Well for what it's worth, here is the rest of my review on Revelations.
I still cannot reply until tomorrow when I get my head surgically removed off my ass.
I really did enjoy reading your comments and all.
It was fun.
Let me know if you want to read the man behind the curtains story is getting edited.
It is a rough draft, but I was told it has potential.
Ok, I will now go sit on my thumb and listen to you all tell me how I am a big dick.
Pergamum
The Compromising Church
The Roman historian Pliny called Pergamum the most illustrious city of Asia because of all its statues, temples, monuments, and public buildings. Strategically located high on a humped or cone shaped hill that dominated the Caicus plain, Pergamum had an excellent view of the sea and distant mountain ranges making it an important military town that was fortified and well defended. Like Smyrna, Pergamum was shrewd enough to ally themselves with Rome during the Punic Wars, and built a partnership that lasted for a couple of centuries. Among its public buildings Pergamum had the empires second largest library and a theatre that seated over 20,000 people. With temples dedicated to Athena, Dionysus, Asclepios, Roma, Zeus, and various roman emperors like Augustus (Octavius Caesar), only Athens could boast of more respect for the gods. By the time John had his vision Pergamum had become the very center of Emperor Worship in the Asian province. Many bible scholars believe the phrase, “ where Satan dwells”, refers to this emperor worship while others claim “Satan's throne” to be a reference to the Altar of Zeus (Rev 2:13). Still others believe that Christ was referring to the worship of Asclepios the pagan god of healing.
People from all over the empire would come to Pergamum to be healed by Asclepios. Snakes were a symbol of this cult and Asclepios’ temple was infested with snakes, even to this day we use the snake as a symbol of the medical profession. The Greek historian Pausanias of Lydia kept a journal about his travels and the different cities he visited. In describing the temple of Asclepios he wrote,
“Pauanias”
“I looked upon Asclepios who was sitting on a throne with his hand upon the head of a serpent”.
The serpent was actually a totem of the god Asclepios. Pausanias wrote how many harmless varieties of snakes had free run of this shrine and other shrines like Dionysus’. Dionysus was the god of vegetation and part of the worship of this god included the handling of snakes and other reptiles. Then we have the inscription found on coins excavated from archeological sites that depict the Emperor Caracalla standing before a snake coiled around a tree. Therefore wherever the Christian went he would be confronted with cultic practices that included the very symbol of the evil one himself the, snake.
I have found two different definitions for the word Pergamum, one is objectionable marriage, and the other is high place. I like the definition of objectionable marriage in that it alludes to the churches mixing the truth with lies of questionable teachers, as the Nicolaitans (Rev 2:15). There were some teachers who taught that it was lawful to eat things sacrificed to idols, and that simple fornication was no sin. By an impure worship these false teachers drew the members of the church into impure practices, as Balaam did the Israelites. Usually it is not those who are outside the church structure who mislead the brethren but the sheep in wolves clothing that lead the flock astray from within the Church’s ranks. Too often believers run after words that suit their individual tastes rather than hold fast to the simplicity and radical demands that the Gospel makes upon them. When they refuse to accept sound teachings and instruction they start to resemble the church of Pergamum and compromise their walk with Christ. Just as God told Moses to put all whom worshipped Baal to death, so to shall the wrath of the Lamb fall upon any who allow a problem to fester without repenting (Num 25:1-5). Church leaders should always be on the lookout for wolves that try to lead the flock astray. Dare I use the current problem Calvary Chico had with Calvinism as an example? Maybe not as bad as what was happening at Pergamum, but then again in the beginning the church at Pergamum was far from where they ended up. Was it not? While some at Pergamum held fast to their faith, one even unto death (Antipas), they are admonished to repent from following false teachers (Rev 2:13).
According to ancient sources the second bishop of Pergamum was a dentist named Antipas. Now we do not have any proof that this was the same Antipas Christ spoke of, but if it does make for good speculation. Those who repent are offered hidden manna and a white stone with a new name (Rev 2:17). The idea of hidden manna reflects a Jewish tradition, (from the Apocrypha book II Maccabees) about the pot of manna that was placed in the ark for a memorial to future generations (Ex 16:32). When Solomon’s Temple was destroyed in the 6th century BC Jeremiah supposedly took the ark and its contents and hid them underground in Mt Nebo. There it was to remain until the coming of the Messiah when Jeremiah would reappear and return the ark and its contents to the new messianic temple in Jerusalem.
(2 Maccabees 2:4 KJVA)
(4) It was also contained in the same writing, that the prophet, being warned of God, commanded the
tabernacle and the ark to go with him, as he went forth into the mountain, where Moses climbed
up, and saw the heritage of God. (5) And when Jeremiah came thither, he found an hollow cave,
wherein he laid the tabernacle, and the ark, and the altar of incense, and so stopped the door. (6) And
some of those that followed him came to mark the way, but they could not find it. (7) Which when
Jeremiah perceived, he blamed them, saying, As for that place, it shall be unknown until the
time that God gather his people again together, and receive them unto mercy
Among the Greeks a white stone was a symbol of acquittal, as a black stone was of guilt. The white stone implies justification, innocence and victory (Rev 2:17).
Pergamum is representative of the church age that started with the Edict of Milan in 313 AD and lasting until about 500 AD. This is a period of time when the church and state merged, or as the meaning of Pergamum alludes to it entered into an objectionable marriage. The majority of converts during this time became Christian in name only, bringing their pagan practices and lifestyles into a compromised church. At the end of this era the Bishop of Rome assumed the title “Pontifex Maximus”, a title that for centuries was reserved only for the Emperor of Rome. The Emperor was granted this title as the High Priest who headed the council of religious affairs. This new title came with expanded power for the Pope, also known as the “Pontiff”, thus ushering in the next age of the church, known as "The Devil's Millennium”.
Thyatira
The Corrupt Church
Of the seven churches addressed by John the fourth, Thyatira, is the smallest of them all, yet this church received the longest message. This corrupt church was located 42 miles inland from the Aegean Sea in an alluvial plain between the Hermus and Calcius rivers. There were no natural geographical formations like steep mountains or deep rivers to provide it with a good base from which to defend its position. Its sole purpose was to act as the first line of defense in front of a hostile advancing army, to hinder their movement while the kingdom's main forces were mustered deeper behind the battlefront. Its history consists of being controlled by whoever was the major power, whether it was Alexander’s Greece, the Pergamon Kingdom, Syria, or the Roman Empire. This led to Thyatira remaining a relatively small city compared to that Ephesus and Pergamum. There have been more trade guilds identified as existing in Thyatira than in any other Asian city of its time. From excavated coins it is evident that guilds of carpenters, tent makers, bakers, bronze smiths, wool workers, potters, linen weavers, tanners and the famous dyers of purple were all active in the city. Lydia the seller of purple was from this city (Act 16:14). We do not know if this church was founded by Lydia or not, but it did grow in time to be a very wealthy church. Unfortunately it probably grew wealthy because of its members compromising their values by listening to the advice of a certain prophetess.
As in the rest of the Asian province, trade unions would often hold banquets for its members. These banquets included the eating of food offered to idols and the participation in immoral sexual acts. Coming to Christ meant the loss of their livelihood and financial resources for the Church if they abstained from the communal feasts. However, participation would be tantamount to renouncing the very faith they had come to accept, thus denying The One who suffered and died for them. The prophetess, Jezebel, managed to work out a theology that allowed them to compromise their faith in Christ with continued participation in the trade unions, and that meant continued financial prosperity and material wealth. When people deliberately reject the Lord's authority, he is no longer their God. The result is, they must find another god, for it is impossible for the human spirit to live without something to live for, that is what a god is. Whatever you are living for, whatever makes life worthwhile to you, becomes your god. It may be the god of pleasure, even sexual pleasure. It may be the god of wealth, it may be the god of power, a lust for power and ambition, or it may be the search for fame. The point I am trying to make is wherever you put your strongest energy in will become the place of greatest temptation in this regard. And it has been said that the beast you feed will be the one that grows the strongest in your life. In Thyatira, accept for a few faithful, the members of this church were more interested in keeping their jobs than following Gods commandments. And so, their jobs and their status became their god.
Prophetically, Thyatira represents the church age from of about the 6th to the 16th century, a thousand years that has been called "The Devil's Millennium”. It was a time when the church became corrupt by combining pagan rites and Christian teaching. Many heathen rituals were introduced into the churches that in time were accepted as being Biblical. These practices included the worshiping of images, the selling of indulgences to buy ones way out of hell, and various other practices of the priests which were unknown to the early church began to be approved. It became difficult to distinguish the clergy from the corrupt monarchs, as political powers by religious authorities was widely sought, and vise versa. Like the church of Thyatira this age was truly corrupt and dark as the Light was not burning very bright, hence we had the “Dark Ages”.
Sardis
The Dead Church
The fifth church mentioned in John’s message was probably the oldest settlement in Asia Minor. Archeological evidence shows that Sardis was probably first inhabited shortly after the confusion of languages and the subsequent dispersion of the people (Gen 11:5-7). As the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia, Sardis was one of the greatest cities of the ancient world. In the 6th century BC it was ruled by a king named Croesus, some believe he was the infamous King Midas of legends of old, and probably the wealthiest man since King Solomon. Like Bill Gates the name Croesus’s, or Midas, became a proverb of sorts for wealth and luxury thanks to the gold and silver panned from the Pactalus River. The abundance of electrum, a gold and silver alloy, allowed the Lydians to be the first society in history to mint coins. By fixing a guarantied value to their coins, The Lydian currency became acceptable for tender in trade throughout the known world.
Sardis, the Lydian Capital, was protected by a fortress built about 1500 feet above the plain on a ridge of the 5800-foot high Mount Tmolus. The precipice was so difficult to reach that it was considered virtually impregnable, so the cliff side of the city was never defended against a military assault. The people of Sardis believed that no army on earth could capture their city. Thus they lived with a smug sense of pride, having confidence in their riches and impregnable fortress. Like the Titanic that was thought to be unsinkable, Sardis was captured, shocking the ancient world by its defeat. Not once but twice in its history, a band of brave soldiers climbed up the sides of the cliff and entered an unwatched gate. After each disaster the city recovered, but like most people who fail to learn from their history they slipped back into a false sense of security.
Christ used this fact of their history to point out the complacent spirit in the church. When a church begins to love its systems more than it loves Jesus, when it’s more concerned with material things than spiritual things, and when their past history and glory is what they worship, they start to die from within. One of the differences between the message to Sardis and the messages to the other churches, was they were not recognized for any struggles. This church in Sardis was so devoid of life that it actually had no struggles going on within it. There are no Jewish accusers of this church even though it had a large Jewish community with one of the largest synagogues in the Asian Province. They ignored the church, or perhaps did not even know of its existence. There were no false apostles here or any of the domineering Nicolaitans who needed to be guarded against and there were no female seducers, as at Thyatira. There was nothing, nota, zip, and that was the ministry of the church at Sardis. It was dead! Jesus wanted them to be watchful lest they suffer the same fate as the city had to outside attacks, an obvious warning from the city’s historic problem of not being on guard. They are told of a few good followers who have not soiled their garments and will one day be clothed in white a symbol of purity. To the allegorist Sardis represents the age of the reformation from Luther to Wesley, approximately 1517-1793.
Philadelphia
The Faithful Church
Known as the “City of Brotherly love”, Philadelphia was the home of this faithful church. Founded by the Pergamon King Attalos II, for his brother Eumenes, this city often changed its name during various times of its history. These names reflected the honor bestowed upon any Roman Emperor who was in power during times of calamity as respect for the Emperors help. The name Philadelphia was a reflection of the love and commitment that Attalus II showed to his elder brother Eumenes who ruled throughout Lydia before him. Thus the “City of Brotherly Love”. Attalos wanted his new city to be a center for the Greco- Roman civilization, this way he could spread the Greek Culture and language towards the east. This made the city of Philadelphia a mission of sorts for evangelizing this new culture. After being annexed to the Roman Empire, the city of Philadelphia stayed loyal the Roman Empire throughout its reign of dominance. As the last city to fall to the Turks in 1392, Philadelphia’s resistance was haled as an island of Christianity in the sea of Turkish domination. It still exists today as a Turkish town under the name of Allah Shehr, City of God.
There is no mention of the first established church in Philadelphia, but according to tradition, the church in Philadelphia was either established by Lucius, a relative of Paul, or by Demetrius, who was sent by the Apostle John. From what we know concerning Philadelphia and its ancient history, there is almost nothing that gives us a good background as to the context of Jesus letter to the church within the city. Due to its faithfulness, Christ had opened some doors for this church, which could also be referred to as the church of the open door. Because Christ was the center of this church, it had an open door to God. This open door to God was Christ (Joh 10:7; 1 Ti 2:5). The church also had and open door to service, because God had created opportunities for witnessing, outreach, and missions. When a church is faithful, true, and holy, God opens doors (Act 14:27). The more we remain beside Jesus Christ, and the more faithful we are to follow His truth, the more doors we will see opened.
Like Smyrna, Philadelphia is the only other city of the seven that still has a remnant of Christians left, most likely due to their faithfulness to the Gospel. And although both churches were poor, weak, and suffering from the Jewish persecution, they were full of life and vigor. Just as the city was loyal to the Roman Empire, these Christians stayed loyal to their faith in Christ. Of all the churches John wrote to, Philadelphia’s prosperity lasted the longest, probably as a direct result from God blessing them for their faith in Him. A close look at the message shows how (Rev 3:10) alludes to the rapture of the church before the tribulation that is to come. The phrase “I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world”, is believed to refer to a global crisis in the future that Jesus promises to “keep” the church “from” suffering in. Jesus encourages them to “hold fast” and preserver so that no one takes their crown from them.
Like Philadelphia’s history of being a mission for the Greco-Roman culture, this church represents the age of the “Great Awakening” and “Worldwide Missions Movement” started by such notables as evangelical preachers Wesley, Whitefield, Edwards, and missionaries Carey, Judson and Livingstone.
Laodicea
The Lukewarm Church
Founded around 255 BC and named after his wife Laodice by the Seleucid King Antiochus II, this city was located about 100 miles directly east of the first church mentioned by Christ, Ephesus. Situated on one of the great Asian trade routs, Laodicea become prosperous because of its garment industry which used a black wool that had a soft texture like silk and found only in the Lycus Valley. However, it was also known for a medical school that grew out its temple worship of the Phrygian god Men Karou, located 13 miles west of Laodicea. Its most famous medicines were ointments made from spice nard for the ears and an eye salve made from alum called "Phrygian powder." This eye salve was actually a powder made by crushing Phrygian stones and then formed into tablets. Believed to be a cure for weak eyes this medication was sold throughout the Asian and the Mediterranean lands. All these aspects of its economy led to Laodicea becoming a leading banking center that allowed them to be the only victim of the frequent earthquakes not needing aid from Rome for rebuilding. Laodicea was thus a kind of Bank of America, Wal-Mart and Mayo Clinic all rolled into one.
Christ introduces Himself to the Laodicean church as "the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation" (Rev 3:14). By introducing Himself as a faithful and true witness, Christ presented them with a sharp contrast to the their inactivity in witnessing and serving. When they read the letter, they would have been convicted by its description of their faith that Christ likened to as being lukewarm, an obvious reference to their tepid drinking water supplied from a distant thermal springs in Hierapolis (Rev 3:15-16). They also would have found it ironic that He called them “poor and naked and blind” (Rev 3:17). An obvious reference to their banking, clothing, and eye salve industries that enriched them to the point of being able to turn down Rome’s financial help in times of need. They needed no one and obviously they acted in such a way when it came to their walk with Christ. The Laodiceans wore black garments with pride, but Christ advised the Christians of this city to buy from Him “white garments” of purity and righteousness. Although they were renowned for having an expertise in medical treatments for the eyes, they were unaware of their spiritual blindness. Jesus appeals to them to buy salve from him for better spiritual vision. Christ also tells them to zealously seek out His forgiveness and stop being indifferent. Robert Thomas puts it so eloquently in his commentary on Revelations that I must quote him.
“Robert Thomas”
“Let my strong criticisms of you open your eyes at once to the need of repentance and also to the
fact that it is really love on My part that prompts Me to reprove and chastise you. A realization
of My loving concern, as well a your own desperate condition, should bring a resolute change of
purpose and kindle within you a warm fervor of devotion that will dispense with lukewarmness”.
They are asked to let Him in because He stands at the door knocking and only they can open the door for Him to dine with them at His throne in the presence of His Father.
The name Laodicea means “Rule of the people”, and like democratic systems of our present age this church represents the end times. A time when men rule and governments listen to them. Capitalist Democracies will inevitably be followed by Socialist Democracies as the ruling people demand more and in time move farther away from God. This self-governance is always followed by great economic expansions that creates wealthy individuals who are self sufficient, like the Laodiceans were. In time this wealth always clouds men’s spiritual walk, they then find themselves needing God less and less. So a sense of lukewarmness overcomes them and that is when the enemy sneaks in and steels their crown, an obvious sign of the times we live in.
A lesson for all Christians
Now I get to what I believe is the most important lesson to be gleaned from this, the final chapter of “His Story for Man’s Salvation”. After relating a message from Christ to the seven churches John goes into revealing the vision he was given about “the things which will take place after these things” (Rev 1:19). This vision predominantly features the second coming of Christ and while most futurist dwell mainly on the time immediately prior to Christ returning we must not overlook the fact that Christ comes again to all those who die before his second coming (2 Co 5:8; Rev 11:18). To some death will bring rejoicing and praise (1 Pet 1:6-9; Rev 12:12) while others it will bring mourning and gnashing of teeth (Mat 8:12; Rev 21:8). This book prepares the saints to accept the victory they will receive as martyrs for Christ (1 Co 9:24; Rev 3:5). As martyrs they will overcome the final death by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, because they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death (Heb 10:39; Rev 2:10).
The Christians who live between the first and Second Coming of our Lord live in a state of tension between the spiritual realities perceived by faith and the life of the senses lived on the earth (Gal 4:29; Gal 5:17). Revelation shows us the heavenly reality of God on his throne governing the universe (Rev 4:10-11). It declares to us that Jesus is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth (Rev 1:5). The fact that Jesus rose from the dead guarantees that all who believe in Him will also rise from the dead (Jon 3:16; Rev 3:21). When Jesus returns all the dead saints will rise from the dead and God's enemies will be defeated, thus our faith in the heavenly realities depicted in Revelation and the rest of the bible will be vindicated (1 Th 16; Rev 21:3-4). When all evil has been dispatched and all the saints are with the Lord, we will finally get to enjoy the place Christ prepared for us, partaking from the tree of life for an eternity of rest (Jo 14:2-3; Rev 22:14). It is that rest the final chapter of this great novel prepares us for with messages, visions, and promises from the eternal Lamb of God, The Christ Himself, Jesus.
How I lean in Respect to the “End Times”
Most interpretations of the end times have good arguments and can with enough Scriptures persuade many people of their claim as to what John’s visions mean. I have personally spent endless hours in an attempt to get a better understanding of the many prophecies about the end times. With an endless supply of differing opinions available for research and extensive study into the validity of these opinions, I am prepared to agree that the futurists probably come closest to what John saw while on the Island of Patmos. While I do agree with the essentials of the futurist’s beliefs, I must point out that I do not wholly agree in the way many futurists see the events taking place. I do not pretend to know how He will bring about the end, but as I stated I do agree with the gist of the dispensational futurist view of the end times, I just currently disagree with many of their minute details. I say currently lean because, as my study of the Scriptures continue along with new insights and unfolding events presenting themselves, in time I could think differently then I do at the present.
As an historical and political enthusiast I tend to look at certain aspects of the end times prophecies in a different light then many futurists. I look at the time we live in as being dominated by the ‘Rule of the People”, and whether it be democratic socialism or democratic capitalism, it is still a system ruled the people. This egalitarian type of political rule allows for many absurd and dangerous aspects of society to flourish that could not survive in a totalitarian type of a system. A cursory look at way Cuban dictator, Castro, deals with those afflicted with AIDS compared to how we deal with them in democratic societies will make my point. Cubans who have AIDS are locked away in institutions to keep them from infecting the general population. While in America and Western Europe we champion the very act, homosexuality, that spreads the sickness in the name of freedom, thus allowing the dreaded disease to promulgate through out our society. Christ will not return because governments make us bad, He will return because we become intolerable on our own. That is not to say there are no bad people living under tyrannical rulers, it just means that in places like America we have the freedom to practice our evil ways openly thus influencing more people to follow suit. Something that the rule of, by, and for the people will allow, a similar thing happened in Israel during the time of Judges (Jdg 17:6).
I also take into account the nature of man that always plays into Gods prophecies. This nature is seen continually, from the time when Jacob schemed with his mother to steal Isaac’s blessings for Esau (Gen 27:26-35), on through to the time the Jews revolted against Rome and the Temple was destroyed fulfilling the prophecy of Jesus (Matt 24:2). The first act sent Jacob on a journey to His uncle’s home where he ended up with twelve sons and enormous wealth. The other act ended the sacrifice of animals for sins, something that was not needed anymore because the perfect Lamb had been sacrificed almost forty years earlier. With many other examples of prophecies fulfilled due to the desire of man to control his own destiny, one must take into account this desire when looking at the events of the end times.
Many look at the Scriptures that point to a rebuilding of the Temple with all the ceremonies that accompany it as an inevitable sequence in the end times. I look at how this could come to fruition and see, as I write this, many evangelicals supplying money to different Jewish organizations to make this prophecy come true. I know that God knew this would happen before He made the world and so He uses our controlling nature to bring us into His glory (1 Co 2:7). I also look at the Scripture that states we will not be able to buy or sell without the mark of the beast (Rev 13:15-18). As I look at the world as it is today, I see things being set up for a One-World society, one that will inevitably usher in the return of Christ. However, I believe the mark spoken of is one of a common mind set. An example of what I mean is how we see the main stream media constantly agreeing with each other on various topics from pro choice advocacy to global warming. They do not have a mark to distinguish them from other forms of the media that disagree with them, but they are in accord just the same. This is the way I believe the “Mark of the Beast” will be seen. We all will know who agrees with the Beast and those who do not, And without being on his or its side one will not be able to buy, sell, or trade. All it will take is a personal denial of Christ as your Lord and Savior, as in the time of Emperor worship alluded to in the letters to the Seven Church’s. As for communism, it is on its way out. Like Russia and the Eastern Block nations before them, the few remaining communist regimes will wither away for democracy to flourish. I also see the current threat of the Muslim extremist movement dying away and in time a more dangerous religion will take hold that of democratic socialism. This new religion will, in my opinion, usher in the New One World Government that the people will demand.
I Then look at the signs that Christ mentioned in (Mark 13:8). As the world gets smaller and smaller we are informed of what happens around the world almost instantly as the occurrence takes place. There was a time when an earthquake on the San Andrea fault would never have been reported because no one we cared about lived there. However, now we have millions of people living on and around the very epicenter the world’s most dangerous fault. Through out our history there have been wars and rumors of wars, but with out the media to inform us 24-7 we were not aware of it until recently. I believe that the way we perceive events around us goes a long way to effecting our future reactions, and the outcome of our reactions to various events is what God knew ahead of time. It is these outcomes that work into the plans of God to show us His glory. A perfect example is when Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery (Gen 37:18-28). God did not make it happen, but He used their evil for His good (Gen 50:20). Another example is the way God hardened Pharaoh’s heart to strengthen his resolve against Moses, thus using Pharaoh’s evil intentions for His Glory (Ex 10:1). In this way God uses man’s evil intentions to control his destiny, as a way to bring forth His will for our salvation and His plan for our eternal existence with Him.
As I have already stated, there are over a hundred million different opinions as to what will happen before Christ returns. However, regardless of how the end times unfold, or how I interpret the prophecies concerning these events, I am secure in the fact that they will have no effect on my eternal salvation. Christ said He will return like a thief in the night (Luke 12:39; 1 Th 5:2), for it is not our purview to know that which the Father has fixed for His own authority (Act 1:7). Now while this last great book states that blessings come to those who read, head, and understand the prophecies of Revelation, no where in the Scriptures does it say that anyone will know the time of His return (Matt 24:36; Mark 13:32). The best we can do is look to the Scriptures to prepare ourselves for His return. I guess that is one reason I have decided to be like Ezra (Ezr 7:10) and the Berean’s (Act 17:11) so as to follow Paul’s advise to Titus (Tit 2:7-8) so I may properly spread the Good News and help prepare others for His return.
I still cannot reply until tomorrow when I get my head surgically removed off my ass.
I really did enjoy reading your comments and all.
It was fun.
Let me know if you want to read the man behind the curtains story is getting edited.
It is a rough draft, but I was told it has potential.
Ok, I will now go sit on my thumb and listen to you all tell me how I am a big dick.
Pergamum
The Compromising Church
The Roman historian Pliny called Pergamum the most illustrious city of Asia because of all its statues, temples, monuments, and public buildings. Strategically located high on a humped or cone shaped hill that dominated the Caicus plain, Pergamum had an excellent view of the sea and distant mountain ranges making it an important military town that was fortified and well defended. Like Smyrna, Pergamum was shrewd enough to ally themselves with Rome during the Punic Wars, and built a partnership that lasted for a couple of centuries. Among its public buildings Pergamum had the empires second largest library and a theatre that seated over 20,000 people. With temples dedicated to Athena, Dionysus, Asclepios, Roma, Zeus, and various roman emperors like Augustus (Octavius Caesar), only Athens could boast of more respect for the gods. By the time John had his vision Pergamum had become the very center of Emperor Worship in the Asian province. Many bible scholars believe the phrase, “ where Satan dwells”, refers to this emperor worship while others claim “Satan's throne” to be a reference to the Altar of Zeus (Rev 2:13). Still others believe that Christ was referring to the worship of Asclepios the pagan god of healing.
People from all over the empire would come to Pergamum to be healed by Asclepios. Snakes were a symbol of this cult and Asclepios’ temple was infested with snakes, even to this day we use the snake as a symbol of the medical profession. The Greek historian Pausanias of Lydia kept a journal about his travels and the different cities he visited. In describing the temple of Asclepios he wrote,
“Pauanias”
“I looked upon Asclepios who was sitting on a throne with his hand upon the head of a serpent”.
The serpent was actually a totem of the god Asclepios. Pausanias wrote how many harmless varieties of snakes had free run of this shrine and other shrines like Dionysus’. Dionysus was the god of vegetation and part of the worship of this god included the handling of snakes and other reptiles. Then we have the inscription found on coins excavated from archeological sites that depict the Emperor Caracalla standing before a snake coiled around a tree. Therefore wherever the Christian went he would be confronted with cultic practices that included the very symbol of the evil one himself the, snake.
I have found two different definitions for the word Pergamum, one is objectionable marriage, and the other is high place. I like the definition of objectionable marriage in that it alludes to the churches mixing the truth with lies of questionable teachers, as the Nicolaitans (Rev 2:15). There were some teachers who taught that it was lawful to eat things sacrificed to idols, and that simple fornication was no sin. By an impure worship these false teachers drew the members of the church into impure practices, as Balaam did the Israelites. Usually it is not those who are outside the church structure who mislead the brethren but the sheep in wolves clothing that lead the flock astray from within the Church’s ranks. Too often believers run after words that suit their individual tastes rather than hold fast to the simplicity and radical demands that the Gospel makes upon them. When they refuse to accept sound teachings and instruction they start to resemble the church of Pergamum and compromise their walk with Christ. Just as God told Moses to put all whom worshipped Baal to death, so to shall the wrath of the Lamb fall upon any who allow a problem to fester without repenting (Num 25:1-5). Church leaders should always be on the lookout for wolves that try to lead the flock astray. Dare I use the current problem Calvary Chico had with Calvinism as an example? Maybe not as bad as what was happening at Pergamum, but then again in the beginning the church at Pergamum was far from where they ended up. Was it not? While some at Pergamum held fast to their faith, one even unto death (Antipas), they are admonished to repent from following false teachers (Rev 2:13).
According to ancient sources the second bishop of Pergamum was a dentist named Antipas. Now we do not have any proof that this was the same Antipas Christ spoke of, but if it does make for good speculation. Those who repent are offered hidden manna and a white stone with a new name (Rev 2:17). The idea of hidden manna reflects a Jewish tradition, (from the Apocrypha book II Maccabees) about the pot of manna that was placed in the ark for a memorial to future generations (Ex 16:32). When Solomon’s Temple was destroyed in the 6th century BC Jeremiah supposedly took the ark and its contents and hid them underground in Mt Nebo. There it was to remain until the coming of the Messiah when Jeremiah would reappear and return the ark and its contents to the new messianic temple in Jerusalem.
(2 Maccabees 2:4 KJVA)
(4) It was also contained in the same writing, that the prophet, being warned of God, commanded the
tabernacle and the ark to go with him, as he went forth into the mountain, where Moses climbed
up, and saw the heritage of God. (5) And when Jeremiah came thither, he found an hollow cave,
wherein he laid the tabernacle, and the ark, and the altar of incense, and so stopped the door. (6) And
some of those that followed him came to mark the way, but they could not find it. (7) Which when
Jeremiah perceived, he blamed them, saying, As for that place, it shall be unknown until the
time that God gather his people again together, and receive them unto mercy
Among the Greeks a white stone was a symbol of acquittal, as a black stone was of guilt. The white stone implies justification, innocence and victory (Rev 2:17).
Pergamum is representative of the church age that started with the Edict of Milan in 313 AD and lasting until about 500 AD. This is a period of time when the church and state merged, or as the meaning of Pergamum alludes to it entered into an objectionable marriage. The majority of converts during this time became Christian in name only, bringing their pagan practices and lifestyles into a compromised church. At the end of this era the Bishop of Rome assumed the title “Pontifex Maximus”, a title that for centuries was reserved only for the Emperor of Rome. The Emperor was granted this title as the High Priest who headed the council of religious affairs. This new title came with expanded power for the Pope, also known as the “Pontiff”, thus ushering in the next age of the church, known as "The Devil's Millennium”.
Thyatira
The Corrupt Church
Of the seven churches addressed by John the fourth, Thyatira, is the smallest of them all, yet this church received the longest message. This corrupt church was located 42 miles inland from the Aegean Sea in an alluvial plain between the Hermus and Calcius rivers. There were no natural geographical formations like steep mountains or deep rivers to provide it with a good base from which to defend its position. Its sole purpose was to act as the first line of defense in front of a hostile advancing army, to hinder their movement while the kingdom's main forces were mustered deeper behind the battlefront. Its history consists of being controlled by whoever was the major power, whether it was Alexander’s Greece, the Pergamon Kingdom, Syria, or the Roman Empire. This led to Thyatira remaining a relatively small city compared to that Ephesus and Pergamum. There have been more trade guilds identified as existing in Thyatira than in any other Asian city of its time. From excavated coins it is evident that guilds of carpenters, tent makers, bakers, bronze smiths, wool workers, potters, linen weavers, tanners and the famous dyers of purple were all active in the city. Lydia the seller of purple was from this city (Act 16:14). We do not know if this church was founded by Lydia or not, but it did grow in time to be a very wealthy church. Unfortunately it probably grew wealthy because of its members compromising their values by listening to the advice of a certain prophetess.
As in the rest of the Asian province, trade unions would often hold banquets for its members. These banquets included the eating of food offered to idols and the participation in immoral sexual acts. Coming to Christ meant the loss of their livelihood and financial resources for the Church if they abstained from the communal feasts. However, participation would be tantamount to renouncing the very faith they had come to accept, thus denying The One who suffered and died for them. The prophetess, Jezebel, managed to work out a theology that allowed them to compromise their faith in Christ with continued participation in the trade unions, and that meant continued financial prosperity and material wealth. When people deliberately reject the Lord's authority, he is no longer their God. The result is, they must find another god, for it is impossible for the human spirit to live without something to live for, that is what a god is. Whatever you are living for, whatever makes life worthwhile to you, becomes your god. It may be the god of pleasure, even sexual pleasure. It may be the god of wealth, it may be the god of power, a lust for power and ambition, or it may be the search for fame. The point I am trying to make is wherever you put your strongest energy in will become the place of greatest temptation in this regard. And it has been said that the beast you feed will be the one that grows the strongest in your life. In Thyatira, accept for a few faithful, the members of this church were more interested in keeping their jobs than following Gods commandments. And so, their jobs and their status became their god.
Prophetically, Thyatira represents the church age from of about the 6th to the 16th century, a thousand years that has been called "The Devil's Millennium”. It was a time when the church became corrupt by combining pagan rites and Christian teaching. Many heathen rituals were introduced into the churches that in time were accepted as being Biblical. These practices included the worshiping of images, the selling of indulgences to buy ones way out of hell, and various other practices of the priests which were unknown to the early church began to be approved. It became difficult to distinguish the clergy from the corrupt monarchs, as political powers by religious authorities was widely sought, and vise versa. Like the church of Thyatira this age was truly corrupt and dark as the Light was not burning very bright, hence we had the “Dark Ages”.
Sardis
The Dead Church
The fifth church mentioned in John’s message was probably the oldest settlement in Asia Minor. Archeological evidence shows that Sardis was probably first inhabited shortly after the confusion of languages and the subsequent dispersion of the people (Gen 11:5-7). As the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia, Sardis was one of the greatest cities of the ancient world. In the 6th century BC it was ruled by a king named Croesus, some believe he was the infamous King Midas of legends of old, and probably the wealthiest man since King Solomon. Like Bill Gates the name Croesus’s, or Midas, became a proverb of sorts for wealth and luxury thanks to the gold and silver panned from the Pactalus River. The abundance of electrum, a gold and silver alloy, allowed the Lydians to be the first society in history to mint coins. By fixing a guarantied value to their coins, The Lydian currency became acceptable for tender in trade throughout the known world.
Sardis, the Lydian Capital, was protected by a fortress built about 1500 feet above the plain on a ridge of the 5800-foot high Mount Tmolus. The precipice was so difficult to reach that it was considered virtually impregnable, so the cliff side of the city was never defended against a military assault. The people of Sardis believed that no army on earth could capture their city. Thus they lived with a smug sense of pride, having confidence in their riches and impregnable fortress. Like the Titanic that was thought to be unsinkable, Sardis was captured, shocking the ancient world by its defeat. Not once but twice in its history, a band of brave soldiers climbed up the sides of the cliff and entered an unwatched gate. After each disaster the city recovered, but like most people who fail to learn from their history they slipped back into a false sense of security.
Christ used this fact of their history to point out the complacent spirit in the church. When a church begins to love its systems more than it loves Jesus, when it’s more concerned with material things than spiritual things, and when their past history and glory is what they worship, they start to die from within. One of the differences between the message to Sardis and the messages to the other churches, was they were not recognized for any struggles. This church in Sardis was so devoid of life that it actually had no struggles going on within it. There are no Jewish accusers of this church even though it had a large Jewish community with one of the largest synagogues in the Asian Province. They ignored the church, or perhaps did not even know of its existence. There were no false apostles here or any of the domineering Nicolaitans who needed to be guarded against and there were no female seducers, as at Thyatira. There was nothing, nota, zip, and that was the ministry of the church at Sardis. It was dead! Jesus wanted them to be watchful lest they suffer the same fate as the city had to outside attacks, an obvious warning from the city’s historic problem of not being on guard. They are told of a few good followers who have not soiled their garments and will one day be clothed in white a symbol of purity. To the allegorist Sardis represents the age of the reformation from Luther to Wesley, approximately 1517-1793.
Philadelphia
The Faithful Church
Known as the “City of Brotherly love”, Philadelphia was the home of this faithful church. Founded by the Pergamon King Attalos II, for his brother Eumenes, this city often changed its name during various times of its history. These names reflected the honor bestowed upon any Roman Emperor who was in power during times of calamity as respect for the Emperors help. The name Philadelphia was a reflection of the love and commitment that Attalus II showed to his elder brother Eumenes who ruled throughout Lydia before him. Thus the “City of Brotherly Love”. Attalos wanted his new city to be a center for the Greco- Roman civilization, this way he could spread the Greek Culture and language towards the east. This made the city of Philadelphia a mission of sorts for evangelizing this new culture. After being annexed to the Roman Empire, the city of Philadelphia stayed loyal the Roman Empire throughout its reign of dominance. As the last city to fall to the Turks in 1392, Philadelphia’s resistance was haled as an island of Christianity in the sea of Turkish domination. It still exists today as a Turkish town under the name of Allah Shehr, City of God.
There is no mention of the first established church in Philadelphia, but according to tradition, the church in Philadelphia was either established by Lucius, a relative of Paul, or by Demetrius, who was sent by the Apostle John. From what we know concerning Philadelphia and its ancient history, there is almost nothing that gives us a good background as to the context of Jesus letter to the church within the city. Due to its faithfulness, Christ had opened some doors for this church, which could also be referred to as the church of the open door. Because Christ was the center of this church, it had an open door to God. This open door to God was Christ (Joh 10:7; 1 Ti 2:5). The church also had and open door to service, because God had created opportunities for witnessing, outreach, and missions. When a church is faithful, true, and holy, God opens doors (Act 14:27). The more we remain beside Jesus Christ, and the more faithful we are to follow His truth, the more doors we will see opened.
Like Smyrna, Philadelphia is the only other city of the seven that still has a remnant of Christians left, most likely due to their faithfulness to the Gospel. And although both churches were poor, weak, and suffering from the Jewish persecution, they were full of life and vigor. Just as the city was loyal to the Roman Empire, these Christians stayed loyal to their faith in Christ. Of all the churches John wrote to, Philadelphia’s prosperity lasted the longest, probably as a direct result from God blessing them for their faith in Him. A close look at the message shows how (Rev 3:10) alludes to the rapture of the church before the tribulation that is to come. The phrase “I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world”, is believed to refer to a global crisis in the future that Jesus promises to “keep” the church “from” suffering in. Jesus encourages them to “hold fast” and preserver so that no one takes their crown from them.
Like Philadelphia’s history of being a mission for the Greco-Roman culture, this church represents the age of the “Great Awakening” and “Worldwide Missions Movement” started by such notables as evangelical preachers Wesley, Whitefield, Edwards, and missionaries Carey, Judson and Livingstone.
Laodicea
The Lukewarm Church
Founded around 255 BC and named after his wife Laodice by the Seleucid King Antiochus II, this city was located about 100 miles directly east of the first church mentioned by Christ, Ephesus. Situated on one of the great Asian trade routs, Laodicea become prosperous because of its garment industry which used a black wool that had a soft texture like silk and found only in the Lycus Valley. However, it was also known for a medical school that grew out its temple worship of the Phrygian god Men Karou, located 13 miles west of Laodicea. Its most famous medicines were ointments made from spice nard for the ears and an eye salve made from alum called "Phrygian powder." This eye salve was actually a powder made by crushing Phrygian stones and then formed into tablets. Believed to be a cure for weak eyes this medication was sold throughout the Asian and the Mediterranean lands. All these aspects of its economy led to Laodicea becoming a leading banking center that allowed them to be the only victim of the frequent earthquakes not needing aid from Rome for rebuilding. Laodicea was thus a kind of Bank of America, Wal-Mart and Mayo Clinic all rolled into one.
Christ introduces Himself to the Laodicean church as "the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation" (Rev 3:14). By introducing Himself as a faithful and true witness, Christ presented them with a sharp contrast to the their inactivity in witnessing and serving. When they read the letter, they would have been convicted by its description of their faith that Christ likened to as being lukewarm, an obvious reference to their tepid drinking water supplied from a distant thermal springs in Hierapolis (Rev 3:15-16). They also would have found it ironic that He called them “poor and naked and blind” (Rev 3:17). An obvious reference to their banking, clothing, and eye salve industries that enriched them to the point of being able to turn down Rome’s financial help in times of need. They needed no one and obviously they acted in such a way when it came to their walk with Christ. The Laodiceans wore black garments with pride, but Christ advised the Christians of this city to buy from Him “white garments” of purity and righteousness. Although they were renowned for having an expertise in medical treatments for the eyes, they were unaware of their spiritual blindness. Jesus appeals to them to buy salve from him for better spiritual vision. Christ also tells them to zealously seek out His forgiveness and stop being indifferent. Robert Thomas puts it so eloquently in his commentary on Revelations that I must quote him.
“Robert Thomas”
“Let my strong criticisms of you open your eyes at once to the need of repentance and also to the
fact that it is really love on My part that prompts Me to reprove and chastise you. A realization
of My loving concern, as well a your own desperate condition, should bring a resolute change of
purpose and kindle within you a warm fervor of devotion that will dispense with lukewarmness”.
They are asked to let Him in because He stands at the door knocking and only they can open the door for Him to dine with them at His throne in the presence of His Father.
The name Laodicea means “Rule of the people”, and like democratic systems of our present age this church represents the end times. A time when men rule and governments listen to them. Capitalist Democracies will inevitably be followed by Socialist Democracies as the ruling people demand more and in time move farther away from God. This self-governance is always followed by great economic expansions that creates wealthy individuals who are self sufficient, like the Laodiceans were. In time this wealth always clouds men’s spiritual walk, they then find themselves needing God less and less. So a sense of lukewarmness overcomes them and that is when the enemy sneaks in and steels their crown, an obvious sign of the times we live in.
A lesson for all Christians
Now I get to what I believe is the most important lesson to be gleaned from this, the final chapter of “His Story for Man’s Salvation”. After relating a message from Christ to the seven churches John goes into revealing the vision he was given about “the things which will take place after these things” (Rev 1:19). This vision predominantly features the second coming of Christ and while most futurist dwell mainly on the time immediately prior to Christ returning we must not overlook the fact that Christ comes again to all those who die before his second coming (2 Co 5:8; Rev 11:18). To some death will bring rejoicing and praise (1 Pet 1:6-9; Rev 12:12) while others it will bring mourning and gnashing of teeth (Mat 8:12; Rev 21:8). This book prepares the saints to accept the victory they will receive as martyrs for Christ (1 Co 9:24; Rev 3:5). As martyrs they will overcome the final death by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, because they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death (Heb 10:39; Rev 2:10).
The Christians who live between the first and Second Coming of our Lord live in a state of tension between the spiritual realities perceived by faith and the life of the senses lived on the earth (Gal 4:29; Gal 5:17). Revelation shows us the heavenly reality of God on his throne governing the universe (Rev 4:10-11). It declares to us that Jesus is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth (Rev 1:5). The fact that Jesus rose from the dead guarantees that all who believe in Him will also rise from the dead (Jon 3:16; Rev 3:21). When Jesus returns all the dead saints will rise from the dead and God's enemies will be defeated, thus our faith in the heavenly realities depicted in Revelation and the rest of the bible will be vindicated (1 Th 16; Rev 21:3-4). When all evil has been dispatched and all the saints are with the Lord, we will finally get to enjoy the place Christ prepared for us, partaking from the tree of life for an eternity of rest (Jo 14:2-3; Rev 22:14). It is that rest the final chapter of this great novel prepares us for with messages, visions, and promises from the eternal Lamb of God, The Christ Himself, Jesus.
How I lean in Respect to the “End Times”
Most interpretations of the end times have good arguments and can with enough Scriptures persuade many people of their claim as to what John’s visions mean. I have personally spent endless hours in an attempt to get a better understanding of the many prophecies about the end times. With an endless supply of differing opinions available for research and extensive study into the validity of these opinions, I am prepared to agree that the futurists probably come closest to what John saw while on the Island of Patmos. While I do agree with the essentials of the futurist’s beliefs, I must point out that I do not wholly agree in the way many futurists see the events taking place. I do not pretend to know how He will bring about the end, but as I stated I do agree with the gist of the dispensational futurist view of the end times, I just currently disagree with many of their minute details. I say currently lean because, as my study of the Scriptures continue along with new insights and unfolding events presenting themselves, in time I could think differently then I do at the present.
As an historical and political enthusiast I tend to look at certain aspects of the end times prophecies in a different light then many futurists. I look at the time we live in as being dominated by the ‘Rule of the People”, and whether it be democratic socialism or democratic capitalism, it is still a system ruled the people. This egalitarian type of political rule allows for many absurd and dangerous aspects of society to flourish that could not survive in a totalitarian type of a system. A cursory look at way Cuban dictator, Castro, deals with those afflicted with AIDS compared to how we deal with them in democratic societies will make my point. Cubans who have AIDS are locked away in institutions to keep them from infecting the general population. While in America and Western Europe we champion the very act, homosexuality, that spreads the sickness in the name of freedom, thus allowing the dreaded disease to promulgate through out our society. Christ will not return because governments make us bad, He will return because we become intolerable on our own. That is not to say there are no bad people living under tyrannical rulers, it just means that in places like America we have the freedom to practice our evil ways openly thus influencing more people to follow suit. Something that the rule of, by, and for the people will allow, a similar thing happened in Israel during the time of Judges (Jdg 17:6).
I also take into account the nature of man that always plays into Gods prophecies. This nature is seen continually, from the time when Jacob schemed with his mother to steal Isaac’s blessings for Esau (Gen 27:26-35), on through to the time the Jews revolted against Rome and the Temple was destroyed fulfilling the prophecy of Jesus (Matt 24:2). The first act sent Jacob on a journey to His uncle’s home where he ended up with twelve sons and enormous wealth. The other act ended the sacrifice of animals for sins, something that was not needed anymore because the perfect Lamb had been sacrificed almost forty years earlier. With many other examples of prophecies fulfilled due to the desire of man to control his own destiny, one must take into account this desire when looking at the events of the end times.
Many look at the Scriptures that point to a rebuilding of the Temple with all the ceremonies that accompany it as an inevitable sequence in the end times. I look at how this could come to fruition and see, as I write this, many evangelicals supplying money to different Jewish organizations to make this prophecy come true. I know that God knew this would happen before He made the world and so He uses our controlling nature to bring us into His glory (1 Co 2:7). I also look at the Scripture that states we will not be able to buy or sell without the mark of the beast (Rev 13:15-18). As I look at the world as it is today, I see things being set up for a One-World society, one that will inevitably usher in the return of Christ. However, I believe the mark spoken of is one of a common mind set. An example of what I mean is how we see the main stream media constantly agreeing with each other on various topics from pro choice advocacy to global warming. They do not have a mark to distinguish them from other forms of the media that disagree with them, but they are in accord just the same. This is the way I believe the “Mark of the Beast” will be seen. We all will know who agrees with the Beast and those who do not, And without being on his or its side one will not be able to buy, sell, or trade. All it will take is a personal denial of Christ as your Lord and Savior, as in the time of Emperor worship alluded to in the letters to the Seven Church’s. As for communism, it is on its way out. Like Russia and the Eastern Block nations before them, the few remaining communist regimes will wither away for democracy to flourish. I also see the current threat of the Muslim extremist movement dying away and in time a more dangerous religion will take hold that of democratic socialism. This new religion will, in my opinion, usher in the New One World Government that the people will demand.
I Then look at the signs that Christ mentioned in (Mark 13:8). As the world gets smaller and smaller we are informed of what happens around the world almost instantly as the occurrence takes place. There was a time when an earthquake on the San Andrea fault would never have been reported because no one we cared about lived there. However, now we have millions of people living on and around the very epicenter the world’s most dangerous fault. Through out our history there have been wars and rumors of wars, but with out the media to inform us 24-7 we were not aware of it until recently. I believe that the way we perceive events around us goes a long way to effecting our future reactions, and the outcome of our reactions to various events is what God knew ahead of time. It is these outcomes that work into the plans of God to show us His glory. A perfect example is when Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery (Gen 37:18-28). God did not make it happen, but He used their evil for His good (Gen 50:20). Another example is the way God hardened Pharaoh’s heart to strengthen his resolve against Moses, thus using Pharaoh’s evil intentions for His Glory (Ex 10:1). In this way God uses man’s evil intentions to control his destiny, as a way to bring forth His will for our salvation and His plan for our eternal existence with Him.
As I have already stated, there are over a hundred million different opinions as to what will happen before Christ returns. However, regardless of how the end times unfold, or how I interpret the prophecies concerning these events, I am secure in the fact that they will have no effect on my eternal salvation. Christ said He will return like a thief in the night (Luke 12:39; 1 Th 5:2), for it is not our purview to know that which the Father has fixed for His own authority (Act 1:7). Now while this last great book states that blessings come to those who read, head, and understand the prophecies of Revelation, no where in the Scriptures does it say that anyone will know the time of His return (Matt 24:36; Mark 13:32). The best we can do is look to the Scriptures to prepare ourselves for His return. I guess that is one reason I have decided to be like Ezra (Ezr 7:10) and the Berean’s (Act 17:11) so as to follow Paul’s advise to Titus (Tit 2:7-8) so I may properly spread the Good News and help prepare others for His return.
