Revelation Chapter 2

With the aforementioned in mind, the heights of stupidity reached by the modern pseudo-Christian antisemites are beyond comparison. One of their common antisemitic tropes relies on the present verse being taken out of context, and by ignoring its literal and plainly obvious meaning. They say to us Jews, “You are not Jews, you are a synagogue of Satan” failing to understand that the verse they’re referencing doesn’t refer to Jews in any way, hence “who say they are Jews but are not.” The irony continues when one observes  that the pseudo-Christian antisemites who say these abhorrent things consider themselves chosen and in turn claim that the Jews (contrary to Scripture) are no longer chosen. Therefore, they prove themselves to be the very people described in Revelation 2:9 who claim to be chosen (Jews) but are not.

Introduction:

The letters to the various believing communities are each given a similar structure and form, with some slight differences regarding the messages to Laodicea, Smyrna and Philadelphia.
 
The pattern of writing is as follows:

1.)  An address to the, “Messenger/Angel” of the specific congregation. (Perhaps proof of a human messenger, given that Yochanan is instructed to “write” to each messenger).
2.)  Yeshua names Himself (speaking of Himself in the third person, He uses the symbolic titles of the previous chapter in reverse order, beginning with the final title, “Who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven menorot” [seven communities]).
3.)  The congregation is praised for her virtues (except Laodicea).
4.)  The congregation is warned to turn from its sinful practises (except Smyrna and Philadelphia).
5.)  Yeshua promises good things to those in the congregation who are overcoming in Him. The rewards/blessings to come are related to the issues faced by each congregation, e.g. Pergamum must refuse food sacrificed to idols (2:14), their reward, “Hidden Manna” (2:17).
6.) Yeshua reminds His Ecclesia that only those who have ears to hear will hear (Shema: listen, perceive, understand, absorb, practise, take to heart), what the Spirit (Ruach) is saying to the communities of believers.

Apart from being an exceptionally well ordered historical record and proof of Messiah’s gracious character, the rhythm of the letters affords us a foundation for our communications with other believers, both individually and corporately.

Each of the letters is addressed to the angel/messenger for the purpose of being delivered to the respective communities. In addition, each of the community’s names have both historical and symbolic value:

1.)    Ephesus, “Permitted” (Free will)
2.)    Smyrna, “Myrrh” (Mourning, Intimacy, Royal luxury, Joy)
3.)    Pergamum, “High Tower” (Pride)
4.)    Thyatira, “Odour” (Consequence of Sin)
5.)    Sardis, “Deep orange/red” semi-precious stone used in making jewellery (façade, pretence)
6.)    Philadelphia, “Brotherly love” (Faithfulness)
7.)    Laodicea, “People under Judgement” (Judgement)

It's no coincidence that each of the city’s names correspond to the issues and consequences alluded to in the letters pertaining to them. This gives us a strong remez (hint at something implied) that can be applied to the entire Ecclesia (The entire body of believers).
 
Each of the issues addressed to these seven communities is equally relevant today in our lives as both individuals and believing communities. The challenge of Messiah remains and the threat of the removal of His menorah (manifest Light presence) from the midst of certain communities also remains. So too do the promises of reward and overcoming in Him.

The Text:

Revelation 2:

1 “To the messenger of the assembly in Ephesus write:
The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, Who walks in the midst of the seven menorot, says:

This message is dictated to Yochanan for the messenger to Ephesus, the city whose name means, “Permitted.” The purpose of a messenger is to deliver a message, therefore the letter is intended specifically for the believing congregation in the city of Ephesus.
 
It's unlikely that the messenger is an angel because Yeshua need not convey a message through His Angel to Yochanan in order for Yochanan to relay that message to an angelic being, who will then pass it on to the Ephesian community of faith.
 
What is most likely is that Yeshua is instructing Yochanan to “write” to a human messenger related to the community in question, who will in turn relay the message to the community. This applies to all seven letters.

Ephesus, is the first/head/chief of the communities, therefore the Messiah names Himself as the One Who is over all the communities, by identifying with the present Shekinah (feminine glory) and the oil of the Ruach Ha-Kodesh, seen symbolized by the menorot. He also presents Himself as the One Who holds the messengers of the communities of faith securely in His strong, and safe right hand. Therefore, He effectively begins by saying, “I Am the One Who with The Father imparts the Ruach to you, I Am the One Who holds you securely in my right hand, See, I have engraved (atoned) you on the palm of my hand (a reference to the crucifixion).” [Yeshayahu/Isaiah 49:16]

2 ‘I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false; 

The Ephesians exhibit an ability to remain faithful to the ketvi (written word), testing those who are false and through the truth of the Instruction of God and the revelation of His Spirit, proving them to have evil intentions. They have been very careful not to tolerate evil people or permit them to remain within the Messianic community. This is to their credit.

3 and you have exhibited perseverance and have endured for My Name’s sake (The name of both HaShem and Yeshua His Messiah), and have not grown weary. 

The community has stood up for both their belief in Yeshua as Messiah and for the God of Israel. It’s important to remember that both Jews and members of the Jewish sect called The Way (which included Jewish and Gentile followers of Yeshua a.k.a Christians) were being persecuted at this point in Roman history.
 
It's interesting to note that the community of believers in Ephesus have persevered and stood up for the Name of Messiah and that they have not grown weary. However, the following critique exposes something further, something that is extremely serious.

4 But I have this against you, that you have forsaken your first love (ἀγάπην agapēn: all-encompassing love אהבה Ahavah: all existing love). 5 Therefore remember from where you have fallen and were driven off course, and return and act out the mitzvot (right actions) that you did from the first; Or else I am coming to you and will remove your menorah (sevenfold Temple lamp stand) out of its place—unless you return (to your first love).

The Ephesian believers have not permitted false apostles to enter their midst, however, they have permitted themselves to forsake their first (chief) love.

What is, “First love”? The Greek text reads, “τὴν ἀγάπην σου τὴν πρώτην” (tēn agapēn sou tēn prōtēn) literally, “The love of you the head.” Which best translates into English as, “Your chief love.” This alludes to the love of God in Messiah as Head/Chief. It can also infer that the community of faith in Ephesus had a role among the other communities as the head or leader of the spread of the love of Messiah to the other six communities.
 
The Greek, ἀγάπην agapēn is an all-encompassing altruistic love that touches on aspects of all the other Greek forms but is outside them, holding them together (we note that the Greek Έρως Eros [associated with a sex deity and expressing sexual “love,” is never used in the New Testament.] In fact from a Biblical perspective love informs relationship, whereas sex is to do, not with love but with knowledge יודע yada).
 
All of the diverse forms of love expressed in New Testament Greek are summed up in the Hebrew, אהבה Ahavah which denotes a connection to all forms of love, excluding sex, but is primarily a composite of intentional commitment and authentic emotion.
 
God defines love. The love of God has an inexplicable quality that transcends definition, however, as His love interacts with the sin affected world it is expressed as a decision, established through sacrifice and maintained by commitment.
 
It’s foolish to demand that the word love (in its Greek and Hebrew context) must represent one element of its meaning over another, after all the Ephesians exhibit commitment and intentional devotion and yet have forsaken their first/chief love. While they’re doing good things, they are not doing those things that give evidence of first/chief love.
 
First love is the love of God. We are commanded to first love God with all that we are and only then to love others out of the overflow of God’s love. Love that neglects intimacy with God in order to show love to others harms both ourselves and others because it is expressed out of our own strength and not from the power of Messiah in us.
 
Therefore, First Love is expressed as certain security, an all-encompassing desire for the Head (Yeshua) and an intentional commitment. It’s the first taste of the Messiah’s lips and the receiving of His wedding proposal, it’s the complete awareness of our frailty and the freedom to accept His protection, and it’s the humility of returning and the confession of guilt, the trust that opens the gift of salvation. First/Chief love is a Person, His name is Yeshua. Sadly it’s often true to say that we as believers have forsaken Yeshua, reasoning that doing for Him is more important than being in Him. Godly love is expressed in relationship and right actions flow from it.

Given the full meaning of the text understood contextually, we could paraphrase it to read:

“I have this against you, that in spite of all your efforts to refute evil, you haven’t bothered to take time to just sit with Me. Remember when we used to dance barefoot in the long grass and picnic on the beach away from the maddening crowed? Sit with me, return to me.”

Yeshua reminds the Ephesians that they have allowed themselves to be driven off course. They’ve fallen from a great height to their own detriment. He implores them to remember Him and their First Love for Him unto the Father, and to simply return תְשׁוּבָה teshuvah.

We see in the actions of the Ephesian believers the same error that we ourselves perpetuate today. In our zeal for righteousness we leave behind the root of that same righteousness. Our good deeds must come from our First Love (Yeshua), they cannot come from our fallen need to prove ourselves righteous. Isaiah 64:6 teaches us that righteous acts born of a wrong motivation are like used tampons (menstrual cloths).

“Or else I am coming to you and will remove your menorah out of its place—unless you return.” This is not a threat to the salvation of individuals within the Ephesian Ecclesia (or any other for that matter). What Yeshua is saying is that He will remove His present power and Shekinah, kevod Adonai (feminine glory), the manifestation of the Ruach Ha-Kodesh, from the midst of the community of believers in Ephesus.
 
To follow the symbolism with a practical observation we could say, “If the menorah is not tended to the lamps will burn out.” This corresponds to the Temple Menorah which was first lit at its inauguration and then kept alight by the priests with oil supplied by the community, the light is born of fire and oil, cleansing and spirit. If the Menorah is not tended to it will cease to provide light to the Temple, this happened during the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes, who desecrated the Temple leaving it pitch black, and subsequently during the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus, which happened at least ten years prior to the writing of the scroll of Revelation. The same will be true of any Messianic community today, that turns from authentic Messiah ignited, Spirit filled faith.

The alternative is simple, return to first love in Messiah, and the menorah’s light will remain.

6 Yet this you do have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

The Nicolaitans are thought to have been a libertine sect that taught there followers to “sin that grace may abound” (hyper-grace). They compromised their faith by merging it with pagan forms of worship that included idolatry and sexual immorality. They may also have adopted aspects of the mystery religions of the period.

Notice the use of the Greek, μισῶ misō meaning, “detest.” Evil actions are detestable to God.

7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the believing communities. To the person who overcomes, I will give the right to eat of the עץ החיים Eiytz Chayim (tree of life) which is in the גן עדן Gan-Edan (Paradise) of God.’

The meaning of the phrase, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the believing communities” is clear. These are the same words that Yeshua used during His earthly ministry. He often used the phrase, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear (שְׁמוֹעַ Shema: take to heart, understand, implement etc.)” [Mark 4:9]. This phrase regularly followed the exposition of משלים mashalim (parables) by Yeshua, and was intended to denote the words of the prophet Isaiah:

“They may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven.”
 
 –Mark 4:12 & Yeshayahu/Isaiah 6:9-10

The famous aphorism, “No one is blinder than he who refuses to see” is the perfect modern representation of this prophetic Hebrew concept. The message of the Messiah is clear, He intends His letter to be understood, not by everyone in the community—for there are surely goats among the sheep—but by everyone who has been given the ability by Yeshua Himself to take the words to heart. This is seen in the context of Mark 4:9-12: Yeshua explains to His talmidim (disciples) that the secrets of the Kingdom have been given to them—that is those who have accepted Him as Messiah (by extension, all believers). This is a preface for the Revelation of Yeshua, where He unveils the past, present and future to His Ecclesia (Worldwide community of believers). To all others the Revelation remains a difficult parable that is beyond the understanding of natural human intellect.

The phrase, “to the person who overcomes” needs to be understood in reference to the story of Israel (ethnic) and his beginning as one who wrestled with God and man and overcame. Jacob’s name was changed from, “to follow, grasp at the heal” to Israel, the one who “overcomes in God.” Yeshua Himself gave Jacob his new name, He also gives every believer a new name, in that it is in Yeshua that we overcome in God. This is a better translation than, “to him who is victorious,” because it is not us but Messiah Who is the Victor, we overcome through the victory won by Yeshua Himself.

The reward is the counterpoint to the possible punishment. Where the punishment was the removal of the community menorah, the reward is the assurance of the individual’s access to eternal life.

עץ החיים Eitz Chayim (Tree of life) is a powerful Hebrew symbol that connects the creation and the Garden of Eden (Gen 2:9; 3:22, 24) to גן עדן Gan Edan (Paradise: the distinct part of Sheol set apart for the righteous, also known as the bosom of Avraham. Luke 16:19-31; Luke 23:43). It also connects the believer to the future unifying of גן עדן Gan-Edan (Paradise) and the עולם הבא Olam Haba (World to come), in that the Eitz Chayim (Tree of life) seems to act as a conduit between the temporal Gan-Edan of Sheol and the eternal city which is outside of the universe in the third heaven awaiting the time of the end when eternity will consume time and the New Jerusalem will come down to engulf the righteous.

It's interesting to note that modern Rabbinical Judaism refers to the Torah as, “Eitz Chayim” and that the prayers chanted in acknowledgement of this affirm the intrinsic connection between the everlasting aspects of the Torah (Written Word) of HaShem and eternal life.

8 “And to the messenger of the community of believers in Smyrna write:
These are the words of The first and the last, Who was dead, and has come to life:

Smyrna means, “Myrrh” a perfume used to dress the dead and a symbol of mourning, intimacy, royal luxury and joy. Due to the fact that Myrrh is derived from a bitter sap, it can be understood as a symbol of the joy that is born through suffering. It’s therefore poignant that Yeshua identifies Himself to the Ecclesia of Smyrna as The One Who is all existing (Royal), Who was dead (Mourning), but is resurrected, alive (Joy).

9 ‘I know your afflictions and your poverty (but you are rich), and the slander (blasphemy) by those who call themselves Jews but are not, rather they are a gathering (synagogue) belonging to the Accuser (Satan). 

The Suffering Messiah, Who from birth was marked by myrrh in anticipation of His sacrificial death, acknowledges the shared suffering of His people in Smyrna. He is present in their suffering, by His own admission He walks in the midst of the communities. He also illuminates the spiritual reality of their present/future glory in the Olam Haba (World to come), saying, “But you are rich!”

Like the false apostles—that is, people who were not apostles at all but proven to be liars—the people indicted here as slanderers/blasphemers, are not Jews but Gentiles pretending to be Jews. They identified as Jews but were not. They are a gathering (συναγωγὴ synagōgē: this ancient Greek word is used to describe both a gathering of people and a building or meeting place, not necessarily a traditional Jewish Synagogue), or organised group.

These Gentiles may have been influenced by the Judaizers whom Paul rebukes in Galatians 6:12-13. They appear to have focused only on certain aspects of Judaism, claiming to be delivered by their observance of Torah rather than by grace through faith in Messiah. In spite of their many claims they failed to live devoted lives according to the Torah, making them hypocrites of the worst kind. They were probably subject to a false legalistic observance of the Torah like that refuted by Shaul/Paul the Apostle in 1 Corinthians 9:20. These Gentiles may have been responsible for drawing other Gentile Christians away from the freedom of the Gospel and into a pseudo-Messianic Synagogue version of faith that desecrated both Judaism and Christianity.
 
The βλασφημίαν blasphēmian “Slander (blasphemy)” of the aforementioned non-Jews, a synagogue (gathering, collective) of Satan (the slanderer) could have covered a number of things from desecrating the Holy Name YHVH to denying that grace through faith alone saves, and even as abhorrent as denying the deity of Messiah. It may also refer to the slandering of individuals within the body of believers at Smyrna, and the faith community as a whole.

I’m sad to say this very thing is happening in my own city today, where there are groups of Gentiles, who are so desperate to win their own salvation that they have begun to pretend to observe the Torah devotedly in order to show themselves superior to the so called apostate Church. This is the very antithesis of the Gospel of Messiah:
 
“for it is by grace you are saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
 
–Ephesians 2:8-9

Myself and other members of our community have been slandered and are hated by some Gentile Christian/Hebrew Roots/Messianic (Not Jews) for our firm stance in Messiah upon the Scriptures and the freedom that the Gospel brings. If this present situation weren’t so sad it would be hilarious. What irony, a Group of Gentiles claiming to be Jewish (but are not) and accusing actual Jews and other Gentile followers of Messiah of not being Jewish enough (among other things). The tragedy is that this type of thinking makes room for the lie of Replacement theology (a.k.a Supersessionism), which these same groups seek to refute; given that they themselves are literally seeking to replace the Jewish people, appropriating our identity as a result of their own perceived lack of identity.

We should not steal from the Kingdom of God the beauty of the cultural worship of the Gentile nations, who through Yeshua have been set free to honour God in unique and powerful ways. Yeshua Himself reminds us that He has, “sheep from other sheep pens.” That which is godly in every culture has value, while that which is not is to be cast aside.
 
With the aforementioned in mind, the heights of stupidity reached by the modern pseudo-Christian antisemites are beyond comparison. One of their common antisemitic tropes relies on the present verse being taken out of context, and by ignoring its literal and plainly obvious meaning. They say to us Jews, “You are not Jews, you are a synagogue of Satan” failing to understand that the verse they’re referencing doesn’t refer to Jews in any way, hence “who say they are Jews but are not.” The irony continues when one observes  that the pseudo-Christian antisemites who say these abhorrent things consider themselves chosen and in turn claim that the Jews (contrary to Scripture) are no longer chosen. Therefore, they prove themselves to be the very people described in Revelation 2:9 who claim to be chosen (Jews) but are not.

10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil (Slanderer) is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be proved, and you will be tortured for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 

The Greek διάβολος diabolos, is used here rather than the title Σατανᾶς Satanos, Satan. διάβολος diabolos can refer to the particular aspect of Satan’s character, “slander,” or to a demonic spirit. Therefore, given the fact that the definite article is used, “the slanderer” could  refer to Satan as “slanderer,” and could also refer to the demonic strongman in charge of slander. In either case the entity is being sent to instigate the persecution. We must keep in mind that Satan is not omnipresent, He can’t be everywhere at once.

God is in control of this proving and has already established its outcome. The ten days are both literal and symbolic; they represent the completion of the trial of this specific community and the limit set upon the time allowed for the enemy to touch the believers of Smyrna. This is similar to the account of Job in that God was in control of Satan’s participation from beginning to end.

Smyrna is symbolic of death and mourning, here her faithfulness even unto death (temporary) is rewarded with a victor’s wreath of life (eternal). The Victor is Messiah, and the crown of everlasting life is given to His spiritual sons and daughters, crowned as princes and princesses.

11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.’

Ears are designed to hear, however hearing (Shema) from the Hebrew perspective must result in understanding and action. The phrase “He who has an ear, let him hear” means “He who has the ability to hear must act in acknowledgment of what’s said.” Therefore, everyone hears but some refuse to listen and still others refuse to act.

The person who overcomes in Messiah will not be hurt by the second death (Myrrh). This makes two things clear, there is both a death and a life beyond this one, and only those who rely on Messiah Yeshua will overcome.

12 “And to the messenger of the community of believers in Pergamum write:
The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this:

Pergamum means, “High Tower,” symbolizing pride. In fact the city was built on a high hill, giving it wonderful views of the not too distant coastline.

The sword is the word of God, able to divide soul and spirit. It is the word of God that will slice pride free from the believers of Pergamum. In this case it is a broad sword that divides between the bone and marrow of an entire community.
 
As explained in the previous chapter:
 
The Greek ῥομφαία rhomphaia, translated “sword” is a double-edged broad sword, a long Thracian sword, designed for cutting and piercing. It’s said to have been an imposing weapon.
 
The same word is employed throughout Revelation and is used in Luke’s Gospel to describe the metaphorical sword that will pierce Miriam’s (Mary the mother of Yeshua) heart in both grief and revelation:
 
“34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Miriam (Mary) His (Yeshua’s) mother, “Behold, now, pay attention, this One is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that is spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed (this word shares its root with Apokalypsis [Revelation]. (And even for you, a sword [ῥομφαία rhomphaia] will pierce through your soul.)”
 
-Luke 2:34-35 [Author’s translation]

13 ‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is; and you hold fast to My Name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 

Pergamum was a centre of emperor worship in the Roman province of Asia, therefore, given that the worship of the Roman emperor was tantamount to the worship of an antichrist, the city is rightly identified as the place, “Where Satan’s throne is.”

The faith that the Pergamum believers have held on to is the faith that comes from Yeshua. They hold fast to all that Yeshua’s Name and Person mean, “God is our salvation, God with us, King of kings” etc.

Antipas, whose name means, “substitute father” may well have been a father in the faith to many of the believers in Pergamum. He is an example of one who suffered unto death and overcame. In Hebrew this is called, על קידוש השם al Kiddush HaShem (upon the sanctification of The Name). Less than 40 years later the same Roman government put 10 prominent Jewish leaders to death, among them were Gamliel II (Grandson of Gamaliel the Elder [Acts 2:33-34, 22:3]) and the famous Talmudic Rebbe Akiva.

Not only is Σατανᾶ Satana, Satan’s throne there, He also spends much of His time there. This is because the focus of emperor worship is such that it sets itself up in direct opposition to Messiah. The satanic modus operandi is antichrist. Satan longs to rule, and will not. It’s worth asking, “Where is the ultimate seat of power sought today?” If we live under its temporary dominion, how are we to respond to times of proving?

14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam (Greek) [Bil’am (Hebrew)], who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit immorality. 

God wouldn’t allow Bil’am to curse Israel (Num. 22-24; ref. 2 Peter 2:15-16), however Bil’am, having been afforded the opportunity to enter into relationship with HaShem, chose instead to placate the king of Moab by tempting Israel to engage in idolatry and sexual immorality with Moabite women (Num. 25:1-3; 31:16). Bil’am is the perfect example of one who claims to hear from YHVH but is ultimately only interested in opportunities to seek to use what he hears of YHVH to facilitate his own prowess and spiritual power. This is not unlike many in the modern body of faith who are spiritual but not godly.

This text is not referring to the issue of eating meat, as addressed in 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, 10:21; rather, it refers to the act of participating in the pagan rituals of sacrifice to false gods, eating at love feasts (orgies) and engaging in sexually immoral activity in worship of these same deities. These acts are in direct opposition to the mitzvot/instructions/commands given to Israel, and in a concise form concerning the abstaining from idolatry, are also given to Gentile believers by the Jewish Church fathers in Acts 15:28-29.

15 You also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

The Nicolaitans were a libertine sect that taught there followers to sin that grace may abound. There is a direct correlation between the sin of Bil’am and the Nicolaitans. They are pseudo-spiritual false guides who encourage debauchery while calling also claiming to be worshippers of the High God YHVH.

“1What shall we say then, ‘Let’s keep on sinning, so that there can be more chesed (mercy, loving kindness, grace)?’ 2 A curse on it! How can we, who have died to sin, still live by it?”
 
-Romans 6:1-2 [Author’s translation]

16 Therefore return; or else I am coming to you quickly (immediately), and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth.

The Greek, ταχύ tachy means immediate, without delay. Yeshua will not stand for this type of abomination within the believing community any more than HaShem would stand for such actions in the community of ethnic Israel. Just as HaShem took immediate action, so too will Yeshua. He will rebuke the offenders using His word, bringing swift judgement against them.

Yeshua’s word contains both warning and discipline, hope and destruction.

This war of His word is being carried out against the Ecclesia in order to purify the soon to be bride of Messiah.
 
Note that Yeshua says that He is coming quickly to make war against the evil in question. Yeshua is both the Prince of Peace and the Conquering King. He is no pacifist.
 
Note further that the threatened punishment reflects the associated description of Yeshua.

17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the community of believers. To the person who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a light/white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.’

Pergamum (Pride), has been rebuked and humbled by the word of Yeshua, the sword that divides the righteous from the unrighteous. The High Tower (Pergamum) of pride is now replaced with the promise of true heights of faith found in the third heaven. The High city of Pergamum (earthly temporary) may stand in its pride temporarily but the transcendent city of Jerusalem in the Olam Haba (World to come) awaits the people of God outside of time in the third heaven, the highest of heights.

Hidden Manna:

Manna, from the Hebrew מָן maan, derived from the phrase מה זה Ma zay? (What is it?), is first referenced in Exodus 16:4, 15-31, 35 and is also referred to as the “bread from heaven,” [Exodus 16:4; John 6:31-35]. Messiah uses this image as a symbol of His own body. A portion of this manna was preserved in the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 16:32-34; Hebrews 9:4).

The Talmud claims that in the third heaven (outside of time and space), “mills grind manna for the tzadikim (righteous ones)”
 
– Chagigah 12b

The Jewish apocalyptic writing of 2 Baruch 29:8 speaks of the Messianic age to come when, “the treasury of manna will again descend from on high, and those who live in that time will eat of it.”

It's recorded that when the first Temple was destroyed, either Jeremiah (2 Maccabees 2:4-8) or an angel/messenger (2 Baruch 6:5-10) rescued the ark with its pot of manna, and both the ark and the manna are being kept for the days of the Messiah, when God’s people will eat manna once again.

Yochanan relays the message of Messiah, which uses these traditional Jewish beliefs as a platform for showing that those who believe in Him will gain access to the, “Wedding Banquet of the Lamb” (19:19).

The white stone, or stone of light relates to the use of stones as tickets of entry into the public events of the time. The message is one of admission, the believer is symbolically given a stone of light that bears either the Messiah’s unknown name or that of the believer and is an affirmation of the believer’s rightful entry into the Olam haba (World to come). This stone has been purchased on our behalf by the Messiah Yeshua.

It's important to note that no one except the believer who receives it (and God), knows what is written on the stone.
 
There is perhaps a connection between the stone of light mentioned here and the urim and tumim of the TaNaKh, which are named “lights” and “completions” respectively. These stones of light operated as a means of communicating direction to the High priest and the people of Israel in perplexing circumstances. Perhaps there is a sense in which the new name written on the stone of light and given to those who overcome in Messiah, also acts as a type of directing of identity in Him.

18 “And to the messenger of the body of believers in Thyatira write:
The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze, says this:

Thyatira means, “Odour.” This title may have derived from the fact that the town was known for its many trade guilds, perhaps some of those trades involved tanning and meat culling, resulting in a pungent odour. Regardless, the symbolic meaning is clear, the odour of sin was present in Thyatira.

Yeshua is Ha-Ben Elohim, the Son of God. The rightful King over all the earth. The present verse affirms the fact that Yeshua remains The Son of God even after His resurrection (Matthew 4:3).

His eyes like flames of fire symbolize refining judgement, sacrifice, fore vision, penetrating vision and a unity with the Shekinah. His feet glowing like bronze in a furnace symbolize the refining strength of the spreading Gospel, feet firmly planted on earth but intrinsically connected to the wisdom and purity of the heavens through the One Messianic King. (Daniel 10:6)

19 ‘I know your deeds, and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your deeds of late are greater than at first. 

Unlike the Ecclesia of Ephesus, the believers of Thyatira have retained their first/chief love and have surpassed even there first righteous acts.

20 But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, And she teaches and leads My servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.

There may well have been a literal woman named Jezebel who fellowshipped among the believers and claimed to be a prophetess (this is not the same as claiming to have the gift of prophecy, this claim is to the contrary a boast that equates the speaker with one of the prophets of the TaNakh. The irony here is that Yochanan, the writer of these words from Yeshua, is the true prophet of God in this context).

However, what is most likely is that the woman is being named after the Jezebel of the TaNakh who lead Ahab and Israel into idolatry and immorality and sought to eliminate completely the true worship of HaShem (1 Kings 16:30-33; 18:4, 13, 22; 2 Kings 9:22). Jezebel’s name means, “Chaste,” an ironic representation of the complete hypocrisy of the woman in question.

Like her namesake, this particular woman is leading the Ecclesia into sexual immorality and idolatry. These are abhorrent to God.
 
We note that the phrase, “you tolerate the woman Jezebel” reflects the prophet Elijah’s rebukes of Ahab and the people of Israel. The Thyatirans are being charged as enablers of sin. As far as God is concerned, those who enable sin in others are complicit, no matter how well meaning they may be.
 
Sadly, there are many Jezebels throughout the global Ecclesia today who are being enabled by their respective Ahabs. And the Ecclesia is largely silent, instead focusing on calling those with true prophetic voice “divisive!”

21 I gave her time to return, and she does not want to turn away from her immorality. 22 Behold, now, pay attention, I will throw her on a bed of sickness (Aramaic: ערסא arsa, Coffin), and those who commit adultery with her into great affliction, unless they turn away from her deeds. 

Yeshua has been gracious toward this woman, giving her time to turn back to Him, however, she has refused to do so and is therefore punished by sickness which will lead to death. The Aramaic text illuminates this meaning by using the word, ערסא arsa which means both bed and coffin.

Those who have engaged in her teachings and have committed similar sins under her guidance are being given an opportunity to repent immediately and avoid the affliction promised to those who continue in their sin.

23 And I will kill her children with pestilence, and all the assemblies will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds. 

Those given the opportunity to repent in the previous verses were believers who were swayed by Jezebel’s deception and drawn into her sin, where as those being called her, “children” are those who like her are instigators of the same deception, blood of her blood, both physically and metaphorically. Therefore, due to their wilful resistance toward God, they will suffer physical and spiritual death. Because God knows the end from the beginning it’s true to say that contrary to the popular evangelical aphorism, there is such a thing as an unredeemable person. One who willfully and perpetually resists God is by their own choosing and God’s foreknowledge, irredeemable.

The physical deaths of these wolves who have lived among the sheep, will act as a deterrent to others who would seek to harm the congregation. This is a show of God’s power like that of Acts 5, where Ananias and Sapphira are killed in the presence of the Holy Spirit as a manifest expression of the awesome holiness of God with us.

24 But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them—I place no other burden on you. 25 Nevertheless what you have, hold fast until I come.

Those who have maintained their relationship with God in righteousness are asked only to continue in the same way. They are like Elijah and the 7000 prophets preserved by God for Himself (1 Kings 19:18). They haven’t sought to “know the deep secrets of Satan,” which is a reference to the mystery religions that claimed secret access to the mysteries of the universe through an intimate knowledge of the dark angel Satan.

The irony here is that Yeshua is unveiling His mystery freely to all who would receive Him, Yeshua doesn’t require His followers to jump through hoops and perform foul rituals in order to know the truth, on the contrary, He reveals it freely to His bride as an engagement gift. This present Revelation utterly refutes the lies and so called mysteries of the evil one.

26 He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations; 27 and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to pieces, as I also have received authority from My Father; 

Yeshua says here that just as He has been given authority from the Father (as prophesied in Psalm 2, below), He will bestow ruling authority over the nations to His servants who overcome in Him.

1 Why do the nations rage, and the people ponder emptiness?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against HaShem, and against his anointed (people), saying,
3 Let us break what binds them apart, and throw away their cords from us.
4 He that sits in the heavens shall laugh: HaShem derides them.
5 Then shall He speak unto them in his wrath, and agitate them inwardly because of His burning anger.
6 Yet I have set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
7 I will declare the decree: HaShem has said unto me, “You are my Son; this day have I begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I shall give you the nations for your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
10 Be wise now therefore, O you kings: be instructed, you judges of the earth.
11 Serve HaShem with fear (Awe), and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.
 
–Tehillim/Psalm 2:1-12 [Author’s translation]

28 and I will give him the morning star. 

Yeshua offers the, “Morning Star” to those who overcome in Him. This is the planet Venus, the brightest star in the morning sky, and is symbolic of the Messiah. Ironically it was Bil’am who prophesied, “A star shall step forth from Jacob” (Numbers 24:17). This same phrase is used to refer to Messiah Yeshua in Revelation 22:16.
 
While Satan was a bright morning star (Isa. 14:12) and is now fallen and irredeemable, Yeshua is the bright morning star Who can redeem all who come to Him in faith.
 
The use of the morning star as a metaphor relating to both Yeshua and Satan does not infer a connection between the two anymore than the use of a lion as a metaphor used to describe both the Lion of Judah and the devil prowling like a lion infers a correlation between the two. These are simply metaphors, nothing more.

29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Ecclesia (all believers).’

As this chapter ends we are faced with the same choice, will we receive belief or embrace unbelief? Will we allow our Groom to unveil us, or will we demand a different suitor?

No one is as deaf as he who refuses to listen.
 
Copyright 2026 Yaakov Ben Yehoshua