The chat will start when you send the first message.
1Write the following to the messenger of the congregation in Ephesus. For these are the words of the one who holds the seven stars firmly in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands:[#2:1 Or “by the messenger,” or “through the messenger.” The dative case in the Greek does not necessarily mean “to” or “for,” but “by, through, with, in.” The implication is that the angel sent to help John write the entire book now speaks the message of Jesus to John for the seven churches. It is John writing what the angel communicated ( Rev. 1:1). See also Rev. 2:8, 2:12, 2:18, 3:1, 3:7, 3:14.; #2:1 The meaning of Ephesus is “desirable” or “darling.” Every church and every believer is desirable to Jesus Christ, for we are his bride. This is the word a Greek bridegroom would use for the girl he desired to marry. See Song of Songs.; #2:1 It is good to remember that church leaders are “stars” who are firmly held in the right hand (authority and power) of Jesus Christ. He cares for both his churches and his leaders.]
8Write the following to the messenger of the congregation in Smyrna. For these are the words of the one who is the Beginning and the End, the one who became a corpse, but came back to life:[#2:8 Smyrna (present-day Izmir, Turkey) means “sweet smelling” and comes from the word for “myrrh,” an embalming spice. It is seen throughout Scripture as an emblem for suffering. Like myrrh, the Smyrna church, known as the suffering church, was crushed by Roman persecution but gave off the most fragrant perfume.; #2:8 Jesus writes to the church of Smyrna as the Overcomer who overcame death for us ( Heb. 2:14).]
12Write the following to the messenger of the congregation in Pergamum. For these are the words of the one whose words pierce the hearts of men:[#2:12 The word Pergamum means “married” or “elevation.” Pergamum was the center of Roman emperor worship, which demanded absolute allegiance to the god-like emperor. Additionally, it had, on a cliff overlooking the city, a throne-like altar to the Greek god Zeus. For these reasons it was described as the place of Satan’s throne. See Robert L. Thomas, Revelation 1–7 Exegetical Commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1992); Robert H. Mounce, The Book of Revelation , revised ed.; The New International Commentary on the New Testament , edited by F. F. Bruce and Gordon D. Fee (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1977); F. F. Bruce, The Revelation to John: A New Testament Commentary , edited by G. C. D. Howley (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1969).; #2:12 Or “the one who has the sharp, double-edged sword,” which is an emblem of the Word of God. This sword is not meant to destroy his beloved church, it is meant to pierce and circumcise our hearts. It has two edges, for it both blesses and corrects us.]
18Write the following to the messenger of the congregation in Thyatira. For these are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished brass:[#2:18 Thyatira comes from two Greek words: “sacrifice” and “that which goes on continually.” Perhaps “a continual sacrifice” would be a good definition of Thyatira. Sadly, some Christians observe a continual sacrifice of Christ through communion rather than celebrating a “once for all” sacrifice that is sufficient to bring us to God. Other scholars have studied the etymology of the word thyatira and believe it means “the odor of affliction.”; #2:18 Or “polished brass.” Brass, forged in flames, is an emblem of judgment.]