Week 3
Series
Description
Since the beginning of humanity, evil forces have been at work, and God’s people have suffered persecution and corruption. Yet the Church endures, and nothing can extinguish its light. And a day is coming when God’s plan will come to fruition. Jesus will return and deal with all sin and brokenness for good. As we explore the book of Revelation, we cast our eyes to King Jesus, who has the power to triumph over evil and usher in a Kingdom of everlasting peace and glory.
Main
Passage
Revelation 2:8–17
The Message to the Church in Smyrna
“Write this letter to the angel of the church in Smyrna. This is the message from the one who is the First and the Last, who was dead but is now alive:
“I know about your suffering and your poverty—but you are rich! I know the blasphemy of those opposing you. They say they are Jews, but they are not, because their synagogue belongs to Satan. Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.
“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. Whoever is victorious will not be harmed by the second death.
The Message to the Church in Pergamum
“Write this letter to the angel of the church in Pergamum. This is the message from the one with the sharp two-edged sword:
“I know that you live in the city where Satan has his throne, yet you have remained loyal to me. You refused to deny me even when Antipas, my faithful witness, was martyred among you there in Satan’s city.
“But I have a few complaints against you. You tolerate some among you whose teaching is like that of Balaam, who showed Balak how to trip up the people of Israel. He taught them to sin by eating food offered to idols and by committing sexual sin. In a similar way, you have some Nicolaitans among you who follow the same teaching. Repent of your sin, or I will come to you suddenly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give some of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it.
Related
Passages
In Revelation 2:8-17, Jesus commends Christians in Smyrna and Pergamum for standing firm under persecution. Smyrna faces suffering from both Roman authorities and hostile Jewish leaders, yet Jesus assures them of victory beyond death. Pergamum remains loyal even where Satan’s throne is (likely a reference to emperor worship) yet some among them have compromised, following the teaching of Balaam (Numbers 25:1-3; 31:16), which led Israel into idolatry and immorality. Just as Balaam was confronted by an angel with a drawn sword (Numbers 22:23, 31) and later slain with the sword (Joshua 13:22), Jesus himself wields a sword from his mouth, and his word brings true judgment. Faithful believers will receive hidden manna and a new name, but those who compromise risk facing his judgment. Read Balaam’s full story in Numbers 22–25 and 31 to see the deeper connections.
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