The Revealing: Unlocking the Revelation of Jesus Christ

By Edwin L. Woolsey

To the very end of Christ's ministry, there was a constant human need to know Him. Having already been warned about a plot to kill Jesus, a group of Christ's friends privately asked a troubling question concerning future events, What shall be the sign of thy coming and of the end of the world? (Matt. 24:3) Circumstances were rapidly spiraling out of control, and the disciples longed to understand what would happen next.

In the last 2000 years, the same basic need for awareness has only intensified. Complex global developments seem almost beyond our ability to address. Akin to St. Paul's analogy of labor pains at birth, each new world crisis appears to occur faster and with greater severity than the one before! (1 Thes. 5:3) Today, people are genuinely hungry for the reality of intimately discovering who Jesus actually is. Like the early disciples, we have the same nagging desire to know. Haven't you felt this need in your own life?

For that reason, the Revelation of Jesus Christ was divinely inspired and written by Apostle John. Spanning the entire circuit of Creation, the Apocalypse addresses the timeless question, What shall be the sign of thy coming and of the end of the world? Unlike any other book in the Bible, only the Revelation promises a special blessing to those individuals who explore its amazing prophetic secrets. (Rev. 1:3) However, without the necessary key to open human understanding, John's prophecies have remained closed. Until now! THE REVEALING is that KEY for unlocking the intricate mysteries of the Revelation of Jesus Christ in order for you to know The Sign of Christ's Coming and the End of the World!

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Apr 16, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496904126

Edwin L. Woolsey

Edwin Woolsey has authored a total of thirteen books. His And There Were Giants series is a fantasy adaptation of two horrendous apocalypses outlined in Genesis and the Revelation. The series’ first two books “Into the Land of Nede” and “Beyond the Gates of Daemon-gore” portray the rise of human culture and the universal destruction of Earth’s earliest civilization. The last book “Up from the Pit of Dudael” illustrates global events at the End of Time before Christ’s Second Advent. If My People – God’s Call for American Revival compares the original founding of America to the history of ancient Israel and the commissioning of Christ’s Church. The Voice Of Seven Thunders – Shadows of Things to Come parallels the symbolism of the seven Jewish Holy Days in Leviticus, Chapter 23, with God’s overall timeline for human history. The Revealing – Unlocking the Revelation of Jesus Christ is a verse-by-verse analysis of the book of Revelation, comparing present world events to current doctrines of the Western Church. Death and Beyond is a reexamination of Scripture, exploring neglected topics in our traditional view of what comes after life. The author’s latest project is The Chronicler series, a novelized retelling of his family history from the time of the Saxon settlement of Roman Britannia to America’s Great Depression. The first work in the six-book series is entitled “The Wolves of War.” The second book is “Ivernia’s Quest.” The third book is called “Nova Anglia.” The fourth book in the series is “Ashes, Ashes, We All Fall Down.” The fifth book is “Broad New Horizons.” The last book in the series is “Beyond the Father of Waters.” Visit the author at http://myauthorscorner.weebly.com/

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© 2014 Edwin L. Woolsey. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright © 1983 by The Zondervan Corporation.

Published by AuthorHouse 04/30/2014

ISBN: 978-1-4969-0413-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-0412-6 (e)

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and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Preface

Chapter One

The Seven Churches Of Asia Minor

Chapter Two

Addressing The First Four Churches

Chapter Three

Christ’s Message To The Last Three Churches

Chapter Four

God’s Inner Sanctum

Chapter Five

The One Worthy To Open The Book

Chapter Six

The First Six Seals And The Lamb That Was Slain

Chapter Seven

Two Groups Of Worshipers And The Interjected Vision

Chapter Eight

The Seventh Seal And The First Four Trumpets

Chapter Nine

The Fifth And Sixth Trumpet

Chapter Ten

The Sanctification Of Seven When Time Shall Be No More

Chapter Eleven

The Two Witnesses And A Second Interjected Vision

Chapter Twelve

The Great Three-Stage War

Chapter Thirteen

Two Beasts Arise

Chapter Fourteen

Seven Visions From First To Second Advent

Chapter Fifteen

Introducing The Bowls Of Wrath

Chapter Sixteen

The Seven Bowls Of Wrath

Chapter Seventeen

Introducing The Whore Of Babylon

Chapter Eighteen

Judging The Whore

Chapter Nineteen

Two Great Feasts And Christ’s Triumphal Return

Chapter Twenty

Christ’s Kingdom And The Destruction Of Creation

Chapter Twenty-One

Everything New

Chapter Twenty-Two

Partaking Of Life

About The Author

About The Book

With most sincere and reverent affection, I dedicate this book to Dad... and also to my former students, knowing that each and every one has been created for the exclusive purpose of fulfilling God’s foreordained will.

(Eccl. 12:13, Micah 6:8)

Sincere appreciation is extended to Kim Wehmer and the Howell County News for consistently supporting my ministry through the publication of A Moment in the Word.

Preface

Prologue: The general introduction to the book of Revelation explains that the content was first given to Jesus by His Father before being shown to John, thus amplifying the profound importance of the message. In verses 1-3 we learn that the prediction of future events was immediately forwarded to Christ’s Church by an angelic messenger whom Jesus assigned to John. Consequently, upon reading or hearing the words of this divine revelation, a blessing is ascribed to those who diligently remember the information outlining the Final Age.

Revelation 1:1-3 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Due to a growing interest in the prophecies and images of the Revelation and their application to current events, we will join in an investigation of the content of the "Apocalypse of Jesus Christ." Although every question probably will not be answered, you are invited to begin your scriptural inquiry within the context of these simplified explanations. The author does not intend to specifically promote or deface any doctrinal/denominational creed. Understandably, statements will be made which readers might either accept or reject based on background or previous experience. However, the goal of this study is to remain as close to the entire body of Scripture as possible. At times an opinion might be stated and duly noted. Please view the expression of opinion as a mutual liberty.

First, to properly study the Revelation, ground rules must be established. St. Paul stressed to Timothy that Scriptural investigation is fruitful only when Truth is handled correctly, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

It is impossible to understand the Revelation without seeing how it agrees with other, preexistent prophecies. Thus, a proper examination of John’s book must be based on Isaiah’s formula for Bible study, "For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little..." Isaiah 28:10

In my opinion, the Revelation is more easily understood when readers appreciate the structure and style of the author’s original delivery. Too often we read the Apocalypse as a "linear collection of visions in which one series automatically leads to the next set of occurrences in an unbroken chain of events - prophecy built upon prophecy to the very end of the book. This linear study of the Revelation tends to make Scripture very difficult to understand. A better approach for deciphering the Apocalypse is to examine it cyclically as a series of restatements outlining a seven-part period of time. As you continue reading, this reoccurring interval will be referred to as the Great Cycle / Circle of Seven. With each new vision, John’s statements are associated with the same corresponding sequence but from a different perspective or vantage. With the exception of the seven churches in Asia Minor, an interjected statement separates each sixth and seventh event. Later we will understand why 7 is so vitally important throughout the Revelation of Jesus Christ."

In spite of the effort required to investigate the Apocalypse, a blessing is promised for any individual willing to undertake the task. (Rev. 1:3) Consequently, I now invited you to join me in the study of the Revelation of Jesus Christ!

CHAPTER ONE

THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF ASIA MINOR

Greeting to the Seven Churches (vs. 4-8) - Since John probably received the Revelation circa 95 A.D., the center of Church authority had already shifted to the region of Turkey, following Titus’ destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. Thus, John wrote his letter to seven congregations located in the Asian cities of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Associated with the prophecy’s Divine Source (who was, is, and shall ever be), the addressees of the vision symbolically signify a similar continuum. After examining the first Cycle of Seven, the designated recipients of the vision represent a group of churches that were in existence in the first century, are currently typified within congregations today, and shall be revealed throughout time during each successive Church Age.

Coming of the Son of Man (vs. 9-19) - Besides identifying those to whom the letter was addressed, John thoughtfully introduces himself while providing the location and circumstance of authorship. Additionally, John underscores the apocalyptic nature of the text by reference, description, and commission of the Son of Man. This alias was the ancient title for Christ in the book of Daniel (7:13) and of Enoch (48:2), both texts being widely read prior to the Council of Hippo - 393 A.D. and of Carthage - 419 A.D.

Revelation 1:4-6 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; 5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

As John introduces the letter being dictated to the seven churches of Asia Minor (modern Turkey), he reveals his inspiration for the vision. The first entity mentioned represents God the Father, "him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne." We understand from Jesus’ teaching that the heavenly throne belongs to the Father which Christ is invited to share until all things are fulfilled. (Luke 22: 69, Hebrews 1:13 & 10:12-13) So, John is dictating this letter by the authority of God Almighty.

However, the source of the letter’s greeting also includes God’s Son, "And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth." Although Jesus currently sits at the "right hand of power on His Father’s throne (Matthew 26:64, Mark 14:62), His claim to authority is the prince of the kings of the earth." (Revelation 17:14 & 19:16)

Has anyone been left out of the letter’s introduction? Yes, what about the Holy Spirit? Is He included in the authorship of John’s message to the Asian churches? The manifold Spirit of God was mentioned earlier, "John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne" Although sometimes referred to as the seven lamps... (Revelation 4:5), the Holy Spirit is characterized here as "seven Spirits which are before God’s throne." Why is the Holy Spirit pictured as being "seven spirits or seven lamps" instead of simply being a single entity?

The answer is partly due to Hebrew numerology. Although the idea of seven spirits seems to denote division, yet number 7 is actually used to emphasize the ABSOLUTE completeness of God. From the earliest days, the Hebrew number 6 was used to identify the creation of humanity in God’s image. In Hebrew, six is represented by the letter Vav. This letter signifies the power to create. Considering human accomplishments, we fully appreciate the letter’s implied meaning. However in Hebrew, the number 7 is represented by the letter Zayin. Although similar in formation to Vav, the letter Zayin has an added part which also matches its amplified meaning. In the Hebrew, the letter Zayin means the full expression of God’s absolute power to create, distinguishing the supreme power of God from the limited ability of man. This divine power is best represented in Genesis 1:2 as the Spirit of God began Creation. Consequently, by identifying the Holy Spirit as the seven spirits before the throne, the ABSOLUTE COMPLETENESS OF GOD is expressed! However, this illustration contains one more obscure element.

As noted earlier, the Seven Spirits are also pictured as seven lamps. This configuration represents the Great Menorah standing before the Temple Veil at the door of God’s earthly residence. The Western Lamp was the main central light pointing the way to the Holy of Holies. Branching from the sides of the middle column, were three more pairs of lamps. Thus, the Temple Candlestick was comprised of seven lights. Keeping the arrangement of the Great Menorah in mind, we recognize the seven, unique characteristics of God’s Holy Spirit, "And the SPIRIT OF THE LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of WISDOM and UNDERSTANDING, the spirit of COUNSEL and MIGHT, the spirit of KNOWLEDGE and of the FEAR of the LORD." Isaiah 11:2

In Isaiah, the central lamp is identified as the "spirit of the Lord, but three other sets are then paired together, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD." Together, these seven branches combine to form the glorious light of God’s manifold Spirit. We now recognize the third member of the Godhead who inspired John to address the Seven Churches of Asia Minor!

Revelation 1:7-8 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. 8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

In this passage of the Revelation, an important clue to Christ’s second coming is discretely mentioned. Although elaborate doctrines have been formulated since the early 1800s by men like John Nelson Darby (providing the impetus for popular books and movies), the necessity remains for Bible readers to continually compare accepted dogma with the record of Scripture. By Christ’s own word, we are admonished to "search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." John 5:39

The Revelation says something very important about Jesus’ return to earth, "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen." Revelation 1:7 After careful inspection, we realize the statement, "every eye shall see him, contradicts a widely held opinion regarding Christ’s alleged SECRET" coming. Although individuals might elaborately explain the contradiction by manipulating doctrine, Scripture solves the conundrum of Christ’s Second Advent. Luckily, there are other companion verses paralleling the text of Revelation 1:7.

For example, we read in the Gospel where Christ warned his disciples against accepting any kind of belief in a "SECRET coming. Jesus explained that His return to earth would be unquestionably obvious, For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Matthew 24:23-30, Luke 17:23-24 If Christ’s coming is going to be universally apparent, then how did early 19th century evangelists conceive a doctrine of the SECRET COMING?"

By taking a small portion of Scripture out of context, the creed of a Thief in the Night was born. The parent verse is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:2, "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. Using this one verse, the message of a Thief in the Night was proclaimed to those who believed in Christ’s immediate return. Sects like the Millerites grew from this teaching, culminating in the Great Disappointment of 1844. However, if the verse had been used in context, it would have been evident that Paul was addressing unbelievers. Speaking expressly to the Church, St. Paul assures, But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6 Thus, if Christ does not SECRETLY come for His church, we must ask, What did Paul mean by a ‘thief in the night?’"

The clue for understanding Paul’s allegory is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:3, "For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. The key for unlocking the thief in the night is the word sudden!" Christ’s return to earth is not going to be secret, BUT IT IS GOING TO BE SUDDEN!

This is exactly what Jesus taught in the Gospels, "If the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through." Luke 12:39

Although totally unexpected, Christ’s coming is going to be universally witnessed, "And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; 16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?" Revelation 6:15-17 There is no secret here because every eye will behold Him!

Revelation 1:9-11 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

John carefully expressed the bond of kinship he shared with the seven major churches of Asia Minor who were selected to receive God’s Word. Other believers needed to know that God’s message was being delivered by someone who understood and cared. They needed to appreciate that John ministered among them as a brother, a partner, and a co-laborer in Christ’s work.

Regardless of persecution, Believers had to be encouraged to patiently endure. Who better to deliver that admonition than John? Church history records that Roman Emperor Domitian condemned the Apostle to be boiled in oil, but John only continued preaching from the caldron. Another time, John was forced to drink poison, but (as promised in Mark 16:18) he was not hurt. After becoming the bishop of the church in Ephesus, John was finally banished to a Roman prison colony on the desolate island of Patmos, c. 97 A.D.

Apparently, Emperor Domitian thought exile would silence the apostle’s voice. However, God was waiting to commission John on the Isle of Patmos for one of Heaven’s greatest prophetic messages - the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Similar to the testimony of Hebrews 10:35, readers of John’s letter needed to know that during difficult times an individual should never cast away confidence, which has great reward. The same is true today!

After studying God’s message to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, we should realize the prophecy has been fulfilled in three different ways. First, the content relevantly addressed the strengths and weaknesses of each church in John’s day. Second, the vision has been fulfilled during seven major Church periods (dispensations) over the last 2,000 years. Finally, the Revelation of Jesus Christ is useful when identifying current church types. It is my opinion, that every modern congregation can be classified according to the seven ancient churches of Asia Minor.

For this reason, we must once again "hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29 & 3:6, 13, 22

CHAPTER TWO

ADDRESSING THE FIRST FOUR CHURCHES

Chapter Two of the Revelation contains Christ’s message to the first four churches of Asia Minor - Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira. Interestingly, the churches are listed sequentially according to their geographic position, beginning with Ephesus - centered on the western coast of Turkey, arching north to Smyrna, then turning east toward Pergamum and Thyatira. The physical location of the churches is used symbolically to represent the Great Circle of Seven, repeatedly portrayed using a variety of imagery throughout the Revelation. However, the reader must remember there is only one seven-part cycle illustrated by all of John’s combined visions.

Revelation 2:1-4 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

For those accepting the doctrine of "dispensationalism," the Church of Ephesus represents the earliest establishment of Christianity during the First Church Age.

During the "Ephesian period, believers were highly commended for their service and faith. However, in spite of all their notable accomplishments, a dangerous trend was growing within the Early Church. Believers were becoming distracted from their original exclusive devotion to Christ. Forgetting the primary reason for ministry, the Church’s service was becoming perfunctory and ritualized. Christians needed to remember that their Divine commission was based on personal love rather than obligation or routine. In an effort to correct spiritual drift, Jesus told the church at Ephesus, Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." Rev. 2:5

Even today, God’s message to the Ephesian Church is relevant. After lapsing into monotony, ministry becomes the product of habit or the mandate of duty. When Christian service is motivated by requirement rather than earnest desire, fervency wanes and passion grows cold. Thus, it becomes necessary to re-experience the love that prompted our Christian service in the beginning. During these times of spiritual awakening, we abandon our religious busywork long enough to rediscover our spiritual roots! Then, with clarity of soul and mind, we more effectively perform the task we were called to complete.

Revelation 2:8-10 "And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; 9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."

The second Church dispensation was marked by both poverty and persecution. Before this historic age ended, Christians would suffer the most heinous inhumane crimes ever known until the coming of the Jewish Holocaust in Hitler’s Third Reich. During the Smyrna Period, the Church endured over 200 years of almost unbroken abuse overseen by ten tyrannical dictators: 1. Nero (64-68 CE) 2. Domitian (81-96) 3. Trajan (98-117) 4. Marcus Aurelius (161-180) 5. Septimus Severus (193-211) 6. Maximinus (235-238) 7. Decius (249-251) 8. Valerian (253-260) 9. Diocletian (284-305) 10. Galerius (305-311). These ten regimes prophetically fulfilled the ten days of trouble referred to in the preceding Scripture. However, during the Smyrna Period, God never found a reason to criticize His Church! In spite of their earthly hardships and poverty, Smyrna was declared to be spiritually Rich!

The condition of Smyrna seems oddly contradictory when compared to many prevailing opinions today. Characterized by the attitude of the modern, materialistic Church, poverty and persecution are often attributed to spiritual inferiority. Both qualities are currently stigmatized as traits to be denied or avoided. Some religious movements teach that if an individual is following God’s perfect plan, trouble and hardship will never come. More clearly stated, they believe being poor or destitute is of the Devil!

However, this was not true with God’s church of Smyrna! They were one of only two congregations in Asia Minor that God refused to criticize! Why?

Possibly God approved of Smyrna’s spiritual transformation that resulted from hardship. Writing to the Roman Church, St. Paul admonished, "We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." Romans 5:3-5

In another Scripture, Daniel referred to adversity’s outcome this way, "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. 10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried (by trials - vs. 1)..." Daniel 12:3 & 10 This was the consequence for Believers who faithfully endured the severity of the Smyrna Age.

Revelation 2:12-17 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. 14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

Faithful to their profession of faith, early Christians were destroyed by the Roman Empire’s iron fist. During the rule of Octavian (Caesar Augustus), emperor worship began. Acknowledgment of the emperor as God in the flesh became a requirement for Roman citizenship. To deny the divinity of the Divine Augustus was akin to treason! The choice was simple. Either provide an offering to the new Roman god, or be offered on the altar yourself! Octavian built his altar for public oblation at Pergamos, establishing the seat (throne) of Satan in this city of Asia Minor. Unwilling to accept the emperor as God, Christians paid the supreme price for their refusal. (Please note: The Pergamum Altar of Augustus is now permanently housed at the Berlin Museum in Germany.)

Reflecting on the days of past persecution ("Antipas - my faithful martyr"), God addressed believers living in the third church period. Unlike the previous dispensation of Smyrna, the age of Pergamos witnessed a new spiritual peril.

The tide of resentment against Christians was gradually weakening. The Roman political machine had discovered that followers of Jesus Christ made very good citizens and could be utilized for secular reasons.

Intending to manipulate this new burgeoning religion, Imperial Rome initiated a courtship between church and state. By royal edict, Constantine mandated that Christianity become the official religion of Rome. Characteristic of fickle human will, what had earlier been a capital offense was now simply good politics! As a result, Christianity was no longer based on confession of faith but government policy. The Bride of Christ was being seduced into an adulterous relationship with secular authority.

Approaching the church’s duly elected bishop of Rome - circa 312 A.D., Constantine offered Miltiades gifts of land, buildings, and special status within the empire. Miltiades accepted both the land and buildings but wisely refused any kind of special government status. However, Miltiades soon mysteriously died. Following the bishop’s unexpected death, Constantine preempted the church’s election of a replacement by officially appointing Sylvester as the next vicar of Rome. After the emperor’s appointment, Sylvester immediately received more imperial favors than he knew what to do with. The Body of Christ was being transformed from a primitive evangelical church into an official instrument of the state with its own growing bureaucracy. Mandate from the bottom up was being replaced by authority from the top down! The age of "Nicolaitanism" (Greek, Nico – to subject, Lait - the laity) was born.

Although 200 years of persecution had failed to weaken the Church’s devotion, now special government privileges and wealth began to distract the faithful from their fervent love for Christ.

Revelation 2:18-20 "And unto the