is a code phrase for a time far in the future. By using this phrase, John is telling us that in the coming of Christ, the latter days have arrived. Hence the revelation being given, though it bears many similarities to first century Apocalyptic literature, is not to be seen as describing events far in the future. It is a revelation given to the church today, for its work and ministry and comfort, for the latter days have arrived.

The author identifies himself as John, nothing more. He does not need to say more. He was well known to his readers. Early church tradition is consistent in identifying the author as John the Apostle. He had been Bishop of Ephesus for years before his exile to the island of Patmos.

He would have been in his eighties at this time. He is the only one of the twelve who died a natural death. He was a man who embodied the transforming power of Jesus Christ. When he first met Jesus he was a hot headed youth, having earned, together with his brother, the nickname, Sons of Thunder. Church tradition tells us he ended his life having been given a new nickname, the Apostle of Love, derived from his habit of ending letters and sermons with the words: Little children, love one another.

Revelation is addressed to the seven churches of Asia. Yet we know that there were at least ten churches in Asia Minor at this time. We will explore the symbolic meanings of biblical numbers later. Suffice it to note at this time that the reference to the seven churches is best understood as meaning all the church.

What is the three-fold-office John uses to describe Jesus Christ? How might this description of Christ’s work, accomplishment, and authority provide encouragement to Christians facing an uncertain future?

What great truth about Jesus Christ is affirmed in v. 7? While this is encouragement to believers, what is the response of the world?

In v. 8 we find one truth about God repeated in four different ways. Who is speaking? What is he revealing about himself? How might this aspect of God’s character be encouraging for a church facing persecution?

Scene 1: The Church in the World — 1:9 – 3:22

The Church Centered Upon Christ 1:9-20

Any good pastor will seek to identify with his/her flock. How does John identify with his readers? What does John see? List the key elements.

There is no question that John’s first sight is of Jesus Christ in majesty and glory. Vs. 17-18 make it certain that the One like the Son of Man is our risen Lord. Where is Jesus Christ when John first sees him? According to v. 20, what do the seven lampstands represent? What meaning then would you draw, to the symbolism of this first vision of Jesus Christ standing in the midst of the seven lampstands?

The lampstands represent the church scattered in the world. We first see Jesus standing in their midst. In this he is the fulfillment of the promise of the prophets, he is Emmanuel, God with us.

Now look at how the Lord is attired. It may be intended to reflect the clothing of the High Priest, revealing Jesus Christ to be the one true mediator between God and man. How are his eyes described? What does that suggest to you about the Lord? What color is his hair? What might that mean? His feet are described as bronze. What might that image suggest about firmness and foundation? Have you ever stood beside a large waterfall? John says the Lord’s voice was like many waters. What does that suggest to you about Jesus’ voice and authority?

What does the Lord hold in his right hand? The right hand is the hand of readiness. A soldier with sword drawn is ready to fight. Think about the ancient world and the common belief that the stars and planets controlled human events. What might John be suggesting as he writes of Jesus Christ holding the stars?

The Letters to the Seven Churches 2:1-3:22

Ephesus 2:1-7

Note that each of the letters to these seven churches are addressed to the angel of the church of…. Angels are messengers. This formulation therefore probably means that Christ is addressing, the prevailing spirit, of each particular church. So let us examine the prevailing spirit of the church at Ephesus. What is she commended for? Nevertheless, the Lord has a complaint to bring. What is it? How important is this one thing lacking? (See I Corinthians 13:1-3). In what ways might a church today face a similar temptation? Do you think this can be a temptation for individual believers as well?

Five of the seven churches are given warnings by Christ. Two, Smyrna and Philadelphia, are facing or about to face persecution, respectively. To them Christ speaks a word of encouragement. Only the first and last churches, Ephesus and Laodicea, are threatened with the severe judgment of outright extinction. Why do you think our Lord’s judgment on Ephesus would be so great? In fact Ephesus’ lampstand was removed. Because its harbor kept silting over, the city eventually was abandoned. Since it had not been destroyed by war, today the ruins of Ephesus are among the most impressive in the Middle East. The silting has continued through the centuries. The ruins are now five miles from the coast.

Smryna 2:10-11

The Biblical town of Smyrna was located at the site of the modern town of Izmir, Turkey. Like several of the towns to which these seven letters were addressed, it was known for its cult of emperor worship. What is the imminent threat the church at Smyrna is facing, according to v. 10? Who is the primary source for the persecution of the Christians of Smyrna? They believe they are serving God in persecuting the Church. According to the Lord, who are they truly serving?

How is the church at Smyrna described? What contrasts does Christ make between the church’s outward appearance and its spiritual reality?

How does the Lord offer encouragement to this church about to face persecution? What is the promise for those who may suffer even unto death?

How long will be the time of suffering? We can be sure that this is a symbolic, not a literal number. What is Christ saying to the church when he tells them that the length of the time of their suffering will be days, as opposed to months or years?

When we face trial and difficulty in life, it is often our prayer that God would remove the tribulation from us. How do you think Christ’s words of encouragement might suggest we change the nature of our petitions during such troubling times?

Pergamum 2:12-17

What is the temptation facing the Pergamum church? What sin in their midst do they tolerate?

Take the time to read Numbers 22 to learn the story of Balaam and Balak. Balak finds that he is thwarted by Almighty God in his hiring of Balaam to curse the Israelite people. Now read Numbers 25:1-4. How does this alternative plan proposed by Balaam accomplish the same end by another means? What does this tell us is the nature of the failing of the church at Pergamum? What does this suggest to us about the importance of right teaching and doctrine in the church?

In v. 16 we find a sobering warning of what will happen if the Pergamum church does not repent, permitting the false teachers in her midst to continue? What is that warning?

The letters to the Seven Churches can be seen as describing the state of the church. In differing times and places, one letter might be more applicable to a church than another. I believe that it is the letter to Pergamum that is the message most applicable to the PC(USA) today. Do you agree? Disagree? Why?

The world seeks to give to the church a choice: persecution or seduction. Pergamum was the place of Satan’s throne: probably a reference to the large temple to Zeus in the city. The Lord refers (v. 13) to a prior time of persecution when a believer named Antipas was martyred. The church apparently held firm during persecution only to be compromised by theological seduction.

Thyatira 2:18-29

How is the church at Thyatira characterized? For what does Christ commend them? Does it seem to you that this was a vibrant, active church? At the same time, there is a problem, a corruption in their midst. What is it? Christ calls this woman Jezebel. The original Jezebel (see I Kings 16:31, 19:1-2, 21:5-26, and II Kings 9:30-37) led God’s people into idolatry and sexual immorality. Is there a word for our churches today from the letter to Thyatira? Are we too tolerant of moral sin in our midst?

In v. 20 the Lord chastises the church for permitting Jezebel to teach in their midst. How closely should church leaders monitor what is taught in our Sunday schools, pulpits and seminaries? If there were a Jezebel in our midst today, could PC(USA) find the courage and conviction to silence her?

In vs. 24-25 the Lord gives his instruction to those who are faithful at Thyatira. What are they to do? Christ called the church at Pergamum to repent. Why do you think he does not call Thyatira to do so?

Sardis 3:1-6

Sardis was a city of great wealth. The legend of King Midas arose here. Is Sardis an active church? Are her activities what Christ desires? Program and activities are not the same as Christ centered spiritual vitality. What do you believe are the necessary ingredients for a truly healthy church?

Here we have a church that appears healthy to outside observers, but is dead or dying inwardly. What instruction does the Lord give to Sardis? Many congregations today face similar temptation. Like ancient Sardis, we too are rich. We run the risk of filling our time with church activities while neglecting the spiritual life. If the risen Christ were to send a letter to your local congregation, what would he commend? What would he rebuke?

Philadelphia 3:7-13

List the things for which Christ praises this church in v.8. He also tells them that he has given them an open door. What do you think he intends by this image?

In v. 10 he tells them they are about to face a time of trial. They are opposed by the synagogue of Satan: those who believe they are serving God, but are not. Which do you think is more difficult, to face opposition and hardship from those who believe they are serving God in harming you, or from those who are indifferent to the things of God? Why? Why not?

Why do you think there is no rebuke given to the church of Philadelphia? On a first reading, v. 9 is very surprising. It is reasonable to assume, since to assume otherwise would run contrary to the teaching of the rest of Scripture, that the only true object or worship is God himself, that when the church’s opponents fall at the feet of the Philadelphian believers, they are not worshipping them. What other possible meanings might be intended? What else does verse 9 say about the significance of this event? How would this verse strengthen the hearts of those about to face an hour of trial?

What are other words of encouragement in this letter do we see that Christ offers to a church facing persecution?

Laodicea 3:14-22

How would you characterize the problem with the Laodicean church? What are the three aspects of her self perception? What are the Lord’s three assessments of her true state? Can you think of modern examples in which a church’s self perception might be at odds with the perception of her Lord and Master?

The town of Laodicea in the ancient world was known for its finances, its production of an eye ointment (cf. v. 18), and the lime-laden lukewarm water that flowed from a spring six miles away. Apparently the Laodicean church was relying upon these material resources and not upon the Lord. Remembering the contrast between their self perception and our Lord’s assessment, what three things does Jesus offer to give to them? Why?

Christ condemns the Laodicean church for its lukewarmness. Why do you think that it is preferable to be hot or cold over merely lukewarm? How does the Lord characterize the meaning and purpose of his chastisement in v. 19? How might Proverbs 13:24 help us understand the harshness of Jesus’ words to this church?

Revelation 3:20 is one of the most well known verses in New Testament. It is often applied in evangelistic contexts in which a non-believer is exhorted to open the door of his heart to Jesus, receiving him as Lord and Savior. Whom is the Lord addressing in v. 20, believers, or non-believers? What does this suggest to you about the right application of this verse in the life of the church? Is this an invitation to evangelism? Or is it a call to reformation? V. 21 is an invitation to those who overcome. What is it they must overcome?

Review of the Letters to the Seven Churches

In one or two words, how would you summarize the spiritual need of each of the Seven Churches? Some of the churches are rebuked for having lost a key element of spiritual vitality. How would you summarize what they have lost? Some of the churches are specifically praised for aspects of their life and ministry. How would you summarize what they are doing that earns the Lord’s approval.

We have now completed the first of the eight scenes of Revelation: The Church in the World.

This study first appeared in Theology Matters, Vol. 5, No. 5 (Sep/Oct 1999).