6.“Hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate” (2:6) -- The EvangelicalCommentary on the Bible states:
“Little is known about this group except that they wereactive in Ephesus and Pergamos and that they encouraged immorality and the eating of meatsacrificed to idols…. They seem to have been liberalists or modernists who felt that thechurch was too strict in its standards, and they advised compromise.”
To the church of Smyrna:
Rich spiritually because of “tribulation and poverty” (2:9)
To the church in Pergamos:
1.Living apart from Satan’s rule. (2:13)2.“You hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas wasMy faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.” (2:13)
To the church of Thyatira:
1.“I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and the last are more than thefirst.” (2:19)2.“I will give to each one of you according to your works.” (2:23)
To the church in Sardis:
1.“I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive...” (3:1a)2.“You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shallwalk with Me in white, for they are worthy.” (3:4)
To the church in Philadelphia:
1.“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for youhave a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” (3:8)2.Because Jesus Christ loved the Philadelphia Church, He “will make those of the synagogueof Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie” and “will make them come andworship” before the Philadelphia church members’ feet. (3:9)3.“Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the Earth.” (3:10)
Condemnations--
To the church of Ephesus:
“You have left your first love.” (2:4) -- See 1 Corinthians 13:1-7.
To the church in Pergamos:
1.“You have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexualimmorality.” (2:14) -- In Balaam’s day, there was a ritual of fornication and of eating of meat sacrificed to idols. (Numbers 15:1-3)2.“You also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.” (2:15)
To the church of Thyatira:
1.“You allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce Myservants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.” (2:20) -- Read 1Kings 16 and 2 Kings 9.2.“And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.” (2:21)3.“And those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.” (2:22)
To the church in Sardis:
1.“… but you are dead.” (3:1b)2.“… for I have not found your works perfect before God.” (3:2b)
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