1. The7 Letters to the 7 churches
Revelation 2
The7 Letters to the 7 churches

2. The pattern each letter follows
A reference to one of the images of Christ in 1:12-16 Commendation Condemnation A look forward to blessing

3. Revelation 2:1-7
1. What word of commendation does Jesus give the church members in Ephesus?
 They tested and opposed false teachers among them.
 What are the false teachers called?
 Why is that a big deal?
2. What word of criticism does Jesus give the church in Ephesus?
They lost their first love, they began to take the Gospel for granted and it was evident

4. 3. What element in the description of Jesus (1:12-16) does Jesus refer to in this letter? How does this fit into the content of the letter to Ephesus? What impact should it have on our church?
 He reminded them that he could remove the lampstand from its place – he was saying that if they continued to forsake their first love he would remove the church
Congregations don’t die because of a lack of money, they die because they forsake their first love
4. Just as each letter looks back to one or two elements of Jesus’ glory, so each letter looks ahead to blessings Jesus will give his faithful. Which blessing is promised in this letter? What does this mean for us?
He would let them eat from the Tree of Life
We till will eat from this tree in heaven

5. Revelation 2:8-11
1. What word of commendation does Jesus give the church in Smyrna?
 They endured poverty and slander
 They would soon be persecuted, some put in jail and perhaps some put to death.
2. What word of criticism does Jesus give the church in Smyrna?
None

6. 3. What element in the description of Jesus (1:12-16) does Jesus refer to in this letter? How does this fit into the content of the letter to Smyrna? What impact should it have on our church?
 The First and the Last
 Reminder that he holds power over death, For those who may have died, it was strengthening
Our God has our eternity in control and we need fear nothing
4. Just as each letter looks back to one or two elements of Jesus’ glory, so each letter looks ahead to blessings Jesus will give his faithful. Which blessings are promised to the faithful in this letter? What does this mean for us?
They would not be hurt in the 2nd death = eternal death
We too will not die the 2nd death

7. Revelation 2:12-17
1. What word of commendation does Jesus give the church in Pergamum?
 They remained true to Jesus despite persecution and death of Antipas
2. What word of criticism does Jesus give the church in Pergamum?
There were some who held to the teaching of Balaam
Trying to love both God and money
They also tolerated Nicolaitans – antinomian = no law – sexual immorality

8. 3. What element in the description of Jesus (1:12-16) does Jesus refer to in this letter? How does this fit into the content of the letter to Pergamum? What impact should it have on our church?
 Sword from his mouth = the sword of the Word Isaiah 55:11
 They needed to use the Word against those engaged in sin
We need to clearly proclaim both law and Gospel and not neglect pointing out sin
4. Just as each letter looks back to one or two elements of Jesus’ glory, so each letter looks ahead to blessings Jesus will give his faithful. Which blessings are promised to the faithful in this letter? What does this mean for us?
 Hidden Manna – John 6:31-35 – Which is the Bread of Life
White Stone = a verdict of Not Guilty
New name = baptism? Matthew 28:18-20

9. Revelation 2:18-29
1. What word of commendation does Jesus give the church in Thyatira?
 I know your works, love, faith, service, patient endurance, doing more than you did at first
2. What word of criticism does Jesus give the church members in Thyatira?
They tolerated Jezebel
Likely led some into sexual immorality
“Deep things” = syncretistic – mixing Christianity with other religions.

10. 3. What element in the description of Jesus (1:12-16) does Jesus refer to in this letter? How does this fit into the content of the letter to Thyatira? What impact does it have on our church?
 Eyes like fire – God see our work - omniscient
Bronze feet – he has control over enemies
Reminds us that God sees all and protects and defends us
4. Just as each letter looks back to one or two elements of Jesus’ glory, so each letter looks ahead to blessings Jesus will give his faithful. Which blessings are promised to the faithful in this letter? What does this mean for us?
 He rules with an iron scepter and we will rule with him
He gives us the Morning Star - See 22:16