12:1 A great and wondrous sign [portent pointing to something beyond itself] appeared in heaven: [first sign a spiritual representation of Jesus’ birth] a woman [perhaps represents Israel through whom the Messiah came into the world] clothed with [note emblems of light] the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars [relates woman to twelve tribes of Israel] on her head.

Note: Satan is not omniscient, omnipresent, or omnipotent as God is; but he is extremely crafty and powerful.

12:2 She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth [Israel pictured as a woman in labor (cf. Mic. 4:10; 5:2-3)].

12:3 Then [second sign describes Satan in symbolic terms] another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red [signifies blood shed by murderous/destructive work of Satan] dragon [common figure to portray evil in apocalyptic literature; Satan; all forces of evil represented in this dragon] with seven heads [indicates great wisdom] and ten [number of human completion] horns [symbol of power or perhaps complete human power; in case of Satan, great destructive power] and seven crowns [symbol of authority over kingdom of darkness and evil] on his heads.

12:4 His tail swept a third of the stars [some believe a reference to Satan taking one third of angels with him when he fell from heaven; cf. Isa. 14:12-15] out of the sky and flung them to the earth. The dragon [cf. (KJV) Ezek. 29:3 re: Pharaoh as dragon and Jer. 51:34 re: Nebuchadnezzar as dragon who gulped Jerusalem / both enemies of Israel] stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that he might devour [refers to Satan’s primary interest / attempt to kill Jesus from the moment of His birth and to frustrate God’s redemptive work; see Matt. 2:16-17 re: Herod’s attempt to kill Jesus] her child the moment it was born.

12:5 [completion of first vision] She gave birth to a son [incarnation; cf. Jn. 1:14], a male child [symbolizes Jesus (as per all millennial views)], who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter [see Rev. 2:27 and 19:15; cf. Ps. 2:9]. And her child was [fill in story of Jesus from Gospels from birth to ascension] snatched up to God and to His throne [evil defeated; allusion to God’s victory over Satan by resurrection and ascension of Christ].

12:6 The woman fled into the desert to a place prepared for her by God, where she might have taken care of for 1,260 days.

Note: Verses 7-12 explain Satan’s hostility.

12:7 And there was war in heaven [some believe took place prior to creation (Isa. 14:12); some believe occurred after ascension of Christ; others see as reference to some future event]. Michael [Israel’s guardian as per Dan. 10:13,21; 12:1; archangel or chief angel according to Jude 9] and his angels fought against the dragon [Satan], and the dragon and his angels [cf. 12:4] fought back.

12:8 But he [Satan] was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven [indicates complete defeat; Satan’s defeat in heaven assures church’s victory on earth].

12:9 The great dragon was hurled down – that ancient serpent called the devil [means accuser or slanderer], or Satan [means adversary or opponent], who leads the whole world astray [part of Satan’s agenda]. He was hurled [cast out of heaven; banished from God’s presence] to the earth [cf. 1 Jn. 5:19], and his angels with him.

12:10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say [proclamation of praise]: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser [implies continual action] of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night [continuously], has been hurled down.

12:11 They overcame him [Satan] [1] by the blood of the Lamb [sacrificial/redemptive death of Christ on the cross; guarantee of our acceptance with God] and [2] by the word of their testimony [personal affirmation that we have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb; perhaps affirmation that “Jesus is Lord” as opposed to “Caesar is Lord”]; [3] they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death [in the face of persecution].

12:12 Therefore rejoice [Satan’s expulsion brought joy in heaven], you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury [turbulent anger, particularly against believers], because he knows that his time is short.”

12:13 When the dragon saw that he had been hurled to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child.

12:14 The woman was given the two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the desert, where she would be taken care of for a time, times and half a time, out of the serpent’s reach.

12:15 Then from his mouth the serpent spewed water like a river, to overtake the woman and sweep her away with the torrent.

12:16 But the earth helped the woman by opening its mouth and swallowing the river that the dragon had spewed out of his mouth.

12:17 Then the dragon was enraged at the woman [Satan failed to prevent mission of the woman’s child] and went off to make war [methods related in following chapters] against [cf. 1 Pet. 5:8; Eph. 6:10-20] the rest of her offspring [believers; the church] – [What kind of believers experience Satan’s fury most? …] those [refers to believers] who obey God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.

7:1 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree.

7:2 Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea:

7:3 “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.”

7:4 Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel.

7:5 From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed,
from the tribe of Reuben 12,000,
from the tribe of Gad 12,000,

7:6 from the tribe of Asher 12,000,
from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000,
from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000,

7:7 from the tribe of Simeon 12,000,
from the tribe of Levi 12,000,
from the tribe of Issachar 12,000,

7:8 from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000,
from the tribe of Joseph 12,000,
from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000.

7:9 After this [transitional phrase: scene shifts from earth to God’s heavenly throne room] I looked [and saw a preview of the final state of the redeemed] and there before me was [1] a great multitude [people redeemed by God’s grace] that no one could count, [2] from every [God wants all to have opportunity to hear/respond to the Gospel] nation, tribe, people and language, [3] standing before the throne [the privileged place for all the redeemed] and in front of the Lamb. They [great multitude] were [4] wearing white robes [symbolizing purity and victory; cf. 3:4-5 regarding promise to the faithful at Sardis] and were holding palm branches [reminiscent of Feast of Tabernacles and Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem; palm branches used in royal processions] in their hands.

7:10 And they cried out in a loud voice:
“Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.”

7:11 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 


7:12 saying:
“Amen!
Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!”

7:13 Then one of the elders [one of 24 depicted in 4:4; see sidebar note] asked me [John], “These in white robes – who are they, and where did they come from?”

7:14 I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation [literally means “pressure” and refers to a time of great persecution and distress]; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood [Rom. 5:9-10; the only way to be cleansed from sin] of the Lamb.

Note: Various interpretations of “the great tribulation” include:
• suffering experienced by first century Christians
• suffering experienced by Christian martyrs throughout the ages
• suffering generally associated with end time events
• last half of seven-year-tribulation just prior to the rapture of the church

7:15 Therefore, “they [saints] are before the throne of God and serve [continuously] Him day and night in his temple [in His presence]; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tent [make room in His eternal dwelling; protect/comfort] over them.

7:16 Never again [for eternity] will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat.

7:17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd [see Ps. 23 and Jn. 10:11]; He will lead them to springs of living [free-flowing spring or artesian well] water [continual sustenance for victorious saints; cf. Jn. 4:10; 7:37-38]. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

6:1 I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, “Come!”

6:2 I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.

6:3 When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!”

6:4 Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other. To him was given a large sword.

6:5 When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand.

6:6 Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, “Two pounds of wheat for a day’s wages, and six pounds of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!”

6:7 When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!”

6:8 I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.

6:9 When He [the Lamb] opened the fifth seal [cf. Rev. 5], I saw [John saw a different vision with opening of each seal] under the altar [in God’s throne room; perhaps an indication that those who had suffered a martyr’s death were now safe from all harm; perhaps an allusion to temple sacrifice in which animal blood poured out at base of altar (Lev. 4:7) thus signifying they laid down their lives in sacrifice] the souls [lives or persons] of those who had been slain [persecuted believers] because of [for this reason] the word of God and the testimony [Christians’ witness about their Christian faith] they had maintained [faithfulness in the face of persecution].

Note: Who were “those who had been slain”? It depends on your interpretive approach.
• Preterist: first-century martyrs
• Historicist: martyrs throughout history
• Futurist: martyrs during great tribulation prior to coming of Christ and millennium

6:10 They called out in a loud voice, “How long [only God knows the answer to this question], Sovereign Lord, holy [purity] and true [trustworthiness], until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge [vindicate] our blood [and His name]?”

6:11 Then each of them [martyrs] was given a white [symbolizing purity and victory] robe, and they were told to wait [we must trust God to act in His own time and way to vindicate martyrs and His name] a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed [others destined to join them in martyrdom for the cause of Christ].

Note: “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.”
[these verses are the answer to the question asked in 6:10]

6:12 I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red,

6:13 and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind.

6:14 The heavens receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place.

6:15 Then [natural catastrophes (judgment) after sixth seal opened (6:12); we do not know when God will pour out His wrath on a wicked world, only that He will] the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man [God’s wrath poured out on world’s wicked people; no one can escape divine judgment; notice mention of seven kinds of people indicating completeness of God’s judgment] hid [rather than repented] in caves and among the rocks of the mountains.

6:16 They called to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath [indication that God hates all that is wicked and evil] of the Lamb [also the “Lion of the tribe of Judah” (5:5)]!

6:17 For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand [obvious answer is “no one” can stand; cf. Nah. 1:6]?”

5:1 Then I saw in the right hand of him [God] who sat on the throne [God is sovereign] a scroll [content: the course of human history] with writing on both sides [a scroll with writing on both sides is called an opisthograph] and sealed [wax seals impressed with a signet ring] with seven seals.

5:2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy [both qualified and powerful enough; one with authority] to break the seals and open the scroll?”

5:3 But no one in heaven [the angels] or on earth [no human leader] or under the earth [the dead; possibly reference to evil spirits] could open the scroll or even look inside it.

5:4 I wept and wept [indicates strong emotion] because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside.

5:5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion [only place in NT where Jesus is called a Lion; represents power] of the tribe of Judah [cf. Gen. 49:9], the Root of David [cf. Isa. 11:1], has triumphed [has won the victory over sin and death through His life, death, and resurrection]. He is able [because He is victorious] to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

5:6 Then I saw a Lamb [links the Messiah to the OT Passover lamb; cf. Jn. 1:36], looking as if it had been slain [the Lamb still bore the marks of death; cf. 1 Pet. 1:18-19], standing [indicates Lamb was alive] in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven [signifies perfection] horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God [probably a symbolic reference to the Holy Spirit] sent out into all the earth.

5:7 He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne.

5:8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb [thus acknowledging the deity of the Lamb]. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers [petitions] of the saints [those set apart for God’s purposes].

5:9 And they sang [music is a part of worship] a new [one never before heard in heaven] song [a song that focused on Jesus’ redemptive activity on the cross]: “You [the One who has authority to take and open scroll] are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because [the reason He is worthy] you were slain [refers to the earthly death of Jesus of Nazareth], and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.

5:10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests [a privilege and a responsibility; priests represent the people to God and God to the people] to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth [some scholars see this as reference to future eschatological kingdom reign of Christ].”

5:11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand [an exceeding great throng]. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders.

5:12 In a loud voice they [the “many angels”] sang: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, [note sevenfold doxology…] to receive [note that the Lamb received all of the things that He did not receive while on the earth…] [1] power [he was born and died in weakness on earth] and [2] wealth [“he became poor” while on earth (2 Cor. 8:9)] and [3] wisdom [men on earth thought Him a fool] and [4] strength [He hungered, thirsted, and became weary on earth] and [5] honor [He experienced humiliation on earth] and [6] glory [he was mocked by those who crucified Him] and [7] praise [He became a curse for us on earth (Gal. 3:13)]!”

5:13 Then I heard [cf. Phil. 2:9-11…] every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: “To him who sits on the throne [God] and to the Lamb [Christ] be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”

5:14 The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

4:1 After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”

4:2 At once I was in the Spirit [a supernatural state of inspiration], and there before me was a throne [indicates sovereignty] in heaven with someone [God: see vv. 5,8,11] sitting on it [indicating God is in control…encouragement to persecuted believers].

4:3 And the one who sat there had the appearance [description indicates that God is indescribable and beyond our comprehension] of jasper [stone that occurred in various colors (see 21:11); perhaps symbolizing God’s holiness, righteousness, purity] and carnelian [blood-red stone; perhaps denoting God’s redemptive purpose or perhaps wrath/judgment]. A rainbow [halo; symbol of God’s covenant (Gen. 9:12-17); signifying life, hope, promise, mercy], resembling an emerald [green], encircled [not a semicircle] the throne [Ps. 103:19].

Note: Carnelian: blood-red stone also called sardine or sardius – named after Sardis where it is found.

4:4 Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads.

4:5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits4:5 That is, the sevenfold Spirit of God.

4:6 Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back.

4:7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle.

4:8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying:
“‘Holy, holy, holy
is the Lord God Almighty,’
who was, and is, and is to come.”

4:9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever,

4:10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:

4:11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

3:1 “To the angel of the church in Sardis [rich and important commercial center; city characterized by moral decadence / center for worship of pagan deity Cybele, a sex goddess; no indication that Christians were persecuted there; Sardis is the only church that did not receive a commendation from Christ] write: These are the words of Him who holds the seven spirits of God [refers to the Holy Spirit in His perfection; God worked through the Holy Spirit in the seven churches] and the seven stars [a reference to the leaders or pastors of the churches; cf. Rev. 1:16,20; 2:1]. I know your deeds; you have a reputation [name] of being alive [lots of activity; the church looked impressive from the outside], but you are dead [inward spiritual condition; they were not living up to their reputation of being alive; no threat to their immoral community; perhaps under influence of immoral surroundings; cf. Rom. 12:2].

3:2 Wake up [urgent admonition to be watchful; city had experienced two military defeats because sentries fell asleep at their posts]! Strengthen what [Christian traits or members] remains and is about to die [need for urgent/decisive action], for I have not found your deeds [works did not measure up to God’s standards] complete [unfulfilled purpose] in the sight of my God.

3:3 Remember [recall], therefore, what you have received and heard [the gospel and instruction about the Christian life]; obey [hold fast or keep a firm grip on] it, and repent [imperative not option]. But if [condition] you do not wake up [continual watchful attitude], I will come [(perhaps final) warning of sudden judgment] like a thief [a reference to judgment], and you will not know at what time I will come to you [suggests they would be unprepared].

3:4 Yet you have a few [not all members were a disappointment; God notices faithfulness of individuals; some had not given in to indifference/complacency] people in Sardis who have not soiled [mingling with pagan life] their clothes [lives/attitude toward God]. They will walk [fellowship] with me, dressed in white [purity/upright life or heavenly raiment; a symbol of being set apart for God], for they are worthy [made possible by fellowship with the Lord].

3:5 He [any member of the church] who overcomes will [church was not beyond hope], like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out [erase/remove] his name from the book of life [registry of citizens of heaven], but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels [cf. Matt. 10:32].

3:6 He who has an ear, let him hear [to listen, understand, and obey] what the Spirit says to the churches.

3:7 “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia [located in a mountainous area; wine producing area; chief god of city was Dionysius or Bacchus, the god of wine; gateway to the East; Christ had no words of rebuke or condemnation for this church] write: These are the words of Him who is holy [set apart for God’s work; cf. 4:8] and true [genuine, not an imitation like pagan gods worshiped in Philadelphia; cf. 6:10], who holds [cf. John 14:6] the key [signifies power and authority] of David [Jesus is the promised Messiah of David’s lineage; “the key to the house of David” refers to Eliakim who carried “the key to the house of David” and who had authority over the treasures of the king and the authority to open and close the door at will (Isaiah 22:15-25)]. What He opens [door to the kingdom or door of faith as in Acts 14:27] no one can shut [regardless of what their persecutors said], and what He shuts no one can open [open door (salvation is assured) and closed door (judgment is certain)].

3:8 I know [have accurate insight] your deeds [service to Christ in midst of difficulties]. See, I have placed before you an open door [perhaps a reference to missionary or evangelistic opportunity; cf. 1 Cor. 16:9; 2 Cor. 2:12; Col. 4:3] that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength [suggests church in Philadelphia was small, poor, and lacking in influence; implies that while their strength was not sufficient to serve God’s purpose, Christ’s strength was more than sufficient; cf. Christ’s words to Paul in 2 Cor. 12:9], yet you have kept [suggests specific occasion when they could have done otherwise] my word [did not embrace heresy] and have not denied my name [did not call Caesar “Lord” but remained loyal to Christ].

3:9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan [cf. 2:9], who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars — I will make them come and fall down at your feet [defeated enemies] and acknowledge [recognize] that I have loved you [you are God’s true people – His church; vindication before enemies].

3:10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you [keep faithful while undergoing trial] from the hour of trial [perhaps intensity of pressure to participate in emperor worship or perhaps final ordeal of judgment] that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.

3:11 I am coming soon [imminent return]. Hold on [remain loyal even though they had “little strength” (v. 8:b)] to what you have [do not allow your commitment to be sabotaged], so that no one [opponents of Christ] will take your crown [reference to reward not salvation; crown of victory awarded to victorious athlete].

3:12 Him [every believer] who overcomes I will [promise] make a pillar [gives stability to a structure; meaningful because Philadelphia was a city subject to earthquakes] in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it [no possibility of separation from the Lord]. I will write on [to establish identification, recognition, and ownership] him the name of my God [identity with God] and the name of the city of my God [signifying citizenship], the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name [signifying ownership].

3:13 He who has an ear, let him hear [and understand and act upon; cf. Mark 4:9] what the Spirit says to the churches.

3:14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea [important and wealthy commercial center located in the Lycus valley] write: These are the words of the Amen [represented Christ’s stability and complete trustworthiness], the faithful and true [genuine as opposed to imitation] witness [the absolute truth about God], the ruler [agent as in Col. 1:16-18 and authority over whole created order] of God’s creation.

3:15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold [like pure invigorating waters of Colossae] nor hot [like healing/medicinal waters of Hierapolis]. I wish you were either one or the other [both are positive]!

3:16 So, because you are lukewarm [tepid; spiritual lethargy; indifferent and uncommitted] – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out [with disgust] of my mouth [indicates impending judgment].

3:17 You say, ‘I am rich [proud and self-sufficient]; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize [unaware of real spiritual condition; “you don’t know how bad off you are” (CEV)] that you are wretched, pitiful, poor [destitute, as in 2:9], blind [to pitiful spiritual condition; Laodicea produced a salve made from “phrygian powder” mixed with oil to treat eye diseases: applied in form of doughy paste] and naked [physically well-dressed but spiritually naked; ironic analogy because Laodicea bred sheep whose glossy black wool was used to make expensive garments].

3:18 [threefold admonition] I counsel you [church in Laodicea] to [1] buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich [for eternity]; and [2] white [suggests purity] clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness [symbol of judgment and humiliation]; and [3] salve to put on your eyes, so you can see [spiritually; see themselves as they were].

3:19 Those whom I love [underlying motivation] I rebuke and discipline [with a redemptive aim; cf. Prov. 3:12]. So be earnest [zealous in devotion to God; same root word as for “hot” in v. 15; not complacent], and repent [imperative not option].

3:20 [Behold!] Here I am [a call to take notice]! I stand at the door [outside and away from the central place of the church and life of the individual] and knock [keeping on knocking; intended to get attention of those inside]. If anyone hears my voice [in addition to knocking, Christ was calling out] and opens the door [Christ will not force His way inside], I will come in and eat with him [fellowship], and he with me.

3:21 To him [individual] who overcomes [refers to those who have continuous fellowship with Christ], I will give the right to sit with me on my throne [signifies great honor], just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.

2:1 “To the angel [messenger, whether divine or human; perhaps pastor] of the church [read Acts 19-20 regarding founding of the church at Ephesus] in Ephesus [administrative center; large and influential city; most famous for its association with Artemis or Diana, the goddess of love] write: These are the words of Him who holds [keeps carefully or faithfully] the seven stars [cf. Rev. 1:20] in his right hand [authority over and protection of His churches/leaders] and walks among [Jesus is aware of what goes on in His churches; cf. Matt. 18:20] the seven golden lampstands [cf. Rev 1:12,16]:

2:2 [commendation] I know [Gr. oida: complete knowledge] your deeds [good and right deeds], your hard work [exhaustive labor in Christ’s cause; this strong evangelistic church helped spread gospel to all Asia (Acts 19:10)] and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate [bear] wicked men [Ephesus was a city filled with sexual immorality associated with the worship of Artemis (Diana in Roman culture), the goddess of fertility; the church did not tolerate sin among its members ], that you [discerning/mature] have tested [because they valued doctrinal purity; 1 John 4:2-3 explains the way to test if a person has the Spirit of God] those who claim to be apostles [term refers to early Christians who had seen the resurrected Lord; in this case itinerant missionaries with questionable credentials; false teachers who tried to draw the people away from their faith (Acts 20:29-31)] but are not, and have found them false [wolves disguised as sheep (Matt. 7:15-16)].

2:3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary [cf. 1 Cor. 15:58; Gal. 6:9].

2:4 [condemnation] Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken [because they were so busy preserving orthodoxy] your first [cf. “things you did at first” in v. 5] love [love for Christ demonstrated by a love for one another and for the lost].

2:5 [note three imperatives: 1] Remember [a motivation to repent] the height [love and a deep commitment to God had once characterized this church (Eph. 1:15)] from which you have fallen! [2] Repent [turn away from a lack of love] and [3] do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you [indicates special judgment against them] and remove your [specific churches can become extinct] lampstand from its place.

2:6 But you have this in your favor [an additional commendation to the church in Ephesus]: You hate the practice of the Nicolaitans [the name is a Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word for “Balaamites” (Num. 31:16);  those who had compromised their faith in order to participate in the sinful practices of their culture and were likely advocates of compromise with and tolerance of the evil around them], which I also hate.

2:7 [each of the seven letters ends with this exhortation] He who has an ear, let him hear [all the letters were to be circulated and read to all the churches] what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life [pictures the gift of eternal life], which is in the paradise of God.

2:8 “To the angel of the church in Smyrna [wealthy and beautiful port city located on a gulf 40 miles north of Ephesus; leading center of emperor worship] write: These are the words of Him who is the First and the Last [everlasting deity; cf. 1:8,17; Christ was all they needed], who died and came to life again [refers to Christ’s work of redemption; encouragement to those who daily faced threat of death].

2:9 I know [see and understand] your afflictions [Gr. thlipsin: tribulations or intense pressure from the outside; persecution and possibility of death; result of not endorsing emperor worship] and your poverty [materially destitute; probably result of persecution; confiscation of property (cf. Heb. 10:34)] – yet you are rich [spiritually; cf. Matt. 6:19-20]! I know the slander [malicious and hurtful lies intended to discredit church’s witness] of those who say they are Jews [ethnically; large Jewish population persecuted Christians] and are not [spiritually, because of their rejection of Christ; cf. Rom. 2:28-29 re: true Jew], but are a synagogue of Satan [ultimate source of opposition/ persecution].

2:10 Do not be afraid [words of reassurance] of what you are about to [trouble was coming] suffer [dangerous to be a Christian in Smyrna]. I tell you [advance warning], the devil will put some of you in prison [suggests persecution would get worse] to test [cf. 1 Pet. 1:6-7] you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days [either literal ten days or reference to short period of time; number “ten” represents human completeness; limited period of suffering but eternal reward]. Be [continually, even in the future] faithful [committed; implies trustworthiness, steadfastness, and courage], even to the point of death [martyrdom: supreme price to pay for faithfulness], and I will give you the crown [symbol of victory (athletic games)] of life [eternal in quality/duration].

2:11 He [individual responsibility] who has an ear [to receive and act upon Christ’s message], let him hear [and be strengthened by what he hears] what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death [eternal and spiritual death; separation from life (20:14)].

2:12 “To the angel of the church in Pergamum [called “the greatest city in Asia Minor” and located about 55 miles north of Ephesus; city had large library of 200,000 scrolls; a center of worship for Asclepios, the god of healing represented by a serpent entwined on a staff; a center for the worship of Dionysus (aka Bacchus in Greek culture), Zeus, and other pagan gods] write: These are the words of Him who has the sharp, double-edged sword [ability to protect and to judge; cf. Rev. 1:16; see Heb. 4:12].

2:13 [approval] I know [to have a complete knowledge of a situation] where you live [aware of their circumstances] – where Satan has his throne [city was a leading center for emperor worship in Asia]. Yet [in spite of living in a difficult place where they were surrounded by pagan influences] you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me [suggests an occasion where they had to make a choice], even in the days of Antipas [perhaps a pastor or member of the church; church tradition says he was a physician who was suspected of secretly spreading Christianity], my faithful witness [martyr], who was put to death [martyred; church tradition records that he was put inside a copper bull which was then heated thus leading to an excruciating death] in your city [perhaps because he refused to worship the emperor (affirm loyalty to Caesar)] – where Satan lives.

2:14 [accusation] Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people [the Nicolaitans (Rev. 2:6)] there [people who had infiltrated the fellowship] who hold to the teaching of Balaam [Num. 22-25], who taught [advised; cf. Num. 31:16] Balak [king of Moab] to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols [this was religious compromise; as part of a pagan feast; cf. 1 Cor. 10:1-24] and by committing sexual immorality [this was moral compromise; Num. 25:1-3].

2:15 Likewise you also have those who hold [rather than hate; cf. Rev. 2:6] to the teaching of the Nicolaitans [possibly a sect that promoted the teaching of Balaam and tolerated sexual immorality (cf. 1 Cor. 5:1-13) and eating meat sacrificed to idols; some members had affirmed that “Caesar is Lord” thus committing “spiritual fornication”].

2:16 [admonition] Repent therefore [clean house (remove the false teachers from the church) or risk the Lord’s judgment; the Lord hates religious and moral compromise; turn from your sin and live differently]! Otherwise, I will soon come to you [indicates special judgment against them] and will fight against them [the Nicolaitans and their followers] with the sword of my mouth.

2:17 He [every individual is responsible for hearing and obeying] who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him [every individual is responsible for overcoming] who overcomes [those who faithfully stand against compromise], I will give some of the hidden manna [God’s provision for His people in the wilderness (a place where nourishment was hard to find); Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6:35)]. I will also give him a white stone [“put into a vessel by a judge to vote acquittal” and “used like a ticket to gain admission to a feast” (Wiersbe)] with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.

2:18 “To the angel of the church in Thyatira [famous for the production of a rare and expensive purple dye; cf. Acts 16:14; Lydia, Paul’s first convert in Philippi, was from Thyatira (Acts 16:14)] write: These are the words of the Son of God [only occurrence of this title in the Book of Revelation; sets Him against Apollo and the emperor who were regarded as sons of Zeus], whose eyes [penetrating in their gaze; everything we do is in His sight (no one ever does anything behind God’s back)] are like blazing fire and whose feet [strong; able to crush opposition] are like burnished bronze [cf. Rev. 1:14-15].

2:19 [commendation] I know your deeds, your love [in contrast to church in Ephesus] and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more [progressing] than you did at first.

2:20 [condemnation] Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate [many people confuse love with tolerance] that woman Jezebel [not necessarily her name but a person similar in character/deeds to OT queen who promoted idolatry in Israel (1 Kings 16:31-33); proverbial name for wickedness], who calls herself a prophetess [one who speaks truth from God]. By her teaching [cf. Rev. 2:2, church at Ephesus tested/rejected false teachers] she misleads [ungodly influence; her teaching promoted ungodly behavior] my servants into sexual immorality [Jezebel’s teachings likely said that what happened in the body was not sin, so therefore one could fulfill their sexual desires outside of marriage without consequence; sex outside of marriage always hurts someone] and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.

2:21 I have given [graciously] her time [Gr. chronos] to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling [and therefore will suffer the consequences].

2:22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering [punishment fits crime], and I will make those who commit adultery with her [spiritual adultery that led to moral compromise] suffer intensely, unless [gracious opportunity] they repent of her [Jezebel’s] ways.


2:23 I will strike her children [Jezebel’s followers; those whom she had convinced to compromise] dead. Then all the churches will know [as a result of witnessing the judgment against Jezebel] that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.

2:24 Now I say to the rest of you [those who had not followed Jezebel] in Thyatira, to you [those who had seen through Jezebel’s deception] who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets [Jezebel likely promoted these as things that would lead to a deeper spiritual life], ‘I will not impose any other burden on you,



2:25 except to hold on to what you have [their pure faith in Christ as opposed to the “so-called deep secrets” of Jezebel] until I come.’

2:26 To the one who is victorious [over Jezebel] and does my will to the end [a reference to Christ’s second coming], I will give authority over the nations [see Psalm 2:8-9] — 



2:27  that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter [a symbol of judgment] and will dash them to pieces like pottery [see Isaiah 30:12-14 and Jeremiah 19:11]’ — just as I have received authority from my Father.



2:28 I will also give that one the morning star [appears just before dawn when the night is darkest and coldest; Jesus is the morning star (Rev. 2:28; 22:16; 2 Pet. 1:19].



2:29 Whoever has ears, let them hear [the letters to the seven churches were meant to be read to each church that each church might listen and learn] what the Spirit says to the churches.

Revelation was written during reign of the Roman emperor Domitian (A.D. 81-96). Domitian promoted emperor worship and persecuted those who refused to worship him.

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1:1 The revelation [Gr. apokalypsis: unveiling of something previously hidden] of Jesus Christ [central theme of the revelation], which God [the source of the revelation] gave Him [Jesus] to show His servants [John] what must [divinely ordained necessity of things to come (revealed to John through series of visions)] soon [message intended primarily for John’s first readers] take place. He made it known by sending his angel [Jesus’ messenger] to His servant John [who was in exile on island of Patmos],

1:2 who testifies to everything [left nothing out; included every detail] he saw [in the form of visions] – that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

1:3 Blessed [first of seven beatitudes in book] is the one who [1] reads [public reading to Christians assembled for worship] the words of this prophecy [declaration of God’s will], and blessed are those who [2] hear it and [3] take to heart [obey] what is written in it, because the time [season] is near [end time or time of fulfillment of book’s prophecies].

1:4 John [recorded the message from Christ], To the seven churches [see v. 11] in the [Roman] province of Asia [geographically formed a rough circle in the province of Asia; included all churches in province]: Grace [God’s unmerited favor] and peace [results from grace] to you from Him who is, and who was, and who is to come [phrase refers to God], and from the seven [number represents completeness/perfection] spirits [refers to the Holy Spirit in His perfection] before His [God’s] throne,

1:5 and from Jesus Christ, who is [1] the faithful [credible; reliable] witness , [2] the firstborn [His resurrection guarantees ours; see 1 Cor. 15:20] from the dead [resurrection of Jesus; cf. Col. 1:18], and [3] the ruler [sovereignty over all rulers] of the kings of the earth [cf. Rev. 19:16]. [begins doxology; praise directed to Jesus] To Him who [continually] loves us and has freed [liberated or loosed] us from our sins by His blood [the cost of our liberation; see Eph. 1:7; 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:18-19],

1:6 and has made us to be a kingdom [made up of those who submit to God’s rule in their lives; cf. Col. 1:13] and priests [priests represents God to people and people to God; priesthood of believers] to serve [a function of priests] His God and Father – to Him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.

1:7 Look, He [Jesus] is [certainty] coming [this hope should stir believers to faithfulness] with the clouds [phrase is symbolic of Christ’s deity; cf. Mk. 14:62; He will come from heaven], and every eye [whole human race] will see Him, even [including] those who pierced Him [enemies]; and all [believers/unbelievers] the peoples of the earth will mourn [unbelievers because of judgment] because of Him. So shall it be! Amen.

1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega [first and last letters of Greek alphabet; affirm eternal character],” says the Lord God, “[earthly time dimensions] who is, and who was, and who is to come [cf. 1:4], the Almighty.”

1:9 I, John [a personal, eyewitness introduction; now older, he speaks with humility and authority], your brother [relational language; though an apostle, John identifies with believers as family in Christ] and companion [fellow partaker, co-sharer; not a distant observer but one who shares in the same trials and endurance] in the suffering [from the Greek thlipsis—pressure, tribulation, affliction; suffering is an expected component of faithful Christian living] and kingdom [believers belong to Christ’s kingdom even under hostile earthly systems; exile cannot remove a man from Christ’s reign] and patient endurance [steadfast perseverance under prolonged trial] that are ours in Jesus [linking suffering and endurance to union with Christ], was on the island of Patmos [a literal place of exile in the Aegean Sea; isolation, restriction, and removal from normal ministry life] because of the word of God [the faithful proclamation of truth] and the testimony of Jesus [the witness concerning Christ’s person and lordship; clarifying the cause of exile: faithfulness, not failure].

1:10 On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet

1:11 which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches [read the specific message to each of the seven churches in Revelation 2-3; these churches were located in the western portion of Asia Minor-what is modern-day Turkey; content of letters reveals a time of persecution]: to Ephesus [Paul spent much time in Ephesus on third missionary journey (Acts 19; 20:16-17)], Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira [hometown of Lydia (Acts 16:14)], Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea [Epaphras spent time there (Col. 2:1; 4:12-16)].”

1:12 I turned around to see the voice [cf. vv. 9-11] that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw [this first vision extends to ch. 3] seven golden lampstands [refers to the seven churches as per 1:20 and named in 1:11; a church, like a lampstand, is to be a light-bearer in the world],

1:13 and among [in the midst of] the lampstands [churches] was someone [begins description of the glorified Christ through v. 16] “like a son of man [cf. Dan. 7:13; designation for the Messiah; Jesus preferred this title for Himself],” dressed in [priest’s apparel] a robe reaching down to His feet and with a golden sash [girdle] around His chest.

1:14 [description of the (symbolic) features of the Son of man] His head and hair were white [sign of wisdom] like wool [cf. Dan. 7:9], as white as snow, and His eyes were like blazing fire [fierce judgment or penetrating scrutiny].

1:15 His feet were like bronze [symbolized strength/stability] glowing in a furnace [capability of treading victoriously on enemies], and His voice was like the sound of rushing [powerful] waters [conveys idea of majesty and authority].

1:16 In His right hand [position of power] He held [protectively] seven stars [“angels of the seven churches” (1:20); some think a reference to pastors], and out of His mouth came a sharp double-edged sword [signifies victorious power of His word]. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance [glory and victory].

1:17 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead [cf. Isaiah 6:1-8, Ezekiel 1:28, and Daniel 10:9 concerning similar responses to visions of God]. Then He placed [reassuringly] His right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am [cf. Ex. 3:14; Jn. 14:6] the First and the Last [eternal in nature; cf. Isa. 44:6; 48:12].

1:18 I am the Living One [eternal and uncreated]; I was dead, and behold I am alive [Christ conquered death] for ever and ever! And I hold [our destiny is in His hands] the keys [power to hold/release] of death and Hades [someone observed that the Devil doesn’t even have the keys to his own house].

1:19 “Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later.

1:20 The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.