DISPENSATION OF THE SARDIS CHURCH

The Dispensation of the Sardis Church

This Includes the Name, its Meaning, and the General Conditions

"And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead." "Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God." "Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee." "Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy." "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels." "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."

The Name of the Church

The derivation is variously ascribed. Some think it comes from the precious stone, Sarda, which was found in this region, and sometimes used as an amulet to drive away fear and give boldness. Some think it comes from the Hebrew word meaning remnant or an escaped few; others from a word meaning new or renewed; and still others from a word meaning a builder's rule or measuring line.

There may be a way of combining all of these into one picture. Courage came through great conflict, which left only a few. This few had the features of the new, and the new marked the rule of measure for the future.

All of this may be quite ingenious. But out of the conditions of the church grow the type more particularly.

The Conditions of the Church

There was great reputation, but deadness. There was defilement largely everywhere. There were just a few saints who were left.

This was certainly true of those days during the period of the Reformation. The church acquired a great reputation, but dead so far as real Christian ministry was concerned. It had made a move in the direction of doctrine, but there was little purity of life. Only a few real saints existed in this vast concourse of people.

Nevertheless, there was something left to hold on to, and this paved the way for the period of evangelization which finally came.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SARDIS AUTHOR

The Description of the Author

"And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead."

 

The Lord Jesus is described as possessing in perpetuity the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. In the fullest sense Jesus not only holds but also controls spirits and stars.

The Seven Spirits of God

These seven spirits undoubtedly mark the fullness and plentitude of the third person of the Godhead (1:4; cf. Isa. 11:1ff). They are possessed by and are in the control of the Son of God (3:1). This certainly marks the fullness of the Spirit in Christ himself.
"John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;"
"And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:" "And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;" "And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:" "But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked." "And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins."
"And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead."

This fullness of the Spirit gives him complete power and wisdom for action (5:6). And this action of the Lord is universal. These spirits are sent forth into all the earth (5:6).

"And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth."

The Seven Stars

These seven stars are the angels of the seven churches. This means that the supernatural custodians of the churches are in the hand of Christ to regulate, and ultimately Christ holds the power of control over the church.

The church from the human standpoint has utterly failed, but that One who is the head of the church, who works in His church through the Spirit and exercises control over His church through a supernatural spirit, can do might things if the church will submit to Him.

Even though it is dead, it can be revised and move on to accomplish its purpose if it will surrender itself to the, great Head.

SARDIS CHURCH: THE PERIOD OF REFORMATION

The Sardis Church: The Period of Reformation
1400-1700 A.D.
1 "And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead."
2  "Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God."
3  "Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee."
4  "Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy."
5  "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels."
6  "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." 

 

The Destination of This Letter

"And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write;"

The Immediate Destination
"Unto the angel."

A supernatural spirit being whom God has appointed the custodian of the church (Heb. 1:7, 14). This one can be trusted to convey the message to its intended destination. And he is able to accomplish his task (Psa. 103:20).

"And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire."
"Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?"
"Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word."

 

The Intermediate Destination
"Of the church."

Pastors, officers, people.

The Ultimate Destination
"In Sardis."

A little over 30 miles southeast of Thyatira. It was the old and famous capital of Lydia, kingdom of the wealthy Croesus, lying at the foot of Mount Tmolus. Under Roman rule it recovered some of its ancient importance, and though it suffered severely from an earthquake in A.D. 17, through the liberality of Tiberius Caesar, it was rebuilt and became a great city by 625 A.D. when Strabo wrote.

It was famous for its woolen manufacturing and dyeing industries. It was a meeting point for the ancient system of roads and therefore attracted the trade of Central Asia.

The chief cult of Sardis was that of Cybele, two columns of whose temple are still visible.

The inhabitants bore a bad name in antiquity for luxury and loose living, as indeed did the Lydians generally.

The church of Sardis lingered until the 14th century, but did not play a distinguished part in Christian history. Among its early bishops, however, appears the name of Melito, the earliest interpreter of the book of Revela­tion.

DISCRIMINATION WITHIN THYATIRA AND DETERIORATION PATTERNS OF THE CHURCHES

The Discrimination Within the Church

 

This is for the Purpose of Sifting Over the Chaff From the Wheat

"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."

In the first three churches, this statement came before the end. But in the last four it comes last. This may not have any significance, and then again it may. One writer has suggested that the last four churches are so mixed that there is only a remnant that are capable of hearing, namely, the overcomers. These alone are the remnant, the ones capable of hearing and repenting.

The Deterioration Pattern from Church to Church

Ephesus: The loss of first love.
Smyrna: The same thing persisting.
Pergamos: Mixture with the world and loss of expectation of Christ's coming.
Thyatira: Loss of moral and doctrinal purity and the incorporation of paganism in doctrine and life.

DYNAMIC OFFERED TO THYATIRA

The Dynamic Offered to the Church

This is an Incentive to do Better, to Overcome

"And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:" "And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father." "And I will give him the morning star."

 

The Encouragement to Overcome and Keep

"And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end..."

Overcoming and keeping are held out as principles of action and conduct. This does not mean that there might not be falls along the way. But it does mean that the general trend is upward in victory, and it does mean that the keeping marks a passion on the part of the believer.

For such people in this church and during this period the Lord promises a reward.

The Reward That is Promised to the Overcomer

"to him will I give power over the nations:" "And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father." "And I will give him the morning star."

 

Power Over the Nations

"to him will I give power over the nations:" "And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father."

This is what nations and men have sought. This was the ambition of the Roman church and other religions. But this will truly be given to the overcoming believer.

This authority over the nations is precisely like that the Father bestowed upon Christ (Psa. 2:7; cf. Rev. 12:5). Since it was the possession of Christ, he can delegate the authority to whom he wills. This he will do to the believer.
"I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee."
"And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne."

This will consist in shepherding the nations: leading them, controlling them, feeding them, exercising authority over them that is absolute.

This will be quite a reversal of the state of affairs that exists today.

When necessary, the believer will be able to use power granted by the Lord to enforce His authority. When not obeyed He can dash them to pieces as does a potter the clay.

The Morning Star

"And I will give him the morning star."

This is usually thought to be Christ (Rev. 22:16; 2 Pet. 1:19). Some think that this refers to the dawning of the period of reformation in the days of Luther. But it more than likely refers to the coming of Christ and the ushering in of the millennium. The morning star will announce at the rapture the near approach of the millennium when the Son of righteousness will rise with healing in his wings.
"I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star."
"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:"

There are others who make this the first resur­rection, still others the putting of Lucifer under the feet of the saints.

DEMAND LAID UPON THE THYATIRA CHURCH

The Demand Laid Upon the Church

This is Imposed by the Lord and is Sovereign

"Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds." "And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works." "But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden." "But that which ye have already hold fast till I come."

 

Pronouncement of Judgment Upon the Evil

"Except they repent of their deeds."

Great Tribulation upon the Adulterers

"Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation..."

Since Jezebel refuses to repent, she is cast into a bed with her voluptuous lovers and this bed becomes one of affliction. This probably has reference to the tribulation when the political power will turn upon her and destroy her (cf. Rev. 17:15-18).
"And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues." "And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire." "For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled." "And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth."

Death Meted Out Upon the Children of the Whore

"And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works."

The children of this system are those who have been won to it by its attractions of wealth, influence, power, and position. They were born of the system and clung to it. What is true of Roman Catholicism is also true of all apostate religion. Death through many methods will be the awful end of those who are born of such religion.

All of this will serve to teach the churches that Christ is the One Who is finally the searcher of reigns and hearts and ultimately moves in judgment upon the wicked.

Provision of Mercy for the Righteous

"But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden." "But that which ye have already hold fast till I come."

No greater burden, except to hold fast that which they already possess. 24b-25

Those Who do not Have This Doctrine

"But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan,"

This describes those simple, misguided, and sincere souls who even in the midst of such a system of untruth and evil practice have somehow gotten a hold on just enough truth to save them and keep them. This has been in spite of the intended purpose of the system of religion in which they find themselves. They do not have to hold this doctrine.

They have not known the depths of Satan

The saints know the deep things of God (1 Cor. 2:10). So Satan also has his deep things. This was a wisdom that was abstruse, difficult, and esoteric. Only the very intellectual were able to comprehend it. And those who did not know it were looked down upon and ridiculed. But this was actually a blessing. By not knowing these things, the Lord provided mercy and blessing for them.
"But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God."

What little truth they had they were encouraged to hold on to, to keep control upon, and to do this until the Lord Jesus should come. In this statement, there is a clear suggestion of the imminent return of the glory from heaven.

DIAGNOSIS OF THE THYATIRA CHURCH

The Diagnosis of the Church

This is twofold. There is both commendation and condemnation.

"I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first." "Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols." "And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not."



The Commendation of the Church

"I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first."

Progressive Church
"I know thy works."

Devoted Church

"And thy love."

What Ephesus lost, this church has.

Faithful Church

"And faith."

This church was reaching out to appropriate the things God offered.

Ministering Church

"And service."

Word for deacon. It was pious in all practical effort to help people.

Persistent Church

"And thy patience."

Against great odds the church moved ahead with eye on the goal.

Amazingly progressive

"And the last be more than the first."

There was an ever increasing zeal.

The Condemnation of the Church

"Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols." "And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not."
One word will cover it all, namely, Jezebelianism. But there are six things to be noted.

The Woman Jezebel

They are tolerating this woman, an enemy of the church, of Christ, and of God.

In the Old Testament, Jezebel was the Phoenician wife of Ahab (1 Kings 16:31). She was the daughter of Eth-Baal, king of Sidon, a priest of Astarte who murdered his predecessor, Pheles, in order to seize the throne. Jezebel followed in steps of her father. She tried to exterminate the prophets of Jehovah (1 Kings 18:13) and to introduce the grossly impure worship of Astarte. She was a persecutor, murderess, thief, liar, and hypocrite.
"And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him."
"Was it not told my lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of the LORD, how I hid an hundred men of the Lord's prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water?"
There may have been such a woman in Thyatira, but it is more likely certain things are personified. Still there may have been such a woman.

The False Prophetess

Since the Old Testament Jezebel was a prophetess, it is likely perhaps that this stands for some such woman in the New Testament church. There were such prophetesses in the early church. Most commentators favor the idea that these are merely Jezebelian practices.

The Teaching of Jezebel

This was a doctrine which joined the indulgence of the flesh with the pieties of worship.

Seduction to Fornication

This was part of the worship. Men were led to believe that sexual intercourse with vestal virgins was a holy act of worship. But they were deceived, as the word seduce means.

Eating Things Offered to Idols

This also was a part of the worship. When sacrifice should have been done and such pagan worship disap­pear, she dragged them back into it again.

Confirmed in Sin

"And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not."

While opportunity was given for Jezebel to repent, she turned her back upon it. This was true in the Old Testament; it was true in Thyatira; and it was true in Catholicism.

The reformers cried out against the sins of Catholicism: Savonarola, Wycliffe, Cranmer, Knox, Huss, Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, etc. But it was no use. And to this day the Roman system is unchanged.

DISPENSATION OF THE THYATIRA CHURCH

The Dispensation of the Thyatira Church

This includes the name, its meaning, and the general conditions of the church

The Name of the Church

This word means continual sacrifice. This is significant in that the mass of Roman Catholicism is declared to be the continual sacrifice of Christ. This is in direct contradiction to the words of Scripture (Heb. 9:26) and hence a denial of the finished work of Christ. From 500 A.D. on, Roman Catholicism has carried on the mass as the most important part of their worship.
"For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself."

The Condition of the Church

As we shall see from an exposition of the condition of the church, this is typical of that period in which Catholicism changed its nature in the years since.

Mariolatry, image and crucifix worship, veneration of the saints, and the adoration of the host are only idolatry masked by a Christian exterior. Purgatory, papal infal­libility, and transubstantiation all grew up in this period, but were in germ form in the Thyatiran church.

DESCRIPTION OF THE AUTHOR

The Description of the Author

"And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;"

The Son of God

"The Son of the God." No more explicit designation could be given to Christ.

This is the only place this title is given to Christ in the Revelation. It is implied in 1:6; 2:27; 3:5, 21; 14:1. This adds solemnity to the features of the vision of chapter one.

His Eyes Like a Flame of Fire

These eyes are searching and penetrating. There is nothing hidden from them, and where there is sin, this flame devours it.

His Feet Like Fine Brass

Brass or bronze is the symbol of judgment. Those feet trample down every opposing force and ruthlessly crush every evil thing. Bronze was a very hard alloy man­ufactured at Thyatira and used for weapons. So the figure is apt.

Searcheth the Reins and Hearts

"And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works."

Searching continually the hidden thoughts, purposes, motives, and the moral and spiritual movements of every individual. In the Old Testament this was the special prerogative and power of Jehovah (Jer. 17:10).
"I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings."

THYATIRA CHURCH - CATHOLICISM AT ITS HEIGHT

The Thyatira Church: The Period of Catholicism at Its Height

2:18-29                500-1400 A.D.

The Destination of This Letter

"And unto the angel of the church of Thyatira."

The Immediate Destination
"Unto the angel."

A supernatural spirit being whom God has appointed as the custodian of the church (Heb. 1:7, 14). This one can be trusted to convey the message to its intended destination. And he is able to accomplish the task (Psa. 103:20).
"And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire." "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?"
"Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word."

The Intermediate Destination "Of the church."

Pastor taking oversight of the congregation. Officers who join him: teachers, deacons, etc. People who belong to the congregation. These bear the message to the city.

The Ultimate Destination

"Of Thyatira" or "In Thyatira."

Some 40 miles southeast of Pergamum lay Thyatira, a Lydian city on the borders of Mysia and sometimes claimed by the latter. It was founded by the Seleucidae, but since 190 B.C. it had been in the hands of the Romans and was included in the province of Asia. Though not the equal of Ephesus, Smyrna, or Pergamum, it was a thriving center of trade.

It was renowned for the number of its guilds. (Lydia, Acts 16:44ff. was a member.) There were temples to Apollo and Artemis, and near a shrine to Sambathe, an oriental Sibyl. But Thyatira had no temple dedicated to the Emperor.

The church in this city was probably small, even so in relation to the population. The Alogi declared that there was no church there at the close of the second century. At a later date this city was a stronghold of Montanism.

Today this city is the scene of poverty, with narrow, dirty streets and squalid houses, many made of mud.

No one knows how this church was established, unless as a direct result of the ministry of Paul in Ephesus. Or perhaps Lydia, the seller of Purple.

PERGAMOS'S DEMAND, DYNAMIC, DISCRIMINATION & DETERIORATION

The Demand Laid Upon the Pergamos Church

"Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth."

This is imposed by the Lord himself and is authoritative. 2:16

This church is urged to repent, that is, change her mind. If these people have accepted these doctrines without protest, then it is high time to change the mind on them and do what is necessary to forsake them. For the Lord will come quickly in judgment and fight against them with the sword of His mouth, His almighty sword.

The Dynamic Offered to the Church

"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."

This is an incentive to do better, to overcome. 17b

Manna was food divinely provided for the sustenance of his people. Here Jesus is talking about the Word of God which He is able to provide for His own in order that they may be sustained during times like these.

This white stone is the emblem of victory and rejoicing. And the new name is that blessedness which Christ himself bestows and is known only to the one who receives it.

The Discrimination Within the Church

"He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."

This is for the purpose of sifting out the chaff from the wheat.

The Deterioration From Church to Church

The Ephesian church lost its first love and lapsed into coldness due to the loss of expectation for the Lord's coming.

The Smyrna church carried on the situation in the Ephesian church. No longing for His coming and yet enduring through great persecution.

The Pergamos church has finally united with the world. With the loss of love for the Lord and no longing for the coming of the Lord this church has settled down to this present world, joined forces with it, and yet generally speaking is trying to stem the tide of false doctrine and pollution.

ISRAEL JOINS WITH PAGANISM

The Joining of Israel with Paganism

 

Apparently the guilt of Balaam lay in the fact that he counseled relations, close and intimate with the pagans, which meant ultimately the pollution of Israel.

This is also the very thing that was practiced in the Pergamos church and later during the Pergamean period. It led to the loss of clear lines of demarcation.

The Practicing of Fornication with Pagans

The breaking down of lines of distinction led to unholy relations. The people joined with Moab in the worship of pagan deities and actual fornication as a part of the worship. This was the stumbling block.

Quite evidently this resulted in a plague that wiped out thousands of the Israelites. The plague was probably venereal disease.

Through the medium of God-given passion, the Israelites were led into idolatry, apostacy, and judgment. This is the subtle way the devil uses to destroy the church from within. This will always act as a stumbling block. It leads in but one direction (cf. 2 Tim. 4:3-4).
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;" "And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

There are Some in it Who Hold the Doctrine of the Nicolaitanes

"So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate."

This is the desire for personal power over the people. The deeds of the Nicolaitanes of the Ephesian church have now developed into a doctrine (2:6 and 15). What was true in this local congregation became the atmosphere and order of the day during the period between 300-500. The whole Roman Catholic hierarchy was developed during that period and persists to this very day.

This was hated by the Ephesian church but was accept­ed by the Pergamos church. But God's attitude did not change. He still continues to hate it. What was only here and there accepted during the first three hundred years of the church is finally accepted from 300 A.D. on until the time of the reformation.

After these 400 years it is now becoming the order in Protestantism also.

"So hast thou also." Note carefully the words "so" and "also." This means "in the same manner also." This means that there is a relationship between the doctrine of Balaam and the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes.

Both doctrines are designed to satisfy personal selfishness. One seeks after material gain. The other seeks after official power. Both seek to gain their ends by a very subtle method. Each works through the lusts of the flesh in people. Balaam did this to get material reward. The Nicolaitanes did this in order to get official power. Both groups lead the people into sinfulness of the flesh, into libertine practices of the grossest kind. They do this by associating the practices with religion and getting the approval of religion.

Both finally lead the people into apostasy, from the faith into idolatry, away from the true God, out into darkness.

CONDEMNATION OF THE PERGAMOS CHURCH

The Condemnation of the Church at Pergamos

"But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication." "So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate."

 

The Lord Jesus has only a few things against this church, namely two. But they mark the trend downward in the career of the church.

There are some in it who hold the doctrine of Balaam. Those who desire material gain personally at the expense of God's people.

The Character of Balaam the Man

They act in the way which corresponds to the character they possess. It is best to look at the man and discover what he is. Then other things become plain.

"Loved the wages of unrighteousness" (2 Pet. 2:14-16). "Ran greedily after the error of Balaam" (Jude 11). They are deceivers of God's people (2 Pet. 2:13). They have eyes full of adultery or passion (2 Pet. 2:14). They cannot cease from sin (2 Pet. 2:14). They are covet­ous, cursed (2 Pet. 2:14). They are mad or crazy in their pursuit of gain (2 Pet, 2:16).
"Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:" "Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;" "But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet."

The Teaching of Balaam the Prophet

"The counsel of Balaam" (Num. 31:16).

This prophet apparently knew the truth and knew that the Lord would put only truth into his mouth. He knew that he could speak no other message than the truth. So when speaking as a prophet he prophesied the truth. But he gave counsel other than as a prophet which worked the undoing of Israel. This he did by teaching the wicked king Balak.
"Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD."

DIAGNOSIS OF THE PERGAMOS CHURCH

The Diagnosis of the Church at Pergamos

It will be seen that the diagnosis is twofold. There is both commendation and condemnation.

The Commendation of the Church

This church had established permanent dwelling in the presence of Satanic forces.

"Thy works" does not appear in the better texts and probably crept in through some careless copyist.

"I know where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is," This appears to be commendation. But it suggests that these people have settled down. It is possible that they intend to make this a permanent home. Perhaps this is evidence that they have lost sight of the imminent return of the Lord and are therefore planning for a continuing city right here. At least this was true doctrinally during the Pergamos period (300-500). For it was during that period that the doctrine that the church is the kingdom was set forth by Augustine.

However, this still may be commendation in the light of the fact that Satan's forces (his throne) is here, and they do not intend to be moved merely by the presence of his forces. Paganism was rampant every­where in this city, with its many deities, immoral worship, and persecution of Christianity. But these Christians were not to be moved.

This Church was Generally Devoted to the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ

"And thou holdest fast my name,"

The word for "holdest fast" is exactly the same word as in 2:1 describing Christ holding the seven stars. This indicates a grip upon the name of Christ that is for the purpose of mastery or control. Since the word "name" stands for the person of Christ Himself, this indicates that this church is devoted to Him. Even though the church has made official union with the world, personally these people are holding on to Christ. They are not turning their hearts to pagan deities, not even to Satan, though his throne and forces are in the midst.

This is certainly the characteristic of that period from 300-500 A.D. Though the church was joined to the state, the true church as a whole was making a noble stand to hold on to Christ. Men like Augustine, Jerome, Athanasius, and the Councils of Nicea and Chalcedon are evidences.

This Church was Staunchly Defending the Faith Once for All Delivered to the Saints

"And hast not denied my faith."

With the infiltration of paganism into the church, there were subtle attempts to change the doctrine. Unitarianism was here making inroads. But this local church stood for the truth about Christ.

During the period 300-500 there were numerous attempts to water down the truth about Christ. It was these attempts that made the Councils of Nicea and Chalcedon so important. Arius was the great leader, though he was merely the spokesman for the movement of Gnosticism that had been growing for several centuries.
GNOSTICISM (Gnahs' tih kihsm) Modern designation for certain religious and philosophical perspectives that existed prior to the establishment of Christianity and for the specific systems of belief, characterized by these ideas, which emerged in the second century and later. The term "gnosticism" is derived from the Greek word gnosis (knowledge) because secret knowledge was so crucial a doctrine in Gnosticism.

This Church was Courageously Standing in the Face of Threatening and Persecution

"Even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth."

The statement suggests that close alliance with the world did not remove persecution entirely. When God's people did not bow to favor of the world, its fury was often turned upon them. By one or the other of these methods, the world was determined to get rid of the Faith. Of course this ultimately stemmed from Satan. He was dwelling there and he hates the truth and will not tolerate it. By one method or the other he will finally dispose of it, as he proceeds in all the countries of this world today, removing Christ and His word from the conversation.

But there were some in that church such as Antipas who were determined to hold and bear testimony to the truth even to the point of death. Antipas was a faithful witness to Christ. This meant he first had experienced the truth in salvation and therefore bore testimony to it. He was to Christ what Christ was to the Father, and with the same result: death (cf. 1:5).
"And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood."

DISPENSATION OF THE PERGAMOS CHURCH

The Dispensation of the Pergamos Church

 

This includes the name, its meaning, and the general conditions of the church.

The Name of the Church is Pergamos or Pergamum. Two or possibly three ideas grow out of this word.

Married: Taking the word in its root significance. It means joined to or married. That is "gamos" which gives that sense. The church is joined to Christ as the bride of Christ (Eph. 5:25-32).
"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;" "That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word," "That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." "So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself." "For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:" "For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones." "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh." "This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church."

Elevated: As a result of marriage, the bride is always raised to the position of the husband. In this case, the church is raised to sit with Christ in heavenly places (Eph. 2:6).
"And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:"

Twice-married: The word prefixed to the root makes a compound word which means twice-married or married often. This fits in exactly with the heathen religions of that day and is a token of the paganizing of the church.

The Period Which the Pergamos Church Represents

Though the Pergamos church was an historical church existing during the first century, the characteristics of the church were destined to become predominate during a period of history in all churches, from 300 A.D. to 500 A.D.

Up until the time of Constantine (311 A.D.) the church was suffering persecution from the Roman Empire. It was regarded as an illicit religion.

The night before Constantine faced Maxentius in battle, he is supposed to have seen a vision in the sky. It was of Christ, a cross and on the cross were the words, "In hoc signo vinces" meaning, "in this sign you shall conquer." Defeating Maxentius, he became Emperor and in 324 offi­cially espoused Christianity and strove to force it upon the empire.

He repealed former edicts against the church but still retained the heathen high priestly title "Pontifex Maximus" and assumed headship of the church. Thus the church and the state were united and remains so in practice almost universally to this day. Pagan temples became Christian. Pagan priests slipped into office as Christian pastors, and worst of all, unconverted people were brought into the church by the thousands.

This situation made it impossible to tell the difference between the saved and the lost. They all carried on the same outward ceremonies.

The Conditions During This Period

Politically, the church became the legal religion.

In 324 Constantine declared Christianity to be the official religion of the Roman Empire. It was in 313 that his colleague "Licinius" died and left Constantine in sole control of the throne of the empire.

He then repealed all the edicts of persecution against the church and from 313 to 324 Christianity was just one of many religions in the empire with freedom to worship.

But in 324 he had finally become convinced that Christianity would be a great help to him and he established it as official by decree. From this time on he enacted decrees against the pagans. Pagans were banished from courts and Christians placed in posts of honor. Constantine offered his gold and patronage to the church,

Doctrinally the Church Became Pagan

Constantine became the official head of the church and still retained his title as Pontifex Maximus. Pagan priests became pastors within the church. Belonging to the church was merely a matter of joining. And pagans were forced to join at the point of the sword. Pagan temples became Christian churches. Pagan festivals became Christian festivals.

Spiritually the Church was Polluted With the World

This unholy alliance began and has continued to this day (John 17:15; 2 Cor. 6:14-16).
"I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil."
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" "And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?" "And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."

This made it impossible for true holiness to survive. This made it impossible for true unity in the Church.

This made it impossible for the true Word of God to be preached.

This made it impossible to distinguish between the genuine and the spurious. No wonder Christ described himself as that one with the two-edged sword. He alone was able to separate the true from the false (2:16 cf. Heb. 4:12).
"Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth."
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

THE DESCRIPTION BY THE AUTHOR

The Description by the Author

"These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges."

The Sword

In Roman estimation the sword was the symbol of the highest order of official authority, with which the Proconsul of Asia was invested. To this day the sword is the symbol of such authority. And when armies have been defeated they are pictured as laying down their swords. When generals surrender they hand over their swords.

This sword has already been described in chapter 1:16. It is a figure which comes from the Old Testament. In Isaiah 11:4, Christ is pictured as that one who will use the "rod of his mouth," This is "the breath of his lips."

The Sharpness

Because this is the breath of his lips, there is nothing that can stop it. Hence it is sharp in its effect. Nothing cuts like a keen edge.

The Lord Jesus is said to have His mouth made like a sharp sword (Isa. 49:2). He shall consume with the spirit of His mouth (2 Thess. 2:8).

"And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me."

"And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming."

The Two Edges - Two Mouthed

These two edges cut in two directions, toward the good and God, and toward the evil and Satan. Thus Hebrews 4:12 makes it clear that it will reveal that which is merely soulical on the one hand, and that which is spiritual on the other. It will reveal those who are making a mere pretense of salvation and those who are genuine Christians. Tacit admission that He has the power of life and death.
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

The Holding

In this verse Christ is pictured as the one who "hath" (echon) the sharp sword. In chapter 1:16 He is pictured as the One out of Whose mouth went the sharp sword (ekporeuomene). Actually these two ideas combine to present the entire picture.
"And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength."
Conscious Power: This word indicates possession, but with emphasis upon the consciousness of the possession.

Continuous Possession: The tense marks the fact that this power is continuously with Him. There never was a time when He entered into it, nor when it shall depart.

Constant Performance: Verse 1:16 speaks of continu­ous performance or procession from the mouth. This is still resident in Him. Life-giving goes on, and also death dealing. The cutting process is ever in operation (2:16).
"Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth."

PERGAMOS - THE PERIOD OF UNION OF CHURCH AND STATE

The Pergamos Church: The Period of Union of Church and State

2:12-17                  300 A.D. to 500 A.D.

The Destination of This Letter
 "Unto the angel of the church in Pergamos."

The Immediate Destination
"To the angel."

A supernatural spirit being whom God has appointed as the custodian of the church (Heb. 1:7, 14). This one can be trusted to convey the message to its intended destination. And he is able to accomplish the task (Ps. 103:20).
"And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire." "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?"
"Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word."

The Intermediate Destination "of the church."

Pastor taking oversight of the congregation. Officers who join him: teachers, deacons, helpers. People who belong to the congregation. These are to bear the message to the city.

The Ultimate Destination
"In Pergamos"

Located about 55 miles north and slightly east of Smyrna. While Smyrna is along the coast, Pergamos is in from the the coast.

Pergamum was the ancient capitol of Asia before Ephesus. The city had little or no commerce. It was a combination of pagan cathedrals, a university town, and a royal residence. It was renowned for its learning, refinements, and science.

Its library was second only to that of Alexandria, con­taining 200,000 volumes. It was here that the art of preparing skins of animals for writing was perfected and from which our word parchment is derived.

It was famed for medical science. Also pagan deities such as Zeus, Athena, Apollo, and Aesculapius, the god of medicine. This deity was termed the "Savior" and "Pre­server," frequently depicted as a serpent. No wonder this letter speaks of "Satan's throne" and "where Satan dwelleth."

Upon the very summit of the acropolis of the city stood the temple of Athena, just as in the city of Athens. Below or beneath it was a great altar to Zeus, one hundred feet square and elevated to a height above the plain of 800 feet. Deissman believes that this must have been what John had in mind when he referred to Satan's Throne. No other shrine was visible at so great a distance and could represent Satanic heathendom.