Revelation Chapter 2 The First Church VERSE 7 “He, who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” This is the first of the seven choruses which contain BOTH the phrase “He who has an ear . . .” and “To him who overcomes . . .” The order is reversed,…
Revelation Chapter 2 The First Church VERSE 4 “BUT… I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” “The word translated “patience” (in Verse 3) signifies a development of heart and character manifesting itself in an endurance of wrong or affliction with contentment, without rebellion of will, and with full acquiescence in the divine wisdom and love, which, while permitting present evils, have promised their overthrow in God’s due time. The Master recognizes and commends the existence…
Revelation Chapter 2 The First Church VERSE 1 continued, “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write… This is the import of the first phrase with which Jesus introduces Himself to Ephesus: “…These things say He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands.” WHO HOLDS THE SEVEN STARS IN HIS RIGHT HAND These angels are in his FAVOR (right hand) and in a position of guidance and…
QUALIFICATIONS for BEING ONE of the SEVEN ANGELS Much discussion has gone into naming the seven messengers (angels) to the seven Churches. On the whole, Bible students have been in basic agreement as to the identities of these individuals. Now and then, however, some of us may feel a bit uncomfortable with someone on the usual list and attempt a substitution. It is not unhealthy to question such things. It is wise, however, to have certain standards in mind before…
Revelation Chapter 2 The First Church VERSE 1 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write… Once again Ephesus signifies “first” or “desirable,” and is characteristic of the first period of church history. Contemporaneous with the lives of the apostles and sometimes designated the “Apostolic Era,” this period covers the time span from *A.D. 34 to 70. In the effort of the early Christian Church to promulgate the gospel, two names predominate: the Apostles Peter and Paul. Of the…
The First Church, Seal and Trumpet Having studied the introductions to the seven Church’s, Seals and Trumpets we are now prepared to begin our look at each particular series. It is important that we remember what we learned earlier in this study. Evidence shows us that one series DOES NOT FOLLOW another series historically. Rather, the first church, first seal, and first trumpet are all SIMULTANEOUS (and so on throughout the series). This might well have escaped our attention had…
Matthew Chapter 24 Verse 48 and 49 “But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, my lord delays his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken.” If the “faithful and wise servant” is an individual, then so is the “evil servant.” Although there was literally an evil servant, an individual—for example, Judge Rutherford?—the way verses 48 and 49 are worded suggests that the one who was faithful…
Matthew Chapter 24 An explanation of what we Bible Students refer to when we mention the Reprints or Volumes. * The Watch Tower Reprints referred simply as the “Reprints” by Bible Students have been a useful treasure house of information for the Bible Students since they constitute a comprehensive Bible commentary by Pastor Russell. First printed in book form by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society in 1919 (three years after the death of the Pastor), the Reprints contained…
Matthew Chapter 24 Verse 45-46 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.” We present another examination of these verses as explained by Brother Frank Shallieu in, “The Gospel of Matthew” It is our opinion (that is the majority of us Bible Students) that this “faithful and wise servant” was…
Matthew Chapter 24 Dispensing of Food to the Household VERSE 45-47 ” “Who then is the faithful and prudent servant, whom his Master has placed over his household to give them food in due season? Happy that servant whom his Master, on coming, shall find thus employed! Indeed I say to you that he will appoint him over all his stores of provisions.” The intimation here seems to be, that at the particular time indicated by the prophecy–namely, during the…