OUTLINE STUDIES IN THE REVELATION I1
12. What threat is uttered against the apostate
power? Verses 21-23.
13. How does the Lord encourage His own, but
erring, church in days of apostasy? Verses 24, 25. See
Isa. 42:3, 4
14. What promise is made to the faithful under op-
pression? Verses 26, 27. Note 8.
15. What pledge of victory has the believer? Verse
28. Note 0.
16. With what call does the message close? Verse:
20.
Notes.
I. “Pergamos” means height or elevation. The so-called
conversion of the Emperor Constantine took place in A. D.
323. The same power which had been used to persecute and
rut to death millions of the Christians was now turned in
their favor. Thus a flood of worldliness and pagan doctrines
was brought into the church.
2, The description suggests the need of discipline by the
hewing of the Word of God. , Rev. 1:16; Heb. 4:12.
3 “Where Satan’s seat is.” It was following the supposed
coriversion of Constantine nt the flood-gates of error were
opened, and every form of false doctrine was brought in,
Constantine was nothing but a heathen to the day of his
death. His so-called conversion was wholly an affair of politi-
cal policy. Nearly every false doctrine in the Roman Church
to-day, and very many still retained in Protestant churches,
came direct from paganism, and were brought into the
church at that time. Truly it was where Satan’s seat was 7
4. The apostate Balaam having failed by direct attack to
bring a curse upon Israel, counseled Balak to seduce them
into sin .and so indirectly accomplish the end. Num. 31:16.
Here the church that had withstood the pagan persecutions
was weakened by popularity, and the compromise with worldly
principles, evil and falsehood springing up within. It is still
the greatest danger of the church.
5. “Thyatira” means “sweet savor of labor,” or “sacrifice
Rr dollar now 1s of more value fo the work than ten dollars
will be at some fulure period.”