Revelation 2-3

Revelation 2-3 Study Guide – to be discussed February 24
[NOTE: Chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation contain letters to leaders of seven wards or branches of the church in Asia Minor. Each letter begins with a descriptive phrase about the Savior, including images designed to aid in understanding the Lord’s nature and mission.]
Day 1: Read Revelation 2:1-7 (with footnote 1a), Bible Dictionary entries “Ephesus” and “Nicolaitans,” D&C 117:11
1. How did the Lord describe himself to the bishop or church leader in Ephesus?


2. List the Lord’s compliments and concerns regarding the church at Ephesus.



3. What promises did the Lord make to all who overcome the world?


BONUS: Who were the Nicolaitans? (See BD entry, “Nicolaitans” and D&C 117:11.)



Day 2: Read Revelation 2:8-11, 1 Nephi 14:10
4. How did the Lord describe himself in his letter to the church leader at Smyrna? How do Christ’s qualifications reinforce the promised blessings?


5. How might the saints at Smyrna have been in poverty, and yet rich?



6. Read 1 Nephi 14:10. What is the “synagogue of Satan” (Rev. 2:9)? Why is persecution part of the doctrine of Satan’s church?



Day 3: Read Revelation 2:12-17, Jeremiah 3:8, Revelation 14:8, D&C 130:9-11
7. How did the Lord describe his credentials to the church leader in Pergamos (a center for Roman emperor worship)? What compliments did the Savior have for the saints in Pergamos?



8. List concerns regarding the branch at Pergamos. (Note: The doctrine of Balaam includes the ideas of priestcraft and apostasy. See Numbers 22. Also, see Jeremiah 3:8 and Revelation 14:8 regarding “fornication.”)


9. Read D&C 130:9-11. What does the “white stone” mentioned in Revelation 2:17 represent? Who gets one?


Day 4: Read Revelation 2:18-29 (with footnotes 22a, 23b), JST Revelation 2:26-27, Revelation 22:16
10. List the compliments and concerns expressed toward the saints at Thyatira. What was their main problem?



11. Read JST Revelation 2:26-27. How are those who overcome sin and keep the commandments supposed to rule their kingdoms? Can we apply these principles today?




12. Read Revelation 22:16 with Revelation 2:28. What is the promise to the faithful saints at Thyatira? What does it represent?


Day 5: Read Revelation 3:1-6 (with footnotes 1a, 2a), Ephesians 2:1-7, Revelation 16:15
13. How did Christ introduce himself to the church at Sardis?


14. Read Ephesians 2:1-7. What does it mean to have “a name that thou livest, and art dead”? What admonitions or warnings did the Lord give to prevent this kind of death?



15. Read Revelation 16:15. The Savior warned members at Sardis he will come “as a thief” (Rev. 3:3). According to Revelation 16:15, what might we lose if we are not watchful (faithful)? What are the promises to those who overcome?



Day 6: Read Revelation 3:7-13 (with footnote 7a)
16. How did Christ identify himself to the saints at Philadelphia? Use footnote 7a to tell what is indicated by “the key of David.”


17. The church at Philadelphia (city of brotherly love) received only compliments. Read Revelation 3:8 aloud to yourself and try to imagine how you would feel if the Lord sent you this message. What is the promise? Upon what is it based?


18. List the remaining blessings promised in Revelation 3:9-12.


BONUS: What is the function of a pillar in a building? What characteristics define a good or usable pillar?



Day 7: Read Revelation 3:14-22 (with footnotes 16b, 19a), Matthew 13:44-46, D&C 6:7
19. Did the Lord have any compliments for the Laodiceans? How did he feel about their apathy?


20. Read Matthew 13:44-46 and D&C 6:7. With what do we “buy… gold tried in the fire” (Revelation 3:18)? Why do we need white clothing and eye salve?


21. List promises to those who hear, open, sup, and overcome.