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DECEMBER 12

2:8 Smyrna. Smyrna means “myrrh,” the sub- 2:13 where Satan’s throne is. The headquar-
stance used for perfume and often for anoint- ters of satanic opposition and a Gentile base
ing a dead body for aromatic purposes.Called for false religions. On the acropolis in
the crown of Asia, this ancient city (modern Pergamos was a huge, throne-shaped altar to
Izmir, Turkey) was the most beautiful in Asia Zeus. In addition, Asklepios, the god of heal-
Minor and a center of science and medicine. ing, was the god most associated with
Always on the winner’s side in the Roman Pergamos. His snakelike form is still the med-
wars, Smyrna’s intense loyalty to Rome result- ical symbol today.The famous medical school
ed in a strong emperor-worship cult. Fifty connected to his temple mingled medicine
years after John’s death,Polycarp,the pastor of with superstition. One prescription called for
the church in Smyrna, was burned alive at the the worshiper to sleep on the temple floor,
age of 86 for refusing to worship Caesar. A allowing snakes to crawl over his body and
large Jewish community in the city also infuse him with their healing power.
proved hostile to the early church.

and to commit sexual immorality. Thus you
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from where you have fallen; repent and do the also have those who hold the doctrine of the
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first works, or else I will come to you quickly Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent, or
and remove your lampstand from its place— else I will come to you quickly and will fight
unless you repent. But this you have, that you against them with the sword of My mouth.
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hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also 17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the
hate. Spirit says to the churches. To him who over-
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the
7 comes I will give some of the hidden manna to
Spirit says to the churches. To him who over- eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the
comes I will give to eat from the tree of life, stone a new name written which no one knows
which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” ’ except him who receives it.”’
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“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna
8 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira
write, write,
‘These things says the First and the Last, ‘These things says the Son of God, who has
who was dead, and came to life: “I know your eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine
9
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works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are brass: “I know your works, love, service,
rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who faith, and your patience; and as for your
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say they are Jews and are not, but are a syna- works, the last are more than the first. Nev-
gogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those ertheless I have a few things against you,
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things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who
the devil is about to throw some of you into calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce
prison, that you may be tested, and you will My servants to commit sexual immorality and
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have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until eat things sacrificed to idols. And I gave her
death, and I will give you the crown of life. time to repent of her sexual immorality, and
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11 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the she did not repent. Indeed I will cast her into
Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes a sickbed, and those who commit adultery
shall not be hurt by the second death.” ’ with her into great tribulation, unless they
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“And to the angel of the church in
12 repent of their deeds. I will kill her children
Pergamos write, with death, and all the churches shall know
‘These things says He who has the sharp
two-edged sword: “I know your works, and
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where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And
you hold fast to My name, and did not deny 2:24 the depths of Satan. This unbelievable
My faith even in the days in which Antipas was libertinism and license was the fruit of pre-
My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, gnostic teaching that one was free to engage
where Satan dwells. But I have a few things and explore the sphere of Satan and partici-
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against you, because you have there those pate in evil with the body without harming
who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught the spirit.
Balak to put a stumbling block before the chil-
dren of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols,
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