The Church at Ephesus

 

By Wayne Jackson
     The cause of Christ was planted in Ephesus when Paul came to that city during the course of his third missionary journey. There, he encountered twelve men who had known only the baptism of John the Baptist (having received that ordinance after its expiration). Accordingly, Paul instructed them more precisely in the gospel, and immersed them “into the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19:5), which was the equivalent of being baptized “for the remission of sins” (cf. Acts 2:38).     Interestingly, later, when the apostle penned a letter to the Ephesian church, he reminded these Christians that they had been saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8). A comparison of these complementary passages reveals that salvation by grace through faith does not exclude baptism; rather, it includes it. Thus, beside Ephesians 2:8, in your margin, note: See Acts 19:5 — baptism included.     Some forty years after the commencement of the Ephesian congregation, Jesus issued a letter to these people (Rev. 2:1-7). He commended them for many remarkable qualities. They were obedient, energetic, enduring, sound in doctrine, and untiring. But they had a problem — these disciples had left their “first love” (v. 4).     One is reminded of an admonition given to Jerusalem by the prophet Jeremiah. He encouraged those ancient saints to reflect upon the “love of your betrothal” (2:2). Unfortunately, love sometimes pales — and such was the situation at Ephesus.     Underline “first love” in 2:4, and marginally note: See Jeremiah 2:2. The Lord then encouraged these brethren to repent, and “remember from where you have fallen” (v. 5). The word “fallen” is interesting. It can denote a flower that has withered (Jas. 1:11; 1 Pet. 1:24), or a ship out of control (Acts 27:17,26).     Regardless of other admirable qualities, without love one is withered and void of controlled direction. Circle “fallen” and enter these references in your margin.SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Acts 19:5; Acts 2:38; Ephesians 2:8; Revelation 2:1-7; Jeremiah 2:2; James 1:11; 1 Peter 1:24; Acts 27:17, 26  

- This article written by the late Wayne Jackson, one of our great preachers, authors, and students of the Bible is provided as part of a series on the seven churches of Asia in Revelation by the Great Smoky Mountains Church of Christ in Pigeon Forge, TN. Dale J. Babinsky serves as their minister and may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://gsmchurchofchrist.com/

The City of Smyrna

 

By Dale J. Babinsky     Another of the important cities of Asia Minor is the city of Smyrna. Smyrna sat on the western coast of Asia, about sixty miles north of Ephesus, and is the modern day city of Izmir, currently in the country of Turkey. It appears that Smyrna was inhabited some 3,000 years prior to the birth of Christ. The city flourished for a time until it was destroyed by the ancient Lydians from Sardis sometime in the 7th century BC. The city lay in ruins until 334 BC, when it was rebuilt in an area further south of its original location by Alexander the Great through the Seleucids.     The citizens of Smyrna, perhaps seeing the hand writing on the wall, gave allegiance to the upstart Roman Empire in 195 BC. This allowed the city to flourish once again economically. As part of their allegiance to Rome, a temple was built to honor Rome as a deity. Later, another temple would be built in AD 26 in which the Roman Emperor would be honored. The city would become the center of Emperor worship that would plague the early church later towards the end of the first century during the reign of Domitian. Near the city is Mt. Pagos, and the citadel that sits at the top of the mountain was known as the crown of Smyrna. Ancient Smyrna was the birthplace of Homer, and was also important as the place of death of Polycarp in AD 155.     Very little is said or known about Smyrna from a Biblical perspective aside from the mention of the church there within the book of Revelation. It is interesting that Christ identifies Himself as He who was dead, but now lives to the church in Smyrna. This may be a play on words due to the fact that Smyrna was dead for some 300 years before it was rebuilt under Alexander.     It is also noted in Revelation that there is a synagogue of Satan in Smyrna, which may be a reference to the temple for the emperor cult of Rome. The church of Smyrna was one of only two churches that did not receive any condemnation by Christ in the Revelation. Although they are suffering persecution and poverty, Christ denotes how they are actually rich because of their obedience to Him. They were to have more tribulation for a time period, but were encouraged to remain faithful unto death in order to receive the crown of life. This may also be a play on words referring to the citadel known in Smyrna as the crown.

- Dale J. Babinsky preaches for the Great Smoky Mountains Church of Christ in Pigeon Forge, TN. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://gsmchurchofchrist.com/

The City of Pergamos

 

By Dale Babinsky      Pergamos, also called Pergamum was a major city in the Roman province of Asia and was located approximately 50 miles north of Smyrna and was about 15 miles from the sea.  The city was built on a hill that stood out 1,000 feet above the plains around it.  Perhaps because of the height of the city compared to the surrounding area, it became a center of pagan worship with altars and temples built to four pagan gods.  Of these were Zeus, Dionysus, Athena, and Asclepius.  It is speculated that the reason that Pergamum is called the place where Satan’s throne is located may be due to these pagan altars.  However, the real reason for Christ referring to Pergamum as the place of Satan’s throne in the book of Revelation (2:13), seems likely to be because Pergamum was the center of the cult of emperor worship in the time of Domitian.      Because of its natural position of strength being elevated over the surrounding plains, Pergamos became a logical place for the storage of wealth.  Sometime after the death of Alexander the Great, the city achieved splendor during the reign of Attalus I (241-197 BC).  He defeated the Gauls in the area and formed an alliance with Rome.  Pergamos became associated with Hellenistic culture, many theaters, temples and a library.  Later, Pergamum became the first city in Asia to request permission to worship the Roman Emperor during the reign of Augustus in 29 BC.  This likely led to it being the place where Satan’s throne is located, referring to the worship of the emperors that would escalate in the reign of Domitian.  Pergamum is the modern day city of Bergama in Asiatic Turkey.      In Scripture, Pergamos is only mentioned in the book of Revelation.  Christ states that some of them were holding to the doctrine of Balaam, which may mean that they were willing to compromise with paganism and/or emperor worship.  They also had those who held to the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which was condemned.  The church at Pergamos also received some commendation for holding fast to the name of Christ even in the face of persecution and death.  It would appear that Antipas was martyred here, perhaps because the throne of Satan, the center of emperor worship, was in Pergamum.

- Dale J. Babinsky preaches for the Great Smoky Mountains Church of Christ in Pigeon Forge, TN. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://gsmchurchofchrist.com/

The City of Thyatira

 

By Dale Babinsky     The city of Thyatira was founded during the Lydian kingdom, and it was located in a low lying area to the East of Pergamum. Following the death of Alexander, the city was captured by one of his generals, Seleucus. After the formation of the kingdom of Pergamum in 282 BC, the city was on the border between this kingdom and the Syrians. While not a strategic geographic structure, the city was well defended due to the strength of its inhabitants, who were mostly descendants of Macedonian soldiers. After the defeat of Antiochus by the Romans in 189 BC, Thyatira became a part of the kingdom of Pergamum and eventually a part of the Roman Empire. The city became known for its manufacture of bronze armor and textiles.     The fame of the city is of interesting note. Lydia, who was one of the women that Paul converted in Philippi, was from Thyatira. She was noted as a seller of purple fabrics (Acts 16:14-15, 40). Even in modern times the area is known for the purple dye that comes from the madder root. Today, the color is referred to as ‘Turkey red.’ The descriptions that are used in Revelation in the section pertaining to Thyatira also demonstrate the commerce of the city. Jesus is said to have eyes like flames of fire and feet like fine brass. As the manufacturers of bronze/brass armor, the people would immediately think of the metal foundries and furnaces. It is also possible that the term ‘fine brass’ may have referred to their specific wares. Later in describing the reward for those in Thyatira who remain faithful, Christ makes an allusion to them ruling with an iron rod that dashes to pieces the vessels of pottery. This is likely an allusion to the pottery that was also a part of the commerce of Thyatira.     Thyatira seems to have been improving in that their latter works were greater than their first, but they have a problem in that they are tolerating a woman who was teaching some to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to the many idols of the area. This woman, called Jezebel, may have held to the doctrines of the Nicolaitans, who were all for combining pagan practices with Christianity. Christ has given her time to repent and now says that if they do not take care of the problems with this woman, He will. He is putting no other burden on Thyatira other than taking care of this misleading woman. Today, the town of Akhisar, Turkey stands on the same site as ancient Thyatira.

- Dale J. Babinsky preaches for the Great Smoky Mountains Church of Christ in Pigeon Forge, TN. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://gsmchurchofchrist.com/

Sardis

 

By Dale J. Babinsky      Sardis was a city in Asia Minor located on the Aegean coast, and was about 60 miles to the west of Laodicea and 60 miles east of Smyrna.  The city was built above the Hermus valley and sat on a mountainside 1,500 feet above the plain.  It was practically surrounded by dangerous cliffs and strong walls, and the people of Sardis felt very secure in their fortress.  The city was the capital of the Lydian Empire, and was renowned for its gold from the adjacent Pactolus River.  Thus the people were wealthy and overconfident.  During the time of Krossus, who was their king, the city was conquered by Cyrus of Persia in 546 BC.  Cyrus’ army scaled the treacherous mountainside under the cover of darkness and surprised Sardis, as their watchmen were asleep and unaware of the pending attack.  Centuries later, a similar event occurred when again the guards were asleep at their post and the city fell to Antiochus Epiphanes in 213 BC.  The city was later annexed by Rome in 133 BC.  Most of Sardis was destroyed by an earthquake in AD 17.  The city was rebuilt in the plain during the reign of Tiberius.  There was a large planned temple to Artemis that was to be built here.  The temple was later divided in two to allow for a temple to the Roman emperor in the second century AD.      In the book of Revelation Sardis is referred to as a ‘dead’ church, perhaps in light of their history of sleeping watchmen.  Christ tells them that they have a name and think that they are alive, but that they are ready to die if they do not improve.  They are instructed to ‘be watchful’ and strengthened (3:2).  They are told to ‘hold fast,’ another military term (3:3).  Jesus says that if they will not watch, that He will come on them like a thief in the night, which had to conjure memories of their past history and the defeats to Cyrus and Antiochus III.  He points out that there are some who have not been defiled, who will walk with Him in white garments.  This is perhaps in reference to the luxury clothing trade that the city was also well known for.  It is interesting to note that the church in Sardis seems to have taken on so much of the personality of the people in that they seem to be resting upon past achievements and failing to provide a proper watch for those who would spoil them.

- Dale J. Babinsky preaches for the Great Smoky Mountains Church of Christ in Pigeon Forge, TN. https://gsmchurchofchrist.com/

The City of Philadelphia

 

By Dale Babinsky     The city of Philadelphia was founded around 140 BC by Attalus II, who was the brother of Eumenes the King of Pergamum. Or, perhaps the city was founded by Eumenes himself. Because of his devotion to his brother, Attalus was also referred to as Philadelphus, and the city was named for him. The city was situated in a large valley at the entrance to a very fertile plateau, which was important in the city’s commerce of grape and wine production. The city was also known for its many pagan temples and religious festivals. It seems that the founders intended for the city to be a Greek cultural center to help with the spread of Greek culture to the inhabitants of Phrygia and the surrounding region. Frequent earthquakes were the norm for this region, and indeed a rather severe earthquake in AD 17 destroyed the city of Philadelphia along with Sardis. Tiberius, the Roman Emperor at the time granted the city some tax and disaster relief enabling the rebuilding process to take place.     It is interesting to note that the church in Philadelphia seems to have taken on some of the characteristics of Philadelphus. He was said to be loyal to his brother, and in the church of Philadelphia, the members show a loyalty to Christ and His cause. The city was near the entrance to a prosperous, fertile plateau, and the church is often referred to as the church of the open door, being entrance to a grand eternal realm. The church at Philadelphia has this open door because they still have a little strength, they have not denied the name of Christ even in the Roman persecution, and they have kept the word of Christ (Rev. 3:8).     This is the second location to which Christ mentions a synagogue of Satan. It is not as clear as to this reference in Philadelphia as it was for Smyrna. Perhaps this is in reference to the many pagan temples. The church in Philadelphia receives no condemnation from the Lord, but they are commended for what they have done. They are encouraged to hold fast to their crown, so that no one will take it. They are further encouraged with the knowledge that they will be spared from further trial and persecution, which Rome was bringing upon the whole world. The one who overcomes would be a pillar in the temple of God. This seems to be in reference to the frequent earthquakes (a pillar is a strong support), and a contrast to the many pagan temples that they have resisted in order to be in the temple of God.

- Dale J. Babinsky preaches for the Great Smoky Mountains Church of Christ in Pigeon Forge, TN. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://gsmchurchofchrist.com/

The Church in Laodicea

By Dale Babinsky     Laodicea was a city located in the southwestern portion of the region of Phrygia within Asia Minor. It was founded by Antiochus II of the Seleucid dynasty in the 3rd century BC. He named the city Laodicea in honor of his first wife, Laodice. The city was not far from Hierapolis and Colossae and was an important city on the cross roads running from Ephesus and Miletus in the west to Antioch of Syria and the Euphrates river valley in the east and to Pergamum in the north. This position helped to make Laodicea a prosperous commercial enter, especially after it is taken over by the Roman Empire after 133 BC. The city suffered a major earthquake in AD 60, but due to the wealth of the city refused aid from Rome and rebuilt the city themselves.     The city of Laodicea became a major center of banking and was rich in monetary wealth. There was also a thriving textile industry, specializing in a black glossy wool fabric. In addition, the city was well known for medicine and ophthalmology. They produced some sort of eye powder, which was thought to have originated with mud deposits from the hot springs near Hierapolis. Because the city was some six miles from its water source, which was the hot springs in Hierapolis, when the city’s water supply arrived it was neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm. The heavy lime deposits in the aqueduct system show this to be the case. Thus, the drinking water in Laodicea would not have been ideal.     Laodicea is mentioned several times in Paul’s letter to the Colossians, although it is stated that Paul had not visited the city. It is possible that the gospel reached the city by the hand of Epaphras, whom Paul says has a great zeal for the people here and in Colossae (Col. 4:12-13). Paul tells the church in Colossae to share their letter with the Laodiceans and that they will also receive a letter coming from Laodicea. Since there is no letter from Paul to the Laodiceans, it is speculated that this may be the Ephesian letter being circulated around Asia Minor.      The comments made to Laodicea in the Revelation do not paint a good picture of the status of the church in this community. Like the city itself, the church in Laodicea feels that it is rich, self-sufficient, and in need of nothing. They think that they are rich, but Christ upbraids them for really being poor. They think that they are in good shape because of their textile industry, but Christ points out that they are naked, spiritually speaking. They have this wonderful eye powder, but Jesus calls them blind. As Jesus had noted in the gospel accounts, those who are rich in this world often have a difficult time seeing the need for spiritual things. Christ wishes that they were either hot or cold, but because they are lukewarm, He will vomit them out of His mouth. This is likely in reference to the water supply for Laodicea in comparison to the surrounding cities. Hierapolis had hot springs, good for bathing and soaking. Colossae had cold springs, good for drinking. Lukewarm water was good for neither.     Laodicea is the only church of the seven in Revelation that receives no commendation at all. They do have an opportunity to return to the Lord, however. Jesus instructs them to come to Him to find refined gold (reference to banking) that they may be rich indeed, white garments (reference to their textile industry) that they may be clothed and not naked and ashamed, and so He can anoint their eyes with salve (reference to their medicinal eye powder) so that they can see. They may think that they have need of nothing, but Christ tells them that they have need of everything, which only He can offer.

- Dale J. Babinsky preaches for the Great Smoky Mountains Church of Christ in Pigeon Forge, TN. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://gsmchurchofchrist.com/