Are there any immediate questions?
Verse 5 – What do you think it means that Jesus would remove their lampstand from its place?
Verse 7 – What do we know about the tree of life?
Genesis 3:22 – “The Lord God said, ‘Since the man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil, he must not reach out, take from the tree of life, eat, and live forever.’”
We hear about the tree of life again in the end of Revelation.
What is the paradise of God? (New Heaven and New Earth)
Verse 9 – Why do you think Jesus referred to these people as the “synagogue of Satan?”
They’re also called “so-called Jews.”
What is a Jew?
Read Romans 9:6-8 – “ . . . not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Neither is it the case that all of Abraham’s children are his descendants. On the contrary, your offspring will be traced through Isaac. That is, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but the children of the promise are considered to be the offspring.”
It’s likely that this was an actual synagogue of ethnic and religious Jews who were not actually doing the work of God. Rather, they were standing against God’s people.
Verse 10 – What is the deal with the 10 days of prison or suffering?
Bible Knowledge Commentary – Some have taken these words “for 10 days” as a symbolic representation of the entire persecution of the church; others think it refers to 10 persecutions under Roman rulers. The most probable meaning is that it anticipated a limited period of time for suffering
Other research: The “ten days” in Revelation 2:10 most likely signifies a brief but complete period of tribulation, allowed by God but instigated by Satan, to test the faith of the believers. Jesus urges the church to remain faithful, even to death, with the promise of eternal reward.
Verse 10 – Crown of Life
James 1:12 “Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
Refers to eternal life, not necessarily a physical crown.
Verse 17 – What is the “hidden manna”?
What is manna in general?
Exodus 16 – manna provided in the wilderness for God’s people.
John 6:47–51 “Truly I tell you, anyone who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven so that anyone may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread he will live forever. The bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
This hidden manna likely refers to the blessing that Jesus gives of Himself, His presence, His provision, and the rewards that He earns for the believer.
Bible Knowledge Commentary – Instead of physical food, this would be spiritual food.
Verse 17 – What’s the deal with the “white stone”?
Bible Knowledge Commentary – the important point is the stone’s inscription, which gives the believer “a new name,” indicating acceptance by God and his title to glory.
Other Research:
The meaning of the white stone is not explicitly explained, so scholars have proposed several possible interpretations based on ancient customs, biblical imagery, and symbolism:
🏛 1. Acquittal in Court (Judicial Victory)
In ancient Greek and Roman courts, jurors used stones to cast their vote:
White stone = acquittal (innocence)
Black stone = condemnation (guilt)
The white stone could symbolize the believer’s justification and freedom from condemnation in Christ (cf. Romans 8:1).
🏟 2. Admission Ticket to Events
In Roman times, a white stone or tessera was sometimes used as a ticket to gain entry into festivals, banquets, or special events.
This may symbolize access to the heavenly banquet or eternal life (cf. Revelation 19:9 – “marriage supper of the Lamb”).
⛰ 3. Manna Connection – Wilderness Provision
The verse also references hidden manna, which was given during Israel’s wilderness journey.
The stone could allude to God’s provision, like manna on stone-like ground, or be a parallel to the divine reward of sustenance and identity.
📛 4. A New Identity (New Name Written)
Names in Scripture often represent a person’s character, calling, or relationship with God.
A new name implies transformation, intimacy with Christ, or divine approval (cf. Isaiah 62:2; Revelation 3:12).
The secrecy (“no one knows except the one who receives it”) suggests personal, intimate relationship between the believer and Christ.
🪨 5. Victory Token for Athletes or Soldiers
Victorious athletes were sometimes awarded white stones or tokens that symbolized their victory and sometimes granted benefits.
This fits the “to the one who conquers” theme, symbolizing spiritual victory and reward.
All interpretations emphasize reward, acceptance, and relationship with Christ.
Verses 22-23 – Jezebel and Her Children
This likely refers to judgment against the false teacher and her followers.
Verse 24 – Secrets of Satan
Many times, false teachers claim that what they know is a revealed secret or some new discovery.
The way Jesus speaks of this here, He is likely mocking the teaching of Jezebel by calling it “secrets.”
Verse 28 – What is the morning star?
1. It could refer directly to Jesus Himself:
Numbers 24:17 – “I see him, but not now; I perceive him, but not near. A star will come from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel.”
Revelation 22:16 – “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to attest these things to you for the churches. I am the root and descendant of David, the bright morning star.”
2. It could refer to resurrection and glory.
Appearing just before dawn (Venus).
2 Peter 1:19 – “We also have the prophetic word strongly confirmed, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”
So, glory is coming before darkness.
3. Authority and reign
Jesus shares with believers.
Star of Bethlehem signified royal birth.
Can mean some of all of what we discussed.
Can the morning star refer to Satan?
Isaiah 14:12 – “Shining morning star, how you have fallen from the heavens! You destroyer of nations, you have been cut down to the ground.”
“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!” (KJV)
The Hebrew word used in 14:12 is Helel, meaning “shining one” or “morning star.” It’s likely a reference to Venus, the bright “morning star” that rises just before dawn but quickly fades in the daylight—a fitting image for a ruler whose glory was short-lived. By the time of early Christian theology, particularly through Latin translation (the Vulgate), Helel became “Lucifer”, meaning “light-bearer.”
Isaiah 14:12 is referring to the fall of the Babylonian king, not to Satan.
So, the morning star is likely referring to Jesus and His blessings.
Concluding questions or comments?
