Metaphysical Bible Interpretation of Revelation Chapter 2
Metaphysically Interpreting Revelation 2:1-7
2:1To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, he that walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks:
2:2I know thy works, and thy toil and patience, and that thou canst not bear evil men, and didst try them that call themselves apostles, and they are not, and didst find them false; 2:3and thou hast patience and didst bear for my name's sake, and hast not grown weary. 2:4But I have this against thee, that thou didst leave thy first love. 2:5Remember therefore whence thou art fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I come to thee, and will move thy candlestick out of its place, except thou repent. 2:6But this thou hast, that thou hatest the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 2:7He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.
Metaphysically Interpreting Revelation 2:8-11
2:8And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These things saith the first and the last, who was dead, and lived again:
2:9I know thy tribulation, and thy poverty (but thou art rich), and the blasphemy of them that say they are Jews, and they art not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 2:10Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer: behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life. 2:11He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
September 7, 1941: Rev. 2:1-11
What is the metaphysical meaning of the phrase “the angel of the church in Ephesus”? The church represents an aggregation of spiritual ideas in individual consciousness. The name Ephesus (appealing, desirable) represents desire, the central building faculty of the consciousness. The word angel here means “animating spirit.” The phrase may be taken to mean the spirit that animates those whose dominant desire is for the things of the Spirit.
The number seven is mentioned twice in the first verse in connection with the church of Ephesus. What is its significance? This number signifies fullness. It refers to the divine law of perfection for man. The “seven stars” and the “seven golden candlesticks” represent the fullness of divine wisdom in store for those who keep the divine law.
Who is He that “holdeth the seven stars in in his right hand” and “walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks”? This is the Christ, the source of wisdom, intelligence, and understanding.
What is meant by the “first love” that the church has left? It is the first love that man feels for the things of God, when all his faculties are turned into higher channels. In his “first love” he is full of enthusiasm and zeal for Truth, his word has power, and he is able to prove his faith in various ways. When the first high tide of his enthusiasm falls, man may continue to labor, to be patient, and to love Truth, even though he may interpret love of Truth negatively as a fight against evil; but with zeal and enthusiasm gone, he loses the power to prove his faith by his works. The full complement of man’s faculties is represented by the church.
What is the “candlestick” of the church? This is the light that the church (or man when he brings all his faculties into play) is able to shed on the problems of life.
To him that overcometh, to him will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.” Is this a promise only, or a statement of Truth? It is a statement of Truth. The overcomer inherits eternal life here and now.
What does the “angel of the church in Smyrna” represent? The name Smyrna (myrrh, flowing, distilling) represents substance. When all of a man’s faculties are reinforced by spiritual substance, his spirit is one of unconquerable endurance and staying power.
What attitude in a person adds most to this endurance? Fearlessness. “Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer.”
What faculty gives unlimited forbearance and self-discipline under testing? Faith. “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life.”
December 14, 1947: Rev. 2:8-11
By what is substance represented in this lesson? By the name Smyrna, meaning “fragrant,” “aromatic.”
How should we view trials of faith? As incentives to action and challenges to attainment, rather than as justification of discouragement and resignation.
How do we earn a “crown of life,” and what does it fit us to rule? We earn a “crown of life” by remaining steadfast and faithful under tests, and it fits us to rule ourselves and our world.
Who are those who have come up out of the great tribulation? Those who have overcome sense consciousness with its ills. This includes potentially everyone born into the world, since all are born into sense consciousness, and all may rise above! it.
Has mental concentration anything to do with our victory over self? It has much to do with victory at all times. Whatever we set our heart and thoughts upon tends to become magnified in consciousness and to fix the tenor of our life.
Is Truth limited in saving power? No. It is able to save everyone who expresses it faithfully.
Metaphysically Interpreting Revelation 2:12-17
2:12and to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These things saith he that hath the sharp two-edged sword:
2:13I know where thou dwellest, even where Satan's throne is; and thou holdest fast my name, and didst not deny my faith, even in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwelleth. 2:14But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there some that hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication. 2:15So hast thou also some that hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans in like manner. 2:16Repent therefore; or else I come to thee quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth. 2:17He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and upon the stone a new name written, which no one knoweth but he that receiveth it.
Metaphysically Interpreting Revelation 2:18-29
2:18And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like unto burnished brass:
2:19I know thy works, and thy love and faith and ministry and patience, and that thy last works are more than the first. 2:20But I have this against thee, that thou sufferest the woman Jezebel, who calleth herself a prophetess; and she teacheth and seduceth my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols. 2:21And I gave her time that she should repent; and she willeth not to repent of her fornication. 2:22Behold, I cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of her works. 2:23And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto each one of you according to your works. 2:24But to you I say, to the rest that are in Thyatira, as many as have not this teaching, who know not the deep things of Satan, as they are wont to say; I cast upon you none other burden. 2:25Nevertheless that which ye have, hold fast till I come. 2:26And he that overcometh, and he that keepeth my works unto the end,
to him will I give authority over the nations:
2:27and he shall rule them with a rod of iron,
as the vessels of the potter are broken to shivers;as I also have received of my Father: 2:28and I will give him the morning star. 2:29He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.
Transcribed by Lloyd Kinder on 10-23-2013
