ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Revelation 2

Rev. 2:1–3:22 Revelation 2–3 consists of seven “letters” or royal edicts. Each follows a pattern: (1) The royal author describes himself in terms from ch. 1. (2) “I know” introduces the church’s condition, both positive (except for Sardis and Laodicea) and negative (except for Smyrna and Philadelphia). (3) Comfort and commands come from the diagnosis. (4) The churches are commanded to hear and obey all of the letters. (5) A blessing is promised to “the one who conquers.”

Rev. 2:1–7 The church in Ephesus is praised for doctrinal purity and endurance but is rebuked for its loss of love. Ephesus was a port city on the west coast of Asia. The city’s landmark was the temple of Artemis.

Rev. 2:1 The words of reflects the OT expression “thus says.” In the OT this phrase introduces either a word from God (e.g., Amos 1:6) or a royal declaration (e.g., 2 Chron. 36:23).

Rev. 2:4–5 the love you had at first. Either the church’s early love for Christ or the believers’ love for one another. Both meanings may be intended (compare Mark 12:29–31; 1 John 4:20). This lack of love resulted in a need to revive the compassionate works you did at first. remove your lampstand. In the near future and/or when Christ returns, they will lose their status as a church.

Rev. 2:6 Nicolaitans. An otherwise unknown heretical group. They seduced God’s people to participate in idolatry and sexual immorality (vv. 14–15). They may have presented immorality as freedom in Christ (compare 1 Cor. 6:12–20; 8:1–11:1).

Rev. 2:7 tree of life. A tree in the garden of Eden. It offered eternal life to the pure. Access to it was banned after humanity’s fall (Gen. 3:22–24). It reappears in the new Jerusalem (Rev. 22:1–2).

Rev. 2:8–11 The church in Smyrna is encouraged to remain faithful as they endure persecution. Roman Smyrna (modern Izmir) was a harbor city. It was known for its temple to the Mother Goddess and its imperial cult temple to Tiberius.

Rev. 2:9 your poverty (but you are rich). Materially poor, the Smyrnan believers were spiritually rich (compare James 2:5).

Rev. 2:10–11 The crown of life (that is, eternal life) is an image based on the laurel wreath given to victorious athletes. God promises it to those who love him (1 Cor. 9:25; 2 Tim. 4:6–8; James 1:12). second death. See Rev. 20:4–6.

Rev. 2:12–17 Believers at Pergamum remained faithful during persecution, but they allowed false teaching. Pergamum was an important center for pagan and imperial religion.

Rev. 2:12 Christ will use the sharp two-edged sword coming from his mouth (compare 1:16) to discipline false teachers (2:16).

Rev. 2:13 Pergamum had temples dedicated to “the divine Augustus and the goddess Roma” and to Asklepios (the god of healing, symbolized by serpents). It also had a large altar dedicated to Zeus. Emperor worship was also strongly emphasized, even required, in the province of Asia. All this idol worship is why Pergamum is called the site of Satan’s throne. A believer named Antipas was killed for his faith. Jesus shares with Antipas his own title, faithful witness (see 1:5).

Rev. 2:14–16 Balaam. A prophet who advised Moab’s king to tempt Israel into sexual and spiritual adultery (Num. 25:1–2; 31:16). Likewise the Nicolaitans were spreading sexual and spiritual unfaithfulness at Pergamum (see Rev. 2:6).

Rev. 2:16 If not, I will come to you soon. Jesus’ threat refers to his disciplinary action against the church, as at Corinth (1 Cor. 11:30–32).

Rev. 2:17 As God fed Israel in the wilderness, Christ supplies hidden manna to the one who conquers. A white stone was given to winners of athletic contests to gain entrance to banquets. White stones were also used by jurors to vote for acquittal. The manna and the white stone suggest different kinds of eternal blessings and rewards. The new name may refer to the Holy Spirit conforming believers to Christ’s holiness (Rom. 8:29).

Rev. 2:18–29 Thyatira is praised for its growing love but is criticized for its lack of discernment and for allowing false teaching. The city was a commercial center. Its main industries were metals and fabric (Acts 16:14).

Rev. 2:18 eyes like a flame of fire, feet . . . like burnished bronze. Compare 1:14–15. Such images were familiar to Thyatiran metalworkers. They also echoed OT visions of God’s glory (Ezek. 1:27). With fiery eyes, Jesus “searches mind and heart” (Rev. 2:23). His feet will crush his enemies.

Rev. 2:19–20 Thyatira’s strengths and weaknesses are the opposite of those at Ephesus. This church is strong in love evidenced in works, but it lacks discernment and tolerates false teaching. The self-proclaimed prophetess who encourages idolatry and immorality resembles Jezebel of Tyre. Jezebel married Israel’s King Ahab and imposed Baal-worship in the kingdom (1 Kings 16:30–33; 19:1–2).

Rev. 2:21–23 The “prophetess” has many lovers and children. These are spiritual children whom she influences.

Rev. 2:24–25 the deep things of Satan. Deceptive promises of secret spiritual knowledge through false religions.

Rev. 2:26–28 The morning star is Christ (see 22:16). He is Israel’s ruler and rescuer. Balaam predicted his rise (Num. 24:17).