Seven Churches

Pantheon - Photo by Zul Ahadi on Unsplash

FALSE APOSTLES AND NICOLAITANS

February 10, 2022 David R Maas

Deceivers within the seven congregations were encouraging believers to compromise with the idolatrous rites of pagan society.

One of the chief concerns in the seven letters to the churches of Asia is with deceivers that work within the congregations. While several groups and one individual are named, the net effect of all their efforts is to cause believers to “commit fornication and to eat food offered to idols.” In short, to induce idolatry and compromise with the surrounding society.

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Church at Night - Photo by Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash

Seven Churches

February 4, 2022 David R Maas

The visitation of Jesus to the churches prepares the reader for the visions that follow the seven letters.

In his vision, John saw a glorious figure “like a Son of Man…in the midst of seven golden lampstands.” In the interpretation, it became clear that this was Jesus (“I was dead, and I am alive forevermore”), and the “lampstands” were identified as the “seven churches” that were under his ever-watchful care.

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His Reign, Seven Churches

SOVEREIGN OVER THE EARTH

January 7, 2022 David R Maas

Because of his “faithful witness,” Jesus reigns supreme over the kings of the earth and even over his vilest enemies.

At the start of Revelation, Jesus is designated the “ruler over the kings of the earth,” and in the present tense. His absolute sovereignty is based on his sacrificial death and resurrection, and NOT on any hereditary rights, economic or military might. He is the anointed king appointed by Yahweh to reign from the “throne of David.”

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Easter - Photo by Bruno van der Kraan on Unsplash

His Resurrection, Seven Churches

FIRSTBORN OF THE DEAD

January 6, 2022 David R Maas

Jesus is the “Firstborn of the Dead,” a reference to his past resurrection and the basis for the future resurrection of the saints – Revelation 1:4-6.

The first vision of Revelation is preceded by “greetings” from the “One who is, who was, and who is coming,” from the “seven spirits before His Throne,” and from Jesus, the “faithful witness” and the “firstborn of the dead.” In his sacrificial death, he bore faithful witness, which God vindicated by raising him from the dead.

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