The description of the elders in Revelation 4:4 shows that they are not angelic beings. The title “elders” in the Bible always is used for humans. In contrast to angels, who invariably stand in God’s presence, these elders sit on thrones. The white robes they wear are the attire of God’s faithful people (Rev. 3:4-5). The victory crowns (from … Continue reading –>
Starting in Revelation 4:1, Jesus invites John to come up to heaven to be shown a panoramic survey of history from his time until Christ’s return. Revelation 4:1-8, Ezekiel 1:26-28, and Revelation 5:11-14 describe heaven’s throne room. What do these verses teach us about the nature of the heavenly throne room? The apostle looked through the open door into … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Revelation 4:1-11, Ezek. 1:5-14, Revelation 5:1-14, Eph. 1:20-23, Heb. 10:12, Acts 2:32-36. Memory Text: “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals” (Revelation 5:5, NKJV). Last week, we looked at Christ’s messages to His people on earth. Now … Continue reading –>
By Gorata Obonetse One day, a Seventh-day Adventist literature evangelist showed up at our door in Botswana. My mother was interested and bought three books by Ellen G. White: “Messages to Young People”, “The Desire of Ages”, and a King James Bible with “The Great Controversy.” Soon she started attending an Adventist church and was … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “The Revelation”, pages 578-592, in The Acts of the Apostles. The seven messages to the churches show spiritual decline in the seven churches. The church in Ephesus was still faithful, although it had lost its first love. The churches in Smyrna and Philadelphia were largely faithful. Pergamum and Thyatira compromised more and … Continue reading –>
The last church addressed by Jesus was in Laodicea, a wealthy city situated on a major trade road. It was famous for its woolen manufacturing industry, its banks (which held a vast quantity of gold); and a medical school which produced eye salve. The prosperity of Laodicea filled its citizens with self-sufficiency. Around A.D. 60, … Continue reading –>
The sixth church addressed by Jesus was Philadelphia (meaning “brotherly love”). The city was located on an imperial trade road and served as the gateway – an “open door” – to a large, fertile plateau. Excavations indicate that Philadelphia was a center to which people came for health and healing. Shaken by frequent earthquakes, the … Continue reading –>
Sardis had a glorious history. But by the Roman period, the city had lost its prestige. While the city was still enjoying wealth, its glory was rooted in its past history rather than in present reality. The ancient city had been built on top of a steep hill and was nearly impregnable. Because the citizens … Continue reading –>
In comparison with other cities, Thyatira had no political or cultural significance that we know of. Furthermore, the church was obscure. In order to run a business or have a job, people in the Roman Empire had to belong to trade guilds. Thyatira was especially noted for enforcing this requirement. Guild members had to attend … Continue reading –>
Smyrna was a beautiful and wealthy city but also was a center of mandated emperor worship. Refusing to comply with this mandate could lead to the loss of legal status, to persecution, and even to martyrdom. Read Revelation 2:8-11. How does the way Jesus presents Himself to this church relate to the church’s situation? What was … Continue reading –>
