Levels of meaning for Revelation 2-3:

•Local historical churches

•All churches through history

•To “each who has an ear”

•Prophetic of Church history

Seven elements in the letters:•Name of church and meaning•Title of Jesus – relates to theme•Things done well•Criticism•Exhortation to repent (if needed)•Promise to overcomer•Phrase: “each who has an ear”

Col 2:8, Mk 7:7-8

Tradition: teachings passed down

Revelation 2:18-29

Tolerate: permit or leave alone

476 1517

Constantine…

Constantine II,Constans, Constantius II

Julian the Apostate 360 AD

Tried to restore paganism to the empire

Plucheria

Last Western Emperor deposed

The Byzantine Empire

Rise of Islam

Charles the Great

Other highlights…

1. What should the relationship look like between the church and the state? What does the New Testament say about this relationship?

2. Like Ephesus, we can be zealous and orthodox, but lack in our devotion to Christ. Or, like Thyatira, we can love God but be tolerant of evil and invite God’s judgment. Both are admonished by Christ.

3. What is the final authority for faith and practice? Why? Where do you see traditions and customs usurping the bible’s authority today?