Author’s note: The following is formatted as an example of the student notes for an upcoming Daniel and Revelation seminar conducted by three facilitators who leave denominational hats at the door. The seminar will be conducted for the benefit of the individual to find reasons for a solid faith in Jesus Christ.
The zoom class is a denominational-free and safe zone for those who want to go verse by verse to understand these two great books about the prophecies that all point to Jesus and His soon return.
About the Facilitators:
The facilitators of these zoom classes, Eddie, Larry, and Charlie, are retired family men who share a love for Jesus Christ and are excited by the opportunity to open the Books of Daniel and the Revelation of Jesus Christ again (This seminar was conducted late in 2020 thru early 2021 every Tuesday night via zoom). The facilitators have backgrounds across multiple denominations, and in these studies, they check denominational hats at the door and let the Bible speak for itself. Eddie, Larry, and Charlie have decades of experience in leading in-depth scripture studies, including the companion books of Daniel and Revelation. You will not be asked to join a church. What you do with the information and material is up to you. Where you fellowship is entirely up to you. Their desire for each person is to be strengthened in the faith of Jesus Christ. We hope you will join us in this journey to see Jesus revealed, perhaps like you have never seen before!
If you want to sign up and have an opportunity to win a free iPad for 10 attendance classes, send your email address to danielrevelation2300@gmail.com
“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write,
‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, [which thing I hate. Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”
’ Revelation 2:12-17
Keywords and phrases to understand:
- Sharp two-edged sword
Answer:
- Satan’s throne. Where Satan dwells (Seat of Authority). Hint: Rome Pagan and Roman Emperor Worship center. Pergamum was the capital city of the Roman province of Asia!
Answer:
- Antipas-faithful martyr. Who is he? Hint: what is he known for?
Answer:
- Doctrine of Ballam and Balak. Hint: read the story in Numbers 22. What was Ballam’s objective?
Answer:
- Stumbling block. Eat things sacrificed to idols, sexual immorality.
Answer:
- Doctrine of Nicolaitans. God hates.
Answer:
The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
- They hold fast to My name and My faith. (Did not say, to your name or your faith. Why?)
- Some within the congregation hold fast to a false and hateful doctrine of Balaam
- This doctrine puts a stumbling block to God’s people. Who said they should not eat food sacrificed to idols? God. Who said they should not commit sexual immorality. Why just these two? Satan chips away at reversing what God has said (See garden of Eden). He chips away at what is holy (food dedicated to idols). See the early church’s council to the newly converted Gentiles. (See Jerusalem decree Acts 15: 22-29)
- Some within the congregation hold to the doctrine of Nicolaitans. Also, those in the church at Ephesus had the same problem (Rev. 2: 6). But the Ephesus church hated their deeds, as did God. What are the acts and the doctrine of Nicolaitans?
- God knows where they dwell. It is a dangerous place to live literally and spiritually (A religious and more climate dangerous to their faith). Do we live in a dangerous place? Why didn’t God tell them to move out away from the city?
Historical Significance
“The experience of the church in Smyrna coincided with the severe persecution of the faithful Christian church throughout the Roman Empire during the second and third centuries. Historicist interpreters have generally applied the “ten days” (2:20) to the notorious intermittent imperial persecution (A.D. 303-313) initiated by Diocletian and taken over by his successor Gallerius. This period was also characterized by further departure from the simplicity of the gospel. In such a way, the church in Smyrna could represent the period in church history from the beginning of the second century until approximately A.D. 313 when Constantine the Great issued the famous Edict of Milan granting Christians religious freedom.” Revelation of Jesus Christ-Stefanovic, p.125
Discussion questions. What is the description of Jesus, and why is it important to this church? What is the Two-Edged sword? (See Hebrews 4:12). The false doctrine can be rooted out through God’s word. What does the sword give the person holding it to do? How does the description of Jesus in each church provide the solution to the literal church, the historic church, and the church of today?
Final Thoughts
Pergamum was a divided church. It was a dangerous place to be inside and outside the church. Some remained faithful to Jesus and His word. Others gave into the false teachings that God hated. They also lived in a city known for false worship of rulers and false gods. Those who remained faithful could be martyred at any time. At any moment, the Roman emperor could have forced them to worship himself or the pagan gods. If they refused, they would be martyred.
While the Roman Emperor had a sword representing the rule of power and ending life if non-compliant, Jesus alone has control over life and death. He has a double-edged sword in his mouth. When He speaks, the dead rise to life. (See 1 Thess 4: 16-18)
Application for Us:
Are we as individuals remaining faithful to Jesus and God’s word? Where is our loyalty? Are we a witness even to those in the church that holds to the doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitans?