Smyrna – Study Guide & Scriptural Cross Reference

SMYRNA
 Revelation 2:8-11
Study Guide & Scriptural Cross-reference

8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write:

Each Letter to ALL 7 Churches is Addressed to the Angel of that Church: Rev 2:1, 8, 12, 18, 3:1, 7, 14.
➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:1
➥  Smyrna – Rev 2:8
➥ Pergamum – 2:12
➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:18
➥ Sardis – Rev 3:1
➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:7
➥  Laodicea – Rev 3:14

‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.

In ALL 7 Letters to the Churches, Jesus is the Speaker & Provides a Brief Reference back to the description of Himself in the 1st Vision of Chapter 1 & forward to other descriptions of Himself in visions in latter chapters.
➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:1 quoting Rev 1:12-13, 16, 20
➥  Smyrna – Rev 2:8 quoting Rev 1:17, 22:13
➥ Pergamum – Rev 2:12 quoting Rev 1:16, 2:16, 19:15, 21
➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:18 quoting Rev 1:14, 15, 19:12
➥ Sardis – Rev 3:1 quoting Rev 1:4, 4:5-6, Rev 1:16, 20
➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:7 quoting Rev 1:18
➥  Laodicea – Rev 3:14 quoting Rev 1:5, 19:11, 21:6

9 “‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich)

CONTRAST & OPPOSITE found with Laodicea – Revelation 3:17-18:
“For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.”
Laodicea – “Gold refined in the fire” makes rich! – Revelation 3:17-19

Poor yet Rich – 2 Corinthians 6:10
2 Corinthians 6:4-11 Contains 7 amazing parallels or similarities to the Church of Smyrna: 2 Cor 6:4 – Sufferings, 2 Cor 6:4 -Tribulation 2 Cor 6:5 –  Prison, 2 Cor 6:8 – Slander, 2 Cor 6:8 – Impostors, 2 Cor 6:9 –  Death, 2 Cor 6:10 – Poor yet Rich!

In ALL 7 Letters, Jesus expresses complete Awareness of the 7 Churches’ condition, good and lacking when He says to each, “I Know…”
➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:2
➥  Smyrna – Rev 2:9
➥ Pergamum – 2:13
➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:19
➥ Sardis – Rev 3:1
➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:8
➥  Laodicea – Rev 3:22

Revelation 2:23 – I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.
This gives a deeper understanding of the meaning of the words,  Jesus “walks in the midst of the 7 golden lampstands” Rev 1:12-13, Rev 2:1.

and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

Jesus repeats the Same words to both Churches He Approves and offers no reproof or discipline – Philadelphia, Revelation 3:9
Biblical Definition of a REAL Jew: Romans 2:29, Deuteronomy 30:6

➥ Fake Jews include all Jews who reject Jesus: 1 John 2:22-23, 1 John 4:2-3,2 John 1:7,10
➥ Over 95% of Jews who Live in the State of Israel & around the world reject Jesus Christ as the Messiah and are still waiting for another messiah.
➥ YHWH’s  Views of the Modern State of  Israel as “the Great City” & “Sodom & Egypt” Revelation 11:8:

➥ In the 7th Vial of WRATH at Rev 16:17-19, YHWH says in the future He will SPLIT the “Great City,” Modern State of Israel into “3 parts!”
➥ The “8th King” or “Little Horn” who is “Anti-Christ” will make his home in the Modern State of Israel according to Daniel 11:36-45.

➥ The Star of David does not exist in the Bible. The Hexagram within a circle is the historic method to conjure & summon Demons. The Rothschilds are responsible for popularizing this satanic conjuring tool on the State of Israel Flag in 1948 and successfully selling it to the Laimstream Twiststianity Churches to adopt as a symbol from YHWH. All one needs to do is do an Image Search on the “Star of Remphan” of Acts 7:43 to see how the Devil has Corrupted Laimstream Twistianity Churches with the historic calling card of the Demons!
➥ Modern Israel has Replaced YHWH’s words, the Torah & Biblical Prophets with the demonically conjured Babylonian-inspired TALMUD.

In contrast, according to Revelation 21:1-7, NEW JERUSALEM is the Real Hope of the Future!
New Jerusalem comes “down from God out of heaven” (Rev 21:2, 3:12), NOT from the Earth.
➥ Will YHWH Bless a nation that has forgotten Him, does not keep His commands & rejects His Son? Only in the Land of the Devil. May YHWH bring the “Curses” on this Disobedient Oppressive Blood Guilty Nation described in Deuteronomy 28-32.
➥ 1 John 5:19 – “The whole world IS lying in the power of the wicked one,” Including Lamestream Twistianity & the Modern State of Israel.

10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer.

Instead, REJOICE! – Romans 5:2-5, James 1:2-4
144,000 – Revelation 6:9-10, 12:11, 13:7, 10, 15-18, 15:2, 17:6, 20:4
Great Multitude – Revelation 7:14, 16, 12:12, 17, 13:7, 10, 15-18
2 Witnesses – Revelation 11:7
Daniel  11:33-35
2 Corinthians 6:4-11 Contains 7 amazing parallels or similarities to the Church of Smyrna:
2 Cor 6:4 – Sufferings, 2 Cor 6:4 -Tribulation 2 Cor 6:5 –  Prison, 2 Cor 6:8 – Slander, 2 Cor 6:8 – Impostors, 2 Cor 6:9 –  Death, 2 Cor 6:10 – Poor yet Rich !

2 Corinthians 11:13-28 contains 4  parallels or similarities to Smyrna: 2 Cor 11:13-15, 24 – Fake Jews or Impostors, 2 Cor 11:23 – Prison, 2 Cor 11:23 – near death, 2 Cor 11:23-28 – Sufferings.
Faith & Sufferings – Hebrews 11:32-40

“Do Not Fear:” 
“Do Not be Afraid:”
Lam 3:57
“terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day,” Psalms 91:5-10
Beginning of Birth Pains – Matthew 24:6
“Those who kill the body” Matt 10:28, Luke 8:50
Sudden Terror or Ruin of the Wicked Prov 3:25
Prison Rev 2:10
Boldly Speak God’s Words Acts 18:9
Idols Jer 10:5
Loss of Business & Change Luke 5:10
The Battle! 2 Chron 20:15-17, Josh 11:6
Enemies Josh 10:25

Surrounded by the enemy 2 Kings 6:14-16
soon to conquer people of the nations Deut 1:21, 31:3, 6-8
Prophet to the Nations Jer 1:5, 7-10
Kings, Officials, Babylonians Jer 42:11, 2 Kings 1:15, 25:25
“do not fear what they fear” Isa 8:12
“anything that is frightening!” 1 Pet 3:6
the trial before the King Acts 27:24
Leave home for a foreign country Gen 46:3
King of Assyria 2 Chro 32:7, Isa 37:6
Seals 2, 3 & 4
FEAR GOD! – Exo 20:20, Matt 10:28

Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison,

Christian Attitude in Jail: Acts 16:25, 5:41
2 Corinthians 6:4-11 Contains 7 amazing parallels or similarities to the Church of Smyrna:
2 Cor 6:4 – Sufferings, 2 Cor 6:4 -Tribulation 2 Cor 6:5 –  Prison, 2 Cor 6:8 – Slander, 2 Cor 6:8 – Impostors, 2 Cor 6:9 –  Death, 2 Cor 6:10 – Poor yet Rich !

2 Corinthians 11:13-28 contains 4  parallels or similarities to Smyrna: 2 Cor 11:13-15, 24 – Fake Jews or Impostors, 2 Cor 11:23 – Prison, 2 Cor 11:23 – near death, 2 Cor 11:23-28 – Sufferings.
Faith & Sufferings – Hebrews 11:32-40
Daniel 11:33-35

Prison = Sign before Jesus’ return: Luke 21:12
Jesus Brothers in Prison Matthew 25:34-40
In Acts of the Apostles Prison is mentioned 20 times!
Some References of Acts :
Saul Ravaging the Church Acts 8:3
Peter in Prison Acts 12:5
Paul & Silas are beaten and then Poisoned
Faith & Prison Hebrews 11:35-36
John the Baptist Beheaded in Prison Matthew 14:3, 14:10
Jesus’s Advice for Potential Prison Matthew 5:25
Joseph in Prison – Genesis 41:14
Jeremiah in Jail – Jeremiah 52:11
Samson in Prison –  Judges 16:21
Jesus Frees Prisoners – Isaiah 42:6-7

that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation.

(“tested” Laodicea – “Gold refined in the fire” makes rich! – Revelation 3:17-19 , Daniel 11:33-35, 1 Corinthians 3:13-15, Ezekiel 22:18-22, 2 Peter 3:7, 10-12, Zechariah 13:8-9, Isaiah 33:11-16, Numbers 31:22-23)

(“Ten Days” – Daniel 1:12-15, Jeremiah 42:7,
10 Plagues, 1/3rd destruction mentioned 10 times in Trumpets 1-6, 10 Commandments, Tithe is 1/10th.
The Passover lamb was selected on the 10th day of the 1st month (Exodus 12:3), as was Jesus, the Lamb that takes away the sins of the world (John 12:28 – 29; 1Corinthians 5:7). The 10th day of the 7th month is the Holy Day known as the Day of Atonement, 10 days after the Feast of Trumpets (Leviticus 23:24-27).)

Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

(“Faithful to Death ” – Revelation 6:9-10, 12:11, 13:7, 10, 15-18, 15:2, 17:6, 20:4, 2:26, 3:21  Matthew 10:22, 28,16-42, 24:13
(“Crown of Life” – Revelation 3:11, James 1:12, 1 Corinthians 9:25, 1 Peter 5:4)

11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

 Jesus Concludes All 7 Letters to each Church with the words, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 29, 3:6, 13, 22.
➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:7
➥  Smyrna – Rev 2:11
➥ Pergamum – 2:17
➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:29
➥ Sardis – Rev 3:6
➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:13
➥  Laodicea – Rev 3:22

1 other occurrence in Rev 13:9-10
Phrase used in the Bible is equated with REMEMBERING, PERCEIVING & UNDERSTANDING God’s Words.
➥ Matt 11:15, John the Baptist is Elijah, Matt 11:10-15
➥ Matt 13:9, 43, Parable of the Sower, Matt 13:3-23
Not Hearing Matt 13:14-15, 19, 22
Fruitful Hearing Matt 13:23
Blessings for Hearing Matt 13:16
➥ Mark 8:17-18, 21, Remembering, Perceiving & Understanding Mark 8:13-21
➥ Jesus concludes all His Parables in Luke 14 with the saying, Luke 14:35
Parable – Luke 14:7-11,  Honored Position at Wedding Feast.

Parable – Luke 14:12-14, Invite the poor, crippled, lame & blind for repayment at the Resurrection of the Just.
Parable – Luke 14:15-24, Excuses for not attending the banquet.
Luke 14: 26-27, 33, Requirements for being a disciple: Hate all family & own life, bear his own cross & renounce all that he has.
Parable – Luke 14:28-30, Counting the cost of building a tower.
Parable – Luke 14:31-32, Counting cost for battle
Acts 7:51 – Uncircumcised in hearts, ears & resist holy spirit.
also: Acts 28:27, Rom 11:8

The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’

What is the 1st Death?
(“2nd Death”Revelation 20:6, 14-15, 21:8)

Jesus concludes ALL 7 Letters to the Churches with a Reward for Overcomes or Conquerors:
➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:7
➥  Smyrna – Rev 2:11
➥ Pergamum – 2:17
➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:26-29
➥ Sardis – Rev 3:5
➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:12
➥  Laodicea – Rev 3:21
Overcomers – 1 John 5:4

Smyrna & Laodicea Comparison
Poor yet Rich vs Rich Yet Poor

Although Smyrna was in “poverty” Yeshua said, “you are rich.” Rev 2:9
In contrast, Laodicea said, “I am rich” but Yeshua said, they are “poor.” Rev 3:17
Yeshua requires all churches and individuals to purchase “Gold refined in the fire, so that you may be rich.” Rev 3:18
“Gold refined in the fire” is what makes one rich according to Yeshua in the Book of Revelation!

Smyrna was poor materially but rich in “gold refined in the fire!”
Laodicea was rich materially but bankrupt in “gold refined in the fire.”
Will you follow Yeshua’s council to the 7 Churches at Rev 3:18?
Revelation 3:18
“I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich.”

Laodicea – Rich yet Poor!

Although Laodicea is financially wealthy & prosperous Yeshua said they are, “wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.”
Financial prosperity seductively deluded and blinded Laodicea.
Revelation 3:17-18
“For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing,
not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich,
and white garments so that you may clothe yourself
and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen,
and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.”

Smyrna – Poor yet Rich!

What made Smyrna Rich?
What do they specifically do to follow Yeshua’s “council to buy from (Him) gold refined in the fire?”
Summary
1. Suffer “Tribulation”
2. Endure “Slander” from “Synagogue of Satan”
3 Endure “Prison”

Revelation 3:9-11
9 “‘I know your TRIBULATION and your poverty but you are rich
and the SLANDER of those who say that they are Jews and are not,
but are a SYNAGOGUE OF SATAN.
10 Do not fear what you are about to SUFFER.

Christ’s words to the Church of Smyrna are the exact opposite of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture teaching.
Pre-Tribulation Rapture teaches that the 7 Churches of Revelation will be raptured before the “great tribulation” of Matthew 24.
The problem is Christ’s words say the exact opposite!

Revelation 2:10
“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, & for 10 days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, & I will give you the crown of life.” 

Christ tells Smyrna:
“you are about to suffer”
“the devil is about to throw some of you in prison”
“You will have tribulation”
“be faithful to death”

Smyrna attains the “Crown of life” not by a pre-tribulation rapture but only by being “faithful to death.”

Synagogue of Satan of Revelation Ch 2:9 & 3:9

◄Questions from Revelation that expose the “Synagogue of Satan:”►

7 Churches Introduction

➥ Chapters 1-3 are the 1st Vision in Revelation.
➥ The 7 Letters to the 7 Churches serve as Jesus’ complete INSTRUCTION GUIDE for Believers to “OVERCOME,” “CONQUER” or be “VICTORIOUS!” (Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 29, 3:6, 13, 22, 21:7, 22:14)
Rev 3:19 – “Those whom I LOVE, I REPROVE & DISCIPLINE, so be ZEALOUS & REPENT.”
Out of “LOVE,” Jesus provides “REPROVE & DISCIPLINE” with encouragement to be “ZEALOUS & REPENT” to 5 of the 7 Churches. According to Rev 2:5, 16, 21-23, 3:3, 16-17, failure to Repent means destruction by Jesus personally.

➥ Jesus Concludes All 7 Letters with the words, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 29, 3:6, 13, 22). Believers Must listen to what the Spirit says through Jesus (Rev 5:6, 4:4, 1:4) to ALL 7 Churches (es) PLURAL. Failure in any 1 area means failure to “Overcome,” as exemplified by Ephesus in Rev 2:1-7. Jesus’ high standard for Conquerors is NOT taught or highlighted in most of today’s Churches.
➥ MAY YOU “Overcome,” “Conquer” and be “Victorious” by “KEEP(ING)” ALL the words of Revelation! May God Bless you with HIS WORDS, SPIRIT, REPENTANCE & OBEDIENCE! (Rev 1:3, 2:7, 21:7, 22:7, 14)

7 Things Jesus REPEATS to ALL 7 Churches!

In All 7 letters to the 7 Churches:

Summary

1. ➥ Starts with “to the Angel.”
2. ➥ Jesus is the Speaker.
3. ➥ Jesus refers to His attributes described in Chapter 1.
4. ➥ Jesus says, “I Know…”
➥ Jesus praises positive qualities. (5 of the 7)
➥ Jesus provides “Reproof & Discipline” (Rev 3:19) with a call to “repent.” (5 of the 7)
➥ Jesus describes destruction from Him personally for non-repentance. (5 of the 7)
➥ Jesus speaks about “works.” (5 of the 7)

5. ➥ Jesus says, “to he who overcomes…”
6. ➥ Jesus says, “he who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches.”
7. ➥ Jesus speaks of a “Reward” for Conquerors!
5 of the 7 Churches need to Repent or be destroyed by Jesus personally.
Jesus has only good things to say about 2 of the 7 Churches, Smyrna and Philadelphia. Jesus speaks to both of these approved Churches about the “Blasphemy” or “Slander” of the “Lying” “Jews” who are a “synagogue of Satan.” (Rev 2:9 & 3:9)

“to the Angel…”

Each Letter to ALL 7 Churches is Addressed to the Angel of that Church: Rev 2:1, 8, 12, 18, 3:1, 7, 14.
1.➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:1
2.➥ Smyrna – Rev 2:8
3.➥ Pergamum – 2:12
4.➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:18
5.➥ Sardis – Rev 3:1
6.➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:7
7.➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:14

(“angle” appears 64 times in Revelation, aggelos Strongs G32.
Use of Angel in the rest of Revelation – Rev 1:1, 2, 20, 3:5, 5:2, 11, 7:1-2, 11, 8:2-13, 9:1, 11, 13-15, 10:1-10, 11:15, 12:7, 9, 14:6-10, 15-19, 15:1, 6-8)
(Angel or Angels appears 294 times in the Bible, Heb 1:6-7, 14, Heb 2:2, Rev 14:6-12, Exo 3:2, 14:19, 23:20-23, 32:34, 33:2, 2 Kin 6:17)

Jesus is the Speaker
& His Description Refers back to Ch 1 & Forward to Future Visions in Revelation

In ALL 7 Letters to the Churches, Jesus is the Speaker & Provides a Brief Reference back to the description of Himself in the 1st Vision of Chapter 1 & forward to other descriptions of Himself in visions in latter chapters.
1.➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:1 quoting Rev 1:12-13, 16, 20
2.➥ Smyrna – Rev 2:8 quoting Rev 1:17, 22:13
3.➥ Pergamum – Rev 2:12 quoting Rev 1:16, 2:16, 19:15, 21
4.➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:18 quoting Rev 1:14, 15, 19:12
5.➥ Sardis – Rev 3:1 quoting Rev 1:4, 4:5-6, Rev 1:16, 20
6.➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:7 quoting Rev 1:18
7.➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:14 quoting Rev 1:5, 19:11, 21:6

“I know…”

In ALL 7 Letters, Jesus expresses complete Awareness of the 7 Churches’ condition, good and lacking when He says to each, “I Know…”
1.➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:2
2.➥ Smyrna – Rev 2:9
3.➥ Pergamum – 2:13
4.➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:19
5.➥ Sardis – Rev 3:1
6.➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:8
7.➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:22
Revelation 2:23 – Jesus “searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.”
Jesus “walks in the midst of the 7 golden lampstands” Rev 1:12-13, Rev 2:1.
Jesus Knows!

Positive Qualities

To 5 of the 7 Letters to the Churches Jesus Knows, recognizes & reinforces qualities or conditions He has judged POSITIVE and mandatory for “Overcomers” or “Conquerors!”
2 of the 7 Churches, Sardis & Laodicea, received NO Positive reinforcement.

Summary of POSITIVE Qualities:

1.➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:2-3, 6 – Works, toil, patient endurance, cannot bear those who are evil, tested false apostles, enduring patiently, bearing up for my name’s sake, not grow weary, hate the works of Nicolaitans.
2.➥ Smyrna – Rev 2:9 – Tribulation, poverty yet rich. (ALL POSITIVE! NO Reproof, Discipline or call to Repentance Revelation 3:19)
3.➥ Pergamum – 2:13 – Hold fast my name, did not deny my faith even in days of Antipas

4.➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:19 – Works, love, faith, service, patient endurance, latter works exceed the first.
5.➥ Sardis – NOTHING Positive (Revelation 3:4, yet some at Sardis worthy)
6.➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:8, 10 – Little power yet kept my word, not denied name, kept my word about patient endurance. (ALL POSITIVE! NO Reproof, Discipline or call to Repentance Revelation 3:19)
7.➥ Laodicea – NOTHING Positive

Reproof, Discipline & Zealous Repentance!

In 5 of the 7 Letters to the Churches, Jesus Provides “REPROVE” & “DISCIPLINE“
with a call to REPENTANCE.
PURPOSE = Rev 3:19 “Those whom I LOVE, I REPROVE & DISCIPLINE, so be ZEALOUS & REPENT.”
Only 2 of the 7 Churches, Smyrna & Philadelphia received no reprove or discipline.
5 of the 7 Churches needed to Repent of Jesus’ reprove & discipline or be destroyed by Jesus personally.

His reprove & discipline to these 5 Churches are:
➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:4-5 – abandoned the love you had at first.
➥ Pergamum – 2:14-15 – Teaching of Balaam, eating food sacrificed to idols, practicing sexual immorality & teaching of Nicolatians.
➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:20, 24 – Tolerate Jezebel, practice sexual immorality, eat food sacrificed to idols & learned the deep things of Satan.

➥ Sardis – Rev 3:1-3 – Reputation for being alive but dead, Wake up, strengthen what remains and is about to die, have not found your works complete in the sight of my God,
Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent.
➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:15-18 – I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot, lukewarm, for you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.

Consequences for Non-Repentance

To 5 of the 7 Churches Jesus Provides DEADLY CONSEQUENCES for NOT ZEALOUSLY REPENTING of His REPROVE & DISCIPLINE :
Jesus states His PURPOSE of Deadly Consequences in Revelation 2:23 “ALL the CHURCHES WILL KNOW that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.”
➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:5, “Remove your Lampstand.”
➥ Pergamum – 2:16, “War against them with the sword of my mouth.”

➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:20-23, “throw her onto a sickbed,” “throw into great tribulation,” & I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.”
➥ Sardis – Rev 3:3, “If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.”
➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:16, ” I will spit you out of my mouth.”
Rev 3:19 “Those whom I love, I reprove & discipline, so be zealous & repent.”

WORKS & the Seven Churches

Jesus speaks of “works” 11 times to 5 of the 7 Churches! Rev 2:2, 5-6, 19, 22-23, 26, 3:1, 2, 8, 15
Revelation goes on to mention “works” an additional 8 times. Rev 9:20, 14:3, 15:3, 16:11, 18:6, 20:12-13, 22:12.
According to Strong’s G2041, the Greek word for “works,” Ergon,” appears 176 times and is translated as work (152x), deed (22x), doing (1x), labor (1x).“Ergon” appears 19 times in Revelation!

LOW “WORKS”
➥Ephesus – Rev 2:4-5 “…you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.”
Love for Jesus is Equated with WORKS!
Rev 2:6 “You hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”

“NOT COMPLETE” “WORKS”
➥ Sardis – Rev 3:1“‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.”

“LUKEWARM” WORKS
➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:15-16 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot!” ¹⁶ So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.

“WORKS EXCEED the 1st”
➥ Thyatira – “Works” mentioned 3 times!
Rev:2:19, “Your latter works exceed the first.”
Rev 2:23, “I will give to each of you according to your works.”
Rev 2:26-29, Reward for Keeping Jesus’ works until the end!

WORKS COMPLETE!
➥ Philadelphia⁸ “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, that no one is able to shut.

The Doctrines of “Once Saved always saved” & “Saved by Grace” is NOT compatible with Jesus’ repeated consistent words, Judging the 7 Churches based on the level of their “Works!”
James 2:17, “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead”
James 2:26, “So also faith apart from works is dead.”

James 2:2 “that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works.”
(consider James 2:14-22 for context)
Acts 26:20 – “They should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.”
Just a couple more references to “Works” in the Bible: Titus 2:14, 3:8, 14, 1 Peter 2:11-12, 2 Peter 1:3-8, Eph 2:10.

“Overcome” or “Conquer” or “Victorious”
“to the one who Overcomes….”

Jesus says to ALL 7 Churches, “to the one who overcomes….”
1.➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:7
2.➥ Smyrna – Rev 2:11
3.➥ Pergamum – 2:17
4.➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:26
5.➥ Sardis – Rev 3:5
6.➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:12
7.➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:21

“Overcome” occurs 7 times to the 7 Churches in Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26, 3:5, 12, 21, and 8 times in the visions following Revelation 5:5, 6:2, 11:7, 12:11, 13:7, 15:2, 17:14, 21:7.
Jesus stated GOAL To ALL 7 Letters to the 7 Churches is to “Overcome,” “Conquer” or gain “Victory!”

The 7 Letters to the 7 Churches serve as Jesus’ complete GUIDE or INSTRUCTION List for Believers to “Overcome,” “Conquer” or be “Victorious” over the Devil’s world & their own sinful nature.
Believers must follow ALL the instructions to all 7 Churches to “Overcome!”
Failure in any 1 area means failure to “Overcome,” “Conquer” or gain “Victory.” (See Ephesus – Rev 2:1-7)
Jesus’s high standard for Overcomers is NOT taught or highlighted in most of today’s Churches.

“Overcome,” Strong’s G3528, nikau, occurs 28 Times in the New Covenant writings. The KJV translates Strong’s G3528 in the following manner: overcome (24x), conquer (2x), prevail (1x), and get the victory (1x). Strong’s definition is, 1) to conquer, a) to carry off the victory, come off victorious, i) of Christ, victorious over all His foes, ii) of Christians, that hold fast their faith even unto death against the power of their foes, and temptations and persecutions.
John 16:33 – “But take heart, I have overcome the world.”

“Let Him Hear What the Spirit Says to the Churches”

Jesus Concludes All 7 Letters to each Church with the words, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”. Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 29, 3:6, 13, 22.
Believers are to listen to what the Spirit says to ALL 7 Churches (es) PLURAL.
1.➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:7
2.➥ Smyrna – Rev 2:11
3.➥ Pergamum – Rev 2:17
4.➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:29
5.➥ Sardis – Rev 3:6
6.➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:13
7.➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:22
1 other occurrence at Rev 13:9-10

“He who has an ear,” or “let him hear,” is mentioned in Eze 3:27, Matt 11:15, 13:9, 43, Mark 4:9, 23, Luke 8:8, 14:35, Acts 28:27, & Rom 11:8.

According to Jesus’ Parable of the Sower, SEEING, HEARING, REMEMBERING, PERCEIVING & UNDERSTANDING God’s Words is EQUATED with PRODUCING FRUIT!
According to Jesus, True Hearing, Seeing, Perceiving & Understanding is “Small” (Matt 13:31-32) “Secret” (Matt 13:33-35) & “Hidden” ( Matt 13:44).

Parable of the Sower

➥ In Parable of the Sower Jesus uses the word “hear” 12 times! Matt 13:9, 13-23, 43. Consider Matt 13:3-23 for context.
The first occurrence in Matthew 13:9 after Jesus lists 4 scenarios :
According to Matt 13:8, 23 True “Hearing” “PRODUCES 100, 60 & 30.”

Matthew 13:9-17, 35 states the Purpose of Parables is for Jesus to impart the “hidden” “secrets of the kingdom” to those He considers worthy verses those who worship in vain, Not Hearing, Not Seeing, Not Understanding & Not Perceiving (Matt 13:14-15, 19, 22). Jesus is quoting from Isaiah 6:8-11.
As for the future fulfillment compare Isaiah 6:11 with the 7th Vial of Wrath at Revelation 16:17, 19.
BLESSINGS & HEALING for Hearing, Seeing, Perceiving & Understanding “secrets of the Kingdom” at Matt 13:15-16.

REWARD

Jesus concludes ALL 7 Letters to the Churches with a Reward for Overcomes or Conquerors:
1.➥ Ephesus – Rev 2:7, “I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”
2.➥ Smyrna – Rev 2:11, “will not be hurt by the second death.”

3.➥ Pergamum – 2:17, “I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.”
4.➥ Thyatira – Rev 2:26-29, “I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. And I will give him the morning star.”

5.➥ Sardis – Rev 3:5, “clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.”
6.➥ Philadelphia – Rev 3:12, “I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.”
7.➥ Laodicea – Rev 3:21, “I will grant him to sit with me on my throne.”

Revelation 11:18 at the 7th Trumpets says, “and the TIME for the dead to be judged, and for REWARDING your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great”
Heb 11:6, Luke 6:23-25, 1 Cor 3:14

Overview & Summary of Jesus’ 7 Letters to the 7 Churches!

Hear what the Spirit Says to the 7 Churches!

1) EPHESUS

REWARD = Rev 2:7, To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

Rev 2:7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

2) SMYRNA

REWARD = Rev 2:11, The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.

Rev 2:11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

3) Pergamum

REWARD = Rev 2:17, To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.

Rev 2:17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

4) Thyatira

REWARD = Rev 2:26 The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, 27 and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star.

Rev 2:29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

5) Sardis

REWARD = Rev 3:5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.

Rev 3:6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

6) Philadelphia

REWARD = Rev 3:12 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.

Rev 3:13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

7) Laodicea

REWARD = Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.

Rev 3:22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches

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Learning Jesus’ High Standards & Requirements to Overcome!

Jesus’ incredibly high standard of requirements for Overcomers can be clearly seen in His letter to the Church of Ephesus.
Look at the Amazing Qualities of Ephesus which were NOT ENOUGH to meet Jesus’ high standard of requirements for Overcomers:

Fantastic Qualities of Ephesus:

Revelation 2:2-5
➥ 2 “I know your works, your labor & your patient endurance”
➥ 2 “You cannot bear with those who are evil”
➥ 2 “tested those who call themselves apostles…& found them to be false”
➥ 3 “I know you are enduring patiently”
➥ 3 “Bearing up for my name’s sake”
➥ 3 “You have not grown weary”
➥ 6 “You hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”

Christs Reproof and Consequences for Non-Repentance:

Revelation 2:4-5
4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.
6 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

Although Ephesus had all these amazing qualities it was NOT ENOUGH to meet Jesus’ high standard of requirements for Overcomers or Conquerors!

JESUS’ HIGH STANDARD EPHESUS LESSONS:

➥ 1) Jesus requires the complete or full package in order to meet His high standard to overcome! Failure in any 1 area outlined in Jesus’ 7 letters means failure to “overcome!” Jesus is not going to allow any overcomer to be weak or insufficient in any area He lists.
➥ 2) All of Ephesus’ good qualities would not cover, excuse, outweigh, or make up for their abandonment of 1st Love works in Rev 2:4-5.

➥ 3) We learn from Ephesus that God not only requires your best, but he will also reject anyone’s second best. Jesus’ words to Ephesus repeat and emphasizes the requirements of the 1st and Greatest Commandment in Matthew 22:37-38 & Deut 6:5!
➥ 4) There was no grace, salvation, or reward for Ephesus unless they repented. There is no “once saved always saved” for Ephesus or any of the 7 Churches. Refusal to repent in any area of Jesus’ standards means disqualification!

Not only are most Believers completely unaware of Jesus’ REQUIREMENTS to “Overcome” or “Conquer” but are also oblivious to His Incredible HIGH STANDARD to meet the goal of Overcoming or Conquering as outlined in His letters to the 7 Churches of Revelation!

SOLUTION – WHAT WE NEED TO DO

1) ”Hear what the Spirit says to the Churches”
Reading, Studying & Rereading!
A person must first understand what Jesus requires of them outlined in the 7 Churches. Reading & Studying Jesus’s 7 Churches is an absolute must! We must understand what He requires of us and His standard for approving or disapproving of us as overcomers or conquerors. 7 Times Jesus concludes each letter to the Churches with, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” We must listen to what He repeats 7 times!

2) Strive to meet ALL of Jesus’ Requirements
No fear or self-denial about our lacking qualities
Once a believer understands Jesus’s requirements, the next most important challenge is to meet ALL His standards. Ephesus has so many good qualities but there was an issue that was going to prevent them from overcoming if they did not repent, despite all their good qualities. You and I must not be afraid to identify our weaknesses and work aggressively to change, strengthen and correct our shortcomings. It will literally mean life or death.

3) We must Promote, Advertise, Market, or Preach Jesus’s high standard for Overcomers so that other Christians are not in the dark as to what Jesus expects and requires of them! Jesus High Standard for overcomers is not taught in today’s modern Churches we call Lamestream Twistianity!