CHAPTER II. This chapter begins the messages to the seven churches. Each had need of instruction, advice, warning, promise, and encouragement. These seven churches were the field of John's oversight. Ephesus, the capital of the Roman province "Asia" was John's home in his later years, and the center... [ Continue Reading ]
1. EPHESUS. Vs. 1-7. Ephesus, once a leading scene of Paul's ministry, became the home of John, and there tradition locates his sepulchre. He strikes a note of commendation by telling them that they have had their trials with those who said they were apostles and were not and found them liars. These... [ Continue Reading ]
2. SMYRNA. Vs. 8-11. Smyrna is still a city. It has been called "the beautiful," "the Paris of the Levant." This church receives commendation. It had some trials and met them. "I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan." Judaizers they were no do... [ Continue Reading ]
3. PERGAMOS. Vs. 12-17. The church at Pergamos had "held fast my name and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr who was slain among you." The deluge of fire and blood had already begun. The Roman persecutions were making themselves felt to the boundaries... [ Continue Reading ]
4. THYATIRA. Vs. 18-29. Thyatira, the home of Lydia, Paul's first convert in Europe, still exists as a small city of perhaps twenty thousand inhabitants. It is supposed by some that Lydia may have carried the gospel to her native town; but of this there is no certainty. There was something to appro... [ Continue Reading ]