Old Study On Sevens In Revelation

I am always amazed at the complexity in God's Word - when you think you know a portion of Scripture really well, something else is in there waiting to be discovered by further studying! Take for example, the book of Revelation. It is amazing the number of sevens in that book! Everytime you think you found them all, there are more to be brought to light. To me, it is like God's stamp on His Word - only God could write a book that makes sense like His Word does, but with so much more to be learned. (Note: I do not advocate spending a lot of your time trying to find sevens in the Bible, but it is interesting to note them when you do find them - some of these were discovered through a fun challenge to see what we could come up with.)

Sevens In The Book Of Revelation

Some of these were taken from  Revelation Chapter One: An Introduction And Overview, and some from further study by myself and others.

Seven means "fulness, completion, perfection."

I will start of with a not so obvious one, but which is foundational to the message of chapters 6-19: the seven year tribulation, which is the 70th week of Daniel (7 times 70 years). It is divided into two halves, of 42 months each (6 X 7).

Of course, there are seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven vials.

Chapter One:

In Revelation 1:5-7 Jesus Christ is:

1. the faithful witness

2. the first begotten of the dead

3. the prince of the kings of the earth

4. him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood

5. him that... hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father

6. he [that] cometh with clouds

7. he [that] every eye shall see.

There are seven different names Jesus is called in this chapter:

1. Alpha and Omega, (verse 8)

2. the beginning and the ending,

3. the Lord,

4. which is, which was, and which is to come,

5. the Almighty,

6. the first and the last, (verse 17)

7. He that liveth and was dead... and is alive for evermore (verse 18).

There is a seven-fold symbolic presentation of Christ in verses 13-16 (the symbolism is traced through Scripture and explained in my study linked above):

1. Girt about the paps (chest) with a golden girdle.

2. His head and His hairs were white like wool, as white as snow.

3. His eyes were as a flame of fire.

4. His feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace.

5. His voice as the sound of many waters.

6. Out of His mouth went a sharp twoedged sword.

7. His countenance was as the sun shining in his strength.

Revelation 1:20 speaks of the seven golden candlesticks which depict the seven churches and Jesus right in the midst of them. Then there are the seven stars in His right hand which are the seven angels (pastors) of the seven churches.

There are seven "blesseds" in the book of Revelation: 1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7, 14.

Jesus makes seven "I Am" statements in this book: Revelation 1:8, 11, 17, 18 (x2); 2:23; 21:6; 22:13, 16. (2023 Note: While it is interesting to see these I Ams in Revelation, upon counting them in my Bible app, I see there are actually 9 I Ams in 8 verses. Don't know how I missed some back then.)

There are seven times the Lamb's Book of Life is mentioned: 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27; 22:19.

Chapters 2-3:

There are seven letters to the churches of Asia, named for and addressed to seven specific cities - each of the letters to the churches has seven parts to it:

1) Name (of the church that particular letter is addressed to.)

2) Its Description of Christ.

3) Commendation - What that church is praised for.

4) Warning - What that church is rebuked for.

5) Promise.

6) To The Overcomers.

7) Prophetic Application (As revealed in church history, found throughout the letter).

In Revelation 4, the Apostle John is describing the throne room and he notes seven things he sees and hears:

1. One upon the throne that was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone

2. A rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald

3. The 24 elders sitting, and clothed in white raiment with gold crowns on their heads

4. Lightnings, thunderings and voices proceeding out of the throne

5. The seven lamps of fire burning (which are the seven Spirits of God, ie. the seven-fold Holy Spirit - see Isaiah 11:2)

6. A sea of glass like unto crystal before the throne

7. The four beasts.

There are seven doxologies (hymns of praise to Christ) in Heaven throughout the book of Revelation, some also have seven specific aspects of Christ that are praised: 4:9-11; 5:8-13; 7:9-12; 11:16-18; 14:2-3; 15:2-4; 19:1-6.

Revelation 5:6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

As mentioned before, seven is the number of fulness, completion. So here we see Jesus with complete power (seven horns - in the Bible, horns are always symbolic of power, this is His omnipotence); complete knowledge (seeing all, omniscience); complete presence (present everywhere, omnipresence - sent forth into all the earth).

Revelation 6 describes the 6th seal which is seven-fold:

1. Earthquake

2. Sun becomes black

3. Moon becomes as blood

4. Stars of heaven fall upon the earth

5. The heaven departed as a scroll

6. Every mountain and island moved out of their places

7. All people hide and call for the rocks to fall on them.

In Revelation 10 there are seven thunders which John is not allowed to describe.

Seven thousand dead from one judgment in Revelation 11:13.

Revelation 15 tells of the seven last plagues and the seven vials which is the culmination of the wrath of God.

This verse describes Rome:

Revelations 17:9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.

Revelation 17:10 refers to seven world empires (kingdoms): five have fallen, one is, and one is yet to come.

Revelation 17 also tells us seven things about the great whore, Babylon:

1. Sitting on a scarlet coloured beast which has seven heads and ten horns.

2. Woman is arrayed in purple and scarlet.

3. She is decked with gold, precious stones and pearls.

4. She has a golden cup in her hand that is full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication.

5. On her forehead is written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

6. She is drunken with the blood of saints and the martyrs of Jesus.

7. She is the great city which reigneth over the kings of the earth.

There are seven main people or groups of people portrayed in the Great Tribulation:

1. The two prophets (Moses and Elijah) - chapter 11

2. The woman clothed with the sun (Israel) - chapter 12

3. The Man child (Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God)

4. The dragon (with seven heads and seven crowns on his heads) and his angels

5. Michael and his angels

6. The beast - chapter 13

7. The false prophet.

I am sure there are many more to be found - I just wanted to whet your appetite and share some of what I (and others) have been learning. Of course, the main message of Scripture is what God's Word actually says - these "extras" are just His fingerprints on the pages.

February 25th, 2006 Jerry Bouey

Sevens In Revelation

 Some Sevens In Revelation from my personal study and notes:

Jesus Christ is portrayed seven different ways in the book of Revelation:

1. The Son of Man in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, in Revelation 1:12-16.

2. The Lamb in the midst of the throne, in Revelation 5:5-7.

3. The mighty Angel setting His feet on the earth and the sea, in Revelation 10:1-6.

4. The Son of Man on the cloud, in Revelation 14:14-16.

5. The Rider (the Word of God) on the white horse, in Revelation 19:11-16.

6. The Judge on the Great White Throne, in Revelation 20:11-12.

7. The Temple and the Light of it in the New Jerusalem, in Revelation 21:22-23

7 blesseds:

Revelation 1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7, 14

7 names/titles of Jesus in chapter one:

1. Alpha and Omega

2. The Beginning and the Ending

3. The Lord

4. Which is, which was, and which is to come

5. The Almighty

6. The First and the Last

7. He that liveth and was dead... and is alive for evermore

Sevenfold description of Jesus Christ:

Revelation 1:13-16 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, 1) clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 2) His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; 3) and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 4) And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; 5) and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: 6) and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: 7) and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

Each of the seven letters in Revelation 2-3 follows the same general format:

1. Name (of the church that particular letter is addressed to).

2. Its Description of Christ.

3. Commendation: What that church is praised for.

4. Warning: What that church is rebuked for.

5. Promise.

6. To The Overcomers.

7. Prophetic Application (As revealed in church history, found throughout the letter.)

Seven times the Lamb’s Book of Life is mentioned in Revelation:

Revelation 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27; 22:19

Sevenfold praise in Revelation 5:12 and 7:12.

Seven kinds of men mentioned here:

Revelation 6:15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

7 passages with this Greek word for woe/alas in Revelation:

Revelation 8:13; 9:12; 11:14; 12:12; 18:10, 16, 19

The bottomless pit is referred to seven times in Revelation:

Revelation 9:1, 2, 11; 11:7; 17:8; 20:1, 3

There are seven sins listed in Revelations 9:20-21 that mankind will not repent of during the tribulation:

1. The works of their hands

2. Their worship of devils

3. Their worship of idols

4. Their murders

5. Their sorceries

6. Their fornication

7. Their thefts

The Bible contains seven direct references to the length of the Great Tribulation (the second half - though both halves are the same length: seven years divided equally into two parts of 3 1/2 years each:

42 months - Revelation 11:2; 13:5

1260 days - Revelation 11:3; 12:6

A time, times, and half a time - Daniel 7:25; 12:7; Revelation 12:14

The mark is first mentioned in Revelation 13:16, but seven other times it is referred to as the mark of the beast or his mark:

Revelation 13:17; 14:9 , 11; 15:2; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4

Jesus is called the Word seven times (altogether in the whole Bible, specifically in John’s writings):

John 1:1 (x3); John 1:14

1 John 1:1; 5:7

Revelation 19:13

More Sevens In Scripture

More Sevens In Scripture

I find it interesting to note that there is a seven-fold division within the Word of God itself. The Old Testament was divided by the Jews into the Law of Moses (the OT historical books - Genesis to Esther), the Prophets (Isaiah to Malachi), and the Psalms (or Writings - Job to Song of Solomon). (See Luke 24:44.) In the New Testament, we have the four Gospels (the life of Christ), Acts (early church history), the Epistles (Romans to Jude), and End-times Prophecy (Revelation).

There are also seven dispensations (by this I mean eras, nothing hyper-dispensational here - not referring to different ways of salvation or doctrines, as some mean when they use this term) of man's history, as presented in the Bible itself.

1. Innocence (in the Garden - from Creation to the Fall)
2. Pre-Deluvian Age (from the Fall to the Flood)
3. The Patriarchs (Fathers of Israel - from the Flood to the Law)
4. The Law (the time of Moses to the time of the Church)
5. The Church Age
6. The Millenium (1000 year reign of Christ on Earth - Revelation 20)
7. Eternity (Revelation 21-22)

Sevens in Revelation:

Seven times the Book of Life is mentioned: Revelation 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27; 22:19.

Seven letters to the seven churches (In Revelation 2-3), as well as a seven-fold division within the letters themselves. See my study, Revelation Chapter One: An Overview (Introduction to the Letters To The Churches). It is also enlightening to notice this internal division in the book of Revelation, as stated by Christ Himself:

Revelation 1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen (John's vision in chapter one), and the things which are (the seven churches and the eras they cover - as mentioned in my series - the seven churches collectively cover the whole church age), and the things which shall be hereafter  (immediately after the last church era is the rapture as pictured in 4:1, then the Tribulation starts and goes until chapter 19, the Millenium and the Great White Throne Judgement in chapter 20, then eternity is covered in chapters 21-22);

Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter (after the church era).

Sevens in the Psalms:

The voice of the Lord is mentioned seven times in Psalm 29: verses 3, 4 (2x), 5, 7, 8, 9.

Seven Alphabetical (Acrostic - each verse begins with the next letter in the Hebrew alphabet) Psalms: 25, 34, 37, 111, 112, 119, 145.

Seven Penitential Psalms: 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143.

In Psalm 100, there are seven ways we are commanded to praise God, and seven reasons for doing so - by the way, these reasons will never change if you are a child of God, so you always have a reason to praise God (actually 7 of them!):

Psalms 100:1-5 A Psalm of praise. 1) Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2) Serve the LORD with gladness: 3) come before his presence with singing. 1) Know ye that the LORD he is God: 2) it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; 3) we are his people, 4) and the sheep of his pasture. 4) Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, 5) and into his courts with praise: 6) be thankful unto him, 7) and bless his name. 5) For the LORD is good; 6) his mercy is everlasting; 7) and his truth endureth to all generations.

Seven-fold deliverance/salvation in Psalm 34. Salvation means deliverance, and the context will show what type of deliverance is in view - whether deliverance from enemies or afflictions, or spiritual deliverance from sin, death, and Hell. Notice how the last one sums it all up and emphasizes the spiritual deliverance - salvation - the Lord has given His people:

Psalms 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Psalms 34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

Psalms 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

Psalms 34:17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

Psalms 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Psalms 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

Psalms 34:22 The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

And finally, one last seven-fold promise - notice the emphasis:

2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

Written September 29th, 2004
Jerry Bouey

Some Sevens In Scripture

Some Sevens In Scripture:

One theme that has always interested me in Bible study is the number seven. To me it is God's stamp of approval, His personal sign of handiwork on His Word. The number seven or a multiple thereof signifies perfection, fulness, completion. (This can be seen in Daniel's 70 weeks of years, Jesus' command to forgive a brother seventy times seven times, and Jesus' genealogy in Matthew 1, where each section lists fourteen names.) This idea is also carried across when something happens seven times, a phrase or idea is repeated seven times, or a description of something has seven aspects to it - like Hebrews 1:1-3 mentions seven things about our risen and ascended Lord that assert His divinity, Matthew 15:19 describes how completely evil man's heart is, and Ruth's seven-fold declaration to Naomi in Ruth 1:16-17. Revelation 5:6 refers to Jesus Christ and states symbolically that He has perfect (complete) strength (7 horns - omnipotent), perfect (complete) wisdom (7 eyes - omniscient), perfect (complete) presence (7 Spirits sent forth into all the earth - omnipresent).

As a cautionary note: Do not force a meaning into a passage that is not there because a certain number is used that symbolically carries a specific meaning - just notice what is there, and compare the numerical usage with what is clearly stated in the passage already. While many prophetic passages have symbolical meaning (for example: the books of Daniel and Revelation, the temple and sacrificial system, the types of Christ and the Holy Spirit in the OT, etc.), we want to be careful we do not ever twist the text of the Bible to bring some "spiritual meaning" out that is not justified by the text.

Seven Blesseds in the book of Revelation:

Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

Revelation 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

Revelation 19:9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

Revelation 22:7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

Revelation 22:14 Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Jesus' Seven I Am statements in the book of John:

John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst. (See also verses 48 and 51)

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

John 10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. (Also verse 9)

John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep. (Also verse 14)

John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.

John 15:1 I am the true vine, and My Father is the husbandman. (Also verse 5)

Seven times Jesus is declared as the Word of God:

John 1:1 (3x), 14; 1 John 1:1; 5:7; Revelation 19:13;

From Genesis:

Seven times God declared His creation was good:

Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 17, 21, 25, 31. Notice this last time, He emphasizes His declaration by stating, "It was very good."

Seven times God is said to have spoken to Noah:

Genesis 6:13; 7:1; 8:15; 9:1, 8, 12, 17.

Seven dimensions to the ark described in Genesis 6:14-16.

Sevenfold covenant/promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3.

Written September 18, 2004
Jerry Bouey

She Was A Virgin - The Law Of First Mention

She Was A Virgin
(The Law Of First Mention)

Genesis 24:16 And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.

This is interesting. Rebekah is stated to be both a virgin and not to have known a man. The Hebrew word here (Strong’s # h1330) for virgin is used often to denote a healthy young woman or young maiden (comparable to another word meaning healthy young man, not necessarily denoting purity) - though the next phrase shows she was pure (neither had any man known her).

However, a little later in the chapter it says this about her:

Genesis 24:43 Behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin cometh forth to draw water, and I say to her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher to drink;

The word for virgin here is different - almah, Strong’s # h5959, which ALWAYS means virgin, pure, and is used in Isaiah 7:14 about the Messiah’s mother and in the title of Psalm 46 (ie. alamoth - virgins were to sing those songs in the temple worship).

The interesting thing is the differentiation between the two words. The first one means "young woman," not necessarily pure - so God clarifies on this case that Rebekah was pure. The second word continued the idea - showing she is what we typically refer to as a virgin. This is also the first use in the Bible of each word - therefore the first use of almah definitely shows a true virgin was in view, not just a young woman. And the law of first mention gives the usage of a word usually as it is used throughout the rest of the Bible.

The critics don’t have a leg to stand on with the word almah, as it only ever refers to a virgin in the Scriptures - never to just a young woman or maiden, AND the first time this word is used in the Bible, there is no doubt what kind of woman is being talked about; therefore setting the meaning and usage intended for the rest of God’s Word.

I thought that was worth passing on to all those who love to hold onto and defend their King James Bibles!

December 2, 2022
Jerry Bouey

Smyrna: The (Persecuted) Suffering Church

(This is the older version of this study. Please click below for the updated section of this commentary:

Smyrna
The (Persecuted) Suffering Church

Revelation 2:8-11

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the First and the Last, Which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

The messages to the churches have a threefold meaning:

Firstly, each letter has a primary association, having a local and direct bearing upon the church to which it was written. Each letter was a measuring rod by which each church could know its standing in the sight of the risen Lord.

Secondly, each letter has a personal application. Even though Christ addresses each church as a whole, the message to overcome is addressed to the individual.

Thirdly, each church individually, and the seven churches combined, set forth prophetic anticipation. We see in them seven eras of the life of the church on earth. Seven in the Bible is the number of perfection, completion, fullness. In these letters we have a prophetic picture of the church's complete history on earth.

Each of the seven letters follows the same general format:
1) Name (of the church that particular letter is addressed to).
2) Its Description of Christ.
3) Commendation: What that church is praised for.
4) Warning: What that church is rebuked for.
5) Promise.
6) To The Overcomers.
7) Prophetic Application (As revealed in church history, found throughout the letter.)

Name: Smyrna - meaning "myrrh" from root meaning "bitter." Myrrh is a tree resin with a bitter taste that was crushed and used in perfume, in incense, and as a preservative in burial. It is a symbol of death. It is interesting to note that it was one of the three gifts brought to Jesus by the Wise Men. (See Matthew 2:11) All three gifts pictured something about the Messiah, Jesus Christ, and His mission. The gold symbolized His deity and His kingship; the frankincense symbolized His priesthood and His offering of Himself for our sins, which was a sweetsmelling savour to our Heavenly Father (Ephesians 5:2); and the myrrh symbolized His suffering and death on the cross.

Description: The first and the last, which was dead, and is alive.

The first and the last. The Lord Jesus Christ was the one who had the preeminent place in these believers' lives. Colossians 1:15 and 18 say, Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence. Preeminence means "first in rank or influence." The church in Smyrna was able to overcome because Jesus Christ had the first place in each of their lives. Does He have first place in yours? Does Jesus have first place in every area of your life, or just the parts that you've decided to give Him, the leftovers so to speak? The word firstborn is the Greek word prototokos. Protos means "foremost (in time, place, order, or importance)." These verses in Colossians teach us that Jesus is the most important person in all creation, greater than every creature He ever created. He is the most important person that ever rose from the dead. Is Jesus Christ the foremost person in your life? Does He have the priority when it comes to your schedule? Does He have first place in your day to day life? Does He come first before your family and friends, before your dreams and goals? Is Jesus the most important person in your life? If you are saved, He should be!

Matthew 6:33 says, But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Do you give the Lord the first part of your day in prayer and Bible reading? Do you give Him the first day of your week by attending a solid, Bible-believing church? Do you give Him your firstfruits? This is an Old Testament word that referred to the tithe (10% of your gross income), which were the first fruits gathered when the harvest began to come in. (See Proverbs 3:9-10) He wants all these, but He especially wants the priority, the first place in your life. He wants to be your first love. (See Revelation 2:4) Is He?

"Let me shoot a quiver full of interrogatory arrows into your heart. Has Jesus the supreme place in your desires? Do you esteem all things but loss in comparison with the excellency of Jesus Christ, your Lord? Is He to you as a city of refuge to the manslayer? Is He to you as a spring of water in a dry place? Is He to you as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land? Is He to you, having had experience with Him, a refuge and fortress, a very present help in time of trouble? Is everything in Jesus desirable in your eyes? Do you desire to obey His commandments? Do you desire to have His spirit? Are His holiness and government, His cross and sufferings desirable to you? Are you longing at all times for Him? Have your eyes been opened to see His "want and worth?" Is His righteousness the righteousness you desire? Do you want to do His will - no matter what it may be? Are you willing for Him to dictate wholly your plans, actions, and speech? Is He really your Lord?" (James Crumpton, The Seven Sayings On The Cross)

Jesus was also the author and finisher of their faith. They endured the trials they were facing by keeping their focus on Christ and what He endured to save them. Hebrews 12:1-2 says, Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. The word author is from a Greek word (Strong's #747) meaning "chief leader; also rendered captain, prince." In other words, He was the leader of their salvation, the pioneer who blazed the trail they were to follow. (See also Hebrews 5:8-9, though the word here for author is #154, meaning "causer, ie. He that causes; the agent by which an effect is produced," in this case our salvation.) The word finisher (Strong's #5051) means "completer, consummater." Jesus not only was the focus of their salvation, He was the only person who could bring their faith to completion. He will do that for every one who believes in Him. Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

Which was dead, and is alive. Here Jesus is identifying with the church in Smyrna, by stating that He has already gone through what they are about to face, in this case, death. (See Hebrews 2:9) The fact that He has risen again is proof that those who believe in Him need not fear death, because on some future day they too will also be resurrected. (See John 11:25) John 14:19 says, Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no more; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also. 1 Corinthians 15:20 states, But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. While there were other believers that God had raised throughout the Old Testament and during Jesus' personal ministry, Jesus was the first person to ever be raised immortal, never more to die. This He did by His own power! Death could not hold Him in the grave because He was God Almighty manifested in the flesh! (See Acts 2:23-24) Just as the firstfruits of the crop indicated that there was a full harvest yet to come, even so Jesus was the firstfruits from the dead, indicating that all who truly believed on Him for salvation would one day rise from the dead as well! For the believer, death is referred to as a sleep, a brief transition that carries us into the presence of the Lord. (See Philippians 1:21-23 and 2 Corinthians 5:6-8)

Romans 5:10 states, For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. This is referring to Jesus' resurrected life in Heaven. Yes, He died on the cross for our sins, was buried in the tomb for three days, but He arose triumphantly from the grave and is alive forevermore! Praise the Lord! Jesus is now glorified in Heaven with the glory He had before His incarnation. One day, when He returns in His glory, all true believers will be made like Him. We will then have immortal, glorified bodies for all eternity. (See Romans 8:29-30; 1 John 3:2; and Philippians 3:20-21)

He is our faithful High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses and afflictions because He has gone through anything we could or will ever have to face in this life.

Hebrews 2:14-18 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily He took not on Him the nature of angels; but He took on Him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted.

Hebrews 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

The words succour and help from the above passages are from two Greek words (Strong's #s 996 and 997) meaning literally "to run to the cry." Whatever trials or afflictions you are going through in life, call out to Jesus in faith for help, and the Bible teaches He will run to your cry. That's comforting! I don't have to face any trial alone. Jesus can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities. This phrase is from the word sumpatheo, where we get the word sympathy from. He will have compassion on us, so let us run to Him in all our afflictions.

Commendation: I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich). Suffering purifies the church. Even in the midst of their trials, persecutions, and poverty these Christians in Smyrna faithfully served the Lord. It is so sad today that many of us in our ease and prosperity will not do so! As the prophet Amos said, Woe to them that are at ease in Zion! (See Amos 6:1) Are we at ease in our churches today, comfortably warming our pews in God's House, but refusing to work in the Lord's field? It is interesting to note that, out of these seven churches in Revelation 2-3, except for the churches in Sardis and Laodicea, all the other churches were commended for their works. Jesus knows what service we have done in His name, and will remember it. (See Hebrews 6:10-11)

I know thy ...tribulation. Jesus here commends the godly believers at Smyrna for patiently enduring trials and afflictions for His name's sake. 2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Being faithful does bring some persecution from the lost world and from carnal believers, but it also brings rewards and the blessings of the Lord upon our lives. Jesus knows all about our troubles, and He is right there with us as we go through them! All the trials in believers' lives are there to purify them, and to conform them to the image of Christ. (See Romans 8:28-29) God is working out all things to that end, and He will perfect the work that He has started in us; therefore we can fully trust Him and commit ourselves into His hands. Jesus knows what suffering we have endured in His name, and will reward it. (See 1 Peter 4:12-19 and Matthew 5:10-12)

Revelation 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

Romans 8:35, 37-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; (See also Romans 5:3-5)

I know thy ...poverty, (but thou art rich). Jesus, the Son of God, left the splendour of Heaven's glory, humbled Himself and became a man so He could die for our sins. (See Philippians 2:6-8) He took on our weaknesses, and was in all points tempted as we are, yet He never sinned. (Hebrews 4:15) 2 Corinthians 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich. Though these believers in Smyrna were physically poor, they were spiritually rich in God's sight. They were rich through placing their faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ on Calvary; rich through laying up treasures in Heaven; and rich through their good works to others. (See Revelation 3:18; Matthew 6:20-21; 2 Corinthians 6:10; 8:2; Philippians 4:19; 1 Timothy 6:18) Jesus knows what we've relinquished and sacrificed in His name, and He will repay it. (See Mark 10:28-30)

"But thou art rich (v. 9), poor in temporals, but rich in spirituals - poor in spirit, and yet rich in grace. Their spiritual riches are set off by their outward poverty. Many who are rich in temporals are poor in spirituals. Thus it was with the church of Laodicea. Some who are poor outwardly are inwardly rich, rich in faith and in good works, rich in privileges, rich in bonds and deeds of gift, rich in hope, rich in reversion. Spiritual riches are usually the reward of great diligence; the diligent hand makes rich. Where there is spiritual plenty, outward poverty may be better borne; and when God's people are impoverished in temporals, for the sake of Christ and a good conscience, he makes all up to them in spiritual riches, which are much more satisfying and enduring." - Matthew Henry.

I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Many Israelites in the first century prided themselves on being Jews, the children of Abraham. While it was true of them physically, the Bible teaches that in the Lord's eyes it was more important to be one spiritually! Any Jews that rejected the Messiah had no special favour with God. (See Luke 3:8) It is interesting that the word Jew comes from a root word meaning "praise." But look at what the Lord states in Romans 2:28-29, For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. Galatians 3:26, 29 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

The devil, and those who say they are Jews and are not, cast some of these believers into prison by falsely accusing them before the Emperors. To take the heat off of themselves during the ten persecutions (see below), these unsaved Jews betrayed the Christians and turned them over to those who wanted to kill them. These particular Jews proved they were not the people of God by killing and betraying those who truly were. The word Satan means adversary, enemy, and truly they were the synagogue of Satan! Satan, otherwise known as the Devil, is known as the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10), and these blasphemous Jews followed in his traitorous footsteps. It is believed that both the Apostles Peter and Paul were executed under the persecution by Nero, and the Apostle John was banished to the isle of Patmos during the reign of Domitian. But it wasn't the Lord's will that John be executed; the Lord still had some work for him to do. The keys of hell and of death were in Jesus' hands, and no one could kill one of His servants unless the Lord Himself willed it! (Rev. 1:18; John 19:10-11) John was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write the book of Revelation during his banishment.

Warning: This letter to the believers in Smyrna contains not one word of rebuke in it, though they were exhorted to keep being faithful and to keep their eyes on Jesus Christ.

Promise: Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Polycarp was a personal disciple of the Apostle John. As an old man, he was the bishop of the Church at Smyrna in Asia Minor (present-day Turkey). Persecution against the Christians broke out there and believers were being fed to the wild beasts in the arena. Polycarp was brought before the proconsul. Then, the proconsul urging him, and saying, "Swear, and I will set thee at liberty, reproach Christ;" Polycarp declared, "Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He never did me any injury: how then can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?" After repeated threatenings, in which Polycarp sought to witness to the proconsul, the proconsul said to him, "I will cause thee to be consumed by fire, seeing thou despisest the wild beasts, if thou wilt not repent." But Polycarp said, "Thou threatenest me with fire which burneth for an hour, and after a little is extinguished, but art ignorant of the fire of the coming judgment and of eternal punishment, reserved for the ungodly. But why tarriest thou? Bring forth what thou wilt." Polycarp was tied to the stake, but their efforts to burn him to death failed. Instead they chose to stab him and then burn his body. Truly, he was an example of a martyr who was faithful unto death, and I have no doubt there was a crown of life awaiting him in Heaven! (Quotes in italics taken from The Anti-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1, pages 83, 84)

that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Every trial that the Lord allows or brings into our lives is for a purpose: to try us, prove us, purge and refine us. (See Malachi 3:3) Just as the specific trial the believers in Smyrna faced was only for ten days, even so all the trials and afflictions that we face will be only for a season. (See Ecclesiastes 3:1; James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-8) The refiner uses the furnace to heat up the ore and remove all the dross and impurities, and then he removes the precious metal from the heat so it will not be damaged. Likewise, the Heavenly Refiner uses the furnace of affliction to try us and remove our impurities, then when the fiery trial has achieved it's purpose in His precious child's life, He will remove it from us. We can trust that our Heavenly Father does in fact know what He is doing, that He will perfect the work that He has started in us, and that we are safe in His hands. (See Psalm 138:8; Philippians 1:6; 2 Timothy 1:12; Psalm 31:15)

be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. There are five crowns that are given as rewards to the faithful Christian. The word for crown in all of the following passages is stephanos, which is the victor's crown.

1. The Incorruptible Crown - 1 Corinthians 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. This crown is promised to those Christians who keep themselves in subjection and are temperate (self-controlled), and do not let the flesh dominate in their spiritual walk.

2. The Crown Of Rejoicing - 1 Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? This crown will actually be those believers we have had a part in leading to the Lord and will one day spend eternity with in Heaven. (See also Philippians 4:1) No wonder it is called a crown of rejoicing!

3. The Crown Of Righteousness - 2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing. This crown is the reward for those who faithfully yearn and look for the Lord's appearing. (See also Titus 2:13)

4. The Crown Of Life - James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him. This crown is promised to those who endure temptation or are faithful unto death. The word for life in this passage and Revelation 2:10 means "spiritual life." This crown is also referred to in Revelation 3:11.

5. The Crown Of Glory - 1 Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. This crown is the one that is promised to faithful Pastors (elders).

To The Overcomer: He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. The first death is physical - the separation of the spirit and soul from the body. This is an appointment all will face, except for those believers who are still alive when Jesus Christ returns for His bride (the church) at the rapture. (See James 2:26) The second death is spiritual - eternity in the Lake of Fire, which all those who reject Christ as their personal Saviour will dwell. This is the separation from the presence of God forever. (See Revelation 20:11-15; 21:8; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9) The true believer, who has overcome by his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His free gift of salvation, will never face this second death (No Never!), but will dwell with the Lord forever in Heaven. (See 1 John 5:4-5)

Prophetic Application: This period of church history corresponds from the first to the third centuries. (Approximately 100-312 A.D.) The ten days refer to the ten persecutions of the Christians by the Roman Emperors. (Though two of the persecutions were in the first century. There is some overlap on these periods.)

Martyr's Mirror (by Thielman J. Van Braght) lists these Roman Emperor's names and the approximate dates for the beginning of each of these ten periods of persecution: (See also John Gill's Exposition Of The Whole Bible, Foxe's Book Of Martyrs, Halley's Bible Handbook.)

Nero (66 A.D.)
Domitian (93 A.D.)
Trajan (102 A.D.)
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus and Lucius Verus (166 A.D.)
Septimus Severus (201 A.D.)
Maximin (237 A.D.)
Decius (251 A.D.)
Valerian (259 A.D.)
Aurelian (273 A.D.)
Diocletian (302 A.D.)

I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. There is also a secondary application to this phrase which I believe is very important to Christians today. "... the strong intellectual temptation of Greek philosophy began its subtle encroachment with the apex of Judaic defection realized under the Jewish scholar, Philo (B.C. 20-A.D. 50) [in Alexandria, Egypt]. With a ministry that spanned both Testaments, this 'renegade son of Abraham' established a theological school to promote the merger of Old Testament Judaism with Greek philosophy." In a city that housed a library that was famous for its 700,000 scrolls, we can see that intellectualism was more important to the apostate Jews of this city than true Biblical spirituality. (2 Timothy 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.) (Quote by William Grady, Final Authority, pg.74)

The first "Christian" headmaster of this school was Pantaenus (about 150 A.D.). This school is where many Jews who were dispersed to Africa studied theology; however, Pantaenus mixed his brand of Christianity and Bible doctrine with pagan philosophy; therefore these professing Jews were in fact apostates - much like many of the Jews during the time of the Maccabees. (Note: I am not recommending the first two books of Maccabees - which is part of the Apocrypha, but many do believe that though those specific books are not inspired Scripture, the basic history they portray is true.) This school was continued by Clement of Alexandria (about 190-202 A.D.), and later brought into prominence by Origen, their most famous student. Origen, among his many false doctrines, denied the inspiration of the Scriptures, was responsible for the corruption of Biblical texts (specifically in the Alexandrian stream of texts), and allegorized/spiritualized the Bible. He has been referred to by some as the father of textual criticism, and we can see by his many changes and editing of the Biblical texts that he was the one to lay the foundation for modern Bible versions. It is also believed that before the time of Christ, the Greek Septuagint only contained the books of Moses - until Origen took and translated the rest of the Hebrew Old Testament into Greek, according to his fanciful suppositions. "From this account we may at least derive as historical these facts: that the Pentateuch - for to it only the testimony refers - was translated into Greek, at the suggestion of Demetrius Phalareus, in the reign and under the patronage - if not by direction - of Ptolemy II. (Philadelphus)." (Alfred Edersheim, The Life And Times Of Jesus The Messiah, Volume 1 Page 24) In other words, this corrupt text that modern version editors and translators like to use and justify their corrections with was in fact not written until several hundred years after Christ. It is not reliable at all.

The Emperor Constantine commissioned Eusebius (who lived 270-340 A.D.), a church historian and follower of Origen, to make a Greek Bible for his realm - this Bible, of which 50 copies were made, was taken from Origen's text. Many believe that the Sinaiticus and the Vaticanus are two of the surviving copies of this Bible, and these two corrupt manuscripts are the primary sources that Westcott and Hort and other modern textual critics used to translate their modern Bible versions from. (More about these two supposedly "oldest and best" manuscripts in David Cloud's study: The Right Bible.) Jerome also used this Origen/Eusebius text to produce his Catholic Latin Vulgate. It is therefore not too difficult to see where this stream of texts has obtained its pollution, and how this corrupt stream has come down to us today.

Instead of reading the modern Bible versions, put together by those apostates who say they are Christians but are not, cling to the English Bible that has stood the test of time - the King James Bible!

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

The Holy Spirit is still speaking to the churches today - are you listening?

August 31st, 2004
Jerry Bouey

The Seven Churches of Revelation 2-3 (older version of these studies):

Revelation Chapter One - An Overview
Ephesus: The Backslidden (Loveless) Church
Smyrna: The (Persecuted) Suffering Church
Laodicea: The Lukewarm Church