REVELATION IN

JEWISHCONTEXT

The Synagogue of Satan or is it?

IN THIS LECTURE:

1. Revelation Basic Facts

IN THIS LECTURE:

1. Revelation Basic Facts

2. Smyrna’s Synagogue of Satan

IN THIS LECTURE:

1. Revelation Basic Facts

2. Smyrna’s Synagogue of Satan

3. Satan’s Throne in Pergamum

Revelation: Basic Facts

1. Revelation is a traditional Jewish

Apocalypse. Like other books of the same

genre it inspires insiders using symbols,

heavenly visions and speaks in codes that

only the informed audience would

understand.

נ 50

ר 200

ו 6

נ 50

ק 100

ס 60

ר 200

666

Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six. (Rev 13:18)

6 And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus... I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns... 9 Here is the mind which has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits..." (Rev. 17:6-9).

Photo: Vespasian’s coin c. 71 CE with goddess Roma seated on 7 hills

2. Revelation is anti-Roman. It enters into polemics

and war with the gods of pagan Rome.

3. Revelation is a Real Letter. It is a public message to seven physical and historical assemblies in Asia Minor connected by the system of Roman roads (Rev. 1:4). To understand its contemporary message the book first must speak to them and issues of their day.

"I know your tribulation and your poverty... Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life... He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death." (Rev 2:9-11).

4. Revelation is a call to Persevere. Experiencing persecution at the hands of Roman authorities 1st century believers were tempted to compromise. Some of them gave into this pressure and were in real spiritual danger. They struggled to find their social and religious identity in the pagan environment. Roman values clashed with the embrace of Israel’s God and exclusive loyalty to him.

“…you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith... But I have a few things against you... repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth." (Rev 2:13-16)

5. Revelation is about John’s day.

The author says his visions will happen

“very soon” (Rev. 1:1, 22:6). We must

take this declaration seriously. If our

modern interpretation would make no

sense to John’s audience then we should

rethink our interpretation. Revelation was

supposed to bring comfort to some 1st

century believers but also a stern warning

of judgment to others.

"Those whom I love, I reprove and

discipline; therefore be zealous and

repent. Behold, I stand at the door

and knock..." (Rev 3:19-20)

Photo: Artemis of Ephesus

6. Revelation is also about future. In

Jewish thinking time is cyclical and

prophetic fulfilments of the same promises

may reoccur throughout history. They may

be fulfilled multiple times on various levels

throughout various ages until the end of

all things comes to its close.

“... and the dead were judged from

the things which were written in the

books, according to their deeds…

and Hades gave up the dead which

were in them... then death and Hades

were thrown into the lake of fire.”

(Rev 20:12-14)

Smyrna’s Synagogue

of Satan

8 “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write the following: “Thus says the one who is the first and the last, the one who was dead, but came to life: 9 ‘I know the distress you are suffering and your poverty (but you are rich)…” (Rev. 2:8-9)

8 “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write the following: “Thus says the one who is the first and the last, the one who was dead, but came to life: 9 ‘I know the distress you are suffering and your poverty (but you are rich)…” (Rev. 2:8-9)

The city of Smyrna was one of the three cities in Asia Minor, along with Ephesus and Pergamum, that competed for the status of being the greatest city of the region.

The name of the city itself translates as “myrrh” – an expensive fragrance. In the ancient times this was the chief expert of the city. Smyrna, like Ephesus, was a coastal city perfectly positioned for accumulating enormous wealth because of its port and central location on a trade route connecting all the other cities of the Roman province of Asia Minor.

The city was founded twice. Once as a Greek colony in Western Anatolia (around 1100 BCE) and after its total destruction was again returned to life and habitation under the regional administration of Alexander the Great (4th

century BCE).

The city was founded twice. Once as a Greek colony in Western Anatolia (around 1100 BCE) and after its total destruction was again returned to life and habitation under the regional administration of Alexander the Great (4th

century BCE).

Amazingly, out of all the seven cities mentioned in Revelation, only Smyrna survives today as an inhabited city. It is called Izmir and is located in western part of modern Turkey.

Perhaps because of Smyrna’s history as having died and come back to life, Jesus describes himself in similar way. He says he was also dead and came back to life.

Perhaps because of Smyrna’s history as having died and come back to life, Jesus describes himself in similar way. He says he was also dead and came back to life.

Jesus, the Heavenly Priest, who is able to sympathize, assured the congregation in Smyrna that he knew and understood the suffering and financial needs of this community.

Jesus’ message to his followers experiencing social and economic sanctions, isolation and stigma from the prosperous Jewish and Pagan residents of Smyrna – “in reality they are rich”. This idea that “things are not what they appear” surfaces often in Revelation.

9 ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. (Rev 2:9)

9 ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. (Rev 2:9)

The Greek text uses βλασφημία(blasphemia) which we understand as “speech or acts against God, or some outrageous speech in general”. In this case the speech is directed towards people, so a good translation is “slander”.

Slander is a deliberate act of speaking's falsehood, making denigrating statements about someone, ruining their reputation. The speech can be called blasphemous in a sense the it is against God in general. But who is doing this?

Slander is a deliberate act of speaking's falsehood, making denigrating statements about someone, ruining their reputation. The speech can be called blasphemous in a sense the it is against God in general. But who is doing this?

It is extremely important not to take a wrong turn at this moment, a turn away from reading Revelation as a document directed to followers of the Jewish Christ. The danger lies in forcing the 1st century Jewish text into later categories and systems that do not yet exist, not for John, not for the recipients of this letter.

The traditional commentary often sounds like this: The Christian Church at Smyrna suffered at the hands of the Jews. The Jews thought they were the people of God but were actually the representatives of Satan. Christians were now the People of God just as Jews once were. Why were these people said not to be the Jews then? The traditional explanation –“They were Jews ethnically, but they were not truly spiritual children of Abraham”.

After all Apostle Paul said, “A man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit” (Rom.2:29). The Christian Church was now the Israel of God, the “true circumcision” and “the true Jews,” who worshiped God through Christ Jesus according to Paul (allegedly).

After all Apostle Paul said, “A man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit” (Rom.2:29). The Christian Church was now the Israel of God, the “true circumcision” and “the true Jews,” who worshiped God through Christ Jesus according to Paul (allegedly).

The list of misconceptions and anachronisms present in such theological explanation of what really took place in the city of Smyrna is too long to go through.

Such scenario is often presented alongside the story of the martyrdom of Polycarp (bishop of Smyrna), a disciple of the Apostle John. Polycarp was offered life if he would publicly deny Jesus and call Emperor his Lord. Yet he said, “Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He has never done me wrong; how, then, can I blaspheme my King and my Savior!”

Such scenario is often presented alongside the story of the martyrdom of Polycarp (bishop of Smyrna), a disciple of the Apostle John. Polycarp was offered life if he would publicly deny Jesus and call Emperor his Lord. Yet he said, “Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He has never done me wrong; how, then, can I blaspheme my King and my Savior!”

The earliest manuscripts of Polycarp’s martyrdom stories are dated to the 10th century CE and come across as inspirational rather than historic. When compared to Eusebius’ account (Church History - 4th century CE) the differences between the stories are quite considerable.

Moreover, by the fifth century CE, Christ-followers had already developed what could be called Historic Non-Jewish (and often anti-Jewish) Christianity. Therefore, Eusebius should not be trusted, especially when it comes to Jewish topics. Eusebius’ version of Polycarp’s martyrdom may also be inaccurate.

Moreover, by the fifth century CE, Christ-followers had already developed what could be called Historic Non-Jewish (and often anti-Jewish) Christianity. Therefore, Eusebius should not be trusted, especially when it comes to Jewish topics. Eusebius’ version of Polycarp’s martyrdom may also be inaccurate.

We do not have any ideologically independent sources to confirm that Jews of Smyrna, as church documents claim, participated in the death of St. Polycarp.

Even in antiquity Eusebius was seen as writing for “rhetorical finish” and for the “praises of the Emperor” rather than the “accurate statement of facts.” (Socrates Scholasticus, 5th

century CE, Church History, Book 1.1). His historical methods were recognized by others to dwell somewhere between exact science and propaganda.

Even in antiquity Eusebius was seen as writing for “rhetorical finish” and for the “praises of the Emperor” rather than the “accurate statement of facts.” (Socrates Scholasticus, 5th

century CE, Church History, Book 1.1). His historical methods were recognized by others to dwell somewhere between exact science and propaganda.

We need to be able to read Revelation as a first century Jewish literary work and avoid borrowing insights from much later anti-Jewish theology of the church.

The overwhelming majority of Christian translations of Greek phrase - συναγωγὴ τοῦ σατανᾶ (sunagogeh tu satana) is a “synagogue of Satan.” This is a perfect example of ingrained anti-Jewish theological thought.

The overwhelming majority of Christian translations of Greek phrase - συναγωγὴ τοῦ σατανᾶ (sunagogeh tu satana) is a “synagogue of Satan.” This is a perfect example of ingrained anti-Jewish theological thought.

Synagogue is an inaccurate and inconsistent translation because the Greek word συναγωγὴ “synagogue” is not specifically Jewish in character, but rather general in meaning.

In Koine Judeo-Greek it equally described meetings and gatherings of Greeks and Pagans, religious or secular. If the context is obviously Jewish as in the gospels it is fine to translate it the word as Synagogue.

In Koine Judeo-Greek it equally described meetings and gatherings of Greeks and Pagans, religious or secular. If the context is obviously Jewish as in the gospels it is fine to translate it the word as Synagogue.

But here συναγωγὴ(sunagogeh) should be translated as a “congregation” or as “assembly” as we usually see in James 2:2.

Especially since the text clearly says that these are not really Jews. They only say they are such.

To a modern reader, however “synagogue” evokes strictly Jewish (vs. non-Jewish) context.

To a modern reader, however “synagogue” evokes strictly Jewish (vs. non-Jewish) context.

If we read these verses in the context of Polycarp being practically murdered by the Jews, we will not be able to see any alternative interpretation.

Still, Jesus says that those who slander his followers in Smyrna were dishonest about their Judean affiliation. They were actually “not Jews”. They only pretended to be Jews.

Still, Jesus says that those who slander his followers in Smyrna were dishonest about their Judean affiliation. They were actually “not Jews”. They only pretended to be Jews.

But if translations would say “assembly or congregation of Satan”, than someone may think this was a rival church! So the translators preferred to keep it Jewish and translate the word as “Synagogue”!

What if we put the “non-spiritual Jews” explanations aside and take Jesus’ words at their face value? What if the slanderers and blasphemers were indeed not Judeans at all? What if they were recent Roman converts to the Judean lifestyle who zealously fought Jesus-followers in Smyrna? The could even be anti-Jesus Roman God-fearers.

What if we put the “non-spiritual Jews” explanations aside and take Jesus’ words at their face value? What if the slanderers and blasphemers were indeed not Judeans at all? What if they were recent Roman converts to the Judean lifestyle who zealously fought Jesus-followers in Smyrna? The could even be anti-Jesus Roman God-fearers.

Historically-speaking this scenario is very possible. And besides, extreme religious zeal is the most common characteristic of new religious converts.

Epictetus, a pagan Stoic philosopher residing in Asia Minor roughly when Revelation was written said this:

“Why, then do you call yourself a Stoic, why do you deceive the multitude, why do you act the part of a Judean, when you are a Greek? Do you not know how each person is called a Judean, a Syrian, or an Egyptian? And when we see someone vacillating, we are accustomed to say, “He is not a Judean, but he is just pretending.”…

“…But when he takes up the state of mind of one who has been baptized and made a choice, then he is a Judean in both reality and name. So also we are falsely baptized, Judeans in word, but indeed something else, not in harmony with reason, far from applying the principles we profess, yet priding ourselves for being people who know them.” (Dissertations 2.9.19-21)

10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Rev 2:10)

10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Rev 2:10)

Jesus tells Smyrna to prepare for suffering yet ahead. The demonic powers warring with Israel’s God were behind the testing of these believers.

The number ten usually means fullness. So the ten day period of intense persecution most likely means some prolonged time. And if someone would be faithful even to the point of martyrdom, the crown of life would be granted to such person.

The number ten usually means fullness. So the ten day period of intense persecution most likely means some prolonged time. And if someone would be faithful even to the point of martyrdom, the crown of life would be granted to such person.

The very first martyr in Acts 7:54-60 was Στέφανος (stephanos) “Stephan” and his name in Greek is derived from the word for “wreath” or “crown”.

11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death’ (Rev 2:11)

11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death’ (Rev 2:11)

Jesus’ call for the assembly of Smyrna once again reminds people to do that which they hear. Christ assures that the “second death” would have no power over those who persevere. What that “second death” is becomes clear if we continue journeying through this fascinating book.

Satan’s Throne in

Pergamum

12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this: 13 ‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is… (Rev 2: 12-13a)

12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this: 13 ‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is… (Rev 2: 12-13a)

Pergamum prided itself with several elaborate temples dedicated to the Roman Imperial cult. This is Apollo’s throne from 1st century CE.

Pergamum was the former administrative capital of Asia Minor which was later moved to Ephesus. Pergamum was known for Roman patriotism expressed in religious devotion.

Pergamum was the former administrative capital of Asia Minor which was later moved to Ephesus. Pergamum was known for Roman patriotism expressed in religious devotion.

As most major Hellenistic cities, Pergamum had a theater, a stadium, a library and a healing center of Asclepius pictured here. The healing center (Asclepion) in Pergamum, considered to be the headquarters, was part of a very large network of healing centers throughout the Roman Empire.

For many years Galen, the most well-known physician in the Roman Empire and personal physician of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, worked in Pergamum Asclepion.

The Pergamum library was considered second only to the world-famous library in Alexandria. According to Plutarch it contained more than 200,000 volumes. Pergamum was an impressive Roman city.

Other than temples to emperors and even to the goddess Roma, the city held the high honor of hosting and maintaining a temple to Zeus – Father of all gods. In accordance with ancient Greek beliefs Zeus was the ruler of Olympians on Mt. Olympia. This statue of Zeus, who is closely associated with the Roman deity named Jupiter can bee seen in Istanbul Museum. Jupiter’s name literally means “heavenly father” god.

The altar to Zeus was one of the most impressive structures in Pergamum. The altar’s stairs, columns, and sculptured sides once stood forty feet (12 meters) high. Today, only the steps around the altar’s base can be seen.

This is a reconstruction of Zeus’ Altar at Izmir Museum (Smyrna). It shows how the sides of the altar were ornamented with marble panels depicting a mythical battle between Greek gods and rebellious giants, the sons of Mother Earth.

Many believe that this Altar of Zeus is what is the “throne of Satan” in verse 13. But naturally it is only am educated guess. Other possible candidates for the “throne of Satan” are the Asclepius cult headquarters and the complex of Imperial Roman cult in Pergamum.

In Roman antiquity, the image of a sword and especially a double-edged sword was highly symbolic. So, in this city, it can truly be said that it hosted the throne of Satan, the symbol of Roman Imperial authority and rule.

In Roman antiquity, the image of a sword and especially a double-edged sword was highly symbolic. So, in this city, it can truly be said that it hosted the throne of Satan, the symbol of Roman Imperial authority and rule.

Christ introduced himself to the assembly of the follows of Israel’s God in Christ as “the one who has the sharp two-edged sword.” If the above identification of the throne of Satan as the Roman imperial cult is correct, then it would make a perfect sense for Christ to be presented as someone with the authority of the double-edged sword.

…and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. (Rev 2:13b)

…and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. (Rev 2:13b)

Tradition says Apostle John ordained Antipas as the bishop of Pergamum and he was boiled alive in a bronze kettle that resembled a bull. (But no one knows how reliable this story really is given questionable date of other martyrologues).

We see that the martyrdom of Antipas had already taken place as Revelation was being written. It was still a fresh memory for the Christ-followers of Pergamum. Antipas most likely embraced death rather then offer a pagan sacrifice.

14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality. 15 So you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth. (Rev 2:14-16)

The teachings of Nicolaitans were already mentioned in Ephesus. The Hebrew word “nochal” means “we will eat” and Aramaic “nichila” means “let us eat”. It is possible that this name referred those who freely ate meat sacrificed to pagan deities. The Nicolaitans mentioned in vs. 15 are somehow connected with the evil of Balaam and Balak who had strategy to undermine Israel and seduce them into sin through worship Baal of Peor. The main attraction were the sexual orgies accompanied Baal worship and eating the sacrifices.

“While Israel remained at Shittim, the people began to play the harlot with the daughters of Moab. 2 For they invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. 3 So Israel joined themselves to Baal Peor, and the LORD was angry against Israel. 4 The LORD said to Moses, ‘Take all the leaders of the people and execute them in broad daylight before the LORD, so that the fierce anger of the LORD may turn away from Israel.’ 5 So Moses said to the judges of Israel, ‘Each of you slay his men who have joined themselves to Baal of Peor.’” (Num. 25:1-5)

The context of idolatry is not coincidental here. Christ called the assembly in Pergamum that tolerated those who both professed Christ and ate meat sacrificed to Roman gods, to repent. The King Messiah himself threatened them with his soon-approaching judgment, calling them to finally make a choice between the God of Israel and the gods of the Rome.

17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.’ (Rev 2:17)

17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.’ (Rev 2:17)

The one who hears is called to obey. Ancient Hebrew does not have an exact word for obedience. To hear someone in Hebrew means to listen and to obey him. He who obeys is described as conqueror and overcomer.

To this particular overcomer, Christ is promising something very special – hidden manna and a white stone with a new secret name. The first promise is a little easier to understand and to interpret than the second one. Manna is a symbol of God’s sustenance and provision for the people of Israel in the wilderness. Early Christ-followers were like the generation of Exodus in many ways, so the analogy makes sense.

Israelites came out of Egypt in obedience to God’s call, risking their own lives to go to a land they would only later be shown. And the Lord gave them strength and stamina to overcome all difficulties they faced. This characterized the-soon-to-be reality for Christ-followers in Pergamum. Jesus promised this miraculous sustenance to the one who obeys God’s words. This is why the one who obeys is also the one who overcomes.

As to the identity of the white stone, things are more complicated. Among the most-likely interpretations that may fit the context of Pergamum are the white stones which were given to the winners of Roman races. The white stone, inscribed with a personal name, presumably served as a pass to a prestigious banquet only attended by these victorious athletes.

While this is not a particularly Jewish cultural reference, we do know of many biblical examples of the use of Greco-Roman cultural references as illustrations for and by the Jews. For example, the Apostle Paul used many Roman sports metaphors to make his points (Phil. 3:12-14; 1 Cor. 9:24-27; 2 Tim. 4:6-8).

This kind of analogy closely matches the culture of the Roman city of Pergamum.

No doubt both Jewish and former pagans, were aware of this Hellenistic practice and of the elaborate banquets of honor for the overcomers (winners) of the race. Most followers of Jesus avoided sporting events because they included sacrifices and dedications to Roman gods.

No doubt both Jewish and former pagans, were aware of this Hellenistic practice and of the elaborate banquets of honor for the overcomers (winners) of the race. Most followers of Jesus avoided sporting events because they included sacrifices and dedications to Roman gods.

So Jesus tells them that they have not missed out on anything. The real race is the race dedicated to Israel’s God. Whoever perseveres in this race and overcomes will receive a pass into the heavenly banquet of eternal honor.

Another possible interpretation of the “white stone” comes from the Jewish world has to do with the priestly attire that already came up in the book of Revelation. The high priest’s robe had 12 stones with the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. One of the stones was actually white –Yahalom (it was stone number 6), signifying the 6th

son of Leah – Zebulun. What is important about Zebulun?

When Is. 9:1-7 is quoted in Matt. 4:15 it says: “In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan. The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned…

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called – Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.” (Matt. 4:15)

In this interpretation the sacred white stone - Zebulun is connected to the “Galilee of the nations”, affecting non-Jews residing in Galilee. This was the land given to Zebulun and according to the prophet even non-Jews would receive a great light through the birth of Jesus.

In this interpretation the sacred white stone - Zebulun is connected to the “Galilee of the nations”, affecting non-Jews residing in Galilee. This was the land given to Zebulun and according to the prophet even non-Jews would receive a great light through the birth of Jesus.

Salvation comes to Israel and overflows to the nations. Growing up in Natzeret, Jesus spent much of his time in Galilee. So many miracles took place there. Could the white stone, the yahalom on the breast of the High Priest of Israel point to Jesus? It is possible.

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IN JEWISH CONTEXT AND

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