written by
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Clicking on these links will move you down this web page) | |
|
My Index to Revelation Scroll Number Five
The Pastor of the Church at Thyatira A Brief History of the Ancient City of Thyatira | |
Why is this the fifth scroll of Revelation? The Lord ordered the Apostle John to write to
the angel of the church at Thyatira
(Revelation 2:18). John was an obedient Overcomer to God in writing this scroll in regards to
God's command to him. According to John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible in 1887,
"Who was the angel, or pastor of this church at the writing of this epistle, is not
certain- however, it is designed for all the ministers and churches in the interval this
church represents..."
Lydia, the Apostle Paul's first convert in Europe at Philippi (a Macedonian city), came from
Thyatira. She was a seller of cloth dye that was brilliant red (purple). Her and her household
were converted and baptized by Paul
(Acts 16:12-15). They eventually became a part of the first church in Thyatira.
This Revelation scroll is a unique work by God the Holy Spirit through His Apostle, John. The information and messages in it and the scriptures it points to are for the spiritual benefit, encouragement, guidance, and blessings of those Overcomers who study it. That is why it is a blessing for each Overcomer who studies it (Revelation 1:3). Each Revelation scroll was written separately and each one was delivered to the church(es)- one at a time. If we consider each complete scroll to be a book then there are twelve independent books placed together to make one complete book (Revelation 1:11). Each scroll must be evaluated and studied separately because each one contains spiritual insight(s) and messages necessary for our spiritual growth and maturity. This is the way Revelation was written and how it is to be studied. Jesus Christ is lifted up in each scroll showing that He is God and is the only way to Heaven. Sometimes, God speaks truth in one scroll and then repeats this same truth in another scroll or more. A good Teacher often repeats a truth so the hearers will understand it. That is the way it is in the bible book of Revelation. If one truth is revealed in more than one scroll, then I try to mention where it is listed in all of the relevant scrolls. And, sometimes, if the same truth is also mentioned in other scrolls of the Bible, other than Revelation, I try to mention it with its reference. I can imagine that most Overcomers in the first century church waited expectantly and patiently for the next edition (the next Revelation scroll) to be written and come to them. The Apostle John was a senior citizen so it took some time for him to write each one, under inspiration- so the receiving Overcomers had to be patient until the next one arrived- and I am sure a lot of prayer went up for John on his behalf in this endeavor. This Revelation scroll was not written in the western culture, rather, it was written in the eastern culture in apocalyptic style. As such, the words and names in each verse may have significant spiritual impact and meaning that are intended to draw the reader's attention to other parts of the Word of God. Therefore, one purpose of this scroll is as an index to some scriptures in other parts of God's inspired word. That is how I see it so I share in this work some of those scriptures. That way I let God interpret the bible book of Revelation as He sees fit. All I do is what the early church did with this scroll- to look into the word of God to see what God has for each Overcomer. All these things happened to them as examples- as object lessons to us- to warn us against doing the same things- they were written down so that we could read about them and learn from them in these last days as the world nears its end (1 Corinthians 10:11 The Living Bible). In each scroll of this bible book, I believe God can make relevant His word to each reader in a personal way. Therefore, I try to let God interpret His own word- He does not need me to do that for Him. That is why I try to limit any commentary of my own and why I try to limit my own relevant ideas, nor use summaries or conclusions. In the writing of this book I have used many resources. Sometimes I referred to the original Greek language. Other times I have used a number of paraphrased editions and translations. And, at other times, I have used my own paraphrase to make things more easy to understand. More light and truth is always available to earnest seekers of God's word. As mentioned before, God promises a blessing to those who study, believe, and apply all that is contained in the twelve scrolls of Revelation (Revelation 1:3). |
Besides prophecy, and other things, the Bible book of Revelation is an index to other Biblical scriptures. I challenge each of God's Overcomers to study the scriptures in this distinct section diligently. What is God teaching His Overcomers through the study of these scriptures? What all important truth does God want each of His Overcomers to know? Jesus said- ...you make search in the holy scriptures, in the belief that through them you get eternal life- and it is those scriptures that give witness about Me (John 5:39). So my question is this- how can one apply what he has learned here to his life? And will one influence others with these truths? |
|
As of January 7, 2024
The Pastor of the Church at Thyatira
