Dec
31
Revelation 2:12-17
Filed Under Book of Revelation
v12 I love the Sword with 2 edges coming out of Jesus mouth it is a beautiful symbol. Be sure to see Hebrews 4:12 for a great reference to the sword.
v13 Even in the midst of “Satan’s seat” they have held fast to his name. This is quite impressive, and not easily done. We remember Peter and how he denied thrice when in the presence of Satan’s minions. Even when others were martyred for the cause they remained faithful. This is a great and powerful people.
v14 Balaam and Balac, what a powerful story read Numbers 22 to get a refresher if need be. Balaam did as the Lord wanted but told Balac how to get Israel to fall, John tells us here what was said. 1 Eat things sacrificed to Idols. 2 Commit Fornication. Today we have no more serious 2 sins. Although we don’t sacrifice the meat of beasts to idols Idol worship is at its high point. Many worship Money, Power, and Fame who command more followers that Baal ever did. We buy the movies they make, read the magazines they are written up in, and dare I say envy the status they have achieved. Fornication needs no description, but pains my heart to see how far the Lord’s chosen have fallen. As Christians we should know better not to fall into these sins. Let us resolve as the followers of Christ in Pergamos should have to leave these things behind us.
v15 What is the doctrine of the Nicolaitans mentioned here and in verse 6? It is generally unknown, however we do know that they were members of the church that wanted to be worldly. They must have had specific doctrines but they are not clearly known today.
v17 Hidden manna, reference to the bread of life John 6:31-end. this is a gorgeous symbol of eternal life. The white stone with a new name written on it that non man knoweth save he that receiveth it, has a disputed meaning also. I note that other references to a new name appear in Isaiah 62:2-3, which reads “and the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name. Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and royal diadem in the hand of they God.” Here it is clear at least that this getting a new name is a very high honor reserved for the very righteous. Revelation 19:12 reads “His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called the Word of God.” This is speaking of Jesus the glorious Word and he also had this new name written which only he knew. There is more to this than meets the eye, it is a beautiful image of being named, numbered, branded the Lord’s. This might be the finishing of being born again, becoming a new creature in Christ, and finally being named anew to cap off the new creature. Just speculation though.
