Jesus and the Seven Church of Asia – Part 2
Rev. 2:1
-Introduction
-In our introductory lesson, we “got the ball rolling” with the book of Revelation.
-I reminded you of the emphasis that is place on Jesus – throughout the whole Bible and certainly
in this book.
-Various Approaches to Revelation:1
1. Futurist – most of the events were in the distant future of the original recipients; most of
the events of Revelation remain in the future
2. Continuous-Historical – Revelation provides a detailed blueprint of the church throughout
history – from the 1st century to the end of time
3. Preterist – from a Latin word meaning “beyond” or “past” – most of the book covers what
happened in the future of the original recipients but in our past
4. Symbolic – Revelation is speaking symbolically about the conflict between good and evil
in every age, a conflict in which good will ultimately triumph.
5. Select-wisely – selecting the best aspects of several approaches
-What was their recommendation? “As this process takes place, it is advisable to rely
heavily on the symbolic and preterist approaches, avoid the futurist approach, and
recognize the dangers of time-setting as employed by the continuous-historical approach.”2
-One must be careful with contextualization when attempting to apply events/principles to modern
day. They need to be placed in equal contexts, not just similar contexts.
-Again, Rev. 1:1, 3 seem to help us with our understanding. Also, contrast Rev. 22:10 with
Dan. 12:4. This lends additional credence to our approach.
-However, the aim of this series of lessons isn’t on the details of the book of Revelation as a whole
but on the descriptions of Jesus found in the letters to the seven churches of Asia.
-As Jesus introduces His evaluation of the Ephesian congregation, He identifies Himself as “…him who
holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands” (2:1).
-See Rev. 1:10, 12, 16a-17, 20
-“To the Angel…”
-angel = angelos = messenger
-This phrase has stood as a challenge that has endured through the centuries.
-There have been many suggestions. Consider these:
-1. a messenger who represented the congregation – traveled to and from John – Yet, it seems
the letter was addressed to this person and there seems to be a implication of accountability
2. the eldership as a whole – Heb. 13:17
-“The position of the elders collectively as teachers and shepherds of the congregation lends
much plausibility to this view. It can do no violence to any true scriptural reading.”3
3. the congregation as a whole – Rev. 2:7 (repeated to each of the seven congregations)
-Yet, they are listed separate to the lampstands which “are the seven churches” (1:20).
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1
See David L. Roper, Revelation 1-11 (2nd ed.; Truth for Today Commentary; Searcy: Resource, 2008), 13-27.
2
ibid., 26
3
John T. Hinds, A Commentary on the Book of Revelation (Nashville: Gospel Advocate Co., 1983), 33.
-Regarding Rev. 1:16 - “Though we cannot know for certain who or what the stars are, we can still
comprehend Jesus’ point.”4
-Him Who Holds the Seven Stars in His Right Hand – Power and Protection
-The right hand is used as being representative of strength and power– Ex. 15:6, Ps. 20:6.
-With this also comes the idea of protection.
-What a comforting thought for the faithful – We are in the hands of our Lord.
-Rom. 8:31-39 – Satan does not have the power to rip us away from the grasp of Jesus. He
can only tempt us to stray away.
-Roper makes an interesting observation here: “Domitian had issued a coin depicting his son as
holding the constellations in his hand, implying that he was responsible for the destiny of the universe.
Jesus wanted the Ephesians to know that He held the stars in His hand, not Domitian or his heirs.
Christ controls all things.”5
-Whether that was the specific application or not, consider this thought of control.
-With the coming, severe persecution, would have seemed that control had been lost?
-When we see the conditions of our day, our society, does it seem that there is no longer Divine
control? But, there is. God is still sovereign ruler and Jesus is still Lord. He still rules – Heb. 8:1.
-Immediately following the 7 letters is information regarding the throne – Rev. 4 &5.
-This imagery was to invoke/maintain trust and confidence on the part of the Christians. They were
“in good hands.”
-Who Walks Among the Seven Golden Lampstands – Awareness and Accountability
-The verb “walks” is in the present tense which indicates ongoing action. Jesus walks and continues to
walk among the lampstands, the churches. He sees and knows what is happening.
-Now, this might invoke different thought and feelings.
-To the faithful, it is assuring. We can take great comfort with the words “I know” – spoken to
all seven congregations. Jesus knows our efforts, our sacrifices, our works.
-To the unfaithful, it is concerning. He knows our shortcomings, apathy, complacency, etc. Yet, it
should prompt efforts to improve.
-With these congregations, they were to continue in their strengths and improve their weaknesses.
-Jesus knows the 26th and Connecticut church of Christ. He is intimately aware of us. And, we are
accountable to Him. And, not only is He aware, He is interested in what we are doing in His name.
-Invitation
-Aren’t you glad we have a Savior who loves us, protects us, is aware of us and interested in us?
-So, what are you doing in return? Have you responded to His sacrifice? Have you obeyed His Gospel?
Are you striving to truly serve Him?
-If not, won’t you change that?
-If so, continue!
Joplin – October 8, 2012 – p.m.
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4
5
Roper, Revelation, 88.
ibid., 110