John’s Apocalypse is a magnificent and wonderfully designed message of the salvation that is available in Jesus Christ. The book blesses all who ponder it and sternly warns those who oppose Christ and the Good News and those whose Christian walk is shallow. The unfolding drama of the book stretches the imagination while bearing witness to God’s supreme power. Its visions describe the plight of …
1Escribe al ángel de la iglesia en Éfeso: El que tiene las siete estrellas en su diestra, el que anda en medio de los siete candeleros de oro, dice esto:
2Yo conozco tus obras, y tu arduo trabajo y paciencia; y que no puedes soportar a los malos, y has probado a los que se dicen ser apóstoles, y no lo son, y los has hallado mentirosos;
3y has sufrido, y has tenido paciencia, y has trabajado arduamente por amor de mi nombre, y no has desmayado.
4Pero tengo contra ti, que has dejado tu primer amor.
5Recuerda, por tanto, de dónde has caído, y arrepiéntete, y haz las primeras obras; pues si no, vendré pronto a ti, y quitaré tu candelero de su lugar, si no te hubieres arrepentido.
6Pero tienes esto, que aborreces las obras de los nicolaítas, las cuales yo también aborrezco.
7El que tiene oído, oiga lo que el Espíritu dice a las iglesias. Al que venciere, le daré a comer del árbol de la vida, el cual está en medio del paraíso de Dios.
8Y escribe al ángel de la iglesia en Esmirna: El primero y el postrero, el que estuvo muerto y vivió, dice esto:
9Yo conozco tus obras, y tu tribulación, y tu pobreza (pero tú eres rico), y la blasfemia de los que se dicen ser judíos, y no lo son, sino sinagoga de Satanás.
10No temas en nada lo que vas a padecer. He aquí, el diablo echará a algunos de vosotros en la cárcel, para que seáis probados, y tendréis tribulación por diez días. Sé fiel hasta la muerte, y yo te daré la corona de la vida.
11El que tiene oído, oiga lo que el Espíritu dice a las iglesias. El que venciere, no sufrirá daño de la segunda muerte.
12Y escribe al ángel de la iglesia en Pérgamo: El que tiene la espada aguda de dos filos dice esto:
13Yo conozco tus obras, y dónde moras, donde está el trono de Satanás; pero retienes mi nombre, y no has negado mi fe, ni aun en los días en que Antipas mi testigo fiel fue muerto entre vosotros, donde mora Satanás.
14Pero tengo unas pocas cosas contra ti: que tienes ahí a los que retienen la doctrina de Balaam, que enseñaba a Balac a poner tropiezo ante los hijos de Israel, a comer de cosas sacrificadas a los ídolos, y a cometer fornicación.
15Y también tienes a los que retienen la doctrina de los nicolaítas, la que yo aborrezco.
16Por tanto, arrepiéntete; pues si no, vendré a ti pronto, y pelearé contra ellos con la espada de mi boca.
17El que tiene oído, oiga lo que el Espíritu dice a las iglesias. Al que venciere, daré a comer del maná escondido, y le daré una piedrecita blanca, y en la piedrecita escrito un nombre nuevo, el cual ninguno conoce sino aquel que lo recibe.
18Y escribe al ángel de la iglesia en Tiatira: El Hijo de Dios, el que tiene ojos como llama de fuego, y pies semejantes al bronce bruñido, dice esto:
19Yo conozco tus obras, y amor, y fe, y servicio, y tu paciencia, y que tus obras postreras son más que las primeras.
20Pero tengo unas pocas cosas contra ti: que toleras que esa mujer Jezabel, que se dice profetisa, enseñe y seduzca a mis siervos a fornicar y a comer cosas sacrificadas a los ídolos.
21Y le he dado tiempo para que se arrepienta, pero no quiere arrepentirse de su fornicación.
22He aquí, yo la arrojo en cama, y en gran tribulación a los que con ella adulteran, si no se arrepienten de las obras de ella.
23Y a sus hijos heriré de muerte, y todas las iglesias sabrán que yo soy el que escudriña la mente y el corazón; y os daré a cada uno según vuestras obras.
24Pero a vosotros y a los demás que están en Tiatira, a cuantos no tienen esa doctrina, y no han conocido lo que ellos llaman las profundidades de Satanás, yo os digo: No os impondré otra carga;
25pero lo que tenéis, retenedlo hasta que yo venga.
26Al que venciere y guardare mis obras hasta el fin, yo le daré autoridad sobre las naciones,
27y las regirá con vara de hierro, y serán quebradas como vaso de alfarero; como yo también la he recibido de mi Padre;
28y le daré la estrella de la mañana.
29El que tiene oído, oiga lo que el Espíritu dice a las iglesias.
TYNDALE OPEN STUDY NOTES
I
Versículo 1
I. 2:1–3:22 The seven messages to the seven churches reflect the state of Christ’s church when Revel…
2:1–3:22 The seven messages to the seven churches reflect the state of Christ’s church when Revelation was written, and it is similar today. God still calls Christians to faithfulness and integrity. Those who heed Christ’s message will reap God’s promised rewards; those who fail to do so will be judged.
2:1-7 The letter to the church in Ephesus addresses tradition-bound Christians who are faithful but have lost their early, zealous love for Christ and for each other (see 2:5).
2:1 Write . . . to the angel: This repeated command that introduces each of the seven letters suggests the importance of the message. • Ephesus had become the main city of the Roman province of Asia. It contained the temple of Artemis (see Acts 19:23-35) and became the richest banking center in that part of the world. The people of Ephesus were very independent; they declined help from Alexander in rebuilding their temple after it was destroyed (300s BC), arguing adroitly that one god should not stoop to build a temple to another god (see Strabo, Geography 14.1.22). The Ephesians’ protective pride also led to the uproar against Paul (Acts 19:23-41).
II
Versículo 2
II. 2:2-3 I know: This repeated refrain (2:9, 13, 19; 3:1, 8, 15) shows Christ’s total knowledge of h…
2:2-3 I know: This repeated refrain (2:9, 13, 19; 3:1, 8, 15) shows Christ’s total knowledge of his people, their activities, and their circumstances. • The Ephesian Christians had a correct theology marked by perseverance and faithfulness. They had examined various claims, exercised discipline on evil people, could tell what is true and what is false, and had patiently suffered for their faith in Christ.
III
Versículo 4
III. 2:4 You don’t love me or each other as you did at first: When the church was first established, t…
2:4 You don’t love me or each other as you did at first: When the church was first established, their love for Christ and for each other had been strong. Struggles with false teachers and persecution had caused that original love to grow cold. Correct theology, action, and even suffering (2:2-3) are just an empty shell of Christian life if dynamic love is absent (1 Cor 13).
IV
Versículo 5
IV. 2:5 Christ calls even those who keep the faith to turn back to him and repent of cold-heartedness…
2:5 Christ calls even those who keep the faith to turn back to him and repent of cold-heartedness. The warning, I will come and remove your lampstand, means that they would lose their status as a church; God would treat them as he did the apostates within Israel (see Rom 11).
V
Versículo 6
V. 2:6 Not much is known of the Nicolaitans, but their teaching (2:15) seems to link them with those…
2:6 Not much is known of the Nicolaitans, but their teaching (2:15) seems to link them with those who ate food sacrificed to idols and who were involved in sexual immorality, behavior prohibited by the council in Jerusalem (see Acts 15:20, 29). Irenaeus argued (about AD 180) that the Nicolaitans were dependent on Nicolas (Acts 6:3-5) and that John’s writings were directed against the heresies of the Nicolaitans who followed Cerinthus (see 1 John Book Introduction, “Setting”).
VI
Versículo 7
VI. 2:7 The reward for obedience is fruit from the tree of life—that is, eternal life (22:2; Gen 3:22).
2:7 The reward for obedience is fruit from the tree of life—that is, eternal life (22:2; Gen 3:22).
VII
Versículo 8
VII. 2:8-11 The letter to the church in Smyrna pictures suffering Christians under intense pressures w…
2:8-11 The letter to the church in Smyrna pictures suffering Christians under intense pressures who need a message of assurance. Smyrna typifies a small church that remains faithful to God despite difficult circumstances.
2:8 The seaport village of Smyrna had been destroyed and rebuilt several times. Like Christ, the city had been dead but was now alive. It is the only city of the seven that has survived to this day (Izmir, Turkey).
VIII
Versículo 9
VIII. 2:9 Jesus connected material poverty with the blessing of being rich in God’s Kingdom (Matt 5:3, …
2:9 Jesus connected material poverty with the blessing of being rich in God’s Kingdom (Matt 5:3, 10-12; Luke 6:20). • Jews who had no faith are condemned for aligning themselves with Satan in hostile opposition to the Christian faith (Rev 3:9; see John 8:44; Acts 14:2-5; 17:13; 18:6; 20:3; Gal 5:11; 1 Thes 2:14-16). At the Jewish council of Jamnia, the Jews excluded Christians as unholy heretics. John was not anti-Semitic; he was a Jew describing the actions of fellow Jews against Jewish and Gentile Christians.
IX
Versículo 10
IX. 2:10 John saw the devil as the source of human hostility against Christians. • The period of thei…
2:10 John saw the devil as the source of human hostility against Christians. • The period of their suffering would be ten days, symbolizing a limited time of persecution (see 1 Pet 1:6). If they would remain faithful, their reward would be the crown of eternal life. • when facing death: John’s pupil Polycarp was a martyr in Smyrna in the mid-100s AD.
X
Versículo 11
X. 2:11 Faithfulness until death is described as being victorious; overcoming the second death means…
2:11 Faithfulness until death is described as being victorious; overcoming the second death means receiving eternal life (see 20:5-6, 14; 21:8).
XI
Versículo 12
XI. 2:12-17 The letter to the church in Pergamum portrays Christians who are tempted to compromise th…
2:12-17 The letter to the church in Pergamum portrays Christians who are tempted to compromise their morality and their loyalty to God. The city of Pergamum was the earliest capital of the Roman province of Asia. It contained a famous library, and its citizens developed the use of animal skins as writing materials.
2:12 Christ’s sharp two-edged sword indicates that these Christians would receive the Lord’s most severe judgment (see 2:16; see study note on 1:16). The two-edged sword was the Roman symbol of authority, which typified Pergamum as capital of the province. If the church failed, the true governor of the city (Christ) would turn his authority against them.
XII
Versículo 13
XII. 2:13 The throne of Satan might refer to the altar of Zeus on the mountain above the city or to em…
2:13 The throne of Satan might refer to the altar of Zeus on the mountain above the city or to emperor worship at the temple of Augustus. For many years, the Roman proconsul had his throne there, and the great temple of Athena and other shrines were also located in Pergamum. Its description as Satan’s city might also refer to the temple of Asclepius, whose symbol was coiled snakes. The city was dedicated to the Roman pantheon and emperor worship. • Antipas is otherwise unknown.
XIII
Versículo 14
XIII. 2:14-15 Some in Pergamum were syncretists, combining Christianity with paganism and engaging in i…
2:14-15 Some in Pergamum were syncretists, combining Christianity with paganism and engaging in immoral activities. John compares them to Balaam, who lured Israel into sin (see Num 25:1-3; 2 Pet 2:15; Jude 1:11). • Nicolaitans: see study note on Rev 2:6.
XIV
Versículo 17
XIV. 2:17 Those who remain faithful to Christ will receive manna, nourishment from heaven (see Exod 16…
2:17 Those who remain faithful to Christ will receive manna, nourishment from heaven (see Exod 16:11-36). • hidden away in heaven: During the Exodus, a jar of manna was placed in the Ark of the Covenant (Exod 16:33-36). Jewish tradition said that at the coming of the Messiah, the Ark would reappear and manna would be eaten at the messianic banquet. Jesus is the bread from heaven and the bread of life (John 6:32-35; cp. Exod 16:4-21). • A white stone was often given to victors in athletic competitions, and it was common for special banquets or festivities to use a white stone for admission. It therefore suggests acceptance and victory. • The new name probably refers to the recipient’s transformed nature in Christ (see Gen 17:5; 32:28; John 1:42).
XV
Versículo 18
XV. 2:18-29 The letter to the church in Thyatira confronts Christians who mix Christianity with pagan…
2:18-29 The letter to the church in Thyatira confronts Christians who mix Christianity with pagan practices and a worldly lifestyle.
2:18 Thyatira was an outpost city known for its many trade guilds, including weavers and dyers (Acts 16:14). • The flaming eyes of the Son of God indicate penetrating perception; the solid feet portray Christ’s stability, in vivid contrast to the famous Colossus of Rhodes, an enormous statue which had once been thought to be firmly planted until an earthquake destroyed it in 226 BC.
16
Versículo 19
16. 2:19 Christ emphasizes knowing and seeing all things as he praises the Thyatirans.
2:19 Christ emphasizes knowing and seeing all things as he praises the Thyatirans.
17
Versículo 20
17. 2:20-21 The mention of Jezebel, who led Israel into pagan idolatry and immorality (1 Kgs 16:31-33…
2:20-21 The mention of Jezebel, who led Israel into pagan idolatry and immorality (1 Kgs 16:31-33; 21:5-26), indicates a serious problem. Like the Old Testament queen who led the pagan cult of Baal (see 1 Kgs 16:31; 18:4; 19:1-3), this unknown Jezebel called herself a prophet but was leading God’s people into various forms of immorality, including sexual misconduct and straying from God into idolatrous alliances and actions (Exod 34:15-16; Ps 106:39; Isa 57:7-8).
18
Versículo 21
18. 2:21 Through messengers such as John, Christ had given this false prophet opportunity to repent o…
2:21 Through messengers such as John, Christ had given this false prophet opportunity to repent of her sinful teachings and actions, but like many, she had refused (cp. 9:20-21).
19
Versículo 22
19. 2:22-23 Christ’s judgment on this “Jezebel” and her followers comes in three stages: (1) Jezebel …
2:22-23 Christ’s judgment on this “Jezebel” and her followers comes in three stages: (1) Jezebel is on a bed of suffering; (2) her followers will suffer greatly; and (3) her children will die (cp. Acts 5:5, 10; 1 Cor 11:30). This judgment echoes the plagues on Egypt that ended with the deaths of Egypt’s firstborn sons (see Exod 12:29-30). • God sees thoughts and intentions (see Jer 17:10; Acts 1:24; Heb 4:12-13), and he gives whatever sentence people deserve (see Rev 22:12; Jer 17:10; Matt 16:27).
20
Versículo 24
20. 2:24 The depths of Satan might be a striking reference to the Gnostic god named “Depth” (Bythos),…
2:24 The depths of Satan might be a striking reference to the Gnostic god named “Depth” (Bythos), who with his partner “Silence” (Sigē) formed a philosophic godhead. Gnosticism placed great emphasis on secret knowledge.
21
Versículo 26
21. 2:26-28 Christ promises that those who are obedient will share authority with him, as symbolized …
2:26-28 Christ promises that those who are obedient will share authority with him, as symbolized by the iron rod that will smash the opposition like clay pots (quoting Ps 2:8-9; cp. Rev 12:5; 19:15). • The morning star is the planet Venus, which signals the coming of a new day. Here it refers to the promise of resurrection at Christ’s return (22:16; 2 Pet 1:19).
Nuevo Testamento
Revelation — Capítulo 2
John’s Apocalypse is a magnificent and wonderfully designed message of the salvation that is available in Jesus Christ. The book blesses all who ponder it and sternly warns those who oppose Christ and the Good News and those whose Christian walk is shallow. The unfolding drama of the book stretches the imagination while bearing witness to God’s supreme power. Its visions describe the plight of …
Texto — Reina-Valera 1960
1Escribe al ángel de la iglesia en Éfeso: El que tiene las siete estrellas en su diestra, el que anda en medio de los siete candeleros de oro, dice esto:
2Yo conozco tus obras, y tu arduo trabajo y paciencia; y que no puedes soportar a los malos, y has probado a los que se dicen ser apóstoles, y no lo son, y los has hallado mentirosos;
3y has sufrido, y has tenido paciencia, y has trabajado arduamente por amor de mi nombre, y no has desmayado.
4Pero tengo contra ti, que has dejado tu primer amor.
5Recuerda, por tanto, de dónde has caído, y arrepiéntete, y haz las primeras obras; pues si no, vendré pronto a ti, y quitaré tu candelero de su lugar, si no te hubieres arrepentido.
6Pero tienes esto, que aborreces las obras de los nicolaítas, las cuales yo también aborrezco.
7El que tiene oído, oiga lo que el Espíritu dice a las iglesias. Al que venciere, le daré a comer del árbol de la vida, el cual está en medio del paraíso de Dios.
8Y escribe al ángel de la iglesia en Esmirna: El primero y el postrero, el que estuvo muerto y vivió, dice esto:
9Yo conozco tus obras, y tu tribulación, y tu pobreza (pero tú eres rico), y la blasfemia de los que se dicen ser judíos, y no lo son, sino sinagoga de Satanás.
10No temas en nada lo que vas a padecer. He aquí, el diablo echará a algunos de vosotros en la cárcel, para que seáis probados, y tendréis tribulación por diez días. Sé fiel hasta la muerte, y yo te daré la corona de la vida.
11El que tiene oído, oiga lo que el Espíritu dice a las iglesias. El que venciere, no sufrirá daño de la segunda muerte.
12Y escribe al ángel de la iglesia en Pérgamo: El que tiene la espada aguda de dos filos dice esto:
13Yo conozco tus obras, y dónde moras, donde está el trono de Satanás; pero retienes mi nombre, y no has negado mi fe, ni aun en los días en que Antipas mi testigo fiel fue muerto entre vosotros, donde mora Satanás.
14Pero tengo unas pocas cosas contra ti: que tienes ahí a los que retienen la doctrina de Balaam, que enseñaba a Balac a poner tropiezo ante los hijos de Israel, a comer de cosas sacrificadas a los ídolos, y a cometer fornicación.
15Y también tienes a los que retienen la doctrina de los nicolaítas, la que yo aborrezco.
16Por tanto, arrepiéntete; pues si no, vendré a ti pronto, y pelearé contra ellos con la espada de mi boca.
17El que tiene oído, oiga lo que el Espíritu dice a las iglesias. Al que venciere, daré a comer del maná escondido, y le daré una piedrecita blanca, y en la piedrecita escrito un nombre nuevo, el cual ninguno conoce sino aquel que lo recibe.
18Y escribe al ángel de la iglesia en Tiatira: El Hijo de Dios, el que tiene ojos como llama de fuego, y pies semejantes al bronce bruñido, dice esto:
19Yo conozco tus obras, y amor, y fe, y servicio, y tu paciencia, y que tus obras postreras son más que las primeras.
20Pero tengo unas pocas cosas contra ti: que toleras que esa mujer Jezabel, que se dice profetisa, enseñe y seduzca a mis siervos a fornicar y a comer cosas sacrificadas a los ídolos.
21Y le he dado tiempo para que se arrepienta, pero no quiere arrepentirse de su fornicación.
22He aquí, yo la arrojo en cama, y en gran tribulación a los que con ella adulteran, si no se arrepienten de las obras de ella.
23Y a sus hijos heriré de muerte, y todas las iglesias sabrán que yo soy el que escudriña la mente y el corazón; y os daré a cada uno según vuestras obras.
24Pero a vosotros y a los demás que están en Tiatira, a cuantos no tienen esa doctrina, y no han conocido lo que ellos llaman las profundidades de Satanás, yo os digo: No os impondré otra carga;
25pero lo que tenéis, retenedlo hasta que yo venga.
26Al que venciere y guardare mis obras hasta el fin, yo le daré autoridad sobre las naciones,
27y las regirá con vara de hierro, y serán quebradas como vaso de alfarero; como yo también la he recibido de mi Padre;
28y le daré la estrella de la mañana.
29El que tiene oído, oiga lo que el Espíritu dice a las iglesias.
TYNDALE OPEN STUDY NOTES
Versículo 1
I. 2:1–3:22 The seven messages to the seven churches reflect the state of Christ’s church when Revel…
Versículo 2
II. 2:2-3 I know: This repeated refrain (2:9, 13, 19; 3:1, 8, 15) shows Christ’s total knowledge of h…
Versículo 4
III. 2:4 You don’t love me or each other as you did at first: When the church was first established, t…
Versículo 5
IV. 2:5 Christ calls even those who keep the faith to turn back to him and repent of cold-heartedness…
Versículo 6
V. 2:6 Not much is known of the Nicolaitans, but their teaching (2:15) seems to link them with those…
Versículo 7
VI. 2:7 The reward for obedience is fruit from the tree of life—that is, eternal life (22:2; Gen 3:22).
Versículo 8
VII. 2:8-11 The letter to the church in Smyrna pictures suffering Christians under intense pressures w…
Versículo 9
VIII. 2:9 Jesus connected material poverty with the blessing of being rich in God’s Kingdom (Matt 5:3, …
Versículo 10
IX. 2:10 John saw the devil as the source of human hostility against Christians. • The period of thei…
Versículo 11
X. 2:11 Faithfulness until death is described as being victorious; overcoming the second death means…
Versículo 12
XI. 2:12-17 The letter to the church in Pergamum portrays Christians who are tempted to compromise th…
Versículo 13
XII. 2:13 The throne of Satan might refer to the altar of Zeus on the mountain above the city or to em…
Versículo 14
XIII. 2:14-15 Some in Pergamum were syncretists, combining Christianity with paganism and engaging in i…
Versículo 17
XIV. 2:17 Those who remain faithful to Christ will receive manna, nourishment from heaven (see Exod 16…
Versículo 18
XV. 2:18-29 The letter to the church in Thyatira confronts Christians who mix Christianity with pagan…
Versículo 19
16. 2:19 Christ emphasizes knowing and seeing all things as he praises the Thyatirans.
Versículo 20
17. 2:20-21 The mention of Jezebel, who led Israel into pagan idolatry and immorality (1 Kgs 16:31-33…
Versículo 21
18. 2:21 Through messengers such as John, Christ had given this false prophet opportunity to repent o…
Versículo 22
19. 2:22-23 Christ’s judgment on this “Jezebel” and her followers comes in three stages: (1) Jezebel …
Versículo 24
20. 2:24 The depths of Satan might be a striking reference to the Gnostic god named “Depth” (Bythos),…
Versículo 26
21. 2:26-28 Christ promises that those who are obedient will share authority with him, as symbolized …