General Questions
Should we expect the visions in chapters 4 - 21 to deal with the challenges mentioned in the letters (2-3)?
Yes, the visions will correlate with the letters.
In verse 2, Jesus says He knows their deeds. Name one of them (four possible answers).
perseverance, cannot endure evil man, put to the test those who call themselves apostles, found them to be false.
To Smyrna, Jesus says He knows about them. What does He say He knows, in verse 9?
Their affliction/suffering and poverty, but they are rich.
Verse 12, Jesus' introduction includes "the sharp, double-edged sword." What kind of letter do you think He is sending? One of peace? Mercy? Something else?
Judgment
Was Thyatira the largest or smallest of the seven cities?
smallest
If the visions later in the book are for the first century Christians, then is it only relevant to them or to all believers?
To all believers.
In verse 4, what does Jesus have against the church in Ephesus?
They have lost, or forgotten, their first love.
How does verse 9 give them hope after reading verse 10 where Jesus tells them to be faithful to the point of death?
Jesus died and rose, and He will give them the crown of life. They will rise, too.
In verse 13, Jesus acknowledges that where they live is a tough place for Christians. What positive thing does He say about the church in Pergamum?
They are holding on to His name and did not deny their faith in Christ, even after Antipas was martyred.
A convert under Paul's ministry in Europe was from here. What was her name? (Acts 16:14)
Lydia, dyer of purple cloth
What are some of the challenges the 1st century church was facing when John wrote Revelation?
suffering and persecution, evil, idolatry
Verse 5, if they don't repent, what will Jesus come and remove?
Their lampstand - the church in Ephesus
When Jesus says, "I know," what is it He knows?
Everything about them.
What does Jesus have against the church in Pergamum (verse 14 - 15)
Tolerated false teaching similar to Balaam, eating meat sacrificed to idols, immorality. Have tolerated the Nicolaitans.
Thyatira had trade guilds (similar to unions). In order to join a guild, what did a person have to do? If they didn't join, they would definitely be poor.
Attend banquets where food sacrificed to idols was served, and had to participate in the common immorality.
In 2:7, Jesus says that the overcomers will eat of the tree of life. What does "tree of life" make you think of? What do you think Jesus means?
The cross. The garden of Eden. Everything will be made new, no sin.
Verse 7, Jesus says, "let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." In the gospels, Jesus often said similar things after he told one of these.
Parables, or example stories.
In verse 9, who does Jesus say is "a synagogue of Satan?"
The Jews who are slandering the church, opposing the church.
In verse 16, Jesus tells them to repent, or else He will do what?
He will come quickly to them and fight against them with the sword of His mouth.
What did Jesus have against the church in Thyatira?
They tolerated the woman Jezebel.
Which prophet in the OT stood against her and her prophets?
How many letters are found in chapter 2?
Four
In verse 7, the only way to eat from the tree of life is if a person does what?
Overcome, conquers.
In verse 10, the devil is going to do some things to the church to test them. What other examples can you think of in the Bible where the devil did something similar?
Job
Peter
Jesus in the wilderness
Perhaps Joseph
The main false god in Pergamum was Asclepius. His symbol is still seen today. On what is this symbol the most commonly visible?
Ambulance
What promise does Jesus give to those who overcome/conquer and keep His works until the end?
He will give them authority over the nations, and will give them the morning star (which is Jesus Himself)