Introduction

A. Chapter one introduces the book,

the writer and Jesus as the one in the
midst of his churches.
B. 1:1 The writer: John the apostle,
the brother of James.
3:17; John 9:54).

Introduction
JOHNS HISTORY

Dads name: Zebedee.

Life History: They both left their father

and family fishing business to become full

time followers of Jesus Christ.

Introduction

Initial Reputation: Hot Tempered.

Jesus early on dubbed them the sons of

thunder, (Mark 3:17; John 9:54).
Over time both men became more like
Jesus, and John became known as The
disciple whom Jesus loved. Johns
brother James was beheaded by Herod
Agrippa I in 44 A.D. (Acts 12:1-2).

Introduction

Later Reputation:

John cared for Mary (John 19:25-27).

Historians tell us that in time John moved
to Ephesus, taking Mary with him and
caring for her until her death.
Paul the apostle, with the help of Priscilla
& Aquila, planted the church at Ephesus

Some History here:

Introduction

By the time John wrote the book of

Revelation, he was the last survivor of
the 12 apostles.
He had provided leadership to the
churches of Asia Minor for almost 30
years.

Some History here:

Introduction

As a result, his voice carried more weight

than anyone else in the region, as well as
the entire Christian world.
Believers all over the Roman empire were
suffering persecution, and facing great
temptation in a very pagan culture.

Introduction

Verse 9: SUFFERING
The word for suffering here is thlipsis
Used to describe events that make
one feel:
Trapped, Pinned to the wall, unable
to move or negotiate a way out of
your circumstance.

Verse 9: SUFFERING

Introduction

John was commissioned by

Jesus Christ, he had patient
endurance through the
trials he faced.

Introduction

Verse 9: WAS ON THE ISLAND OF

PATMOS
ginomai,

conveys a sense of shock

or surprise, something that
happened unexpectedly.

Introduction

Verse 9: WAS ON THE ISLAND OF

PATMOS

John was saying In a way I

could have never expected,
predicted, or anticipated, I
came to find myself on the
island of Patmos.

Verse 9:
Patmos:

Introduction

24 miles off the coast of

modern day Turkey (ancient
Asia Minor).
60 miles from ancient city of
Ephesus.
10 miles long & 6 miles wide.

Verse 9:
Patmos:

Introduction

A prison where the Roman

government sent its most
dangerous political offendersmurderers, thieves, rapists,
insurrectionists. The
Alcatraz of the first century.

Verse 9:
Patmos:

Introduction

John was sent there by the

emperor Domitian, his crime
being faith in Jesus Christ and
proclaiming that faith openly
and publicly.

Introduction

Verse 9:
Patmos:
Early church leaders such as
Irenaeus, Eusebius, & Jerome
wrote that John was banished
from Ephesus when Domitian was
in his fourteenth year as ruler.

Verse 9:
Patmos:

Introduction

This would mean John arrived

on Patmos in A.D. 95.
He was in his nineties!

Hmmmm!

Introduction

Verse 9:

John outlived many &

dies a natural death.
WHY?

Thoughts about Gods will for individuals.

YOU! YOU! YOU!

Hmmmm!

Verse 9:

Introduction

What does this say about

Gods will for individuals.
YOU! YOU! YOU!
Ehh!

Verse 9:

Introduction

Gods will for his life had his

personal finger print alone.
See John 21:18-24a.
The manner of your death is
determined by Jesus Christ.

Verse 9:
1:10-11
The Lords day is the translation of
a Greek word that was used
primarily to describe the
Emperors Day. The first day of
each month was a day when the
ruling Roman emperor was
especially honored.

Verse 10-11:

This means that Jesus chose to reveal

himself to John on the very day that the
entire Roman Empire was celebrating the
supposed deity of Domitian. So while the
whole world was worshipping a fraudulent
and evil ruler, the King of kings and Lord of
Lords stepped into the forsaken place
where John was exiled and revealed
Himself in all His glory.

1:12 Seven golden lampstands.

In verse 20 we are told these lampstands are the seven
churches.
They are golden because, in Gods eyes, his people are
valuable, precious & pure.
Hebrews 10:14by one sacrifice he has made perfect
forever those who are being made holy.
1:13a son of man was a Messianic title John was very
familiar with. It comes from Daniel 7:13, where Messiah is
seen coming with the clouds of heaven at the end of the age.
He approaches the Ancient of Days and was given authority,
glory and sovereign power. All peoples, nations, and men of
every language worshipped him. His dominion is an
everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his
kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

1:13b Priestly robe

Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who

is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we
have one who has been tempted in every way, just as
we are yet was without sin.
Hebrews 7:24-25because Jesus lives forever, he
has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to
save completely those who come to God through him,
because he always lives to intercede for them.

1:13c It was customary for kings in the ancient world to wear large
belts fashioned of gold and positioned high up on their chests. This
allowed the kings royal robe to flow more freely. A belt made of pure
gold would only be worn by a king with immense wealth, power, and
authority.
1:14a Daniel 7:9 As I looked thrones were set in place, and the Ancient
of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his
head was white like wool Purity, holiness, without spot or wrinkle or
any other blemish.
Repeatedly God told Israel that whenever they offered a lamb for the
Passover sacrifice, it was to be without blemish. I Peter 1:18-19 For you
know it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you
were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from
your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without
blemish or defect. Eph.5:27to present her to himself as a radiant
church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish

1:14b Eyes like blazing

fire - Penetrating scrutiny

Hebrews 4:13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from Gods

sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes
of him to whom we must give account. He not only sees us
when we sin, he sees us when we suffer.

1:15a Feet like bronze glowing in a

furnace Divine judge
II Thess.1:4-10

1:15b Voice was like the sound of

rushing waters

Psalm 29:3ff The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the
God of glory thundersthe voice of the Lord is powerful; the
voice of the lord is majestic. The voice of the Lord breaks the
cedars; the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanonthe
voice of the lord strikes with flashes of lightning. The voice
of the lord shakes the desertthe voice of the Lord shakes
the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry,
Glory!

1:16a Verse 20 will tell us that the seven stars are the
messengers, or pastors of the seven churches.
1:16b Romans had many types of swords, but none were as
feared as the rhomphaia. Its two-edged blade was so razor
sharp that it could cut through most armor.
1:17a John had seen & heard Jesus many times in his life,
but never before like this.
Even the Mt. of Transfiguration experience pales in
comparison. This appearance of Jesus is so awesome and
overwhelming that John falls to his feet as though dead.

1:17b-18 The First and the Last is similar to the Alpha and
Omega. Christ was assuring John that everything in the world
was under His control, that nothing had taken Him by
surprise. The word for behold is packed with explosive
feelings of shock and wonder. It could also be translated
Wow-imagine that! or Isnt it amazing!
Jesus holds the keys to death and the grave. This would have
been especially encouraging to John. He has been through
many trials, and as a seasoned saint now in his nineties is
having to endure perhaps his most severe trial yet,
imprisoned on the Alcatraz of the ancient world.

The Greek tense for Jesus telling John to not be afraid

conveys redundancy, implying that Jesus repeatedly said to
John Dont be afraid.
That helps me greatly to see Johns humanity. He was just
like us. Ah, but while he is just like us, Gods will for his life
had his personal finger print alone. See John 21:18-24a.
There is a general will of God for all believers
I Thess.5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is
Gods will for you in Christ Jesus.
I Thess.4:3 It is Gods will that you should be sanctified:
that you should avoid sexual immorality.
I Peter 2:15 For it is Gods will that by doing good you
should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.
Matthew 28:19-20

There is a personal will of God that has my fingerprint alone

John 21:18-24a Johns brother James was beheaded; John
the Baptist died in jail, while Peter was miraculously
released (Acts 12);
May be challenging to accept In a way I could have never
expected, predicted, or anticipated, I came to find myself on
the island of Patmos. Trapped, pinned to the wall, unable
to move or negotiate a way out of your circumstance. It
may be perplexing
II Cor.4:8-9 We are hard pressed on every side, but not
crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not
abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

o Can create doubts about God

John the Baptist (Luke 7:18-19) Psalm 73:1-4, 12-16; Jer.12:1

o May be painful

Pauls thorn in the flesh II Cor.12:7a thorn in my flesh, a messenger

of Satan, to torment me. Same word used as in Matt.26:67 for them
striking Jesus with their fists, which is literally what the word
means.

o Can involve miraculous healing and/or

deliverance

o Can involve miraculous healing and/or

deliverance, then later suffering and/or
death.

Peter was delivered from prison in Acts 12 but would one day die as a martyr.
Usually not revealed in advance John 21 Jesus told Peter he would one day die a
martyrs death, but only said when you are old.

He did not reveal anything to John about his future and how he would
die. Peter thought it was Jesus will for John to remain alive until the
second coming.
Faith & patient endurance are mandatory in order to please the Lord I
John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and
patient endurance that are ours in Jesus
No matter what circumstances we find ourselves in, God says:
Hebrews 13:5-6Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. So we
say with confidence, The Lord is my helper
Read Romans 8:28-37, then have everyone read below
Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither
angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,
neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able
to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Mark 6:45-51; Jesus seeing the disciples in the storm, walking out to
them, would have passed by; If we are going to survive the storms of
this life, we must learn to live by faith.

o After Domitians death, John was granted

amnesty and returned to Ephesus.
o He delivered the messages to the seven
churches, as well as the complete book
of the Revelation.
o His mission now completed, John the
apostle died shortly thereafter.
o That was Gods will for John.
o What about Gods will for you?

o Some of us may be doing great in life

right now. But we do not know what
God may have for us down the road.
o Things can change in a way we never
expected, predicted, or anticipated.
o May the Lord help us to accept it,
and have patient endurance through
it.
o

o Some of us are in that place in life

similar to Jesus in the Garden of
Gethsemane. Jesus asked the Father
if there was any other way, yet not
my will, yours be done. Wed like to
be healed of the cancer, wed like to
by-pass whatever cross is in front of
us.
o Are we willing to pray, yet not my
will, yours be done?

CHAPTER 2
The seven churches named are real churches, but only
seven are mentioned because of the symbolism involved.
However, the entire church of the 1st century was described
within these specifics, and the needs of every congregation
were met.

SEE NOTE SESSION

Common features of the seven epistles

All dictated by the Lord.
All addressed to the angel.
All have titles drawn from visions of chapter 1.
All have basically the same outline:
a) salutation
b) description of himself, usually from chapter 1
c) commendation
d) condemnation
e) appeal and warning
f) exhortation
g) promise.

Asia Minor 1st Century

The Church at Ephesus: Faithful but Unloving

The City of Ephesus:
-A 25,000 seat theatre
-Streets flanked by gymnasiums & other
sports facilities.
-Custodian of the temple & stature of the
fertility mother-goddess, Artemis
-One of the 7th wonders of the ancient
world the largest building in the Greek
world and first of such structure to be
built entirely of marble. 36 of its 127
pillars were sculptured & overlaid with
gold.
-Selling of religious objects such as silver
statues was big business (Acts 19:23-41)
-With a population of 250,000, it was the
4th largest city in the world.

SEE NOTE SESSION

Rev 2:1-7
"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right
hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands: 2 I know your
deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you
cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to
be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have
persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not
grown weary.
4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. 5
Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the
things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and
remove your lampstand from its place. 6 But you have this in your
favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the
churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the
tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

I. The Letter To Ephesus (2:1-7)

A. The City
Center of worship of Artemis (Acts 19:23-35)
Church established there by Paul (Acts 19)
B. Outline Of The Letter.
- Salutation
- Description of himself (v.1)
- Commendation:
1. Their labor and patience
2. Their doctrinal strictness and orthodoxy (see Acts 20:20; 1 john 4:1-2; 2 john 9-11)
3. In trying false teachers
4. In hating the works of the Nicolatians (similar in Greek to Hebrew for Balaam in v. 14-15).
- Condemnation: They had left their first love (v. 4).
- Appeal: Remember, repeat, do (v.5)
- Warning: That he would remove their candlestick (v. 5)
- Promise
- Conditional
- Partaking of the tree of life in paradise (v. 7) (see also; gen 3:22-24, Luke 23:43).
SEE NOTE SESSION

The Church at Smyrna: Persecuted but Faithful

The City of Smyrna:
-A city of secure harbor
-A population of more than 100,000
-City with secure harbour.
-Gladiatorial city of the Ten days
Game and home to Polycarp
-Known as the Phoenix city because
of her resurrection
-Emperor worship. Christians opposed
by Jews

Rev 2:8-11
8 "To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died
and came to life again. 9 I know your afflictions and your poverty
yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews
and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not be afraid of
what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you
in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be
faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of
life.
11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the
churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second
death.

11. Letter to Smyrna (2:8-11)

A. The City fairest city of Ionia
1. Center of paganism
2. Large Jewish population (hostile toward Christianity)
B.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Outline of the letter

Salutation (v.8a)
Description of Himself (v.8b)
Commendation for enduring persecution and poverty (v.9)
Condemnation none!
Appeal not to fear the imminent persecution and to be faithful
unto death (v.10)
6. Promise crown of life and would not be hurt by the second
death (vv. 9,11).

SEE NOTE SESSION

The Church at Pergamum: Loyal yet Compromised

- The city was built on cone-shape hill
1,000 above surrounding valleys & had a
200,000 volume of library.
- 120,000 inhabitants
- The political capital of the province of
Asia
- Center of emperor worship
- Very liberal
- Antipas, the Lords faithful servant
roasted in bronze kettle. Huge temptation

- Not all were that loyal, some held to Balaams & Nicolaitans
teachings (v14-15)
- In Numbers 23-24.Balaams story is found there
- Balaam could not curse Israel, so he enticed her with idol
worship & sexual immorality.
- .what matters is achieving the desired destruction of these
people of God.
- Different means will be devised and used to bring you down
before God.
- You and I may not worship idolbut may worship materialism.
- We may not be committing sexual immoralitybut is
SEE NOTE SESSION
pornography going on?

Rev 2:12-17
12 "To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 13 I
know where you live where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to
my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of
Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city where
Satan lives.
14 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there
who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the
Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing
sexual immorality. 15 Likewise you also have those who hold to the
teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon
come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also
give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him
who receives it.

III. Letter To Pergamum (2:12-17)

A. The City
- Capital southern part of Myria
- Famous library
- Home of parchment
- Center of paganism and emperor worship
B. Outline Of The Letter
- Salutation (v. 12a)
- The lords knowledge of their circumstances (v. 13a)
- Commendation (v. 13b)
- For remaining true to his name
- For not denying the faith in persecution
- Condemnation (v. 14-15)
- For holding to the teaching of Balaam (numbers 31)
- Also, the teaching of the Nicolatians
- Warning (v. 16)
- Exhortation (v. 17a) :He that has ears
- Promises (v. 17b)

SEE NOTE SESSION

The Church at Thyatira: Split by False Teaching

- Important trade rout
- Products includes: dyed purple cloth
- Lydia, Paul's first convert in Europe, was a
dealer in purple fabric who had gone to
Philippi from Thyatira (Acts 16:11-15)
- Emperor worship
- Very liberal
- Strong trade guilds of tailors, bakers,
tanners, potters, linen-workers, woolmerchants, dyers, slave-traders &
coppersmiths

Rev 2:18-29
18 "To the angel of the church in Thyatira write:
These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are
like burnished bronze. 19 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and
perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.
20 Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls
herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and
the eating of food sacrificed to idols. 21 I have given her time to repent of her immorality,
but she is unwilling. 22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who
commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. 23 I will strike
her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and
minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. 24 Now I say to the rest of you
in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called
deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you): 25 Only hold on to what you have
until I come.
26 To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations

27 'He will rule them with an iron scepter;

he will dash them to pieces like pottery'just as I have received authority from my Father. 28 I will also give him the morning star. 29
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

1V. Letter To Thyatira (2:18-29)

A. The City
1.Noted for its red or purple dyes (Lydia in Acts 16)
2.More trade guilds here than in any other city- meetings were in idol temples
(tremendous pressure for Christians to compromise).
B. Outline Of The Letter
1.Striking description of himself. (v.18)
2.Commendation (v.19)
3.Condemnation for tolerating the women jezebel (v.20) note: she was likely
advocating compromise over trade union situations.
4.Warning (v22-24. Note in v. 24, the deep secrets of Satan were thought by
those involved to be secrets of God .
5.Exhortation (v.25, 29)
6.Promise (v. 26-28)
7.Authority and rule over the nations (see psalm 2:9)
8.The morning star (see Rev. 22:16)

SEE NOTE SESSION

The Church at Sardis: Harmless & Ineffective

- Home to 6th century ruler & worlds most
richest man: Croesus
- Croesus lost his kingdom (546BC) to Cyrus
the Persian. The city fell without resistance
cos they were overconfident.
- By the time of the roman conquest, only the
city's old reputation was left. It was a
sleeping city!
- Center of emperor worship
- Very liberal
- Antipas, the Lords faithful servantroasted
in bronze kettle. Huge temptation for
Christians to compromise the faith.

Rev 3:1-6
"To the angel of the church in Sardis write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and
the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being
alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is
about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight
of my God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and
heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come
like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
4 Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their
clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are
worthy. 5 He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I
will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will
acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. 6 He who
has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
SEE NOTE SESSION

V. Letter To Sardis (3:1-6)

A. The City
1.Wealthy, degenerate, proud
2.The city had a location that nearly defiled assault. Yet they had
fallen twice due to being careless. Hence, wake up in v. 2-3 had
historical significance.
B. Outline Of The Letter.
1.The usual salutation and self-description (v.1)
2.Practically no condemnation.
3.Condemnation dead about to die (v. 2) deeds not complete
before God (v. 2).
4.Exhortation remember to repent (v. 3)
5.Warning Christ would come on them as a thief (v. 3).
6.Promise to a few worthy individuals (v. 4-5).

SEE NOTE SESSION

The Church at Philadelphia: Ready for Mission

- Philadelphia brotherly love
- A city of commercial importance
- Conveniently located as a gateway to the
west
- Constantly threatened by earthquake, its
inhabitants are very small in population,
compared to other cities of similar
importance.
- Many residents live in the open country for
fear of the frequent earthquakes.
- Emperor rule and oppression was strong

V1. Letter to Philadelphia (3:7-13)

A. The City
1. Founded by Attalus the second (called Philadelphos for his good
deeds) in 140 B.C.
2. Built as the gateway to the East to spread the Greek culture.
B. Outline Of The Letter.
1.In self-description, new figures appear (v.7)
2.Commendation (v. 8)
3.No severe criticism
4.Divine assurance (vv. 10-11)
5.Promises (v. 12)
SEE NOTE SESSION

Rev 3:7-13
7 "To the angel of the Church in Philadelphia write:
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David.
What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. 8 I know
your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I
know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not
denied my name. 9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who
claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars I will make them come
and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. 10 Since you
have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour
of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on
the earth.
11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your
crown. 12 Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God.
Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the
name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of
heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name. 13 He who has
an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

SEE NOTE SESSION

The Church at Laodicea: Having Everything, & Nothing

- The city of Laodicea was Known for its banks,
medical school, and textile industry
- A city of commercial importance
- Wealthiest city in Phrygia during roman times
- Had a major water supply problem. Had to rely
on poor imported water channeled through an
aqueduct from hot mineral springs near Denizli,
5 miles away. This water was poor in quality and
can even make one sick
- In contrast, her two neighbors, Hierapolis &
Colossae had good hot springs & clean cold,
pure spring water respectively.

SEE NOTE SESSION

VII. Letter to Laodicea (3:14-22)

A. The City
1.A center of Banking, wool manufacture, and medicine.
2.Among the wealthiest now in ruins.
B. Outline of Letter
1.Self-description (v.14)
2.Condemnation (note no condemnation)
- Lukewarm and nauseating to the Lord (v.16)
- Self-deceived and enjoying false security (v.17)
- Poor, blind naked (note contrast with the citys wealth, fame for medicine and
clothing center)
3. Exhortations (v. 18-19)
4. Promise (v 20-22)
- Note that Christ is already on the outside of the heart trying to get back in.
- One painter pictured a human heart with a door knob only on the side. (God
cannot come in unless we let him in).

SEE NOTE SESSION

Rev 3:14-22
14 "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler
of God's creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot.
I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm
neither hot nor cold I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You
say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do
not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I
counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become
rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful
nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.
20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and
opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my
throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."