Understanding the Message to Pergamos Let’s unpack this message to Pergamos so we can understand the promise to overcomers in its context. In the provincial capital, the Roman proconsul retained the “right of the sword.” In effect, this gave authorization to be...
Learning from Pergamos I grew up before gaming systems, streaming movies, and personal computers were in every house. There were no smart phones or tablets to mindlessly occupy my mind as a child. Instead, we had this novel approach: Use your imagination as you play...
Persecution and Promises In Smyrna itself, John highlights the persecution these believers will face. Because they live in a blasphemous society, they will be attacked from the “synagogue of Satan” as hated enemies of Rome. The promise of imprisonment and martyrdom...
Understanding Smyrna In John’s prophetic announcements to the seven churches in Asia Minor, he has first addressed Ephesus. In this section (2.8-11), he addresses the church at Smyrna. Looking at the map, it’s easy to see the ancient postal route. These seven churches...
Overcoming, Promise 3 “When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I’m feeling sad; I simply remember my favorite things and then I don’t feel so bad.”Oscar Hammerstein II Today, we begin to understand a promise made to the church at Smyrna over 2000 years ago. Yet,...
