Introduction
Revelation 2:12–29: Today’s reading includes the letters written to the congregations in Pergamum and Thyatira. As in yesterday’s reading, words of encouragement are paired with reproval. The reference to “Satan’s throne” in the city of Pergamum (verse 13) was probably a way of saying that the city was a center for emperor worship. References to Balaam (verse 14), the Nicolaitans (verse 15), and Jezebel (verse 20) indicate those who encouraged followers to participate in pagan festivals and eat food offered to idols. Antipas—the only martyr named in Revelation (verse 13)—was likely killed for refusing to participate in worshiping the emperor and thus intimidate other Christians into abandoning their faith.
Today’s Key Verse: Revelation 2:13b GNT
You are true to me, and you did not abandon your faith.
Read
12 “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
“This is the message from the one who has the sharp two-edged sword. 13 I know where you live, there where Satan has his throne. You are true to me, and you did not abandon your faith in me even during the time when Antipas, my faithful witness, was killed there where Satan lives. 14 But there are a few things I have against you: there are some among you who follow the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak how to lead the people of Israel into sin by persuading them to eat food that had been offered to idols and to practice sexual immorality. 15 In the same way you have people among you who follow the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Now turn from your sins! If you don’t, I will come to you soon and fight against those people with the sword that comes out of my mouth.
17 “If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches!
“To those who win the victory I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give each of them a white stone on which is written a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it.
18 “To the angel of the church in Thyatira write:
“This is the message from the Son of God, whose eyes blaze like fire, whose feet shine like polished brass. 19 I know what you do. I know your love, your faithfulness, your service, and your patience. I know that you are doing more now than you did at first. 20 But this is what I have against you: you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a messenger of God. By her teaching she misleads my servants into practicing sexual immorality and eating food that has been offered to idols. 21 I have given her time to repent of her sins, but she does not want to turn from her immorality. 22 And so I will throw her on a bed where she and those who committed adultery with her will suffer terribly. I will do this now unless they repent of the wicked things they did with her. 23 I will also kill her followers, and then all the churches will know that I am the one who knows everyone’s thoughts and wishes. I will repay each of you according to what you have done.
24 “But the rest of you in Thyatira have not followed this evil teaching; you have not learned what the others call ‘the deep secrets of Satan.’ I say to you that I will not put any other burden on you. 25 But until I come, you must hold firmly to what you have. 26-28 To those who win the victory, who continue to the end to do what I want, I will give the same authority that I received from my Father: I will give them authority over the nations, to rule them with an iron rod and to break them to pieces like clay pots. I will also give them the morning star.
29 “If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches!
Reflect
In today’s reading, what verses feature words of encouragement to these two churches? What verses deliver a message of reproval? What is promised to “those who win the victory” (verses 17, 26)?
Pray
Coming King, I seek to be your faithful servant and to stay true to your teachings. Guard me from straying from all you have taught me and keep me close in the shelter of your love and care. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Revelation 3:1–13: John writes a message to two more churches in Asia Minor.
