Pergamos means “marriage.” Between the years 313 and 580 the government forced everybody to practice Christianity. It was as if the church married the world. Christians gave up truth. The doctrine of Balaam encouraged Christians to include pagan parties and holidays in their religion. They gave these celebrations Christian names. Some of the Christians were faithful to honor the name of Jesus. Antipas was one of these, who was faithful to God and refused idolatry, so he was killed. The doctrine of the Nicolaitans introduced priests and pastors to rule over Christian assemblies. True Christians are called to repent and turn away from the doctrine of Balaam and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.
The last four churches, starting with Thyatira in the year 580, are all told about the coming of the Lord. The conditions in these four churches will remain until the Lord comes to take the church home to heaven.
The Lord compliments those in Thyatira for their faith, love and the good works they patiently did. But there was much the Lord did not like. Thyatira means “continual sacrifice.” People believe if they sin they will lose their salvation. So they go to Mass, do good works, get baptized, pray to Mary or other dead saints, go to confession, and pay some money to get rid of their sin. Then they do it all over again. This is their continual sacrifice. They don’t believe that Jesus did all the work for salvation. Jesus offered Himself as the one sacrifice to forever put away sin. A person who believes on Jesus can never be lost. The true believer will overcome these false doctrines and will go to be with Jesus, who is the morning star.
1. What was the name of the faithful martyr? __________ Revelation 2:___
2. Did Jesus like the doctrine of the Nicolaitans or did He hate it? __________ Revelation 2:___
3. Thyatira had five good things to compliment them on. What are they? __________ Revelation 2:___
4. How long were the faithful Christians in Thyatira told to hold fast? __________ Revelation 2:___
5. Jesus is coming soon. In this chapter He is called a star. What is the name of the star? __________ Revelation 2:___