Apocalipse 2
Warren Wiersbe · Citado em PreceptAustin
Apocalipse 2
Wiersbe writes that "Most Christians do not jump into sin and get away from God’s will. They gradually decline spiritually, then find themselves in trouble and wonder how it happened. They leave their first love (Rev. 2:4) and start living for the flesh and not the Spirit (Gal. 3:1-3). That is why our Lord admonished us to watch and pray (ED: both in the present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) (Mt 26:41+) When we least expect it, the germ of sin (SEE THOUGHTS ON "LITTLE SINS") can enter the system. (Borrow With the Word - page 498)
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Wiersbe - This busy, separated, sacrificing church really suffered from “heart trouble”—they had abandoned their first love! They displayed “works … labor … and patience” (Rev. 2:2), but these qualities were not motivated by a love for Christ. (Compare 1 Thes. 1:3—“work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope.”) What we do for the Lord is important, but so is why we do it! What is “first love”? It is the devotion to Christ that so often characterizes the new believer: fervent, personal, uninhibited, excited, and openly displayed. It is the “honeymoon love” of the husband and wife (Jer. 2:1–2). While it is true that mature married love deepens and grows richer, it is also true that it should never lose the excitement and wonder of those “honeymoon days.” When a husband and wife begin to take each other for granted, and life becomes routine, then the marriage is in danger. Just think of it: it is possible to serve, sacrifice, and suffer “for My name’s sake” and yet not really love Jesus Christ! The Ephesian believers were so busy maintaining their separation that they were neglecting adoration. Labor is no substitute for love; neither is purity a substitute for passion. The church must have both if it is to please Him. (Bible Exposition Commentary) John
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Wiersbe - Called “the greatest city in Asia Minor,” Pergamos had the first temple dedicated to Caesar and was a rabid promoter of the imperial cult. (Bible Exposition Commentary) Of the three greatest cities in Roman Asia, Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamum, Emperor Worship was the most influential in Pergamum. Every five years or so, the Pergamene games were held in honor of the imperial family. It was a circus of epic proportions. Paul passed through this province, embarking at the port of Troas, on his first voyage to Europe but there is no record that he planted a church at Pergamum They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; 7 and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them; 8 and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 A vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. (Acts 16:6-10+) One of Pergamum's greatest claims to fame was being named Neokoros or Temple Warden ("temple sweeper") of the "Emperor Cult" in Asia Minor because they had constructed a Temple for the worship of emperor Augustus (29BC) and the goddess Roma in 19BC. In so doing Pergamum surpassed Ephesus and Smyrna as the leading proponent of emperor worship. In short Caesar worship was intense in Pergamum, which would have created a strong temptation of the believers to compromise their loyalty to Jesus. This honor of Neokoros was found on inscriptions of buildings in the city. See the one below which honors the director of the gym and its leaders and reads "the Council and the People of Pergamenes, the first to be award the title of Temple Warden (Neokoros)." Swete adds that "Inscriptions proclaim the dignity of the city as the first in Asia to erect a temple to Augustus; and as it was the first, so it continued to be the chief Asian set of the emperor-cult." Thus one can begin to understand the intense pressure on the those who denied Caesar is Lord acclaiming only Jesus is Lord in the city that prided itself on being one of the leading if not the premier city for emperor worship. Mills adds that "The major threat to Christians in Pergamum came from its role as a center of emperor worship in Asia, a function that went with it being the capital city. Caesar worship required each citizen, once a year, to offer a pinch of incense to Caesar on his altar and profess him as lord. The citizen was then given a certificate valid for one year which allowed him to worship whatever god or gods he preferred with impunity." Pergamum - Neokoros - "City Warden" (CLICK TO ENLARGE) GotQuestions - The Roman creed stated, “Caesar is Lord,” but the Christian only recognizes Jesus as Lord. Because of their longstanding history of monotheism, Jews were granted an exemption from the required emperor worship. As long as Christianity was considered a sect of Judaism, Christians were also exempt from being forced to worship the Roman emperor. But as Jews began to denounce Christians and put them out of the synagogues, the Christians no longer were allowed this exception. Thus, the Roman government was the instrument of Jewish persecution in much of the New Testament. We see the first instance of this in the charges brought against Jesus Himself (Luke 23:1–2). This happened again to Paul and Silas in Thessalonica, where some unbelieving Jews stirred up the crowd by saying, “They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus” (Acts 17:7). (See full article on Augustus Caesar) Related Passages: Revelation 1:17+ In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength. Revelation 19:15+ From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. Revelation 19:21+ And the rest were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse, and all the birds were filled with their flesh. Ancient Rhomphaia (CLICK TO ENLARGE) The One Who has the sharp two-edged sword (rhomphaia) - Jesus introduces Himself in graphic terms! He Who Himself is the Word of God (Rev 19:13+, cf Jn 1:1+) has the sharp two-edged sword which symbolizes the Word of God (Heb 4:12+, Eph 6:17+, Rev 19:15+)! Just as the Romans used their swords to exert their authority and to carry out judgment, so too Jesus' sword is His Word which speaks of His authority and power and also will bring about judgment. For those who reject His Word of the Gospel, His sword will bring about eternal separation in the future! The Word ("sword") of God in Acts 4:12 is clear that "there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” The sword was also the symbol of the Roman proconsul. We are to fear the Lord not man. The Risen Christ is called he who has the sharp two-edged sword. Roman governors were divided into two classes--those who had the ius gladii, the right of the sword, and those who had not. Those who had the right of the sword had the power of life and death; on their word a man could be executed on the spot. Humanly speaking the proconsul, who had his headquarters at Pergamum, had the ius gladii, the right of the sword, and at any moment he might use it against any Christian; but the letter bids the Christian not to forget that the last word is still with the Risen Christ, who has the sharp two-edged sword. The power of Rome might be satanically powerful; the power of the Risen Lord is greater yet.
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Wiersbe notes they said “There is nothing wrong with being friendly to Rome. What harm is there in putting a pinch of incense on the altar and affirming your loyalty to Caesar?” Antipas refused to compromise and was martyred; but others took the “easy way” and cooperated with Rome." "Immoral behavior often goes hand in hand with false religion." -- Michael Andrus Michael Andrus asks "Does this mean that in the Church at Pergamum there was a group who proudly called themselves Balaamites? I doubt it (ED: I AGREE - SATAN SELDOM COMES INTO THE SANCTUARY DRESSED IN A RED SUIT WITH A PITCHFORK IN ONE HAND!). But there were apparently those in Pergamum who were doing the same thing Balaam did 1500 years earlier in Moses’ day, namely, “He taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality.” Whenever believers consider themselves sufficiently secure to toy with false worship, they are playing with fire (ED: SEE THE WARNING COMMAND IN 1Co 10:12+). The reason is that immoral behavior often goes hand in hand with false religion, especially idol worship. I feel fairly confident that Balaam didn’t suggest to the Midianite women that they invite the Israelite men over for an orgy. That would have been too obvious, and the men of Israel would never have fallen for it. Instead he suggested that the women invite the men to come and worship with them. “After all, we are all really worshiping the same God. You come and visit my temple this week, and I’ll go to yours next.” Unfortunately, as soon as the men entered the pagan temple they were toast, for they were easily enticed by the sexual perversion commonly practiced there (ED: THEY NEEDED TO FLEE, NOT TO SEE! cf 1Co 6:18+, Job 31:1+, Ge 39:11,12, 2Ti 2:22+, Pr 6:5+). Those of you who have served in the military know that success against a well-armed foe is more likely when using a sneak attack rather than a frontal assault. The church at Pergamum had overcome a full frontal assault by Satan in his capital city to the point of even being willing to die for their faith. But their love of liberty tripped them up, leaving them vulnerable to a Satanic sneak attack. They so valued their freedom and were so proud of their tolerance, that they allowed subtle heresies and moral compromise to creep in and create cracks in their armor. They pushed the envelope of liberty over the edge to license. We must never cross the line between being a friend to worldly people, which we should do, and becoming a friend to the world, which we must avoid. There is a great difference between a church that reaches out to unbelievers and tries to expose them to the Gospel, and a church that welcomes ungodly people into membership and leadership. There’s a great difference between a church that shows love to gay people and couples living together without benefit of marriage, and one that ordains such people to ministry." (Sermon) Satan couldn’t accomplish much by persecution... So Satan tried to accomplish his goals by using deception. -- David Guzik David
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Wiersbe - Antipas had felt the sword of Rome, but the church at Pergamos would feel the sword of Christ—the Word (Heb. 4:12)—if they did not repent. This is not a reference to our Lord’s return but to a present judgment that comes to a church when it is disobedient to the Word of God. (Bible Exposition Commentary) John Walvoord - Even though many in the church at Pergamos had been faithful and one of their number had died as a martyr to the faith, it was nevertheless true that the evil character of those things which were invading the church was so serious in the mind of Christ that it involved fighting against them (ED: IMPLIES HE SEES JUDGMENT ON THE ENTIRE CHURCH) with the sword of His mouth. There is no alternative to continued impurity and compromise with the truth except that of divine judgment. (Revelation 2: The Letters To Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, And Thyatira) William Newell has an interesting comment that "War … with the sword of my mouth,” brings to mind at once the angel of the Lord standing with his sword drawn against the mad prophet, Balaam, in Israel’s days!" (cf Nu 22:22, 23+). (Revelation 2) Make war...with the sword of My mouth - Jesus will take hostile action. Exactly what this action entails is not absolutely certain. Did he kill some? We simply cannot state with certainty. What we can be certain of is that this action of Christ in some way extirpated the false teaching/teachers. Below are some other Scriptures which help us understand the sword from Jesus' mouth as figurative and not literal. Charles Swindoll - Like a cancerous tumor that penetrates and spreads through healthy flesh, compromise allows the sinews of falsehood to invade the truth, ultimately destroying it (ED: COMPARE LEAVEN-LIKE EFFECT - 1Co 5:6-7+). Only a sharp scalpel in the hands of a precise surgeon can remove the cancer without killing the patient. Likewise, Christ, the Great Physician, is qualified not only to diagnose, but also to successfully treat the insidious disease of compromise. (See Insights on Revelation) Tony Garland on the sword of My mouth - The significance in Christ’s title can be seen in the doctrinal errors of the Balaamites (Rev. 2:14) and Nicolaitans (Rev. 2:15) which are being promoted by some in the church at Pergamum. These doctrinal errors are judged by the teachings found in the Word of God. (ED: GARLAND MAKES A GREAT POINT - LIES WOULD BE CUT OUT AND CORRECTED SO TO SPEAK BY THE WORD OF TRUTH, THE SWORD OF THE WORD.) When comparing Scripture with Scripture (see passages below), the sword is not literal (which would be an absurd picture of a literal sword coming out of Jesus' mouth), but figurative. What John specifically saw in Rev 1:16 that he describes as "a sharp two-edged sword," is difficult to state with certainty, but it is certain this was a metaphor, as it is interspersed with 7 uses of "like" which are all comparisons. It would be hard to imagine that even though "as" or "like" is not preceding "sword," that this would not also be a term of comparison, much like Jesus' description of Himself "I am the door." (John 10:9). Clearly Jesus is not a door. And similarly Jesus mouth does not have a sword coming out! But as alluded to this picture surely symbolizes the Word of God (in this case judgment - cf Jn 12:48) coming from His mouth. In a Messianic prophecy Isaiah describes the Messiah coming (this is the Second Coming) with righteousness He will judge the poor, And decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth; And He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth (Lxx = "to logo tou stomatos autou" = "the Word of His mouth") , And with the breath (Lxx = pneuma - also translated Spirit) of His lips He will slay the wicked." (Isaiah 11:4+) Isaiah again describes the Messiah in similar terms… He (God the Father) has made My (Messiah's) mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of His hand He has concealed Me; and He has also made Me a select arrow, He has hidden Me in His quiver. (Isaiah 49:2) Paul records a parallel description of Messiah's striking of the Antichrist… And then that lawless one (Antichrist) will be revealed (the first 3.5 years he is not fully revealed, but at the midpoint of the last 7 years when the Great Tribulation begins, his sinister Satan empowered character will be fully revealed) whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming (2 Th 2:8+) The sword is surely the Word. Compare And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:17+) For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12+) COMMENT by Garland on "From His mouth comes a sharp sword" in Rev 19:15 - If Jesus literally and physically slays His enemies at His Second Coming (Rev 19:21), how is it that the sword is figurative—coming out of His mouth? It represents the sword of the Spirit, the word of God: that which God has set forth as His spoken will (Eph 6:17). Those who are slain meet their doom because they are judged by God’s righteous word (Heb 4:12). They have consistently violated its precepts and standards and their destruction has been prophesied. In many ways, the action of their slaying is the unavoidable result of what God has said. This is why Jesus slays His enemies with His lips: “He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked” (Isa. 11:4). His mouth is like a sharp sword (Isa. 49:2). Hence, when Antichrist is destroyed, he is consumed “with the breath of [the Lord’s] mouth” (2Th 2:8). The ultimate reason they are slain is found in God’s testimony—the law written in stone found in the ark of the covenant (Rev 11:19; Rev 15:5). The written law is His word, thus the weapon is said to come forth from His mouth. (A Testimony of Jesus Christ - Revelation 19:15) Make war (4170)(polemeo from polemos = war) literally means to make or wage war (Rev 12:7; 13:4; 17:14) Figuratively polemeo means to be in opposition to, be hostile invoking military imagery which depicts the hostile attitude of opponents in a literal war. And so it means to be treated in a hostile manner and then to quarrel or wrangle with someone. The verb polemeo occurs five times and the noun polemos nine times in Revelation (Rev. 9:7; Rev. 9:9; Rev. 11:7; Rev. 12:7; Rev. 12:17; Rev. 13:7; Rev. 16:14; Rev. 19:19; Rev. 20:8), often referring to the “war” of the dragon/beast against the saints (Rev 11:7; 13:7) or the Lamb (Rev 16:14; 17:14). Polemeo - 7x in 6v - make war (1), quarrel (1), wage war (2), waged (1), wages war (1), waging (1).Jas. 4:2; Rev. 2:16; Rev. 12:7; Rev. 13:4; Rev. 17:14; Rev. 19:11 Revelation 2:17 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.' NET Revelation 2:17 The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers, I will give him some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and on that stone will be written a new name that no one can understand except the one who receives it.' NLT Revelation 2:17 "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. ESV Revelation 2:17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.' NIV Revelation 2:17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it. GNT Revelation 2:17 ὁ ἔχων οὖς ἀκουσάτω τί τὸ πνεῦμα λέγει ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις. τῷ νικῶντι δώσω αὐτῷ τοῦ μάννα τοῦ κεκρυμμένου καὶ δώσω αὐτῷ ψῆφον λευκήν, καὶ ἐπὶ τὴν ψῆφον ὄνομα καινὸν γεγραμμένον ὃ οὐδεὶς οἶδεν εἰ μὴ ὁ λαμβάνων. KJV Revelation 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. ASV Revelation 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and upon the stone a new name written, which no one knoweth but he that receiveth it. CSB Revelation 2:17 "Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. I will give the victor some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name is inscribed that no one knows except the one who receives it. NKJ Revelation 2:17 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it."' NRS Revelation 2:17 Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. To everyone who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give a white stone, and on the white stone is written a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it. YLT Revelation 2:17 He who is having an ear -- let him hear what the Spirit saith to the assemblies: To him who is overcoming, I will give to him to eat from the hidden manna, and will give to him a white stone, and upon the stone a new name written, that no one knew except him who is receiving it. NAB Revelation 2:17 " '"Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the victor I shall give some of the hidden manna; I shall also give a white amulet upon which is inscribed a new name, which no one knows except the one who receives it."' NJB Revelation 2:17 Let anyone who can hear, listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches: to those who prove victorious I will give some hidden manna and a white stone, with a new name written on it, known only to the person who receives it." GWN Revelation 2:17 Let the person who has ears listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. I will give some of the hidden manna to everyone who wins the victory. I will also give each person a white stone with a new name written on it, a name that is known only to the person who receives it. BBE Revelation 2:17 He who has ears, let him give ear to what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give of the secret manna, and I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name, of which no one has knowledge but he to whom it is given. He who has an ear: Rev 2:7,11 3:6,13,22 I will give some of the hidden manna: Ps 25:14 36:8 Pr 3:32 14:10 Isa 65:13 Mt 13:11 Joh 4:32 Joh 6:48-58 Col 3:3 a new: Rev 3:12 Rev 19:12,13 Isa 56:4 Isa 65:15 but he who receives it.: 1Co 2:14 Revelation 2 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Route of Letters to 7 Churches PROMISES TO THE OVERCOMER He (singular) who has an ear, let him hear (akouo in aorist imperative = calls for urgent response!) what the Spirit (pneuma) (present tense - continually) says to the churches (ekklesia) - See detailed note above Everyone has ears and if they are not physically deaf, then they can hear, but here Jesus is referring to the ability to hear and understand spiritual truth. And so Paul wrote that "a natural (unregenerate, not born again) man does not accept (RECEIVE OR WELCOME) the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised." (1 Cor 2:14+) R L Thomas quoting
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Wiersbe - “Till I come” refers to Christ’s return for His people, at which time He will reward them for their faithfulness (see Rev. 3:3; 16:15; 22:7, 17, 20). This is the first mention in Revelation of the Lord’s coming for the church, the event we commonly call the Rapture (see 1 Thes. 4:13–18). In contrast, the reference in Revelation 1:7 is to Christ’s return to earth in judgment, to defeat His enemies and establish His kingdom (see Rev. 19:11ff).(Bible Exposition Commentary) Glenn Spencer - Jesus reminds them of the rapture—He is coming back. If it were not for the promise of His coming, the Christians of Thyatira wouldn't have had much to look forward to, and the same is sometimes true today. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. (Titus 2:13) This is the blessed hope of every child of God. C H
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Wiersbe - New Testament Words for Today: 100 Devotional Reflections) HOLD FAST Fanny Crosby Oh, sailor on a treacherous sea, Tho’ rent thy every sail may be, Tho’ all thy earthly hopes are past, And thou art clinging to the mast. Refrain Hold fast a moment more, Behold a light upon the shore; Tho’ scarce a beam thine eye can see, Thy Savior comes to rescue thee. Hold fast, be strong and banish fear, Look up, behold the harbor near; A cry of joy from yonder strand, Where loved ones wait to clasp thy hand. Refrain Tho’ surges roll, and waves run high, The Gospel lifeboat still is nigh; It cannot from its course be driv’n, ’Tis sure to reach the port of Heav’n. Refrain Oh, sailor! lift again thine eyes, Behold with joy and glad surprise A glorious morn, that dawns for thee, Far, far beyond a stormy sea. Refrain Oh, land of rest from toil and care, Who would not long to enter there, Where every throb of pain shall cease, And every sigh be hushed to peace! Refrain William Blackstone - from his online free 194 book Jesus is Coming A Practical Doctrine We have asserted that this truth of the coming of the Lord is eminently practical. In proof of this, we here: append the following references, to show how Jesus and the Apostles used the prophecies of His coming again as a motive to incite us. 1. To watchfulness,- Mat. 24:42-44; 25:13; Mark 13:32- 37; Lu. 12:35-38; Rev. 16:15. 2. To Sobriety,- 1 Thes. 5:2-6; 1 Pet. 1:13; 4:7; 5:8. 3. To repentance,- Acts 3:19-21; Rev. 3:3. 4. To fidelity,- Mat. 25:19-21; Lu. 12:42-44; 19:12-13. 5. Not to be ashamed of Christ,- Mar. 8:38. 6. Against worldliness,- Mat. 16:26-27 7. To moderation or mildness,- Phil. 4:5. 8. To patience,- Heb. 10:36-37; James 5:7-8. 9. To mortification of fleshly lusts,- Col. 3:3-5. 10. To sincerity,- Phil. 1:9-10. 11. To the practical sanctification of the entire being,- 1 Thes. 5:23. 12. To ministerial faithfulness,- 2 Tim. 4 :1-2. 13. To induce obedience to the Apostle's injunctions,- 1 Tim. 6:13-14. 14. To pastoral diligence and purity,- 1 Pet. 5:2-4. 15. To purify ourselves,- 1 John 3:2-3. 16. To abide in Christ,- 1 John 2:28. 17. To endure manifold temptations and the severest trial of faith,- 1 Pet. 1 :1. 18. To bear persecution for the sake of our Lord,- 1 Pet. 4:13. I 19. To holy conversation and godliness,- 2 Pet. 3:11-13. 20. To brotherly love,- 1 Thes. 3:12-13. 21. To keep in mind our heavenly citizenship- Phil. 3:20-21. 22. To love the second coming of Christ,- 2 Tim. 4:1-8. 23. To look for Him,- Heb. 9:21,28 24. To confidence that Christ will finish the work,- Phil. 1:6. 25. To hold fast the hope firm unto the end,- Rev. 2:25; 3:11. 26. To separation from worldly lusts and to live Godly,- Titus 2:11-13. 27. To watchfulness because of its suddenness,- Lk 17:24-30. 28. To guard against hasty judgment,- 1 Cor. 4:5. 29. To the hope of a rich reward,- Mt. 19:27-28, 30. To assure the disciples of a time of rejoicing,- 2 Cor. 1:14; Phil. 2:16; 1 Thes. 2:19. 31. To comfort the apostles in view of Christ's departure from them,- John 14:3; Acts 1:11. 32. Practical faith in the second coming, is a crowning grace and assurance of blamelessness in the day of the Lord,- 1 Cor. 1:4-8. 33. It is the principal event for which the believer waits,- 1 Thes. 1:9-10. 34. It is declared to be the time of reckoning with the servants,- Mt. 25:19. 35. Of judgment for the living nations,- Mt. 25:31-46. 36. Of the resurrection of the saints,- 1 Cor. 15:23. 37. Of the manifestation of the saints,- 2 Cor. 5:10; Col. 3:1.- 38. It is declared to be the source of consolation to those who sorrow over the dead who sleep in Jesus,- 1 Thes. 4:14-18..., 39. It is declared to be the time of Tribulation to unbelievers,- 2 Thes. 1:7-9. 40. It is proclaimed every time the Lord's Supper is celebrated,- 1 Cor. 11:26. Such are some of the uses made of this doctrine in the New Testament. It is employed to arm the appeals, to point the arguments, and to enforce the exhortations. What is there more PRACTICAL in any other doctrine we would that we had space to give the passages referred to in full. But it will be a greater blessing to you, dear reader, if you will go to the Word and search them out. We have made no distinction between those passages which refer to the Rapture, and those which refer to the Revelation, both classes being equally used as a motive for the practical purposes mentioned. The following outline and arrangement of Scripture has been taken principally from a little pamphlet published in London. It is a concise view of the pre-millennial coming, with plain proof-texts of the same, conveniently arranged for reference and study. As the texts cited are necessarily brief, it will be found of great profit to read the context of each in the Word. We believe it will enable every prayerful reader to apprehend the order of events that pertain to the coming of Christ, both as THE BRIDEGROOM and as THE KING. "HOLD THE FORT!" ... hold fast till I come. Revelation 2:25 One of my father's favorite hymns was "Hold the Fort." Deeply aware of the spiritual battle in which we as believers are engaged, and eagerly looking for the coming of the Lord, how he loved to sing: "Ho, my comrades, see the signal waving in the sky! Reinforcements now appearing, victory is nigh! See the mighty hosts advancing, Satan leading on; mighty men around us falling, courage almost gone! `Hold the fort, for I am coming,' Jesus signals still. Wave the answer back to Heaven, `By Thy grace we will.'" J. B. McClure in his book Moody's Anecdotes relates this story: "When General Sherman went through Atlanta towards the sea in the American Civil War, he left in the fort, back in the Kennesaw Mountains, a little handful of men to guard some rations that he brought there. General Hood, however, attacked the fort, and for a long time the battle raged furiously. Half the defenders were either killed or badly hurt, and the general in command was wounded seven different times. When they were just about ready to run up the white flag and surrender, Sherman got within 15 miles of the besieged camp and, through the signal corps on the nearby mountain, sent the message: `Hold the fort; I am coining. W. T. Sherman.' That message fired up their hearts, and they held out till reinforcements came, and so kept the fort from the hands of the enemy." (See page 182) Even as Sherman signaled, "Hort the fort; I am coming," so our Heavenly Commander has given us the same challenge and charge. One of the first messages sent back from Heaven after the ascension of Christ was the assurance of His return (Acts 1:11). The very last promise in the Bible is from the lips of the Lord Jesus who said, "Surely, I come quickly" (Rev. 22:20). Yes, He is coming! So, with patience, courage, and hope, let us "hold the fort." The battle will soon be over and then the victory will be ours! Fierce and long the battle rages, But our help is near; Onward comes our great Commander, Cheer, my comrades, cheer! — P. P. Bliss Those who are FAITHFUL here (Rev. 2:10) will be presented victorious and FAULTLESS over There (Jude 1:24). Revelation 2:26 'He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS; NET Revelation 2:26 And to the one who conquers and who continues in my deeds until the end, I will give him authority over the nations– NLT Revelation 2:26 To all who are victorious, who obey me to the very end, To them I will give authority over all the nations. ESV Revelation 2:26 The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, NIV Revelation 2:26 To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations-- GNT Revelation 2:26 καὶ ὁ νικῶν καὶ ὁ τηρῶν ἄχρι τέλους τὰ ἔργα μου, δώσω αὐτῷ ἐξουσίαν ἐπὶ τῶν ἐθνῶν KJV Revelation 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: ASV Revelation 2:26 And he that overcometh, and he that keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give authority over the nations: CSB Revelation 2:26 The one who is victorious and keeps My works to the end: I will give him authority over the nations-- NKJ Revelation 2:26 "And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations-- NRS Revelation 2:26 To everyone who conquers and continues to do my works to the end, I will give authority over the nations; YLT Revelation 2:26 and he who is overcoming, and who is keeping unto the end my works, I will give to him authority over the nations, He who overcomes: Rev 2:7,11,17 3:5,12,21 21:7 Ro 8:37 1Jn 5:5 he who keeps My deeds until the end: Mt 24:13 Lu 8:13-15 Joh 6:29 Jn 8:31-32 Ro 2:7 1Th 3:5 Heb 10:38,39 Jas 2:20 1Jn 2:19 1Jn 3:23 TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY: Rev 3:21 Rev 20:4 Rev 22:5 Ps 49:14 Da 7:18,22,27 Mt 19:28 Lu 22:29-30 1Co 6:3-4 Revelation 2 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Psalm 2:7-9+ “I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. 8 ‘Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, And the very ends of the earth as Your possession. 9 ‘You shall break them with a rod of iron, You shall shatter them like earthenware.’” Matthew 24:13 “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. Luke 8:15 “But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance. John 8:31-32 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” Romans 2:7 to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; 1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us. Luke 19:17-19 "And he said to him, 'Well done, good slave, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, be in authority over ten cities.' 18 “The second came, saying, ‘Your mina, master, has made five minas.’ 19 “And he said to him also, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’ Revelation 20:4-6 Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years. Revelation 3:21 ‘He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. Daniel 7:27 Then the sovereignty, the dominion and the greatness of all the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the Highest One; His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all the dominions will serve and obey Him.’ Revelation 20:4 Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Luke 22:29-30 and just as My Father has granted Me a kingdom, I grant you 30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 1 Corinthians 6:3-4 Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life? 4 So if you have law courts dealing with matters of this life, do you appoint them as judges who are of no account in the church? RULE OVER THE GENTILES He who (present tense - continually) overcomes (nikao), and he who keeps (present tense - continually)(tereo) My deeds (ergon) until the end (telos) - As in all 7 letters, the verb overcoming is a present tense which describes this individual as one who is daily conquering the remnant of the flesh (the Sin nature of Adam) in his corrupting body, living in the positional reality that he is dead to sin (Ro 6:6) and has crucified the flesh (Gal 5:24) and has a motivating power from the Holy Spirit (Ro 8:13) to live as more than a conqueror in Christ (Ro 8:36). This is the only declaration to the seven churches that adds to overcomes, and in this case keeps calls for continual obedience (or guarding) of My deeds. Until is a time phrase which means they will overcome and keep up to a given time (the end), which could be the end of their lives (2Co 5:8) or could be the Rapture (if it is pre-tribulation) or the Second Coming (cf "the end of the age" Da 12:13, cf Mt 24:14). Another way to say continually keeps My deeds until the end is that he/she perseveres in steadfast obedience to the end of their race. Alan Johnson on he who keeps My deeds - It reminds us of Jesus’ statement in his great eschatological discourse that “he who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Mt 24:13) and of Paul’s words to the Colossians about continuing in the faith “established and firm” (Col 1:23). The proof of authentic trust in Jesus is steadfastness of belief and continuance in God’s will until Christ returns or death comes. (See Revelation) Hampton Keathley on he who keeps My deeds - To keep Christ’s deeds means to experience Christ’s life and character in contrast to Jezebel’s works. Keeping His deeds is a result of overcoming through the walk of faith and daily fellowship or the abiding life. We must remember that Christ is not calling us to overcome in our own strength, which is really weakness, but to appropriate His strength and power through the knowledge of the Word and by faith (ED: AND THE SUPERNATURAL POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!). The issue is that of Philippians 4:13, “I can do (ED: MY RESPONSIBILITY) all things through Him who strengthens me (ED: GOD'S SOVEREIGN PROVISION - SEE "Paradoxical Principle of 100% Dependent and 100% Responsible).” But overcoming is also the basis for special rewards like positions of authority and responsibility the Lord promises (ALL) believers in the millennial kingdom like authority over nations, etc. (Revelation 2:18-29 The Message to Thyatira) TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY (exousia) OVER THE NATIONS - Jesus is quoting directly (ALL CAPS IN NAS = A DIRECT OT QUOTE) from Psalm 2:8-9+ which is a messianic psalm that looks ahead to the Second Coming of Christ to demolish God's enemies. When Jesus returns, He will grant authority to overcomers to rule with Him over the nations, so in a very real sense Jesus' words predict the fulfillment of Psalm 2 at His return. A simple descriptive definition of authority is that this person has the "right and the might" to carry out their desires and actions. The followers of the Messiah (overcomers) will exercise His right and His might over the nations who come into the Millennial Kingdom at the Judgment (SEPARATION) of the Sheep and Goats in Mt 25:31,34,46 (cf Rev 1:6, 5:10; 12:5;19:15, 1 Co 6:2; see Da 7:18,27). In summary, clearly Jesus is promising that the overcomers will rule and reign with Him in His coming earthly kingdom. Revelation 5:10+ alludes to this coming authority of overcomers in the Millennial Kingdom for John records that "You have made them (SAINTS/OVERCOMERS) to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.” Jesus gives a similar promise to overcomers in Rev 3:21+ declaring "‘He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne." And as if that promise were not to boggle our minds, we read in Rev 22:5 that overcomers "will reign forever and ever" in the New Heaven and New Earth! Amazing, indescribable, infinite grace indeed! R L Thomas - This promise is the first definitive reference in Revelation to the coming Millennial Kingdom, which Jesus is to establish when He returns to earth (Moffatt). (See Revelation Exegetical Commentary) As Alan
Apocalipse 2
Wiersbe escreve: "Não importa como você examine esta congregação, você conclui que ela é quase perfeita. No entanto, Aquele entre os candelabros viu o que estava em seus corações e teve um diagnóstico diferente do nosso." (Comentário da Exposição Bíblica) Richard Mayhue escreve que o confronto de Jesus com a igreja de Éfeso modela como os crentes devem confrontar: Primeiro, o confronto foi feito com amor e com o objetivo de restauração (Ap 2:4–5). Segundo, o encorajamento precedeu a correção (Ap 2:2-3, 6). Terceiro, Cristo declarou o problema de forma aberta e concisa (Ap 2:4–5). Quarto, Ele lhes disse como serem restaurados (Apocalipse 2:5): lembrem-se do seu passado, arrependam-se do seu erro, retornem ao seu melhor. Quinto, Cristo expôs claramente as consequências caso eles não obedecessem (Ap 2:5). Sexto, Ele escreveu com a expectativa de que eles responderiam positivamente (Ap 2:7). (O que Jesus diria sobre a sua igreja? - Veja a postagem do blog de John