The Seven Letters…to the “Church”

(By John K Johnson)

The Book of Revelation was written specifically to the “LEADERS” of the “Churches,” and has one very specific declaration of warning that is exactly the same to each “Leader.” Each letter is concluded with, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (KJV). The English word “hear” (as translated from the Greek to modern Bibles) as heard today in the ears of “churchmen” usually invokes typical “straight-line” or “linear” thinking… typical of Greek-Roman thinking, mostly prevalent in Western civilization. Hebrew thinking is said to be “cyclical” or more “sequencially repeated” in its process... by returning to its central meaning without losing definition by dispensational refinement. For example, the word “hear” (akouo; Greek, Strong’s #191; means to give audience to, or hear with the ear, be reported, understand). As for the “action” that the speaker requires of the “hearer” in these passages in Revelation, when specifically addressing the leaders of the seven churches, I believe the word should be received with the same emphasis as Yahweh’s (the LORD, Yahweh used in this text) commandment in Deut 5:1 and 6:5. When considering “shama’” (Hebrew word for hear, Strong’s #8085) one gets a more direct emphasis on the “doing” of what the speaker is expecting of them. There is "presumed" expectation of the hearer to obey the speaker/writer. The limit of the Greek is to “understand,” without further action towards compliance. Greek philosophy itself is a mixture of opinions... Yahweh's WORD is not an "opinion" to be discussed in a merely philosophical sense. In fact, when proper study of the Bible is employed, one will ALWAYS consider the meaning of the "first use" of a word... in its cultural and idiomatic use, and especially in its overall context... not in a "fragmented" (out of context) sound byte, or some redefined interpretation to suit a religious agenda or "close" meaning that limitations between languages convey. This Greek vs Hebrew mindset (and its ideological conflict) is at the very core of the modern church's position that somehow the "Old Testament" is just that, dispensationally out of date (except maybe as it may apply to a few Jews). Any proposal that the "New" Testament is a re-definition of divine thinking that somehow disannuls the Torah is an insult to Yahweh... who "never changes." Yeshua, according to John 1:1 is the "WORD." The "WORD" is Torah. Yeshua who is Torah in the Flesh, did not have a "makeover" of some type anywhere along the way from Genesis to Revelation... HE IS the same, "...yesterday, today, and forever." Any study of Scripture must start at the beginning and be followed through in context to the end... otherwise the end results will be the "work of men." It is called institutional theology... nothing new, Yeshua had to correct the theologians of his day, who's oral laws (additions to Scriptural Torah) distorted the WORD in His day... His rebuke to them was, "... your traditions have made the Commandment of God of no effect" (Mat 15:6).

TO HEAR

shama` OT:8085, "to hear, hearken, listen, obey, publish."

This directive “hear,” in these passages in Revelation to the LEADERS is about conducting serious business. It is not simply a story or suggestion for the leaders to consider. Too often in modern “hearing” (especially among “leaders”) we observe the “hearers” placing themselves (or their collective counsel of peers) in an equal position to the speaker in evaluating the directive, not in the position of obedience… a fatal error. This is why the scripture says, “He that hath and ear, let him hear…” With this in mind, let us take up the discussion on these scriptures about the “Seven Letters.”

Three things must be noted here: First, “Leaders” WILL be held MOST accountable for the heeding of these warnings… without exception. Second, the word “Church” is a modern-day word, a translation by men. However, the more accurate and original word is “assembly,” (in the Greek, Strong’s # 1577, “ekklesia,” which means “called out,” or “congregation, or assembly”). You might think this is splitting hairs, however it is very important to understand the origin and practices of lawless (Toraless) man-made “institutional denomination churches.” Namely the Church of Rome, and many of its protestant offspring… (misguided under the “Christian” banner” raised up by Constantine), with many (in their increasing apostate condition) in these “last days,” being clearly defined in the scriptures as enjoined with the Church of Rome and under the power of "The Mother of Harlots, or Great Whore" of Rev 17:1, who’s deceptions defile the body of Yeshua (Jesus, Yeshua used in this text); these “churches” form a labyrinth of “system churches” that have taken liberty to interpret the Holy Scriptures to their own self-serving interest, mainly for power and control. Documented recorded history, religious and secular, both agree as very credible witnesses and bearers of testimony of these facts. These “system churches” have become icons as revered institutions, and have self-acquired “quasi-legislative” status and have always attempted to espouse “divine” or “official” doctrines and rules that their parishioners must believe and embrace concerning the meaning of the Holy Writ. One who holds to the true faith proclaimed in un-perverted Bible instruction (namely from the KJV 1611 authorized version, especially its underlying original Hebrew) knows from simple Scriptural observation (a gift of common sense from the Heavenly Father) that Yahweh’s description of an “assembly” or “congregation” of believers, as HE defines it, does not match the “church” of 2004… nor did it match the early Church of Rome in its origin with all its pagan practices. The study of what the early “New Testament” assembly really believed and practiced is a must for one who seeks Bible truth and desires to be “observant” of Yahweh’s forever settled Word (instruction) for His believers. This short description of the Rev 17:1 vision is not intended to offend you, but to challenge you to look into these facts for yourself. Tragically, there are many genuine "God-fearing," believers in Jesus (Yeshua) who are totally innocent of simply not knowing their error of their involvement in non-Scriptural "church traditions," and "doctrines of men," that have deceived them. You simply must stop following Un-Biblical doctrines. You must go outside your confined circles of influence and comfort zone and seek the facts with an open mind and in depth evaluation of Scriptural truth (you must read and study the "entire" Bible) and allow the Holy Spirit to instruct you. You should likewise cautiously examine this document the same way.

The Third thing, TO REEMPHASIZE THE OPENING STATEMENT, the modern (Western, Greek-Roman mindset) “Christian” ear only gives intellectual ascent to, or “has knowledge of,” the things of Elohim (God, Elohim used in this text), and sadly most do not “DO” (obey) the instructions given clearly in Yahweh’s Word. Note, AGAIN, closely the statement, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” In the Hebrew, this “ear and hear” means, “hear with understanding AND obey the instructions.” Again, please note here that we have a “presumed” or implied expectation by the speaker (the speaker here is understood to be Yeshua) that the “leaders” can “hear” the “Spirit.” You must understand that ONLY those who are “spiritual” can hear “THE SPIRIT.” Yeshua was speaking to a specific group of “churches.” They are identified as “His followers,” as He reveals His plans only with those who follow HIM. Also, PLEASE notice, as pointed out by most knowledgeable Messianic Torah teachers, that the symbol of the “menorah,” or lamp stand, referred to by Yeshua in Rev 1:20 as “the seven churches,” is nothing less than the same lamp-stand or candlestick Yahweh specifically detailed for Moses to make in Ex 25: 30-40. This “symbol” of the “churches” is nothing less than the “congregation” or “assembly” of believers who’s symbol is the one and the same… as it was in the first “assembly” of Yahweh’s people in Ex 25:30, and as it is today in the “assemblies” of those of the “Commonwealth of Israel,” or Messianic Faith congregations that hold fast to Yahweh’s instructions (Torah) and those who love and follow Messiah (the Christ), and who understand that they are the “House or Commonwealth” of Israel… by Faith. This is so important to understand that it bears highlighting: from the beginning Yahweh has only had ONE people with whom He made a covenant, and with whom He refers to making a new (renewed) covenant with; those people were (and are) called “Israel.” They are identified (yesterday, today and forever) as those who embrace Torah (keep His Commandments as Yeshua taught), love Yahweh (and in the “renewed covenant” receive His Son Yeshua the Messiah and His blood sacrifice for salvation), and are joined by faith to the Commonwealth of ONE PEOPLE… Israel. This is not a “church,” “nation,” “bloodline,” or “political” people… IT IS A FAITH PEOPLE. There will be some “nation” Jews included, some “bloodline” Jews and Israelites included, and there will be some “gentiles” included, known as “companions” according to the Scriptures (Ezk 37:15-28). Most of the “Israelites,” or the scattered seed of the Northern Kingdom (Israel, 10 tribes), and “their companions,” are today, for the most part, scattered in among the Christian Churches worldwide (they are people, not “churches”)… and are being called out and back to their Hebraic roots. Not all those in the Christian Churches are included, as much of the modern Christian Church is full of “tares” and social attendees who likely are not even saved. Lawless (clearly meaning “without law” or without Torah when mentioned in the Bible) practices have invaded the rank and file of most “churches” as very few ever instruct their parishioners to follow the teachings of the Torah (teachings of Moses), which a majority even teach against… mostly, they tend to fight over their “denominational” doctrines and are more concerned with membership growth, their building programs, and “fellowship” activities than they are obeying the WORD OF YAHWEH. Let me tell you something that may rock some folk's complacent religious boat: Yahweh does not have (never has had) any covenant with the “church” as incorrectly taught by many misguided Theologians today. Let me give you the Scriptural Proof:

Jer 31:31 (Old Testament)

31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: KJV

Heb 8:8-10 (New Testament, more correctly “Renewed” Testament)

8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:

9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.

10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: KJV

Let me say it again: from the beginning Yahweh has only had ONE people with whom He made a covenant, and with whom He refers to making a new (renewed) covenant with; those people were (and are) called “Israel.” They are identified (yesterday, today and forever) as those who embrace Torah (keep His Commandments as Yeshua taught), love Yahweh (and in the “renewed covenant” receive His Son Yeshua the Messiah and His blood sacrifice for salvation), and are joined by faith to the Commonwealth of ONE PEOPLE… Israel.

You can’t ride your “church” into heaven… you can only go in to the Holy City of the New Jerusalem (Rev 21), being birthed into “Israel” by faith in Yeshua, an by entering through one of the 12 gates (Rev 21:12, each named after one of Israel’s 12 tribes), by the rules of Rev 22:14:

Rev 22:14

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. KJV (bold emphasis mine)

Yahweh only has one covenant, one people: those who repent of their sins, enter into the covenant of blood by faith in Yeshua’s Calvary work, and who do His Commandments (love and honor His Torah’s instructions). To believe otherwise (and teach any such contrary doctrines) leads to destruction. Keeping Torah, does not “save” you, however if you love Yeshua (as He said, you WILL keep His commandments… He IS Torah, the Word that became flesh). The "church" HAS NOT replaced Israel... replacement theology is a doctrine of confused thinking... and has roots in "dispensational" thinking, which in itself is in error

Now about these “Seven Letters.” For your reference, and necessary for technical definition (and “proof” of description) there are, at the end of this article, several commentary references for terms that will be used, that will define the relevance and meaning of the following terms: Antinomianism, Gnosticism, Nicolaitans, and Baal… which are very important to understand. Yeshua warned the Revelation Churches about these evils. The facts given in this article provide clear details so the reader can (MUST) understand and identify the presence of these ancient evils in the modern “church,” and Scripturally define why any real believer will NOT want to embrace these demonic doctrines, or assemble with those who do…because doing so will lead them into destruction. There is a sound warning in Isaiah 8:20, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” BEWARE of ANY person who diminishes in any way the teachings of Torah! The facts exposed in the Seven Letters in this article are NOT a complete commentary on the details of each scripture in the verses related to these “seven letters.” This article focuses on the terms above and their evil influence that causes deception and stumbling among unlearned churchmen… many of who are simply too lazy or too careless to search out the truth that is right in front of their noses, provided they will study their "entire" Bible and quit listening to denominational and “leadership” doctrine (men’s work) instead of Scriptural fact.

Before addressing the Seven Letters, let me advise the reader that one of the most destructive teachings in the “system” churches is that of a “pre-tribulation” rapture… not so according to the Scriptures… and these Seven Letters are written to a people (namely the last generation) that WILL indeed be in the “great tribulation.” [For a "prophetic look" from St. John's Revelation, warning believers of the coming signs of the end of days, see my companion article, "Who are the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?"] Much of the context of these letters is related to that very issue. Take heart, those who know their Savior Messiah Yeshua and obey Torah (instruction for living not a doctrine for salvation, and not an abusive “law” as falsely defined by “lawless” teachers), and who stand in patience and faith, will be “over comers.” Some will die for their faith, but the second death will not harm them. You need to fully understand this most vital truth. Pre-tribulation “rapture” teaching is a terrible doctrine that dulls the “believer” into false thinking that they need not prepare themselves for the coming difficult days of “Jacobs trouble.” Satan plans on your ignorance to trap you in such heresy… open your Bible and learn the truth.

Another note concerning the Seven Letters, I am aware of (and appreciate) the opinions that some have that the letters represent “dispensations” in the “church age.” Dispensations can be used for explaining times in history. However, without correct Scriptural elaboration on how it is used for reference (not doctrine) “dispensational” teaching often drives a wedge between “Old Testament” and “New Testament” continuity, which is a disaster for one to accept… the New Testament is simply the “flower” emerging from the “bud” of the Old Testament, and they are likewise inseparable and one in the same truth. Yahweh NEVER intended for their “separate” teachings to separate His people from the entire council of His Divine Word. (A teaching too involved for inclusion herein). Therefore, the Seven Letters should be seen as a “composite” of the problems Yeshua wants His assembly of believers to understand and correct in these LAST DAYS. Every letter is for us today.

Also, let the reader understand that these letters (ALL SEVEN) were written BEFORE the early ORIGINAL FAITH assembly (church) was diluted and redefined by “Christian” reorganizers that did away with the fourth Commandment (keep the Sabbath Holy, 7^th day, not SUNday), the appointed feasts and Holy days (and made up their own, i.e. Christmas and Easter, and etc.), the Torah instructions, and outlawed all of the same in official legal action that even made it a crime to observe or teach these sacred doctrines. These letters, therefore, MUST be understood from the mindset of Hebrew foundational Torah observance, not some Greek translated interpretation of the customs and idioms of the early believers culture and practices. It is paramount that it be understood that EVERY disciple as well as Paul and Yeshua were Torah observant and it is through their perspective that one must interpret the message of these letters to the assembly of that day. Those believers were known as “people of The Way” (meaning followers of Yeshua’s teachings), and they were also known as a sect of Judaism called Nazarenes (meaning they kept Hebrew customs as well as believed in Yeshua). Let me remind you that one of the original disciples (John) penned the words to these letters. These facts are no small issue and will not be well received in some closed minded religious circles. Nevertheless, the early assembly of believers began as Hebrew minded people (mostly from Judaism backgrounds) who had come to accept Yeshua’s teachings, further taught by the apostles, and their assemblies later began to experience dilution of their original doctrines by gentiles that were bringing in Greek and Eastern religious practices (paganism) into the assemblies… as well as Judaizers trying to impose legalistic practices upon them as well (Not the same as being Torah observant). These very reasons caused the need for the “Seven Letters.”

The First Letter (Rev 2:1-7, Church at Ephesus)

1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. KJV

The FIRST thing that one should notice is verse 5. If repentance from their fallen state is done, and if return to the first works is not also done, all the other things they have done is not sufficient to keep them from being disqualified. The Ephesus church is trying (in their own way, not Yeshua’s way). It has in it’s midst those who are evil minded and even false apostles that are trying to distort their faith and holiness. [Apostles are normally “organizational officials” or leaders who local assemblies refer to for direction.] This problem has been around from the time Paul warned the early believers about their evil motives (2 Cor 11:13-15 and Acts 20:28-31). Jude’s (single chapter book) is an explicit warning of such people… as is Second Peter 2:2. It is being noted by Yeshua that the Ephesus church MUST carry on and resist these evildoers and false leaders. The “first love” that is of concern, may likely relate to becoming both “worn down” with the cares and issues of worldly influence and careless and slack observation of the “priorities” of daily obedience to Torah, fellowship with the Holy Spirit and assembling together of the believers to worship and study the Torah… for instruction to overcome. The first and most important activity for a believer is fellowship with Messiah Yeshua… always. Yeshua, the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us, of John chapter 1, is Torah, and study of Torah is fellowship with Yeshua… they are (and have always been) the same. They are inseparable. Thus the scripture, “Yeshua (the Word), the same yesterday, today and forever.” Heb 13:8

The call for the Ephesus assembly to “repent” is without question the call to the fellowship of believers today to do the same… as the fellowship of the last days IS whom Yeshua is talking to. Now note carefully that the Ephesus assembly “hates” the deeds (or practices) of the Nicolaitans… who were apparently a class of professing Christians, who sought to introduce into the church a false freedom or licentiousness (undisciplined and unrestrained behavior, especially a flagrant disregard of sexual restraints). In today’s church, the same practice is cloaked in “tolerance, love and grace” and it is still the same spirit of the “Nicolaitans,” and such “deeds or practices” are an abomination in Yeshua’s sight. If you will study the Bible from “cover to cover,” you will see Yahweh hates this blatant distortion of His Commandments. Today’s modern churches typically embrace such tolerance and practice all manner of disregard for Yahweh’s Commandments. If you identify these “Ephesus” letter characteristics active in your “church” you are likely in a “church” and not a true “assembly” of believers. Don’t be fooled by titles such as “Pastor” “Deacon” “Elder” and etc., nor the stained glass windows, pulpits, pews, and decorative symbols that are customarily associated with “churches.” The religious cults of past civilizations had similar houses of worship (many more elaborate than today’s) to congregate in and give homage to their “gods.” Formal institutional groups and buildings representing “houses of worship” have been deceiving people from before Messiah’s time, even from before Moses led Israel out of Egypt. Just because some denomination or leader is sanctioned by an institution (i.e. Seminary or Divinity School), it is NO confirmation of their agreement with Scriptural truth or their fitness for Yahweh’s priesthood. Yeshua’s greatest opponents were self-righteous “churchmen” who ruled the religious community of that day. Nicolaitans are among us today. Let us not confuse Yahweh’s real priest and His Scriptural truth with the work of men and their man-made system churches and confused interpretation and/or manipulation of Yahweh’s Scripture.

The “deeds” or “practices” of the Nicolaitans also included the combining of pagan activities and philosophies with the teaching of Torah… namely customs and traditions of numerous non-Biblical holidays and seasonal celebrations (i.e., Solstice ceremonies, fertility rituals, SUN day, etc.). Clearly, religious and secular history archives confirm that the present day “Christian” holidays of Easter and Christmas, as well as changing the fourth commandment to “worship” and “keep holy the seventh day,” from Yahweh’s Sabbath to “SUNday” are ALL “combined” pagan and Torah doctrines. Blatantly offensive to Yahweh, and products of the Roman Church’s manipulations to squelch the Jew’s religious practices and expand sanction of the Roman Church’s provincial rule over its territories. Nearly all “Christian” churches today continue to maintain these Elohim forbidden practices. Do you have “ears” to “hear” (obey) what the Spirit is saying to YOU? This is a serious issue, you can not simply say "well, we don't really believe those pagan symbols, we know they don't apply to our church," and I must tell you that if you have them in your mix, your are in error. It is not "an opinion," which you are free to express... it is about the commandments... Torah is not up for "opinion," it is "forever settled" (Ps 119:89).

The Second Letter (Rev 2:8-11, Church at Smyrna)

8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

9 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.

10 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.

11 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. KJV

I believe that this Second Letter is a direct reference to the suffering “assembly” of believers who are distressed in the great tribulation (although maybe only to some, not all)… and Yeshua is comforting them to remain faithful and not fear the evil work of the “devil” (reference to person of the anti-Messiah (anti-Christ)), who is attacking all whom he can find that are faithful unto Torah, Messiah and the “House of Israel.” It may be that Yeshua’s reference to the, “blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are of the synagogue of Satan,” is a reference to apostate Judaizers (self-proclaimed) who are associated with the “Last Days” religious order, or “church” of the Apostate One World Religious Agglomeration (end product of ecumenical order, which is now in process of being birthed in our present day). The reference to “Jews” in a more specific sense may be the actual apostate Jews (descendants of Southern Kingdom tribe of Judah, Benjamin and a few Levites) who mimic the “Pharisees” of Yeshua’s time… who have their own agenda and persecute those who don’t follow them. Some say they are descendents of Esau (Edomites), infiltrated into the nation under false pretense. Whatever their origin, I believe these are likely to be persons in very high seats of authority and have the ability to severely penalize their enemies… those who are true “Israelites” or of the “House of Israel” as defined earlier, and they are pawns in satan's hand. This event appears to be yet before the time of the reconciliation between the Judah and Ephraim (Northern and Southern Kingdoms). In any event, they seem to be “players” that attempt to deceive the real faithful by some means, whether by intimidation or by force. The admonition to be faithful unto death is not to be considered carelessly, as true followers of Messiah Yeshua will be facing death for their faith. Without one’s commitment to the bedrock instruction of Torah, looking to the empowering work of the Holy Spirit and the fellowship of Yeshua Himself and other believers “assembled” unto the end, there will be many who grow weak and that turn away from the faith. Do you have “ears” to “hear” (obey) what the Spirit is saying to YOU? Be careful who you fellowship with, you need to be in company of Torah founded faith believers in Yeshua who together strengthen one another in difficult times... which times are coming.

The Third Letter (Rev 2:12-17, Church at Pergamos)

12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. KJV

This is a very interesting mix… note the steadfastness of the “holdest fast my name, and has not denied my faith…” And yet, the body of believers is leavened (corrupted) with those who hold the doctrine of Balaam and others that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans (discussed above). There is detailed reference to the “Balaam” doctrine below, however it is noteworthy at this time to simply point out that the “heart” of the Balaam issue is its outright teaching against the validity of the Commandments (teachings of Moses, known as Torah) as being applicable to us today, or any other subtle dilution of Yahweh’s instruction. Look at your “church” today, are you told that the Commandments are for the Jews or “Old Testament” people of the past? Further, how much “dilution” or “watered down” teaching is going on in your church? ANY “feel-good” or “user friendly” gospel is an abomination to Yahweh and unless repentance from such evil is done… verse 16 will deal with the persons who will not turn back to un-defiled Torah truth. ALL lawlessness will be met with “the sword of Yeshua’s mouth.” Do you have “ears” to “hear” (obey) what the Spirit is saying to YOU?

The Fourth Letter (Rev 2:18-29, Church at Thyatira)

18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.

20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.

25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.

26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

28 And I will give him the morning star.

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

This Church has several solid and faithful attributes as Yeshua lists in vs 19. Evidently, from what is said in vs 20, the leadership has allowed a spirit of rebellion and seduction to run free in amidst of the assembly and has lost control of the body. Jezebel, referred to here, was a wicked woman that King Ahab married (1 Kings chpts 16-22). She was a Zidonian king’s daughter and she served and worshiped Baal. She tormented Ahab and polluted the priesthood with pagan followers and in essence she ran the show by terrorizing the royal court. King Ahab (of Israel, Northern Kingdom) was no more than a pawn in her hand. It seems that this Thyatira assembly has a similar problem and is being warned, for the true believers to “hold fast” till He (Yeshua) comes… and he will deal with the rebellion Himself. Is your “Church” leadership in control, or out of control? Surely, verses 20-23 are a “snapshot” of the “whoredoms” spoken of in Rev 17:1-6. Have you ever wondered what it was that prompted John (writer of book of Rev) to say in verse 6, “…and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.” Who is “her?” I believe John is so bewildered by the difference in the “church” of his day, as he knew it to be as Yeshua taught them to structure it, and this abomination apostate “church” that astonished him when he saw it in the vision of the last days. (“admiration,” as used in verse 6 is not in a positive sense, but in an astonished sense) Is the Holy Spirit leading your assembly or are rebellious, worldly people manifesting their fleshly works in your assembly? Once again, Yeshua warns them to “overcome and keep His works until the end.” The word “works” here is the Strong’s #2041, and it is an action word (not a knowing only), and means to toil, labor, work, etc. Overcoming is done only by “doing” the Commandments by faith, living a “set-apart” life of faithfulness to Yahweh and not allowing the “Jezebels” of our world (women or men) to intimidate or deceive us. Too many have been deceived by the teaching “grace brother, no work is left;” and they want no part of commitment to “if you love me KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS.” John 14:15.This is not about your “born again” salvation; it is about your attitude concerning obedience. This “Jezebel” spirit is the spirit of rebellion: and the Scriptures says, “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft…” 1 Sam 15:23. Do you have “ears” to “hear” (obey) what the Spirit is saying to YOU?

The Fifth Letter (Rev 3:1-6, Church at Sardis)

3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

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

This is perhaps the most difficult letter for modern pastors (leaders) to receive. Verse #1, “…I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” This verse is piercingly frightening…because I believe it is a picture of the deceived harlot church of modern times… not the Roman Church of endless abominable pagan whoredoms, but the harlot “daughter,” mostly lawless protestant churches that think they “livest” because the are growing and prospering and have notoriety… but are spiritually deceased by becoming like the world. Their death is caused by denial of (and teaching against) the importance of keeping the Commandments and living holy (set apart), Scripturally observant lifestyles. Because “life” is IN and BY the Word of Yahweh. Woe unto pastors and leaders who do not hear Yahweh’s Word: 22 But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings. Jer 23:22 KJV (Yeshua said, “…the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63 KJV.”) Where the Word is not in vogue, there is only death, more so where there is the self-acclaimed “work of the kingdom.” The question is, whose kingdom? The deception, of thinking they “livest,” is caused by the spiritually blind (self-indulgence) “populist” churches that “fit in” instead of being at diametric odds with the “in your face” godless society of our times. The Word of Yahweh says, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” James 4:4 KJV

One must take note of verse 2: “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die:…” This is an unusual follow up of the “you are dead” in the previous verse. What could it be calling their attention to? What are the “things that remain, and ready to die?” How do you “strengthen” them? I believe verse 3 may hold a clue to this warning: “Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent…” The “how thou has received and heard” may refer to making a change from the “latest and greatest” methods and careless gathering of leaven (and compromise of Yahweh’s Commandments) in lieu of solid Scriptural observance of genuine Torah truth and return to the ancient paths and roots of the original assembly model that Yeshua set up when He was on earth. The instruction to repent, alone, defines error that must be reversed. Only their return to the truth can reverse the “remaining” things from “dying” to restored life. Verse 5, is consistent with all other Scriptural teaching, “he that overcometh” requires continued action on the believers part… we are not given a free pass, no one is without responsibility to faithfully “keep” the “set apart” life in Yeshua unto the end. He is talking to the “living” having their names blotted out for failing to overcome… we need to sober up and understand that this church at Sardis is all too typical of “churches” in our world today. Do you have “ears” to “hear” (obey) what the Spirit is saying to YOU?

The Sixth Letter (Rev 3:7-13, Church at Philadelphia)

7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

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

The Philadelphia church appears to be the most faithful and obedient of all the Seven Churches in the group. What is the “open door” that no man can shut? It would seem that this assembly of believers that “hast a little strength,” has kept Yahweh’s Commandments, honored Yahweh’s NAME, and kept the “word of His patience,” (likely translated faith in Yahweh during difficult trials). During all this, the apostate “Jews” that Yahweh calls the synagogue of Satan (previously discussed above), have apparently been persecuting the believers, but not overcoming them as yet. These “Jews” (who are not who they claim they are) would seem to be those who have some ability to agitate and torment the believers (as in positions of authority or power), perhaps by shutting off their freedoms and socioeconomic movements… not unlike the efforts of the anti-Messiah (anti-Christ), when in the last days, he shall cause men to take the mark of the beast. It will be his followers who try to enforce their (his) will on all mankind, and especially those of Yahweh’s faithful. However, a close reading of ALL of Psalms 91 (believed by some to be the description of Yahweh’s protection of His saints during the tribulation times), clearly reveals in Ps 91:14-15, that Yahweh has an “Open Door” for those faithful who need to call upon Him.

14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. Ps 91:14-15 KJV

It could well be that the “Open Door” that no man can shut begins first with the CHOICE of the believers to set their love upon Yahweh (keep His Commandments), honor His Holy Name, and patiently call upon Him in faith. He clearly declares in verse 15 that He will be with those same faithful in their trouble and deliver them. And, concerning the “Jews” of the synagogue of Satan, Yahweh says, “behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.” This is also in agreement with Ps 91:8, “Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.” Even after all this, Yeshua says, overcoming is something the faithful must do. Do you have “ears” to “hear” (obey) what the Spirit is saying to YOU? Those who "practice" obedience to Torah "now" will be "in shape" for the difficult experiences in the tribulation days... they will be "over comers."

The Seventh Letter (Rev 3:14-22, Church at Laodicea)

14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

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

I believe it would be appropriate to start my comments with verse 21. Yeshua said, whoever overcomes will get to sit with Him in his throne, “even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” Is there anyone who would dare argue with what is being said here? Do you not see that the word “even” is very succinctly pointing to the fact that Yeshua is saying, “be like me, as I was like My Heavenly Father?” Back up into verse 20, which is clearly a picture of Yeshua being locked out of His own assembly… most churches today do not want any association with the “Holy Spirit” (Yahweh’s presence on earth, as Yeshua is sitting at the Father’s Right hand until He comes for His bride). Further, they have replaced repentance with cheap grace and “sinner’s prayers,” most of which are only words without conviction that true repentance brings and which amounts to insulting the suffering Messiah’s efforts at the torture stake (cross). The preceding verses are an indictment against the apostate condition of the Laodicean church and are the tragic description of the deterioration of a lawless (Toraless, without the love for and obedience to the Commandments) people playing church. The sad part is that they are so deceived that they see themselves as successful, prosperous and in need of nothing. This is the same picture that Jeremiah faced with Yahweh’s people in the waning days of the Judah’s decline when they were about to be taken away captive to Babylon. The people, princes of King Zedekiah’s court, rebuked the prophet’s words and cast him into a dungeon (well shaft, Jer 38:6) and would have let him die there if the Ethiopian eunuch Ebed-melec had not gone to the king and pleaded for Jeremiah’s release lest he die. People do not like to be told they need to change their evil ways. The people of today’s “Christian” churches, self-righteous and falsely taught in never ending circles of error, from corrupted theology coming down from the Roman Church’s anti-Torah practices, are truly the mirror image of this Laodicean church. Truly Yeshua does love these “…wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” people he died for; and likewise, we who call ourselves believers and followers of Yeshua should love them too. We have a mandate to be fishers of men… bringing these out of this darkness to the light of truth. We cannot do so without the heart of love that Yeshua has, and we can only be successful by the Holy Spirit’s work, not of our own wisdom or ability. Only Yahweh can “call” the wandering prodigals out of the Babylonian “system of churches” that disregard Yahweh’s Sabbaths, Feasts, eat the abominable foods forbid the faithful, and reject Torah for instruction… claiming they have a “New Testament” life and don’t need the “law” and the teachings of Moses. Even Pentecostals think nothing of having a pig roast fellowship for their church picnics and fellowships, a clearly forbidden practice. (Lev 11:7, Deut 14:8, Isa 66:17). They do not know nor understand the “Everlasting gospel.” Which is:

Rev 14:6-7

6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. KJV

The identity of the one who has received the everlasting gospel (and embraced it as a covenant truth to live by) is one who: fears Yahweh, gives Him Glory, and worship’s Him. The same is the one who loves His Word and keeps His Commandments out of love, worships Him on HIS sacred and forever established and hallowed day of rest (Saturday, 7^th day), obeying the 4^th Commandment to “Keep the Sabbath day holy.” How else would you know them? Actions confirm faith. No action, dead faith. Yet today, in spite of over 60 Scriptural references to keep the 4^th Commandment ON SATURDAY (7^th day), and not a single Scriptural reference to keep “SUNday” as the Sabbath, defiant “churchmen” become obstinate when questioned as to why they do not keep all 10 Commandments. Some even “parrot” the confused denominational jargon about Jesus rising from the grave on the “first” day of the week, which is another incorrect interpretation of Scripture. Only the Holy Spirit can open their blinded eyes… as He did mine, because I too, was once just like them.

Rev 14:6-7 is called the “everlasting gospel” because: “Yahweh does not change” (Mal 3:6), His Word is “forever settled in heaven” (Ps 119:89), “Yeshua is the same, yesterday, today and forever” (Heb 13:8), “Yeshua came not to destroy the law, but to fulfill it” (Mat 5:17), “not one jot or title of the law (Torah) shall pass away until heaven and earth pass away” (Mat 5:18), and there are many more that always agree… as the Word and the Spirit and the testimony of the Son always agree and are forever the same testimony. Does your “Living Testimony” agree with ALL three of these Rev 14:6-7 points? Or is your opinion and selective interpretation of Yahweh’s Word adjusted to your own choosing? Who or what have you allowed the pure truth of the Scripture to be filtered through… or revised to say, to suit traditions and doctrines of men? When you disagree with the Word of Yahweh, and look to your own opinions, you are either deceived (by being stubborn or ignorant) or outright disobedient. I was the former (deceived), from which I have been set free and I have repented for my errors. I lived most of my adult life deceived because I failed to dig deep enough into the living Word and find the truth. I had memorized mountains of Scripture, served in ministry for nearly three decades, I was deeply committed to the “church,” and I was captive to the circle of errors rooted in traditional teachings and the theology of men. I am no longer deceived, and I now embrace the Word in its truth. I now try to stimulate others to seek truth and stop listening to teaching of “institutionally confused” men and start getting their thinking organized by studying the Bible (namely King James Authorized Version) from foundational Torah through the Prophets and the writings, along with the New Testament. If one attempts to study the New Testament first, they will misunderstand the teachings of Paul and others because of their failure to first understand the Hebrew mindset, culture and idioms that are solidly and forever established in the Old Testament which must be used as the “dictionary” to interpret the New Testament accurately. If you are not satisfied with just the one Scripture of Rev 14:6-7, consider the Old Testament witness, which foretold it, it goes like this:

Ecc 12:13

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear Yahweh, and keep His Commandments: for this is the whole (duty) of man.”

Do you have “ears” to “hear” (obey) what the Spirit is saying to YOU?

So... HOW DO YOU "FIND" A FAITHFUL "CHURCH?'

Reference: From, The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001

Antinomianism

(ntn´mnzm) [Gr.,=against the law], the belief that Christians are not bound by the moral law, particularly that of the Old Testament. The idea was strong among the Gnostics, especially Marcion. Certain heretical sects in the Middle Ages practiced sexual license as an expression of Christian freedom. In the Protestant Reformation theoretical antinomian views were maintained by the Anabaptists and Johann Agricola, and in the 17th cent. Anne Hutchinson was persecuted for supposed antinomianism. Rom. 6 is the usual refutation for antinomianism.

Marcion

(mär´shn, mär´sn) c.85–c.160, early Christian bishop, founder of the Marcionites, one of the first great Christian heresies to rival Catholic Christianity. He was born in Sinope. He taught in Asia Minor, then went (c.135) to Rome, where he perfected his theory. In 144 he was excommunicated from the church. He then formed a church of his own, which became widespread and powerful. Marcion taught that there were two gods, proclaiming that the stern, lawgiving, creator God of the Old Testament, and the good, merciful God of the New Testament were different. He considered the creator god the inferior of the two. Marcion also rejected the real incarnation of Christ, claiming that he was a manifestation of the Father. Though generally seen as one of the most important leaders of the somewhat loosely defined movement known as Gnosticism, he did not share some of the main premises of other Gnostic sects. He believed in salvation by faith rather than by gnosis; he rejected the Gnostic emanation theory; and he sought truth in his own truncated version of the New Testament, which included only 10 of the so-called Pauline Epistles and an edited version of St. Luke. He completely rejected the Old Testament. He explained in his Antitheses that since Jewish law was often opposed to St. Paul, all passages in the Bible that suggested the Jewish foundation of Christianity should be suppressed, even including such statements by St. Paul (see antinomianism). Marcionism emphasized asceticism and influenced the developments of Manichaeism, by which it was later absorbed. Its effect on orthodox Christianity was to cause a canonical New Testament to be assembled and promulgated and the fulfillment of the Old Law in the New Law to be clearly enounced.

Gnosticism

(ns´tszm), dualistic religious and philosophical movement of the late Hellenistic and early Christian eras. The term designates a wide assortment of sects, numerous by the 2d cent. A.D.; they all promised salvation through an occult knowledge that they claimed was revealed to them alone. Scholars trace these salvation religions back to such diverse sources as Jewish mysticism, Hellenistic mystery cults, Iranian religious dualism (see Zoroastrianism), and Babylonian and Egyptian mythology. The definition of gnosis [knowledge] as concern with the Eternal was already present in earlier Greek philosophy, although its connection with the later Gnostic movement is distant at best. Christian ideas were quickly incorporated into these syncretistic systems, and by the 2d cent. the largest of them, organized by Valentinus and Basilides, were a significant rival to Christianity. Much of early Christian doctrine was formulated in reaction to this movement.

Until the discovery at Nag Hammadi in Egypt of key Manichaean (1930) and Coptic Gnostic (c.1945) papyri, knowledge of Gnosticism depended on Christian sources, notably St. Irenaeus, St. Hippolytus, Tertullian, and Clement of Alexandria. Among principal Gnostic writings are the Valentinian documents Pistis-Sophia and the Gospel of Truth (perhaps by Valentinus himself). Important too is the literature of the Mandaeans in modern Iraq, who are the only Gnostic sect extant. Gnostic elements are found in the Acts of Thomas, the Odes of Solomon, and other wisdom literature of the pseudepigrapha.

Some Gnostics taught that the world is ruled by evil archons, among them the deity of the Old Testament, who hold captive the spirit of humanity. The heavenly pleroma was the center of the divine life, and Jesus was interpreted as an intermediary eternal being, or aeon, sent from the pleroma to restore the lost knowledge of humanity’s divine origin. Gnostics held secret formulas, which they believed would free them at death from the evil archons and restore them to their heavenly abode. See Valentinus for typical Gnostic teaching on the pleroma.

Gnosticism held that human beings consist of flesh, soul, and spirit (the divine spark), and that humanity is divided into classes representing each of these elements. The purely corporeal (hylic) lacked spirit and could never be saved; the Gnostics proper (pneumatic) bore knowingly the divine spark and their salvation was certain; and those, like the Christians, who stood in between (psychic), might attain a lesser salvation through faith. Such a doctrine may have inspired extreme asceticism (as in the Valentinian school) or extreme licentiousness (as in the sect of Caprocrates and the Ophites). The influence of Gnosticism on the later development of the Jewish kabbalah and heterodox Islamic sects such as the Ismailis is much debated. 4

See H. Jonas, Gnostic Religion (rev. ed. 1964); R. Haardt, Gnosis: Character and Testimony (1971); E. H. Pagels, The Gnostic Gospels (1979); M. W. Meyer, The Secret Teachings of Jesus (1984); B. Layton, The Gnostic Scriptures (1987); J. M. Robinson and R. Smith, The Nag Hammadi Library (1988); H.-J. Klimkeit, tr., Gnosis on the Silk Road: Gnostic Texts from Central Asia (1993).

Baal

(b´l), plural Baalim (b´lm) [Semitic,=master, lord], name used throughout the Bible for the chief deity or for deities of Canaan. The term was originally an epithet applied to the storm god Hadad. Technically, Baal was subordinate to El. Baal is attested in the Ebla texts (first half of 2d millennium B.C.). By the time of the Ugarit tablets (14th cent. B.C.), Baal had become the ruler of the universe. The Ugarit tablets make him chief of the Canaanite pantheon. He is the source of life and fertility, the mightiest hero, the lord of war, and the defeater of the god Yam. There were many temples of Baal in Canaan, and the name Baal was often added to that of a locality, e.g., Baal-peor, Baal-hazor, Baal-hermon. The Baal cult penetrated Israel and at times led to syncretism. In the Psalms, Yahweh is depicted as Baal and his dwelling is on Mt. Zaphon (Zion), the locale of Baal in Canaanite mythology. The practice of sacred prostitution seems to have been associated with the worship of Baal in Palestine and the cult was vehemently denounced by the prophets, especially Hosea and Jeremiah. The abhorrence in which the cult was held probably explains the substitution of Ish-bosheth for Esh-baal, of Jerubbesheth for Jerubbaal (a name of Gideon), and of Mephibosheth for Merib-baal. The substituted term probably means “shame.” The same abhorrence is evident the use of the pejorative name Baal-zebub (see also Satan). The Baal of 1 Chronicles is probably the same as Ramah 2. As cognates of Baal in other Semitic languages there are Bel (in Babylonian religion) and the last elements in the Tyrian names Jezebel, Hasdrubal, and Hannibal.

Reference: From, Easton’s Bible Dictinary

BAALI (also, plural of Baal; images of the god Baal)

[BAY uh lih] (my lord, my master) - a term used in the KJV that refers to a subservient relationship either to a ruler or master or to BAAL. Because of Israel's idolatry, the prophet Hosea used the term to explain God's relationship to the nation as one of a master over a servant, rather than one of a loving husband (Hos 2:16).

Note: Balaam was a prophet of Israel and Balac (spelled Balak in the Old Testament) was king of Moab. Balak sent messengers to Balaam desiring him to come and curse the Israelites because of his fear of the children of Israel. Balaam knew he could not curse the Israelites, but because of his covetous spirit, desiring the gifts he'd been promised by Balak, God allowed him to go with the men but gave him strict orders not to curse the Israelites. Though Balaam was helpless to bring the curse, he did teach Balak how "to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel." The plan devised was to have the women of Moab to entice the men of Israel to lust after them and intermarry among them. The plan worked and in short time the Israelites also turned from worshiping the true God to worshiping the Moabites' idols, thus committing spiritual fornication.

Nicolaitanes

- The church at Ephesus (Rev 2:6) is commended for hating the "deeds" of the Nicolaitanes, and the church of Pergamos is blamed for having them who hold their "doctrines" (15). They were seemingly a class of professing Christians, who sought to introduce into the church a false freedom or licentiousness, thus abusing Paul's doctrine of grace (comp. 2 Peter 2:15,16,19), and were probably identical with those who held the doctrine of Balaam (q.v.), Rev 2:14.

Reference: From, Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary

Licentiousness

Undisciplined and unrestrained behavior, especially a flagrant disregard of sexual restraints (Mark 7:22; 2 Cor 12:21; lasciviousness, KJV). The Greek word translated as licentiousness means "outrageous conduct," showing that licentious behavior goes beyond sin to include a disregard for what is right.

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