Friday, February 1, 2008

homework assignment!

read Revelation 2:9 and Revelation 3:9

tell me what you think of the reference to "Synagogue of Satan."

In a couple of days I will make a post of your responses along with my take on it.

thanks and God bless

13 comments:

Perfectly His said...

First timer visiting your blog.

Much blessings from our Father.

About Rev.2:9 and 3:9- If it's comparing "Christians" and Jews, one might think the synagogue of Satan refers to the Jews (who opposed Christianity). ??

Blessings,
Hisperfect

Unknown said...

"'I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.'" Revelation 2:9

"'Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie - indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.'" Revelation 3:9

When the verses are referring to "those who say they are Jews and are not," they're referring to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ; they (the Jews) teamed with other people who didn't think Christ was the Messiah and put Him to death. Therefore, the Jews become a "synagogue of Satan"... they become (1) just as bad as pagans, and (2) another instrument for Satan to use in the world.

No idea how far off I am... lol

pastorbrianculver said...

glad to have you stop by!! I appreciate your comments here. I am interested in seeing what others say about the Scripture. I will probably post something later on Saturday (depends if I babysit my grandkids or not), or else it will be on sunday. Thanks again and stop by any time!

God bless
Brian

pastorbrianculver said...

Hi Jessie,
do we have a good commentary in our bible? hmmmm???? haha

Unknown said...

Whoops! The last part was supposed to read, "No idea how far off I am...lol but I did have help."

I went through and edited my post before actually posting, then forgot to add that part! Sorry! I was on the right track before reading, though :) I don't usually use commentaries, but I just got my new study Bible and thought I'd give it a go because Revelation is one book I must admit I haven't studied much. :( I at least used my own words and included my own thoughts ;)

Unknown said...

OH! And by the way, I'm writing a post about the new Bible in my blog. Just in case you're wondering which one it is :)

Billy Edwards said...

Brian,
The comment I made last night on this blog was cynical, inappropriate, and wrong. I sincerely apologize.

pastorbrianculver said...

thank you Billy, apology accepted!

reformedlawless said...

Brian,

The synagogue of satan of that time was made up of people who thought themselves religious but rejected Christ. There is no such thing as a genuine belief in the Old Testament that is consistent with the rejection of Jesus Christ as Lord and God. The god of Judaism is the devil.

Now fast forward to today. Are the emergent and seeker churches, and of course so many others, any different? So many have exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worship and serve man rather than the Creator who is blessed forever. Romans1:25

Blesings bro,

Bill

http://billsbible.blogspot.com
http://www.impactmidland.com

McQ said...

Could it have something to do with people today who say, "I'm Jewish", yet do not practice their faith or follow the law? They're Jewish by blood but that is all?

michelle said...

it seems to me that maybe He is referring to anyone who claims to be a believer, but is really apostate... living one way in church, but when you get him behind closed doors you discover he is an imposter, a wolf in sheep's clothing...

Thoughts From Jeff said...

I am going to join in here for a few minutes. i wish that I could expound more, but not today.

One thing that I see missing in the comments which I think is vital is "history".

I think that if we (you) are going to look at the scripture and try to interpet it, that you need to look at 'history".

In this case, you would need to understand who John is and why he is writing and who the original audience was his target.

In these two passages, specifically, that would mean that we would need to take a look and see what was occurring in the churches (smyrna and philadelphia).

Each church was different and each one had its own sets of problems with Christianity still being in it's infacy.

I also think that when you read chp. 3, it gives you much more of an indication who this refers to without having to give much spectulations.

In Acts specifically, we can see what is occurring with Jew, Jewish Christians and individuals who were calling themselves Jews and really were not and then you had the Gentiles and "pagan god religions" that were all coming together to follow the words of Jesus. Very messy. but the church survived.

So, before a great ... this is what it means ... maybe we can look at the two churces specifically and see how they were started, where they were and the problems that were facing and then understand why the term was used.

pastorbrianculver said...

I will be posting soon on the Synagogue of Satan. The history is a part that I will also be including on the Bible Study (I forgot to mention that in there!)