The most common accusation made against followers of Christ is that of hypocrite: we say one thing but do another; our words are inconsistent with our actions. Such accusations are not unfounded: we inevitably will fail from time to time to live up to the perfect standard. The real problem is when we deliberately choose a lifestyle inconsistent with our profession of faith.

This church received praise for holding fast to Jesus Christ, his teachings and his name.  Jesus acknowledges that he has seen their works, knows they don’t have much strength, and yet they have persevered (v.8).  His encouragement to them was focused on condemnation for their enemies, and validating his love for them to those who may have been persecuting them (v.9).  He also describes how their patient faithfulness will save them from later suffering when the world is experiencing testing and trials (v.10).  Not only would this serve as encouragement for those believers, but it would have also served as a strong reminder of what they needed to continue doing in order to experience those promises!

Our hope is based, not on “cleverly devised tales,” but rather the testimony of “eyewitnesses of His majesty.” As such, our hope and lifestyle is not based on philosophy, as with other religions, but upon that which is factual and established by those who were there. This is extremely significant; “we have the prophetic word made more sure” (verse 19). As the saying goes, “you can go to the bank” on this; it is absolutely certain.

Sardis was a church full of barely believers who were just scratching the surface of what it means to be a Christian.  Full of people coming together and going through the motions, maintaining the look of a “good” church, and yet missing out on true spirituality and fellowship with Christ.  People who weren’t motivated by their love of Christ, or love of others, but rather by their desire to be viewed with the “Christian” label.  That is why Jesus calls this church to remember what they learned at first, Biblical truths of who he is and what the Kingdom will be, hold it fast, clinging to these truths with passion and deep love, and repent, because where they are is dangerous for their salvation (v.3).  Jesus uses the analogy of a thief coming at an unknown time because he knows this would be an image that resonates with this group of people, and he desperately wants to convey the urgency behind his words. 

Now getting into the praise Thyatira received:  The church here was doing good work, and it seems that they were improving in this throughout their existence too!  They are commended for their love, faith, service, and perseverance (v.19).  This was a group of active Christians who clearly cared deeply for their community.  They had a big focus on outreach and growth.  Both great things to aspire for!

Love can be fickle and transitory. We “love” certain foods, music, books, and activities, but our preferences may change. Even love for a spouse can change in that nearly half of all marriages end in divorce. But, the love instilled in God’s people has basis for permanence in that it is based upon something not “perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.” It is truly love that will endure because it is based, not on personal whim, but the living, enduring word of God.

In comparison with the church in Ephesus, Pergamum seems to be on the opposite end of the spectrum.  Ephesus struggled being too far away from their community to speak the truth in love, whereas Pergamum struggled to be set apart from the world and speak the truth at all.  

Faith is believing the unbelievable. An elderly man without natural child is given the outrageous promise of vast descendants. Audacious as the promise was, Abraham dared take God at His word.

From historical records, it has been concluded that a pastor at the church in Smyrna by the name of Polycarp, refused to worship Caesar and renounce the name of Christ.  Because of his choice, he was burned at the stake.  From these records, it is reported that when commanded to reject Christ, he stated “Eighty-six years have I served Him, and in nothing hath He wronged me; and how, then, can I blaspheme my King, who saved me?”.  From there, records indicate he was heard singing praises to the Son of God while being burned alive.  It seems Polycarp truly took the words of Jesus to heart, not fearing what he was suffering, and being faithful to the point of death.