The Seven Churches- Ephesus Rev.1:20-2:7 20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. The word ‘mystery’ in scripture is associated with the church age and so it is appropriate here that this be a mystery to John. The mystery of God’s will in gathering all things into Jesus Christ (Eph.1:9-10) is being revealed in the church age. Israel is being cut off momentarily while the Gentiles are grafted into the body of Christ which is the church (Eph.3:3-9, 5:32, Rom.11:25) until the mystery is finished (Rev.10:7). Paul said “we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory” (1 Cor.2:7) These stars are holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. (1 Tim.3:9,16). Even the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Col.1:27). In verse 20 we learn “the angels of the seven churches” are symbolized by stars. Stars symbolize angels consistently in scripture (Rev.9:1, 12:4, 6:13, Mk.13:25, Mt.24:29, Isa.14:13, Job 38:7,Jdg.5:20 -Mt.2:9?). In most cases angels as stars are referring to the angels of God in heaven. Jesus is also the Star that shall come out of Jacob (Num.24:17), he is the day star (2 Pt.1:19) and the bright and morning star (Rev.22:16). Although Christ did not take on him the nature of the angels of God in heaven (Heb.2:16, 1:5) he manifested himself in the Old Testament in a visible image as the Angel of the LORD. (Clearly these passages attribute divine characteristics to the particular Angel of his presence- Gen. 16:7,10;18:1, 13; 21:17; Zech.2:1, 12:8; Gen.31:11-13, 32:24-30, 48:16; Mal.3:1;Ex.23:20-21; Isa.63:9-10; Jud.13:18; Jos.5:14; 2 Sam.24:16-17; Ac.27:23;Gal.4:14.) We see stars referring to fallen angels (Rev.9:1, 12:4, Act.7:43, Amos 5:26) as well as evil men (Jd.1:13) but also to the righteous (Dan.12:3) as we will see in this passage. Who are the angels of these churches? Would John write a letter to an angel from heaven or how would he send it to them? They are sent to minister for believers (Heb.1:14). The Lord’s angel is giving this revelation to John (1:1, 22:6-9). Obviously, these are not heavenly angels since these angels are rebuked and called to repent as they labor in earthly works and are offered the rewards of the churches (see Ch.2-3). Angels of God that sinned have no place of repentance (Rv.12:12, Mt.8:28-9), rather they have a place reserved already in hell as everlasting fire was prepared for them; they are called the angels of the devil (Mt.25:41, 12:24), and their damnation is as sure as it is recorded (Rev.20:2,10). But Angel means ‘messenger’. Consider 2 Cor.8:23- “Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.” Glory as stars (Dan.12:3, 1 Cor.15:41) and messengers (angels). Consider also “Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger…” (Phil.2:25) See also ‘angel’ in the word evangelist (Eph.4:11, 2 Tim.4:5). A minister that is chosen by a church is a messenger that represents the spirit of that church (notice the singular- Gal.6:18, Phm.25, Phil.1:27, 1Cor.1:10) since they were to choose and ordain them from among themselves. Notice Acts 6:3 “look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business”. And again Acts 15:25-6 “It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul. Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This is why Paul warned when ordaining ministers “Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.” (1 Tim.5:22) And “Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.” (1 Tim.3:6) They are a product of the churches, and they are in his right hand. Although in the vision John sees stars in the Lords right hand, the interpretation of his ‘right hand’ here symbolizes a place or position of honor and glory and strength (Dt.33:2, Ps.16:11, 20:6, 77:10, 80:17 etc…) Whatever these messengers face “even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” (Psa.139:10) “Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the son of man whom thou madest strong for thyself.” (Psa.80:17) These messengers need to be reminded that they are in his right hand and all things work together for good since he controls whatsoever comes to pass (Rom.8:28,Isa.43:2). Thou art mine (Isa.43:1). Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (Isa.41:10) The candlesticks represent the seven churches. Why seven churches and not 6 or 8? In keeping with the revelation of the meaning of the number seven the Lord has chosen out these seven churches in Asia to represent all churches historically and geographically. They encompass an entire range or manifest that which is common to be experienced by all the churches. Some commentators see this representing 7 periods in church history, this may be true also. But the range of their being tried will be what all churches encounter related to the seven spirits of God. For example, in Ephesus we see the spirit of wisdom trying these false apostles and Nicolaitanes, diligently inquiring concerning their false witness speaking lies (Jam.3:13-18). We see in Smyrna their struggle with evil men of the synagogue of Satan whose hands shed innocent blood, blaspheming, casting into prison and death yet being sustained by the spirit of the fear of the Lord. (Lk.12:4-5) Pergamos was inundated with the lying tongue and false doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitanes speaking lies in hypocrisy teaching things which they ought not for filthy lucres sake (Tit.1:11, Jd.11), and needing the spirit of knowledge manifested there (Tit.1:9-14). Thyatira was infested with spiritually wicked children whose feet was swift in running to mischief. That church lacked the spirit of understanding (Prv.6:32) and suffered a woman to teach adultery and fornication of the flesh and spirit to the servants of Christ. Sardis needed the spirit of might and the power of Christ’s resurrection to strengthen the things that remained (Eph.6:10, 1:19-21). Philadelphia faced the proud look of those saying they are Jews but do lie who would be humbled before them because the Lord himself loved them. They honored the presence of the Lord and would be promised entrance directly into his presence escaping the wrath to come (1 Thes.1:10). And Laodicea needed the spirit of counsel to guide them. There are seven candlesticks which are to be distinguished from the candlestick in the tabernacle which has seven lamps. The candlestick with seven lamps of the tabernacle was a figure of Jesus Christ on whom rested the seven spirits of God (Ex.25:31-40, 37:17-24, Rev.5:5-6). But these are seven individual candlesticks. A candlestick was designed to give light in darkness thus men do not “light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house” (Mt.5:15, Lk. 8:16, 11:33, 36). The church is the light of this world as children of the light (Mt.5:14, 1 Thes.5:5) because we hold fast the gospel of Jesus Christ whereby we were called out of darkness into his marvellous light (1 Pt.2:9, 2 Cor.4:4). For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor.4:6) The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. (Psa.119:130) When men are found in the assembly of believers and the word of the Lord is being ministered by his Spirit the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. (1 Cor.14:25, 1Cor.4:5) This is because all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light (Eph.5:13) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Mt.5:16) Revelation 2 1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; When Jesus addresses the angels or messengers of the churches, he meant for this to be read to the entire church. “What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia” Rev.1:11 “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (Rev.2:7, 11, 17, 29, 3:6, 13, 22). John was to write to the messenger of the church to deliver this message to each church. Haggai was “the Lord's messenger in the Lord's message unto the people”. (Hag.1:13) Malachi also reminds us “the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.” (Mal.2:7) He reminds them that he walks in their midst, that he knows them even the thoughts and intents of their hearts (Heb.4:12), that they are upheld by the word of his power and totally dependent upon him (Jn.15:4, Heb.1:3). He is the Lord with whom they have to do (Heb.4:13). 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: The message to Ephesus and the other churches can be a sort of template for us when dealing with people regarding sins and transgressions. Notice the good first, let them know you are seeking their best by recognizing the benefits of them walking with God. Jesus having the flaming eyes of fire to try the hearts and reins is aware of our works our labour and patience. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Cor.15:58) The Lord is well aware of our toiling and struggles. When Jesus saw the disciples toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea (Mk.6:48). When Jesus was teaching the multitude and saw them hunger he said “I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.” (Mt.15:32) But the Lord took particular delight in their trying of false apostles and ministers of unrighteousness. It takes courage many times to stand against those bearing false witness speaking lies, who transform themselves into ministers of righteousness and not suffer if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face (2 Cor.11:13-20). Jesus displayed this same contempt for these fakers when he made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables (Jn.2:15). They displayed no effeminate cowardice when confronting these deceivers for the righteous are bold as a lion (Prv.28:1). 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. The church has borne chastisement (Job 34:31), borne reproach from friends and foes (Lk.6:22, Psa.55:12, 69:7) borne the struggles of the image of the earthy body (1 Cor.15:49, 9:27, Rom.7:24) and has remained faithful. And they in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience (Lk.8:15) and in their patience they possessed their souls (Lk.21:19). They were not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises (Heb.6:12). They did not grow weary in well doing and prayer and then faint (Gal.6:9, Lk.18:1), neither have they fainted at the Lord’s rebuke (Heb.12:3,5). This the Lord commends. 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. In the struggles of faith and tribulations in this life if we are not watchful, we can drift from our love of Christ. Our fellowship with him can wax cold as iniquity begins to gain entrance (Mt.24:12). Our hearts can begin to drift from he who is love (1 Jn.4:7-9), even as our lips draw near to him (Mt.15:8). We can forget that keeping the commandments is done by loving Christ and walking in his Spirit and communing with him in prayer (1 Jn.1:3, 5:3). The love of God is shed abroad as rivers of water in our hearts by the Holy Ghost (Rom.5:5, 2 Cor.13:14,Jn.7:38-9). We can lose that intimacy with our Lord where our hearts cry “Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.” (Psa.73:25) Where neither love for father or mother or son or daughter or wife or brethren or even our own life interferes with that blessed communion with Christ (Lk.14:26). To know the love of Christ is to be filled with all the fulness of God (Eph.3:19). And it is always us who leave this fellowship, not he. He abides faithful. The Lord calls and stretches out his hands and cries out ‘My son, give me thine heart’ (Prv.23:26) Just as the young man whom Christ loved and called to sell his riches, give to the poor and follow him, to free his heart from the things of the world and give it to the Lord, but the man went away from Christ (Mk.10:21-2,Mt.19:21-2). His words weigh heavy upon the church, “thou hast left”. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. Repentance is an act of the will, a persuasion preceding faith and is from godly sorrow (2 Cor.7:10, Lk.16:30-1). It produces actions commensurate with the grief. John the Baptist called Israel to repent and instructed them “Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance” (Lk.3:8); his baptism was one such evidence (Mt.21:32, Mk.1:4). Peter went out and wept bitterly after denying the Lord (Mt.27:75). Job abhorred himself after questioning God justice (Job 42:6). Ephraim was turned, and repented saying “after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded” (Jer.31:18-19). Nineveh repented at Jonah’s preaching and fasted and put on sackcloth. Even the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. (Jon.3:5-8, Mt.12:41) Jesus reminds Ephesus about where they have fallen from and instructs them to do the first works. They had works and labours but need the first works of love. The Lord reminded Israel “Thus saith the Lord; I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals, when thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown.” (Jer.2:2) Hosea reminded, “she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt” (Hos.2:15) The first love or the “love of thine espousals” was when they followed the Lord with reckless abandon, not caring where they went, singing with joy, wanting nothing but to be with him. "But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions...and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance."(Heb.10:32-4) As when Jesus called the young rich man to be a disciple the scripture records “Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.” (Mk.10:21) But he loved his possessions more than the giver of the possessions and left the presence of Christ completely (v22); this is the danger of losing our first love. Paul gave us a strategy for this- But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away. (1 Cor.7:29-31) Ephesus had fallen from their first works of love and were serving in oldness of the letter rather than newness of the spirit (Rom.7:6). In loving God, the whole law is fulfilled (Mt.22:36-40, 1 Jn.4:20-1) yet they had begun to lose sight of the righteousness of Christ by trusting in their works (Rom.10:4, Phil.3:9) and frustrating the grace of God (Gal.2:21). They were becoming like the Pharisees serving God while their heart was far from him (Mt.15:7-8). And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (Jn.17:3) This is no small matter, love is a weightier matter (Mt.23:23, Lk.11:42) carrying a significant warning from Christ- “I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent”. We see in figure the candlestick removed from his place in the plunder of the house of the LORD by Nebuchadnezzar. (2 Chr.36:7, 10, 18, Dan.1:2, 5:2-5) After the apostasy of Judah (2 Chr.36:12-19) when the LORD said “And I will give it into the hands of the strangers for a prey, and to the wicked of the earth for a spoil; and they shall pollute it. My face will I turn also from them, and they shall pollute my secret place: for the robbers shall enter into it, and defile it.” (Ezek.7:21-2)
One is reminded of Eli the priest when his “eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was” (1 Sam.3:2-3). No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place (Lk.11:33), however if that light becomes dim and goes out what will be done unto it? Like salt that has lost its savor is to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men (Mt.5:13). Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. (v35) If thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! (Mt.6:23) Except they repent their light will be removed and be dark; let it look for light, but it will have none. "The light shall be dark in his tabernacle, and his candle shall be put out with him." Job 18:6 And "shall be driven from light into darkness".(v18) "Oh that I were as in months past, as in the days when God preserved me; When his candle shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked through darkness; As I was in the days of my youth, when the secret of God was upon my tabernacle". (Job 29:2-4) Ichabod shall they be called as the glory of the Lord departed (1 Sam.4:21-2). May it not be said of the church by the Lord that ‘when I waited for light, there came darkness’. Concerning the day of his wrath Amos said, “Shall not the day of the Lord be darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it?” (Amos 5:20) Those who did not repent would be left behind in thick darkness when the Lord comes quickly (Lk.21:46, Rev.3:10).
Many do not want to see the fearful truth here of the Lord’s was warning. That he would come quickly is a clear reference to the imminent rapture. The phrase ‘I come quickly’ without question in Rev.22:7, 12, 20 is referring to the imminent coming of Christ for his saints. Likewise, in 2:25 where he says “that which ye have already hold fast till I come” because his reward is with him (3:11, 22:12, 2 Tim.4:8; also indicating his imminent return, is that they were to watch for him). The only reason to dispute this reference (along with 2:16 and 23 which we will address) is that one is not willing to endure this truth. These things must shortly come to pass for the time is at hand (Rev.1:1, 3). The Lord will come as a thief, but ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief (1 Thess.5:4). We are to watch for his return (Mk.13:4-5) in an hour when we think not (Mt.24:44). Watch ye therefore… Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. (Mk.13:35-37) Others contend (because of pre-commitments to other doctrines such as ‘Ye shall not surely die’) that it cannot be the rapture for he said, “I will come unto thee” and not to the whole church, thus it is local only. The Lord already was in the midst of this church (Rev.1:13, Mt.18:20) so what other coming ‘quickly’ would be referenced? The warning was to them that the day of his coming would overtake them as a thief if they do not repent as in Rev.3:3. The churches were to be looking for him to come (Tit.2:13, 2 Thess.3:5, 1 Cor.11:26, Phil.3:20). And by watching and keeping their garments they should not be found naked and ashamed at his coming for them. (1 Jn.2:28, Rv.3:18, 16:15, Jd. 23-4, Jam.1:27) Behold, the judge standeth before the door. (Jam.5:9)
But there is another parallel truth that is being laid down here and in the rest of these letters alongside his coming quickly to the churches with his reward to judge every man’s work. Christ does and will chastise the churches until his coming (1 Cor.11:26, 32,Rev.3:19). Paul said of the Corinthian church “many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” (1 Cor.11:30-31) We are to bear chastisement (Job 34:31), as Hebrews admonishes- ”If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons“ (Heb.12:7). Consider next 1 Cor.4:4-6- “For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.” Here he uses the word ‘transfer’ as ‘to change the sense of a phrase by metaphor’. He says “these things” “I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos” referring to the Lord’s judgment (until the Lord come) of our works in this present hour using phrases and descriptions of the judgment seat (used in 3:12-15). (Had Paul not mentioned his use of a figure or metaphor here some would no doubt deny a literal judgment at the resurrection and point to this passage in support.) Notice 11:31- “If we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged”, with 4:3- “I judge not mine own self”. Paul waited for the Lord to expose sin and try his own heart by faith (Heb.4:12-13) thus he didn’t judge himself directly as if relying upon some keen capacity for introspection but trusted God to search his heart (Psa.139:23-4). This is how Paul judged, by faith in the Lord’s searching of the hearts. He that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man (1 Cor.2:15). But Paul spoke of this searching of our hearts by the Lord now in a figure of that day when we must appear before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor.5:10). Paul uses in a figure the coming of Christ and the judgment seat described in 1 Cor. 3:12-15, in reference to the Lord judging us now “that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written”. This is akin to the Lord using terminology for his return and judgment day while describing to ancient Israel his past judgments (Hab.3:1-13, Isa.13:1-13, 63:1-6, Ezek.1-2 etc.). Some scholars conclude the terminology as the ‘Lord coming in clouds’ or ‘the sun being darkened’ was not to be taken literally since it was spoken to ancient Israel regarding a past judgment (Dt.33:2, Isa.19:1, Ezk.32:1-10), however it must needs be understood as literal for the Lord uses these judgments in times past as similitudes for his future wrath, wrath which has not yet been upon the earth (Mt.24:21, Dan.12:1). The descriptions will take place in a literal sense as prophecy is understood literally (Dan.9:2, see the prophecies of Christ’s first coming, e.g. Mic.5:2 with Matt.2:4-6 or Isa.53 with Act.8:30-35, etc.) and at some point in history the Lord will literally and physically return in great judgment (Jd.1:14-5, 2 Thes.1:7-10, Job 19:25, Jn.5:27-9,Ac.24:15, Zech.14:3-4,9 etc.). God was using the same terminology and descriptions because the same situations will exist at his return in final judgment (e.g. Deut.33:1-4 was simultaneously a prophecy- see Jd.1:14-15; “as it was… so shall it be also”-Lk.17:26-30, Mt.24:37). Jesus is doing the same with the churches here. So, while the warning of his coming quickly applies at all times to all believers, we also should be aware that he would bring chastisement (Rev.3:19) upon the churches should he tarry (see 2:16 and 23 which we will address). So should the Lord tarry and delay his coming, he would shut this church down, their lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.
To those praying ‘even so, come, Lord Jesus’ (Rev.22:20) who love his appearing (2 Tim.4:8) he will come again quickly and receive them unto himself (Jn.14:3). But unto those who do not repent having been given space to do so, will he come quickly and remove their light and gross darkness shall seize upon them. And being in darkness the day shall overtake them as a thief (1 The.5:1-7). They shall not escape all these things that shall come to pass (Lk.21:36). The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. (Lk.12:46)
6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.
There did remain some zeal with the Ephesian church which pleased the Lord. They hated what he hated. This is related to his earlier commendation for trying false apostles. There is nothing in the immediate text or anywhere else in scripture that I’ve seen nor in commentators’ writings regarding who these Nicolaitanes were besides the name itself. We understand from the agreement of most teachers of the Greek language that the name itself holds the Greek meaning of ‘conquer the people’ roughly. From the combination of two Greek words, nikos and laos. Nikos means "conqueror" or "destroyer," and laos means "people."
We will not follow some here who take an interpretation from historical considerations of accounts of Nicolas (Act.6:5) and antinomianism, which seem superfluous and subject to more doubt (and probably a crafty device from the mother of Harlots to deflect attention). Rather we will simply start from the meaning of the name itself and compare this with scriptures. This seems to be a consistent approach with what the Spirit indicates in other places- Jn.1:38, 41-2, 9:7, Rv.9:11, 1:8, Mt.1:23,Ac.4:36, 13:8, Heb.7:2.
If we look for people whom Christ issued the sharpest rebukes threatened with greater damnation (Mt.23:14, Mk.12:40, Lk.20:47) who ruled over the people of God, the Pharisees, scribes and lawyers are the primary candidates (Mt.23). We have mentioned some in v2, but these men exercise dominion as the Gentiles. We see this in the Centurion “For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.” (Mt.8:9) Again we see here- “But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?” (Lk.17:7-8) When proper authority is being exercised in the church it is NOT as a prince giving commands to servants. Jesus contrasted the manner of exercising spiritual authority among his people: “But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.” (Lk.22:26) “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Mt.20:28) Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)
But these wicked men try to bring into bondage those who are free in Christ (Gal.2:4). They try to force them and subjugate them into teachings they are not persuaded of in their own hearts and minds (Rom.14:5). They call themselves by flattering titles like ‘father’ and ‘bishop’ or ‘apostle’ to appear as superior to the flock (Mt.23:7-10). Dressing differently (Mt.23:5, 28), doing their works of fasting or prayer or alms to be seen as better than the average layman (Mt.6:1-7). Even their great swelling words in prayer (Mt.23:14) as they pray for their own adulation are to appear better than everyone else (Lk.18:11). If they are not lording over the flock as thoroughly as they desire, they must meddle and be a busybody in other men's matters (1 Pt.4:15) in other men’s houses. He must establish a network of whisperers (or confessionals) and tattlers and backbiters (1 Tim.5:13, Rom. 1:29-30, 2 Cor. 12:20- as he rules his house so he lords over the church-1 Tim.3:5, 1 Pt.5:3) that he can manipulate and control people with. A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. (Prov. 16:28) If the house be divided perhaps, he can conquer it more easily (Mk.3:25). As Diotrephes, they love to have the preeminence among them, and receive not the true ministers. As that evil man did unto John “prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.” 3 Jn.9-11 This would be the nature of conquering or dominating people and not persuading them in their hearts willingly. This was to be avoided by ministers of the Spirit (Gal.3:5).
2 Cor.1:24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
1 Pet.5:2-3 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock.
Ezk.34:4 The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.
The role of the church regarding the ministry of the word would not be to badger and manipulate or bully people to believe things they aren’t convinced of in their hearts. Rather to faithfully present the truths of scripture in order that the Holy Ghost can reveal and persuade them inwardly. Whosoever comes to listen to us will be hungry and thirsty for the Lord as we are charged to “speak as the oracles of God” (1 Pt.4:11). God gives the Holy Spirit to them that obey him (Ac.5:32) and they are taught by him (1 Jn.2:27) being led by him (Rom.8:14); the Spirit bearing witness directly to the believer himself (Rom.8:16). They must receive their understanding from him enlightening their eyes (Eph.1:18, Col.1:9). God promised regarding his Spirit “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” (Ezek.36:26-7) God does this by us choosing to believe his words (Rom 10:9-10).
7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
Obviously, the Spirit of God is speaking through the scriptures here and those who receive his engrafted word with meekness will find the salvation of their souls (Jam.1:21). Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (Jn.10:27). Paul stated “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” Rom.8:14. Those with ears to hear will follow and be led by the Spirit having a fear of the words of God. Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it (Isa.30:21). This is not only to Ephesus but to the churches. The admonition to hear, is to hearken, to bow down the ear in obedience. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. (Prv.12:15) Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. (Prv.22:17) The admonition is to overcome, which in v26 is expanded to include “keepeth my works unto the end”. These of course are the works of faith (Jam.2:17, 2 Thes.1:11) or the obedience of faith (Rom.1:5, 16:26, Ac.6:7, Heb.11:8). Believers are working out their salvation (Phil.2:12) by faith. We walk by faith- 2 Cor.5:7. We are “kept by the power of God through faith” 1 Pt.1:5. Heb.10:38-9 says “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul”. Also as Peter shows us “Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” 1 Pt.1:9 And as Paul said “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” 2 Tim.4:7. Let us be as those who “commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator” (1 Pt.4:19). He is the “author and finisher of our faith” (Heb.12:2) and he is “mighty to save” (Isa.63:1). Let us therefore not ‘have faith in our faith’ or “not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;” 2 Cor.1:9-10. He “that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Gal.6:8-9)
Here we are exhorted to overcome while John has stated “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 Jn.5:4-5) Why would he exhort us the churches to overcome while we have already overcome? It is an admonition to abide in Christ (Jn.15:4). Positionally by faith we are at the right hand of God in Christ (Eph.2:6) who overcame the world for us (Jn.16:33) and because we abide in him and continue in the Son, and in the Father (1 Jn.2:24) we overcome the world. The world was crucified unto us and we were crucified unto it (Gal.6:14), so we work out this salvation living by the faith of the Son of God (Gal.2:20) and taking up our cross daily (Lk.9:23). By the greater one abiding in us (1 Jn.4:4, 2:27, Jn.15:4) we overcome the wicked one (1 Jn.2:13-14) and the lust of the eyes the lust of the flesh and the pride of life (1 Jn.2:15).
The promise to overcomers is interesting, it is “to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God”. The tree of life does not impart eternal life (the life of God) to us which we get from his Spirit by faith (Jn.3:6, 16). We will have an immortal incorruptible body in the rapture/resurrection (1Cor.15:42-44, 51-53, 1 Thes.4:16-7) and cannot die anymore (2 Cor.5:1-5). So, this tree of life will not impart the eternal Spirit of God to us. It is interesting that there appears to be a single tree of life as there was in the garden of Eden (Gen.2:9, 3:22-24). Rev.22 details this single tree a bit further- “the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” (This limited supply for so great a number of saints would make this a very valuable experience.) It would appear, that if the leaves are for the nations (the church is distinguished from them here-Rv.2:26) the fruit would be for the church. It yields every month with 12 manner of fruit (looks like a 12-month year- time is marked in eternity; see also Isa.66:23), new fruit each month for meat (Ezk.47:12). Deut.20:19 tells us “the tree of the field is man's life” meaning the life of his flesh is sustained by it. After Adam and Eve sinned, they were forbidden access to the tree “lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever” (Gen.3:22). Apparently, it would have provided life to their flesh to avoid physical death while spiritually dead in trespasses and sins (Eph.2:1, 1 Tim.5:6). They would have been perpetually dead while they lived. This is the state the natural man is seeking today; to live forever in his sin through science and technology (these be thy gods O Israel- Ex.32:4, 8).
This fruit will be such a deep blessing even for us who have put on immortality that it is a reward to the overcomers, like the joy that comes from feasting (Ezr.6:22, Dt.14:26). It is for us but to wonder what euphoric experience will be received from this fruit. This tree although previously on earth in the garden, is now located in paradise which is in the third heaven (2 Cor.12:2-4) and will be on the new earth after the millennium (Rv.21:1-2, 22:1-2 – for the millennium see Rev.20:1-6,Zech.14:16-19, Isa.2:1-4, 11:4-10, Isa.60, etc.). It would seem then that we have access to the tree in heaven during the millennium and will be as the angels who travel back and forth between heaven and earth, to appear before the LORD at certain times (Dt.16:16, Job 1:6, 2:1). In our Father’s house in heaven we will have mansions (Jn.14:2, 16:28, Mt.6:9) accessible to us in heaven even as we reign upon the earth with Christ (Rev.2:26-7, Lk.19:17). Maybe these mystery people (Eph.3:1-6) who fly as clouds and as doves to their windows are now known (Isa.60:8).
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