The Skeptics Annotated Bible (999 page)

(2.14) “I have a few things against thee.”

15
So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

(2.15) “So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.”

16
Repent; or else I
will come unto thee quickly, and
will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

(2.16) “Repent; or else I … will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.”

17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;
To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name
written,
which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

(2.17) “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name … which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”

(2.18-28)
To the angel of the church in Thyatira
Jesus has a few things against Thyatira, too. Jezebel has taught them to fornicate and eat things sacrificed to idols. So Jesus will throw Jezebel and her sex partners into a bed of torture. Then he’ll kill her children (with death). Whoever overcomes will rule everyone else with an iron rod, smashing the others to pieces. Jesus will even throw in the morning star (the planet Venus?) as a bonus prize.

18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write;
These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;

(2.18) “These things saith the the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass.”

19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.

20 Notwithstanding
I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel
, which calleth herself a prophetess,
to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication
, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

(2.20) “I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel … to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication.”

21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

22 Behold,
I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation
, except they repent of their deeds.

(2.22) “I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation.”

23 And
I will kill her children with death
; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and
I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

(2.23a) “I will kill her children with death.”

(2.23b) “I will give unto every one of you according to your works.”
304 Is salvation by faith alone?

24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.

25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.

26 And
he that overcometh
, and keepeth my works unto the end,
to him will I give power over the nations:

(2.26) “He that overcometh … to him will I give power over the nations.”

27 And
he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers
: even as I received of my Father.

(2.27) “He shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers.”

28
And I will give him the morning star.

(2.28) “And I will give him the morning star.”

29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

(3.1-5)
To the angel of the church in Sardis
The guy with the seven spirits of God (Does that include the Holy Spirit?) and the seven stars has noticed that there are a few worthy Sardisians among the living dead that haven’t yet soiled their clothes; they will get to walk around with Jesus wearing white, for they are worthy. Whoever else overcomes will get some white garments too, and Jesus will mention his (or her?) name in front of God and his angels.

3
And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

(3.1a)
“These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars.”

(3.1b-4)
“Thou livest, and art dead … Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.”

2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.