SCRIPTURE:
REVELATION 2:12–3:6
REVELATION: LESSON 5
JESUS’S LETTERS TO
THE CHURCHES, PART 2
Lesson 5 Questions
First Day: Read Lesson 4 Notes.
The notes and lecture fortify the truth of the passage for understanding and application to daily life.
1. How did the lecture convict or encourage you as the Lord addressed the churches in Ephesus
and Smyrna?
2. From the notes, how do the challenges faced by the early churches relate to churches today?
Second Day: Read Revelation 2:12-17.
The Lord addressed the church in Pergamum.
3. What positive attributes of the church in Pergamum did the Lord commend?
4. a. How did Balaam’s teaching lead some of God’s people astray? (For more background
information, see Numbers 22–25; 31:16.)
b. What weapon did Jesus say He would use to fight against wrong teaching, and what does His
weapon represent? (See also Ephesians 6:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; and Hebrews 4:12.)
© BSF 2015, 2024 (This material may be downloaded from [Link] and used by BSF class members in connection
Lesson 5 | 59
with their personal BSF class studies. It may not be otherwise reproduced without BSF’s written permission.)
c. How might God’s Word expose wrong thinking or behavior in your life? Give examples.
5. What rewards did Jesus promise to the victorious, and how does each impact you today? (See
also Exodus 16:34; 28:21; Isaiah 65:15; John 6:35; and 1 Peter 2:5 or other Scripture references
you find.)
Third Day: Read Revelation 2:18-23.
The Lord addressed the church in Thyatira.
6. What positive attributes of the church in Thyatira did the Lord commend?
7. a. What negative similarities existed between the churches of Pergamum and Thyatira?
b. The false teacher here was identified, either symbolically or literally, as Jezebel. Read 1 Kings
16:29-33; 19:1-2; 21:1-28; and 2 Kings 9:30-37, along with any other references you find in the
Bible to the name Jezebel, and describe her character.
c. In the Revelation passage, what would be the result of this false teacher’s failure to repent of sin?
8. What do you learn about Jesus when you compare verses 19 and 23? How does this challenge or
comfort you?
Fourth Day: Read Revelation 2:24-29.
The Lord encourages His followers to live in obedience.
9. How did Jesus commend and encourage believers in Thyatira regarding what to hold on to? How
will you hold on to the truth until Jesus comes?
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10. a. What is Jesus’s will for believers, and how does He reward those who do His will? Share any
verses that support your answer.
b. How do the promises in verses 26-29 motivate you to follow Jesus today?
(See also Matthew 28:18-20; John 14:23; and 1 Corinthians 6:2-3.)
Fifth Day: Read Revelation 3:1-6.
The Lord addressed the church at Sardis.
11. a. What did Jesus know about the church at Sardis, and what did He command them to do?
b. How do these verses apply to your life?
12. To what do the clean, white clothes in verses 4-5 refer? How do these promises assure or encourage
you? (See also Daniel 12:3; Matthew 13:43; Romans 13:14; Jude 23; and Revelation 19:8.)
Sixth Day: Review Revelation 2:12–3:6.
Jesus awakens sinners to repent from sin and live for Him.
13. What have you learned about God in this week’s study?
Passage Discovery (homiletics, word study, etc.) for Group and Administrative Leaders: Revelation
2:12–3:6
Next step: Listen to the lecture.
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Lecture Notes
Next step: Read the lesson notes.
62 | Lesson 5
Lesson 5 Notes
Revelation 2:12–3:6
Focus Verse
“The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name
of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his
angels.” (Revelation 3:5)
Outline
● Pergamum: Resist False Teaching – Revelation 2:12-17
● Thyatira: Reject Deceitful Leaders – Revelation 2:18-29
● Sardis: Reawaken and Repent – Revelation 3:1-6
Engage
Most people do not enjoy being evaluated. We often face the review of our work or behavior
with apprehension. Who would not prefer to be affirmed rather than corrected? We may
portray ourselves as stronger and wiser than we really are, deluding others and even ourselves.
However, the Lord’s absolute knowledge and penetrating judgment shatter our pretenses.
Jesus commits Himself to the spiritual vitality of His people. He calls individual believers and
His unified Church to pursue purity and uphold His truth wholeheartedly.
The churches at Pergamum, Thyatira, and Sardis had turned from false religion to Christ.
However, friends and family, the culture around them, and their own past practices tempted
them to dangerous compromises and deadly complacency. Deceitful teaching posed a
menacing threat to people Jesus Christ had liberated from sin’s tyranny. Jesus’s letters called
them to renewed urgency to live for Him—to grasp His majesty, power, and matchless love.
Jesus issued a call to repentance and promised His transforming power on their behalf. The
same is true today. Jesus awakens sinners to repent from sin and live for Him.
Pergamum: Resist False Teaching – Revelation 2:12-17
The Recipient – 2:12a
Contradiction characterized the church of Pergamum. Though the people maintained their stand for
Jesus Christ, they tolerated and even embraced wrong teaching about Him.
Pergamum was an inland city about 65 miles (105 km) north of Smyrna in the fertile valley of the
Caicus River. The wealthy city boasted a library second only to the library in Alexandria. Pergamum’s
library contained an estimated 200,000 volumes, many of which were written on costly sheepskin
parchment, which takes its name from Pergamum. People from throughout Asia flocked to this city,
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renowned for its medical knowledge and the temple of Asclepius, the god of medicine and healing.
Three temples dedicated to the emperor made the city the center for emperor worship in Asia Minor.
Pergamum also housed temples to Dionysus and Athena and an altar to Zeus that was 120 feet wide,
112 feet deep, and 40 feet high (36 x 34 x 12 meters).
The Sender – 2:12b
Christ described Himself as having “the sharp, double-edged sword.”1 The Roman proconsul over the
region resided in Pergamum and had the right to exercise capital punishment. The sword symbolized
his complete sovereignty over this and other matters. Therefore, Christ’s words reminded Pergamum’s
believers that they lived under Christ’s authority, whose sword is the Word coming from His mouth, even
while also under Roman rule. Rome’s glory would pass away, but Jesus reigns forever.
Words of Praise – 2:13
Jesus knew where and how these Christians lived—“where Satan has his throne.” Hostility and
antagonism toward Christians characterized Pergamum, a stronghold of idolatry. Why did Jesus
refer to the city as the location of Satan’s throne? We cannot know for certain, but Pergamum had
more than enough representatives of evil and Satan’s power to cause alarm. The acropolis of the
city contained temples to many deities. The emperor’s cult, the altar to Zeus, and the temple of
Asclepius—the alleged healing center symbolized by a snake—combined to make Pergamum a place
that spelled trouble for any believer.
This church did not renounce their faith in the Lord. Jesus even mentioned a believer named
Antipas, who had been martyred for his “faithful witness.” Antipas’s name means “against all.” This
courageous believer’s daring stand against all the evil in that city resulted in his earthly death and
eternal glory.
Critical Words – 2:14-15
Jesus confronted the unity-severing doctrinal division within the church of Pergamum. Some
aligned with the distorted teaching of Balaam or the Nicolaitans. The names associated with both
heretical groups mean approximately the same thing, “victor or destroyer of the people,” which may
mean the two groups were related.
Balaam appeared as a false prophet during Moses’s day.2 He advised Moab’s King Balak to seduce
the Israelites into idolatry through intermarriage with Moabite women. This cunning plan invited
God’s judgment against Israel.3 False teachers at Pergamum apparently copied Balaam’s deceptive
methods, leading some in the church to eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality.
Most often the meat sold in the public markets was ritually slaughtered and dedicated to the Roman
gods. This posed a problem for the church. Paul addressed this, advising believers that eating such
meat was permissible if doing so did not harm the faith of the less mature.4 However, by the time
John recorded Revelation, the risks of this practice had escalated. The Church father Irenaeus wrote
that people in the church not only ate meat from idol sacrifices but often participated in celebration
1. Sword: Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 1:16
2. Balaam: Numbers 22–25
3. God’s judgment: Numbers 31:16
4. Food to idols: 1 Corinthians 8-10
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festivals with unbelievers. This behavior proved dangerous, especially because such festivals often
included sexual immorality.5
Jesus reprimanded this church because they failed to exercise discernment and authority over the
teaching in their church. They allowed false teaching to continue. In the short term, compromise
might make life easier, but the Lord calls His Church and each Christian to take the long-term view.
You cannot honor Jesus Christ and compromise His Word.
Call to Repent – 2:16
Jesus called the church in Pergamum to repent. If they failed to do so, the Lord would fight against them
“with the sword of my mouth.” This is Jesus’s declaration of war against false doctrine with the Word of
God. When Jesus confronted some within the church, the whole church was likewise indicted. When both
the dross and the gold are put into the furnace, the dross burns off, but the gold comes out purified. The
faithful may be separated from sin, but rarely are they exempted from the suffering sin brings.
An Appeal to Hear – 2:17a
Jesus commands all who hear the Spirit’s voice to respond. He again appeals: “Whoever has ears,
let them hear.”
Promise to the Victorious – 2:17b
The spiritual blessings God promises His people outshine anything this world can offer. Jesus
promises three things to those who are victorious:
● Hidden manna: Moses put a jar of manna6 into the ark of the covenant. God faithfully provided the
wilderness-wandering Israelites daily bread for 40 years. Jesus’s “hidden manna” represents what
He gives believers—the spiritual nourishment the world cannot see. God would strengthen those
who refused the food of idolatrous festivals as they took hold of Jesus by faith. Those who come
to Jesus, the Bread of Life, will never go hungry. He gives believers life—now and eternally.7
● White stone: In John’s day, jurors voted with white stones to free a person accused of a crime.
White stones also served as entrance tickets to plays and banquets. In Christ, God frees
believers from condemnation for our crimes against Him. He declares believers righteous in
Christ and freely opens the door to His kingdom. Believers in Jesus Christ will also enter the
Lord’s great celebration when He returns.8
● New name: Precious white marble was often used for inscriptions in the ancient world. In
Christ, believers receive a new name reserved for the faithful, signifying their new character
and status before the Lord. The stone is colored white as a symbol of victory and purity.
Jesus offered the believers at Pergamum great blessings if they heard and responded to His words.
These heavenly gifts belong to those who truly believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and live by
faith. Nothing matters more.
5. Sexual immorality: Acts 15:20; Revelation 2:20-22
6. Manna: Exodus 16:33-34; Hebrews 9:4
7. Bread of Life: John 6:47-58
8. Wedding banquet: Matthew 22:1-14; Revelation 19:9
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Turning Away from Sin
The Doctrine of Repentance
Faith and repentance go hand in hand. To turn to Christ, we must first recognize the gravity of our
sinfulness and seek the hope and healing only Jesus can give. More than saying “I’m sorry” or
mourning sin’s painful consequences, repentance involves turning away from sin to deliberately
yield to God’s path of righteousness. God’s kindness leads sinners to repentance.1 The Holy Spirit
awakens a response to sin that transforms our minds, emotions, and will. Repentance comes as we
accept God’s gracious invitation to turn to Him and leave our destructive ways behind.
Responding to the Holy Spirit’s conviction means recognizing our sinfulness and coming to Christ for
salvation.2 A believer’s path of spiritual growth also involves ongoing repentance, as the Lord renews
and transforms our minds.3 The Holy Spirit reveals the specific ways we sin against God through our
thoughts, words, actions, and appetites. When we confess our sin, we grow to love and reflect Jesus
more.4 Repentance is not a painful process to avoid but God’s gracious invitation to embrace.
When we fail to repent and surrender to Jesus Christ for our salvation, sin’s escalating damage
and diminishing returns await us. Failure to recognize the infinite gap between God’s holiness
and our sinfulness leads to wrong thinking about God and ourselves. Without the restoration and
forgiveness that repentance and faith in Jesus bring, God’s wrath and judgment cannot be avoided.
As believers, when we fail to regularly repent of sin, though our salvation remains secure, we fail to
enjoy the full benefits of spiritual growth and walking with Christ.
God compassionately made a way to deliver us from sin’s slavery and condemnation. Through
Christ and His atoning sacrifice, God bridges the gap between our sin and His righteousness.
In Christ, He made our only way across the great divide—from sin and death to new life and an
intimate and eternal relationship with our perfect and holy God. He longs for us to repent and turn
to Him for hope and wholeness. Repentance brings the assurance of God’s love and forgiveness.
In Christ, we find the peace our soul craves. Repentance is a gift offered to sinners by a
compassionate God.
1. God’s kindness in repentance: Romans 2:4
2. Holy Spirit’s conviction regarding salvation: John 16:7-11; 1 John 1:9
3. Transformation: Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 5:16-26
4. Growth through turning from sin: Colossians 3:1-17
Thyatira: Reject Deceitful Leaders – Revelation 2:18-29
The Recipient – 2:18a
Located 35 miles (56 km) east of Pergamum, Thyatira was not considered a great city in its day. It
was known for producing wool and textiles. The city’s trade guilds doubled as social and religious
clubs. When God called the apostle Paul to Macedonia, Lydia, a fabric trader from Thyatira, was the
66 | Lesson 5
first person from there to open her heart to the gospel.9 The church planted in this industrial city
received a message directly from Jesus.
The Sender – 2:18b
Jesus, the Son of God, appeared here with eyes “like blazing fire” and feet “like burnished bronze.”
Jesus’s strong and perfectly holy words reflect His character and power.
Words of Praise – 2:19
Jesus knew every act of love, faith, service, and perseverance within the church at Thyatira. In
contrast to the Ephesian church that abandoned its first love, this maturing church was doing more
than they had done at first. Their service expressed their inner love for God and His people, reflecting
Jesus’s selfless love.
Critical Words – 2:20-23
Thyatira had allowed a false prophet, symbolically named Jezebel, to mislead the church. This
self-acclaimed “prophet” taught her followers to indulge in sexual immorality and eat food sacrificed
to idols. In that sense, she resembled the ancient Jezebel, wife of the Israelite King Ahab, who
promoted Baal worship.10
This Jezebel of Thyatira promised Christians freedom from God’s moral law and accommodated
sinful cultural practices. Trade guilds claimed patron gods, allowing business meetings to include
idol worship and sexual immorality. False religion and perverse practices threatened to entrap
Christians who failed to look to Christ and grasp God’s holiness.
Like today, God’s standards for sexual purity differed greatly from those accepted by society at
large. One popular first-century belief held that because only the spirit mattered, the body’s actions
were unimportant. Possibly, Jezebel taught her followers they could commit sexual immorality and
eat food sacrificed to idols because nothing involving the body could injure the spirit. Today, many
people consider sexual relations outside of a marriage between a man and a woman acceptable.
However, God clearly declares these actions sinful. This sacred union is reserved for a husband and
wife, whose marriage reflects Jesus’s relationship with the Church, His people.11
Because Jezebel refused to repent, the Lord would “cast her on a bed of suffering.” This phrase
may involve double meaning: if she liked the bed of immorality so much, Christ would throw her on a
bed—a sickbed! Jesus issued a call for the church to repent. But if they did not, death would come to
all who followed Jezebel’s folly. This would alert all the churches that the Lord Himself discerns the
internal state of every human heart and judges the outward deeds that reveal that reality.
God is patient, but He does not tolerate sin forever. The Lord gives people time to repent, but His
waiting does not mean that He accepts sin.12 The Lord is sovereign and committed to His people’s
purity in belief and behavior. If you are caught in sin, ask God to give you the desire to obey Him.
Believe He will. Repent. Encourage those around you to repent. Then praise Him for His mercy.
9. Lydia: Acts 16:13-15
10. Baal worship: 1 Kings 18:19, 22
11. Sexual relations: Genesis 2:24; Malachi 2:14-15; Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:6-8; Romans 7:2; 1 Corinthians 7:2, 39; Ephesians 5:31-32
12. God’s patience: 2 Peter 3:8-12
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Exhortation to Be Faithful – 2:24-25
Despite Jezebel, many in Thyatira remained loyal to Jesus and the gospel. God always preserves
His redeemed people. No matter how hostile the environment, the Lord enables believers to remain
faithful and look to Him.
Jesus recognized and encouraged the faithful who had “not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets.”
This might refer to a very early form of Gnosticism, a false philosophy that promised special
knowledge of spiritual mysteries. Although the depths of God are unsearchable, Jesus openly
reveals His truth through His Word and His Spirit. He encourages His faithful people to hold on to
faith, love, and the truth until His return.
Promise to the Victorious – 2:26-28
God gave His Son power and authority to rule the nations with a rod or scepter of iron.13 The Lord’s
ultimate victory over those who steadfastly oppose Him will be severe. He “will dash them to pieces
like pottery.” Those who refuse Jesus await His just judgment.
To the victorious, Jesus also promises the morning star. Fittingly, a star in the east announced
Jesus’s birth.14 Both stars and the scepter symbolize authority and royalty.15 Later in Revelation,
Jesus reveals He is the Morning Star.16 Jesus promises to give His faithful followers nothing less than
Himself. Ultimately, all glory in the world belongs to Jesus Christ and His Church.
An Appeal to Hear – 2:29
Those who follow Jesus will reign with Him when He returns.17 Like Christ Himself, His Word is a
rock to stand upon! All other ground is shifting sand.
Sardis: Reawaken and Repent – Revelation 3:1-6
The Recipient – 3:1a
The church in Sardis existed in a city steeped in materialism. Sardis sat around 30 miles (48 km)
southeast of Thyatira on the military road through the Hermus River valley. Because of the gold in the
region, the wealthy city of Sardis boasted a lucrative wool industry and two famous kings: Gyges and
Croesus. The Sardis of John’s day was a shadow of its glorious past. Love for luxury led to moral decay.
The Sender – 3:1b
Jesus repeated that He “holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.”18 This phrase, repeated
from 1:4 and difficult to interpret, likely symbolizes the Holy Spirit in His perfection—the seven-fold
Spirit. Accordingly, Christ holds the seven churches (the seven stars) and unites them with the Spirit
of God (the seven spirits) sent to those churches. The Holy Spirit works in perfect unity with the
Father and the Son.
13. Mighty scepter: Psalms 2:9; 110:2; Revelation 12:5; 19:15
14. Star at Jesus’s birth: Matthew 2:1-2
15. Star and scepter: Numbers 24:17
16. Morning Star: Revelation 22:16
17. Reign with Christ: Revelation 20:4; 22:5; Daniel 7:22, 27; Matthew 19:28; 1 Corinthians 6:2
18. Seven spirits, stars: Revelation 1:4, 16
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Critical Words – 3:1c
Jesus knew the truth about the church at Sardis—their deeds and reputation. Despite their claim to be
alive, Jesus declared them dead. They falsely promoted themselves as a well-regarded and successful
church while paralyzed by spiritual deadness and lethargy. God’s verdict overrules human opinion.
Call to Repent – 3:2-3
Complacency caused the church at Sardis to sacrifice close identity with Christ. Jesus issued a
straightforward command: “Wake up!” He urged the weakened church to strengthen their remaining
life and complete the deeds they had started. If they did not remember the apostles’ teaching, hold
fast to it, and repent, this church would not survive.
Words of Praise – 3:4
By God’s grace, a few in this church remained faithful to the Lord and had not “soiled their clothes.”
This soiling or staining symbolized the defilement of a pagan lifestyle that compromised identity with
the Lord.19 The faithful among them would be counted worthy to walk with Christ dressed in white
robes—another symbol of purity and holiness.20
Promise to the Victorious – 3:5
● They will walk with Jesus dressed in white. This repeats the promise in 3:4. Believers will be
clothed with light as a garment, shining like the sun.21
● God will never blot their names out of the Book of Life. In ancient days, a city register held
the names of residents, which were erased upon their death or for crimes committed against
the city. God also keeps records. His “book of life”22 contains the names of people like the few
faithful Sardians. He will “never drive away” those who come to Him23 nor blot out their names
from His Book of Life.
● Jesus will acknowledge the names of all who trust in Him before God the Father and His angels.24
An Appeal to Hear – 3:6
Jesus insists all hear the Spirit’s call to repentance and life. The Holy Spirit, with His life-giving power,
calls all to hear the gospel and come from death into life. Allow these letters to examine and encourage
you as they did the seven churches. Jesus awakens sinners to repent from sin and live for Him.
Take to Heart
Hold Fast
In John’s vision, Jesus walked among seven churches and delivered customized messages
to examine, commend, confront, and strengthen the faith of believers in each location. These
19. Corrupted garments: Jude 23
20. White clothing: Daniel 7:9; Matthew 28:3; Luke 9:29
21. Shine: Daniel 12:3; Matthew 13:43
22. Book of Life: Exodus 32:32-33; Psalm 69:28; Isaiah 4:3
23. Never drive away: John 6:37
24. Acknowledged: Matthew 10:32-33; Luke 12:8-9
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messages resonate with God’s people and churches today. Jesus calls His people to faith and
righteousness and offers hope to the repentant.
The city of Pergamum was a stronghold of evil and idolatry. Though many believers suffered for their
faith, the church at Pergamum wrongly tolerated false teaching. Jesus called them to repent and
offered hope to those who triumphed in His name.
The church at Thyatira became complacent and tolerated teaching that promoted immorality.
Engulfed in a pagan culture, the faithful among Jesus’s people were called by Him to reject false
teaching before His judgment fell and the church ceased to exist.
The church at Sardis pretended to be alive, but Jesus proclaimed they were dead. Jesus called them
to “wake up!” and repent. He encouraged the faithful few to fortify the remaining healthy roots in the
church and promised they would walk with Jesus, clothed in His righteousness.
Apply It
Jesus knows the truth about everything. He cannot be fooled by an external façade that hides the
internal reality. As Jesus examined each church, He knew what was strong or weak. He identified
compromise and complacency. He perceived when the world’s pressure contaminated the purity of
His people. Jesus loves His people and does not ignore sin and its carnage in their lives. He calls out
sin and offers an invitation to repentance and wholeness. He leads us to reject deadly compromise.
He brings God’s fire to a cold heart. He rekindles our love and reignites our passion for His cause.
Jesus strengthens us when we are weak to show us that He is strong. Do you recognize God’s
intimate knowledge of your heart? How will you welcome His strengthening correction?
How can believers remain wholly committed to Christ while living in a world that promotes sin and
seeks their allegiance? The fluctuating tide of human ideology regularly begs us to question what
we believe. Popular but unbiblical thinking can draw us away from the truth. The pursuit of wealth
and sexual freedom the world offers tempts us in many ways. However, Jesus’s followers choose
to live under His authority and within the protection of His loving boundaries. No supposed pleasure
compares with the joy and freedom Christ brings. While this is true, the pressure to conform to the
world’s standards meets us at every turn. Who influences you in a way that defies God’s Word? What
sin do you justify because God’s way seems too hard? With loving authority, Jesus calls His children
to live for Him. Until believers reach heaven, the Lord promises to provide what they need to stand
for Christ. The world cannot steal what matters most, though it tries. How is God calling you to repent
from sin, hold fast to truth, and experience His victory?
Jesus’s messages to the seven churches emphasize the corporate identity and unity of His people.
God brings us together to stand for Him. Committed to His Word, God’s people strive together for
purity, integrity, and purpose as we represent Christ to the world. How can you faithfully support your
church? Though we live different lives than the believers in Pergamum, Thyatira, or Sardis, people are
the same. Jesus knows the truth about churches and individual Christians who appear stable, busy,
and productive but are distant from Him. False teaching and worldliness still tempt believers today.
Compromise with the world’s principles, complacency, pride, and self-absorption still challenge God’s
people. Does Jesus’s approval matter more to you than anything this world offers? Jesus knows,
strengthens, and will reward each one who leans on Him and stands firm.
70 | Lesson 5 All Scripture quotations in this publication are from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ® NIV ®
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