APOCALYPSE HISTORY DANIEL Probably most accurately described as

APOCALYPSE HISTORY

DANIEL [Probably most accurately described as “fulfilled prophecy” or as an “early historian”. ] 2: 31 -44 Statue: Head gold lion = Babylonians Chest silver bear = Medes Abdomen bronze leopard= Persian Legs iron teeth = Greek Feet iron = Seleucids Feet clay = Ptolemies Stone = God's throne = Eternal kingdom 626 -538 612 -549 549 -336 336 -323 301 -44

Daniel 11 11: 1 First year of Darius the Mede 11: 2 Cambyses of Persia succeeds Cyrus 530 -522 Cambyses defeats Egypt dispite Samos/Greek help 525 Gaumata of Persia succeeds Cambyses 3/522 to 9/522 Darius I Hystaspis of Persia succeeds Gaumata 522 -486 Xerxes I (Ahasuerus) succeeds Darius I and amasses legendary wealth organizes resistance to Macedon (Greece) 486 -465 11: 3 -4 Alexander the Great Kingdom broken and divided 538 336 323

11: 5 Ptolemy I Soter rules Egypt 322 -305 Ptolemy I Soter of Egypt gains control of Syria 321 Antiochus II Theos gains control of Syria 315 Battle of Gaza (Ptolemy defeats Antiochus) 312 Seleucus I Nicator of Babylon regains throne thanks to Ptolemy I Soter 312 Antiochus II Theos re-captures Gaza 311 Battle of Ipsus Ptolemy I Soter defeats Antiochus II Theos and controls Syria 301 11: 6 Berenice (daughter of Ptolemy II Philadelphus) of Egypt marries Antiochus II Theos of Syria 246 (Bernice and child later killed by Laodica former wife of Antiochus II Theos)

11: 7 -8 Ptolemy III Euergetes of Egypt (brother of Berenice) To avenge her murder invades Syria captures city of Seleucia, Syria and parts of Babylonia 11: 9 Seleucus II Callinicus of Syria (son of Laodica) began attempt to invade Egypt Seleucus II Callinicus returns to Antioch with only a fraction of his army 11: 10 Seleucus III Ceraunus succeedes Seleucus II Callinicus Seleucus III Ceraunus of Syria attacks into Asia Minor and is murdered Antiochus III the Great attacks Egypt 244 242 240 227 -223

11: 11 -12 Ptolemy IV Philpator of Egypt defeats Antiochus III the Great of Syria and takes much of Canaan 222 -197 11: 13 Antiochus III the Great attacks Ptolemy V Epiphanes (infant) of Egypt 205 11: 14 -15 Battle at Banias (Antiochus III the Great of Syria and Philip of Macedon besiege Sidon, enter Jerusalem, and defeat Egypt) 202 11: 16 Canaan under Seleucid control 198

11: 17 Cleopatra of Syria (daughter of Antiochus III the Great) wed to Ptolemy V Epiphanes of Egypt (trying to bring Egypt under control of Antiochus III the Great) (but Cleopatra supported her husband) 194 11: 18 Antiochus III the Great of Syria crosses Hellespont and captures Thracian Chersonese 192 Antiochus III the Great of Syria defeated at Thermopylae by Romans Antiochus III the Great forced out of Greece 191 Antiochus III the Great of Syria defeated at Magnesia by Romans Antiochus III the Great forced out of Asia Minor 190

11: 19 Antiochus III the Great of Syria dies while plundering a temple at Elymais 11: 20 Seleucus IV Philopator of Syria succeedes Antiochus III the Great Heliodorus of Syria (tax collector) attempts to plunder Jerusalem temple treasure (died from conspiracy) 187 -175 176 11: 21 Antiochus IV Epiphanes of Syria usurps throne of elder brother Seleucus IV Philopator, from minor nephew Demetrius the rightful heir, and rival Heliodorus, with help of Pergamum. 175 -164

11: 22 Antiochus IV Epiphanes of Syria removes Anointed high priest Onias III from office, (Onias III murdered in 170) 175 11: 23 -24 Antiochus IV Epiphanes appoints his brother Jason of Judah as high priest, who promises to "vigorously pursue" a policy of Hellenization 175 11: 25 -27 Antiochus IV Epiphanes of Syria captured Pelusium in Egypt. Ptolemy Philometor of Egypt captured by uncle Antiochus IV Epiphanes (who occupies most of Egypt). Physcon named king at Alexandria 169

11: 28 Antiochus IV Epiphanes of Syria returns to Jerusalem to remove Menelaus and reinstate Jason as high priest Plunders the temple, establishes Jerusalem garrison, and massacres Jews 169 11: 29 Antiochus IV Epiphanes of Syria again takes armies toward Egypt

11: 30 As he approaches Alexandria Gaius Popilius Laenas of Rome tells him to leave Egypt or face Roman armies as well. On the way back General Apollonius (on behalf of Antiochus IV Epiphanes) coming in peace through Judah, attacks Jerusalem, 11: 31 abolishes daily sacrifices, sets up Syrian cult center, consecrates altar to Zeus Olympius (called the Abomination of Desolation) June, 168 11: 32 -35 Mattathias Maccabeus of Judah rebels at Modin 167 Temple re-dedicated Dec. 164 11: 36 -39 Antiochus IV Epiphanes

Predicted: 11: 40 "At the time of the end" Egypt will attack 11: 40 -43 King of the North (Antiochus IV Epiphanes) shall conquer Egypt, Libya, Ethiopia 11: 44 Trouble reported to northeast 11: 45 Antiochus IV Epiphanes pitches tents west of Jerusalem 11: 45 Shall "end with no help" Happened: Antiochus IV Epiphanes dies at Tabae in Persia Feb. 164 12: 11 From the time the burnt offering is taken away and the Abomination is set up (early June, 168) will be 1290 days (late December, 165) Happy are those who see the death of Antioch IV Epiphanes 1335 days (mid February 164) (3 years 8 1/2 months from Abomination)

REVELATION [Chapters 12, 13, and 17 are “fulfilled prophecy or history. ] Revelation 12 Israel [Genesis 37: 9], who's name had been Jacob, his wife Rachael (mother of Judah), and the descendents of the 12 tribes (12: 1) was suffering in preparation for the coming of God's Messiah (12: 2) [Woman clothed with the sun].

There had been many empires. The seven greatest that caused Israel to suffer, were Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Media, Persia, Greece and now Rome. Each, in it's time had worn the crown of "world ruler". Rome, the current empire, had been ruled by ten emperors since Julius Caesar was assassinated. They were Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Galba, Otho, Vitellius, Vespasian, and Titus (12: 3).

Rome had conquered many nations, and then stood poised to absorb Israel's Messiah. All He need do was claim the kingdoms of the world (12: 4). The Messiah, who would rule all nations, was born in 5 BC and named Jesus did not give in to the temptation to conquer Rome and become emperor. Instead Jesus was crucified and remained faithful to God. Then God raised Him from the grave and The Christ was assumpted to sit with His Father on The Throne of Heaven (12: 5).

Then, in 67 AD, Rome was "forced" to put down the Jewish rebellion. When Roman armies destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD, the Zealots fled to the fortress of Masada, where they would remain safe for 3 1/2 years (42 lunar months)(1260 days) (12: 6). I must regress here for a few moments, in order to explain what happened next. Throughout the Old Testament, one of God's archangels had the task of testing God's people. His name was Satan (whose name in Hebrew means "the adversary"). His "job" required him to doubt the people of God and to test their veracity. He learned to question everything. Eventually he began to question God, and he developed a secret plan to come to power and to rule heaven and earth. But when Satan tempted God's Son to betray His Father, and then arranged to have Jesus killed with out asking God's permission, he had gone too far.

God ordered Satan to leave heaven. Satan chose to fight. Thus God commanded the archangel Michael to evict Satan and all his followers from heaven (12: 7). Satan was defeated, and lost the privilege of personal access into the presence of God (12: 8).

Satan was the deceiver who, as a serpent, had successfully tempted Eve and Adam in the Garden of Eden. Satan was also known as the Devil (which means "accuser" or "slanderer" in Greek). Satan, and those who served him, then took up residence on earth (12: 9). Since the reign of Caligula (37 -41 AD) the people of God have been suffering under the authority of Satan. The people of God have personally defeated Satan through their faith in Christ, through their actions of witnessing, and because when they were faced with torture as followers of Jesus, they would rather die then disavow Jesus (12: 10 -11). Satan is no longer restrained, pretending serve God. He was frustrated and embarrassed, and is now full of anger. He wants revenge on God, but will have to vent his wrath on the followers of God before God stops him (12: 12).

To continue: When Satan was evicted from heaven, he came to earth and deceived Rome to abuse the followers of YHWH. Now, after destroying Jerusalem and The Temple in 70 AD, Rome was pursuing rebellious Israel (12: 13). God guided the Zealots to Masada, and the armies of Rome followed. There they would be trapped, but secure from attack, for 3 1/2 years (12: 14).

On orders from Rome, the armies had pursued the Zealots (12: 15). But the natural formations of Masada stopped the army from its desire to assault the Zealots (12: 16). So the Roman armies established a siege and released the majority of their forces to continue to "mop-up" all resistance. That would include Messianic Jews (who keep the commandments AND believe that Jesus is the Messiah/Christ) (12: 17).

Revelation 13 Satan, with influence over nations, and people as numerous as the sands of the sea (12: 18), calls forth one nation from among all the 'sea of nations'. This was the culmination of all the empires that had "ruled the world", and had afflicted Israel, and all the rulers which had ever claimed to be divine (13: 1). Rome is like the Greeks, Persians, and Babylonians combined, but now under the authority of Satan, using the power of Satan, and kneeling to the throne of Satan (13: 2).

One emperor, Nero, had been killed by a sword in 68 AD. Then it was reported that he would return from the underworld. Satan used this rumor about Nero to establish an arch-Christ [anti. Christ], to mimic the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And though there was disruption in the imperial succession, with three more "emperors" in that one year, the Roman Empire survived. And the people were surprised that the empire did not collapse into chaos, and they continued to follow the lead of Rome (13: 3).

The Imperial Cult of emperor worship, and the worship of Roma (the city of Rome) grew so influential that it came to virtually rule the empire. Thus the people of the empire came to worship Roma and the emperor, and thus to worship Satan. No nation can compete with the Roman Empire (13: 4). When the Roman armies had conquered Jerusalem they established their banners in the temple area and declared the emperor to be the god of Israel, the Romans would continue to exercise authority over Israel for 3 1/2 years (13: 5). The Romans never ceased to demand that the people admit that Caesar was their god while cursing and making fun of God and the people of God (13: 6). Meanwhile, the armies gained control of Canaan and to put an end to the rebellion. So the Zealots and all rebellious Jews, including some of the Messianic Jews, were hunted. And in 73 AD the Roman armies forced their way into the Masada fortress and found the Zealots already dead (13: 7).

And those who recognized that the Roman Empire, and the Imperial Cult, were Satanic, were the only ones who did not worship the emperor and Roma (13: 8). In this way the world will be purified. The true followers of YHWH need to endure it in faith (13: 9 -10). As Rome destroyed Jerusalem, the priests and bureaucrats of the empire began to seriously enforce the Imperial Cult of emperor worship. Just as Pergamum and Ephesus, in Roman Asia, had wholeheartedly embraced the Imperial Cult in the land to the north, so Canaan was now expected to worship Satan, and speak the same message of emperor worship (13: 11). The Imperial Cult had finally reached the point that it had the authority that an emperor had, and it used that authority to try to make the emperor a puppet, with the cult priests "pulling the strings". The cult encouraged the spread of the rumor that Nero had been returned from the dead and, would one day soon, return to power (13: 12).

The priests tricked the people with 'miracles' and 'signs', even to the point of mimicking OT prophets (13: 13). And once the cult has deceived the populace, they encouraged the building of statues, like the many of Nero throughout the empire, of the 'emperor gods' and required that the populace offer "worship" to the images (13: 14). Then the priests encouraged the people to seek advice from the statues. And the priests would "speak the words" of the god's response. And sometimes the statues would "inform" the populace to spy out, and persecute, those who would not worship the 'emperor god' (13: 15).

The cult required that anyone in a guild, or anyone who did business, would have to show proof that they were an "emperor worshiper" in good standing. Your loyalty comes from your head, but was expressed by your right hand sprinkling the incense offering to the image of Caesar. Then, when they properly offered their "worship", a certificate would be marked with the "seal" of the emperor Nero (13: 16 -18).

Revelation 17 John was given a vision of judgment on the Imperial Cult, Roma, an evil that influences many (17: 1), which the emperors have allowed as an excuse to allow them to do evil (17: 2). The Roman empire, which is the worst of all the empires put together, and whose rulers dare call themselves 'divine' (17: 3), is controlled by Roma, the Imperial Cult, which presents itself with pomp and ceremony as though it were the royal ruler. But in reality the idolatry and sexual promiscuity permeate everything (17: 4).

Like a prostitute who wears her name on a headband, Roma has declared itself to be the worst whore in history, because of the way the cult demands that ALL must worship the emperors as gods. We may call this evil Imperial Cult "Babylon", but it is really Roma, the city of Rome (17: 5). Rome is out of control, and has persecuted and abused both the Jews and the believers, and is guilty of slaughtering the innocent (17: 6).

John was amazed that God would allow such an evil organization to persecute His righteous people (17: 7). The empire under Augustus and Tiberius was tolerable, but once Satan took control and made the Roma cult and the Roman Empire the tool of his vengeance, they have descended into the pit of depravity. One day soon the Roman Empire will take control away from the Roma cult, but it will be too late. Rome will still be destroyed by God. And the non-believers will be amazed when Rome is destroyed (17: 8). Rome is controlled by the Roma cult, as were the emperors (17: 9). The emperors that persecuted the followers of YHWH, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Vespasian, and Titus have died. Domitian is the current emperor. There will be one more emperor, but he will only rule for a short time (17: 10).

Nero will then return, but will eventually be destroyed (17: 11). Nero will be joined by ten rulers, from outside the empire, to whom Rome has not 'given' authority. Nero will promise them Roman support, and they will join forces for a short time (17: 12). All will follow Nero, as the ruler of the Roman Empire (17: 13). They will attempt to slaughter the followers of Jesus, but will fail (17: 14). The Roma cult rules many (17: 15), but Nero and the ten rulers will slaughter the cult priests, divide the plunder, and leave the temples exposed to further attacks (17: 16). For it is the will of God to destroy the Roma cult in this fashion (17: 17). Roma and Rome will be destroyed (17: 18). END

Apostle John was the younger brother of James, the sons of Zebedee and Salome. He was even tempered and introspective. He was a thinker with a soft voice and who was 'good' with words. He was one of the 'inner circle' of Jesus. He was on the Mount of Olives when Jesus revealed some information about the end of the age.

It is said that the Apostle, when he was 'old', wrote the Gospel of John, the three letters of John, and the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

At some time, generally believed to be during the reign of the emperor Domitian, who ruled from 81 -96 AD, and who is reported to have exiled people rather than kill them, John was arrested in Ephesus and exiled to a 'prison island'.

Patmos A very old man, in his 80's, John was living on the island of Patmos. The island had been settled by Dorian Greeks by 500 BC and later the Ionians. In mythology, the island was named in honor of Artemis who, with her brother, convinced Zeus to raise up the island that had earlier sunk into the sea.

This small island in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Roman Asia, at most 10 miles long and 6 miles wide and only 22 square miles, is a island of rocky hills and an irregular coastline with many bays.

Locals raised goats, tended vines, and fished. On the side of the tallest hill there is a cave that faces northeast.

There were already some believers on the island when John arrived. When John arrived the believers secured the cave for John so that he might escape the heat and wind.

Tradition indicates that it was in the cave that John lived for 18 months, and received his visions from God.

John, always a thoughtful person, was seriously concerned about the persecutions whose target was the followers of Jesus. John had long been remembering that time with Jesus on the Mount of Olives when Jesus spoke of the end of the evil age and the beginning of the reign of God. Mark (13: 3 -27), Matthew (24: 3 -31), and Luke (21: 7 -28) give us an idea of what John heard as he listened to Jesus. Little Apocalypse Many would claim to speak in the name of Jesus, but one should not listen to false teachers. There would be wars and rumors of wars. There would be 'natural disasters' such as earthquakes, famines, drought, and pestilences. And there would be signs in the sky.

Meanwhile the believers would be persecuted by Jews and Gentiles, religious and governmental, strangers and family would hate believers. Stand firm! Many would turn from The Faith and many "prophets" would give them false reasons. Passion for the Lord would cool. An army would approach Jerusalem. Those who can should flee as soon as they hear. It will be a dreadful time because none will be spared. Jerusalem would be placed under siege and taken. The Gentiles will trample Jerusalem and set up an "abomination of desolation" in the holy place. False Christ's and false prophets will perform signs and wonders and deceive many, yet The Gospel must be preached to all nations before the end of the age.

Immediately after this distress the sun, moon, stars, and seas will be seriously and obviously affected. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and the Son of Man will appear in glory and power. With a loud trumpet call He will send the angels to gather the elect from all over the earth. The Revelation As John remembered the life and teachings of Jesus, the acts of the Holy Spirit, and the condition of The Church, his mind was opened by God, and John was shown a series of visions. Then John wrote down all that he could remember. Knowing that he was instructed to proclaim these visions to The Church, he finally wrote them down in as organized a fashion as he could.

John then wrote a cover letter for The Apocalypse. John carefully selected 'seven' churches to represent all of The Church, and addressed the cover letter to them. But The Apocalypse was to be read to all believers, in all the churches, beginning at Ephesus. God was about to purify His Church, each believer, and the entire world. Believers would face a time of great tribulation, but they would be guarded from the 'wrath' of God against the ungodly. The believers would be rewarded, and unbelievers would suffer, as God's justice prevailed.

Ephesus The first church that would receive The Apocalypse would be Ephesus. Only one day sailing from Patmos (40 miles to the northeast).

Ephesus was the 'premier city' in Roman Asia with a population of around 250, 000. It was the seat of the proconsul government, and the cultural and religious center of Roman Asia. Into the harbor, then through the gate of Augustus or the gate of Hercules went the letter.

Past the agora and theater.

with a stop at the public toilets, but not the public brothel.

Just to the east of the city was the temple of Diana, the largest building in the Greek world. It was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Artemis of the Ephesians she was called, and was known for her sacred palm tree, under which she was said to have been born, along with her brother Apollo.

But, as far as John was concerned, Ephesus was infamous for the three temples of the Imperial cult. In 29 BC a temple had been erected to honor the goddess Roma, another to honor Julius Caesar, and the latest honored the Emperor Domitian.

The church of believers had been introduced to The Christ by Paul when he stopped briefly in Ephesus on his way to Jerusalem in the summer of 52 AD. It was visited by Apollos in the spring of 54 AD, but when Paul arrived, Apollos was gone and Paul corrected some errors. Paul nurtured the body of believers during the three years he stayed in Ephesus. Jesus knew this church! He walks among the 'lamp stands' and sees all. Their hands were busy doing the Lord's works. Despite the persecutions they had faced they patiently endured in the hope of the kingdom.

Their heads were in the right place. From the beginning they had tested those who sought to teach them The Gospel. And they could not tolerate evil doers among the believers. They were separated from the body in hopes that they would repent and be saved. But their hearts were lacking. The passion for The Christ was gone. In the beginning they sought to evangelize both Jew and Gentile with enthusiasm. Showing their love to those outside The Faith. But now, though their love for one another was undiminished, they no longer were willing to risk what they had, to seek out others in need. "Remember! Repent! Do what you did at first. "

So The Christ commends the church for their works and for their willingness to test the spirits of those who come to them. He also commends their steadfastness during persecution. But they must overcome their contentment, and once again get excited about proclaiming The Good News to those outside their everyday contact. They should not be overly concerned about what evil might befall them. Reach out! Be faithful! To those believers who are victorious in following their Lord, they will be given the privilege of eating from the Tree of Life, which, unlike the sacred palm tree of Artemis, truly gives life, and had been available in the Garden of Eden.

Smyrna Thirty-five miles north of Ephesus, one long day's journey, was Smyrna. It lay on a trade route that ran from Rome, to Persia, to India.

Smyrna had begun as a Greek colony, but had been destroyed by the Lydians around 675 BC. The remains of the dead city were abandoned. But it had been refounded around 250 BC by Alexander the Great, and was reborn as a prosperous city. Above ground or below, the Agora was special.

As Rome began its rise to power, Smyrna was the first city in the area to support the Romans, and was expected to stand by Rome to the last. Their loyalty was them build a temple to Roma in 195 BC, and to Tiberius Caesar in 23 BC. There was a large Jewish colony in Smyrna, and a church that was likely visited, if not founded, by Paul during his stay in Ephesus. To this church, suffering poverty and persecution amidst the wealth of Smyrna, The Christ says that He is the true first (at creation) and last (at the end of all things), unlike Smyrna. That He is the one who died and will live forever (not like Smyrna). Yet, because of their faith - they are truly rich.

Though the Jews tell lies and attack their character and reputation, and though they know more suffering is coming, whether prison or death, the affliction has a limited length. Remain faithful! Do not look with your physical eyes. Rather, look beyond, with your spiritual eyes. Be faithful to the end and they would receive a victors wreath, a crown of life, and the second death, when unbelievers will be thrown into the lake of fire and eternally tormented, will not be their fate. Only God gives new life, not Alexander or Caesar. As Smyrna has been faithful to Rome, so you want to be faithful to God, which has made you rich in The Spirit.

Pergamum From Smyrna, the messenger would travel north 40 miles to the city of Pergamum. The 'capitol of the king', and the capital of the province of Asia.

Here was found a great library, second only to Alexandria in Egypt, with some 200, 000 volumes. Here, was built the temple to Zeus (the 'great altar' reaching a height of 800 feet).

Also temples to Minerva, Apollo, Bacchus (known for parties), Hera, Demeter, Athena, and Asclepius (the god of healing, who's symbol is the serpent). People flocked to the healing area.

Pergamum even had two theaters. One high above the city, and one for Asklepius.

But Satan took up residence here in 29 BC, when they built a temple to Roma and Caesar, because they also introduced the worship of the imperial cult into Asia for the first time. It was in Pergamum that the decree was written, whereby all people were required, once a year (or month), to offer a pinch of incense on the altar of Caesar and to declare their loyalty to Caesar as their god. Pergamum was the provincial capital of the state religion. And the church lived in the midst of this evil. Here, the pressure to compromise was intense and pervasive. Whether the temptations of pleasures, such as Balaam advised Balak (Numbers 31: 16, 25: 1 -3), or to be overthrown by the religious compromises of the Nicolaitans, or to learn other false teachings in the library, the believers must hold fast to their faith and not deny The Christ.

A believer named Antipas showed the way as a faithful witness (martyr) who was the first recorded execution for The Faith in the battle against emperor worship. Do not compromise The Word! As God's manna sustained His people in the wilderness following the Exodus, so the Word of God will sustain them in the wilderness of Pergamum. Hold onto our faith, and you will be acquitted at the judgment, just as though Jesus cast his vote with a white stone in a Roman trial. It is the name of Jesus that will save you. It is the Word of God that saves you and condemns others as a two edged sword cuts both ways.

Thyatira From Pergamum the letter was delivered to Thyatira, only 35 miles to the east.

This was the home of Lydia, that Paul had met in Philippi. She was a member of the trade guild that produced a purple dye from the roots of the madder plant.

The city was founded by the god Tyrimnus, but was also known for the worship of Apollo, the son of Zeus. He was the god of plagues, and one of his symbols was the locust, and another symbol was the 'all seeing eye'. A familiar symbol from Babylon, to Egypt (Horus the falcon).

But most importantly were the 'guild gods'. Each guild, whether dyes, garments, pottery, tanners, or brass works, had its own god. To be a member of the guild you must pay homage to its god. These gods were known for their feasts and parties, to which all members were expected to attend and participate. The church in Thyatira was known for its love, which led to works, and its faith, which led to patient endurance. And the works it did now were greater then the earlier ones. But beware! There is a Jezebel that is seeking to seduce the church, just as the guilds do. They are seducing the church to worship idols, just as the Jezebel in the scripture tempted Israel to worship the ba'als. The church is being told that to conquer Satan, you must first experience what Satan offers.

The Christ is angry and His eyes are like flames. The Christ searches the mind and the heart. The Christ sees more than the 'eye' of Apollo that only sees the physical world, and The Christ knows the plans of Satan behind the 'deep secrets' that Satan offers to seduce the people. With feet of burnished bronze, as though made by the brass guild, The Christ will trample those who succumb. There will be great distress, including death to adults and children. God will allow them to suffer because their actions have determined their suffering. Hold on to The Faith, and be victorious. Then receive authority over nations in the thousand year kingdom, and receive a new life, and immortality in Christ.

Sardis The letter was then to be delivered to Sardis, 30 miles to the south.

Sardis had been the capital of Lydia, the most powerful kingdom of Asia. With shear cliffs, topped by walls, protecting the acropolis, except for a very narrow ridge to the south, the city was considered impregnable.

But in 549 BC Cyrus the Persian, destroyed Sardis when the city was captured reportedly because of a lack of vigilance. When the city was rebuilt, it again became the most powerful in Asia, and thought that it would never again be defeated. Then in 218 BC a sentry slept while on duty, and Antiochus Epiphanies was able to take the city because of the lack of vigilance. The city was most known for carpet making and for its luxury clothing trade.

The city was known for it’s impressive gymnasium. Sardis had worshipped Cybele, the 'mother goddess', for a long time, and now had added a temple to Artemis. But the city had been rejected as a site for an imperial temple.

Sardis had a reputation for greatness, but in reality was just living the dream of the past. The church was also living on its reputation. It had once been known for its works. It had the reputation of being alive, mostly because there were still some believers that continued the work of the Lord, but the church was mostly dead. The church needed to wake up, and not let the enemy destroy it. Be vigilant! Remember The Gospel and strengthen the remnant. Repent and change. Put on the spiritual garments of victory, not the luxury garments of Sardis. Then the church of Sardis will have a name that The Christ will declare before The Father and will be living the life that is now just a memory of the past.

Philadelphia Only 20 miles east of Sardis, the letter was delivered to Philadelphia.

Philadelphia was founded by Emmenes, but named in honor of his brother Attalus, who was a loyal and loving brother. The city was located on a major north/south trade route and was founded in order to spread Greek civilization into Lydia and Phrygia. Time and again the city changed its name. After the 17 AD earthquake damaged the city, Tiberius gave assistance to the rebuilding effort. The city re-named itself Neo-Caesar in his honor. That was changed back under Nero. There was a strong Jewish community in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia was known for its wine and the god Dionysus, also known as Bacchus, was worshipped there.

The church was known for its works, and for their loyalty to The Christ, who is the key to The Father (Isaiah 22: 22, 36: 3) and to whom has been granted the authority to decide who will enter the new Jerusalem, will come soon. Hold firm! Be more loyal to The Christ then Attalus was to Emmenes. All else may be on shaky ground, but those who are victorious will be considered like pillars of a temple. Their faithful endurance will be a foundation of The Church. The members of the synagogue, who refuse to admit that Jesus is The Christ, and oppose those who believe, are not true Jews, in that they have not recognized God's Anointed One. There will come a time that they will be forced to recognize the authority of The Christ, and they will do homage to your faithfulness. But the believer will be spared the trial that is going to be faced by every other inhabitant of earth. Unlike the city, whose name is temporary, the believers will be marked with the name of YHWH, the name of His Christ, and with the name of the Eternal City.

Laodicea From Philadelphia the letter is taken 40 miles to the southeast, to the city of Laodicea.

The city was named after the wife of Antiochus II, in 250 BC. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 60 AD and was rebuilt by locals, after they refused imperial assistance. One entered town through an impressive arch.

Laodicea was wealthy. It was the banking center, where 'gold flowed freely'. In part this wealth was the result of power. Laodicea was the center of the judicial district, where justice 'flowed with the gold'. Laodicea was known for raising black woolen sheep and the production of a glossy black wool. They boasted a hippodrome and a theater. But they were even more famous for their medical school, which had invented an eye salve, called Phrygian Powder, which made the eyes water.

Laodicea piped in water from the hot springs in Hierapolis which flowed down from the terraces.

Colossae had cold water. Hierapolis had healing hot springs. But by the time that the water arrived in Laodicea from six miles away, it was only lukewarm. The warm mineral water was used by the medical school, to trigger vomiting. The people of Laodicea were proud and conceited! The church was likely founded by Epaphras (Colossians 4: 12 f) during Paul's time in Ephesus. The church considered itself to be blessed by God, as was evidenced by the many and rich blessings it enjoyed. They were self sufficient, and needed nothing. As such, they had become indifferent to The Gospel. They were neither cold nor hot, and The Christ would vomit them out, that is, utterly reject (Leviticus 18: 25, 28, 20: 22) them.

The church seemed blessed, but they were spiritually poverty stricken. The Word of God warned that they should seek true wealth, the pure gold of The Gospel, which has been refined. Seek the robes of white which The Christ will supply, not the black robes of Laodicea. And seek a salve for their spiritual eyes, not just for their physical eyes. The Christ is the faithful and true witness, not corrupted as was the legal system in Laodicea. 'The purification that is coming will hurt. I do it because I love you! Truly repent. I am even now knocking on your door. Let me in! Listen to me! You will experience such wealth at the wedding banquet, that the citizens of Laodicea cannot imagine. Be victorious and sit on my throne. This is the A-men of God. These things will surly happen. And now, the letter of the Apocalypse has been brought to you!