King James Version
Revelation 2
29 verses with commentary
To the Church in Ephesus
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira - love lost, faithful suffering, compromise employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
II.
(1) **Unto the angel of the church of **(literally, *in*) **Ephesus.**—On the word “angel,” see Note on Revelation 1:20, and *Excursus A.* Adopting the view that the angel represents the chief pastor or bishop of the Church, it would be interesting to know who was its presiding minister at this time; but this must be deternined by another question, viz., the date of the Apocalypse. Accepting t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. being lords--**Greek, "lording it": implying pride and oppression. "Not that we have dominion over your faith."
**God's heritage--**Greek, "the inheritances," that is, the portions of the Church committed severally to your pastoral charge [Bengel]. It is explained by "the flock" in the next clause. However, in 1Pe 5:2, "flock of God which is among you," answering to "(God's) heritages" (plu...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Believers are cautioned against false teachers, and the certainty of their punishment shown from examples.(1-9)
An account of these seducers, as exceedingly wicked.(10-16)
But as making high pretences to liberty and purity.(17-22)
**Verses 1-9**
Though the way of error is a hurtful way, many are always ready to walk therein. Let us take care we give ...
Read full commentary →I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira - love lost, faithful suffering, compromise employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament all...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **I know thy works.**—This phrase is probably common to all the epistles. See, however, Note on Revelation 2:9. It expresses the way in which all actions are naked and open before the eyes—those flame-like eyes (Revelation 1:14)—of Him with whom we have to do (Psalm 11:4-5; Psalm 139:11-12; Hebrews 4:13). The veneer of a formal faith might impose on the world, but it would not escape His scrut...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. And--**"And so": as the result of "being ensamples" (1Pe 5:3).
**chief Shepherd--**the title peculiarly Christ's own, not Peter's or the pope's.
**when ... shall appear--**Greek, "be manifested" (Col 3:4). Faith serves the Lord while still unseen.
**crown--**Greek, "stephanos," a garland of victory, the prize in the Grecian games, woven of ivy, parsley, myrtle, olive, or oak. Our crown ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Believers are cautioned against false teachers, and the certainty of their punishment shown from examples.(1-9)
An account of these seducers, as exceedingly wicked.(10-16)
But as making high pretences to liberty and purity.(17-22)
**Verses 1-9**
Though the way of error is a hurtful way, many are always ready to walk therein. Let us take care we give ...
Read full commentary →And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira - love lost, faithful suffering, compromise employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **And hast borne.**—This verse needs some change to bring it into harmony with the best MSS. It should stand, *And hast* (or, *hadst*)* patience, and didst bear for My name’s sake, and didst not weary.* In this last word there is a recurrence to the word (*kopos*) translated labour or toil in Revelation 2:2. They had toiled on to very weariness without wearying of their toil (Galatians 6:9), j...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. ye younger--**The deacons were originally the younger men, the presbyters older; but subsequently as presbyter expressed the office of Church ruler or teacher, so Greek "neoteros" means not (as literally) young men in age, but subordinate ministers and servants of the Church. So Christ uses the term "younger." For He explains it by "he that doth serve," literally, "he that ministereth as a de...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-11**
What knowledge of Christ can that be, which sees not that he is most worthy of our entire obedience? And a disobedient life shows there is neither religion nor honesty in the professor. The love of God is perfected in him that keeps his commandments. God's grace in him attains its true mark, and produces its sovereign effect as far as may be in this world, and this is man's reg...
Read full commentary →Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira - love lost, faithful suffering, compromise employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic li...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee.**—Better, *I have against thee that thou didst let go.* This is the fault, and it is no trifle which is blamed, as the word “somewhat” (which is not to be found in the original) might be taken to imply; for the decay of love is the decay of that without which all other graces are as nothing (1Corinthians 13:1-3), since “all religion is summed up in ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. under the mighty hand--**afflicting you (1Pe 3:15): "accept" His chastisements, and turn to Him that smiteth you. He depresses the proud and exalts the humble.
**in due time--**Wait humbly and patiently for His own fit time. One oldest manuscript and Vulgate read, "In the season of visitation," namely, His visitation in mercy.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-11**
What knowledge of Christ can that be, which sees not that he is most worthy of our entire obedience? And a disobedient life shows there is neither religion nor honesty in the professor. The love of God is perfected in him that keeps his commandments. God's grace in him attains its true mark, and produces its sovereign effect as far as may be in this world, and this is man's reg...
Read full commentary →Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira - love lost, faithful suffering, compromise employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allus...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, . . . and do the first works.**—It is argued that we have here evidence that the later, or Domitian, date of the Apocalypse is the true one, since it describes a fall in spiritual life which might have occurred in thirty years, but would hardly have taken place in the few years—ten at the utmost—which elapsed between the visit of St. Paul (Acts...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. Casting--**once for all: so the Greek aorist.
**care--**"anxiety? The advantage flowing from humbling ourselves under God's hand (1Pe 5:6) is confident reliance on His goodness. Exemption from care goes along with humble submission to God.
**careth for you--**literally "respecting you." Care is a burden which faith casts off the man on his God. Compare Psa 22:10; 37:5; 55:22, to which Pet...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-11**
What knowledge of Christ can that be, which sees not that he is most worthy of our entire obedience? And a disobedient life shows there is neither religion nor honesty in the professor. The love of God is perfected in him that keeps his commandments. God's grace in him attains its true mark, and produces its sovereign effect as far as may be in this world, and this is man's reg...
Read full commentary →But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
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KJV Study Commentary
Christ's hatred of Nicolaitan deeds reveals His holy intolerance of antinomianism—the false teaching that grace permits sinful license. Early church fathers (Irenaeus, Hippolytus) identify Nicolaitans with libertine practices mixing Christianity with pagan immorality. Reformed theology affirms that genuine faith produces sanctification; mere profession without transformation indicates false conver...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds** (better, *works*) **of the Nicolaitanes.**—The Nicolaitanes were, as has been expressed, the Antinomians of the Asiatic Church. The life and conduct were little thought of, and the faith professed was everything. Some have thought that they were a sect who derived their name, under some colourable pretext, from Nicolas the Proselyte; others ho...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
8. Peter has in mind Christ's warning to himself to watch against Satan, from forgetting which he fell.
**Be sober ... vigilant--**"Care," that is, anxiety, will intoxicate the soul; therefore be sober, that is, self-restrained. Yet, lest this freedom from care should lead any to false security, he adds, "Be vigilant" against "your adversary." Let this be your "care." God provides, therefore do ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-11**
What knowledge of Christ can that be, which sees not that he is most worthy of our entire obedience? And a disobedient life shows there is neither religion nor honesty in the professor. The love of God is perfected in him that keeps his commandments. God's grace in him attains its true mark, and produces its sovereign effect as far as may be in this world, and this is man's reg...
Read full commentary →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 tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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 tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira - love lost, faithful suffering, compromise employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **He that hath an ear . . .**—Or. *Let him that hath an ear, hear.* These words—an echo from the Gospels—recur in all the seven epistles. In the first three, however, they are placed before the promise; in the remaining four they follow it. The heart which is hardened is the precursor of the ear that is deaf (Jeremiah 6:10, and John 12:37-40). The “spiritual truth” needs a spiritual organ for ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
9. (Lu 4:13; Ep 6:11-17; Jas 4:7.)
**steadfast--**Compare established in the truth," 2Pe 1:12. Satan's power exists only in respect to the unbelieving; the faithful he cannot hurt (1Jo 5:18). Faith gives strength to prayer, the great instrument against the foe (Jas 1:6, &c.).
**knowing, &c.--**"encouragement not to faint in afflictions": your brethren suffer the same; nothing beyond th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-11**
What knowledge of Christ can that be, which sees not that he is most worthy of our entire obedience? And a disobedient life shows there is neither religion nor honesty in the professor. The love of God is perfected in him that keeps his commandments. God's grace in him attains its true mark, and produces its sovereign effect as far as may be in this world, and this is man's reg...
Read full commentary →To the Church in Smyrna
And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira - love lost, faithful suffering, compromise employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic langu...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) Smyrna, the modern *Ismir, *now possessing a population of about 150,000. Its mercantile prosperity may be measured by its trade. In 1852 the export trade amounted to £1,766,653—about half of this being with England. The imports in the same year were £1,357,339. It has always been considered one of the most beautiful cities in Asia. It was situated in the ancient province of Ionia, a little no...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10. Comforting assurance that God will finally "perfect" His work of "grace" in them, after they have undergone the necessary previous suffering.
**But--**Only do you watch and resist the foe: God will perform the rest [Bengel].
**of all grace--**(Compare 1Pe 4:10). The God to whom as its source all grace is to be referred; who in grace completes what in grace He began. He from the first "call...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-11**
Our Lord Jesus is the First, for by him were all things made; he was before all things, with God, and is God himself. He is the Last, for he will be the Judge of all. As this First and Last, who was dead and is alive, is the believer's Brother and Friend, he must be rich in the deepest poverty, honourable amidst the lowest abasement, and happy under the heaviest tribulation, li...
Read full commentary →I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira - love lost, faithful suffering, compromise employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic mean...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **I know thy works.**—Some would omit the word “works;” but the phrase “I know thy works” is admitted to be genuine in five out of the seven epistles; and it certainly seems natural to conclude that it was intended to be common to all, and to remind the Christian communities that whatever their state it was known to Him whose eyes were as a flame of fire. “We go from one hour to another, from ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. To him--**emphatic. To Him and Him alone: not to ourselves. Compare "Himself," see on 1Pe 5:10.
**glory and--**omitted in the oldest manuscripts and versions.
**dominion--**Greek, "the might" shown in so "perfecting," you, 1Pe 5:10.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-11**
Our Lord Jesus is the First, for by him were all things made; he was before all things, with God, and is God himself. He is the Last, for he will be the Judge of all. As this First and Last, who was dead and is alive, is the believer's Brother and Friend, he must be rich in the deepest poverty, honourable amidst the lowest abasement, and happy under the heaviest tribulation, li...
Read full commentary →Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall 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 a crown of life.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and ...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira - love lost, faithful suffering, compromise employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testame...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **Fear none of those things.**—Though Christ proclaimed His yoke to be easy, He also said that His followers must expect tribulation (John 16:33). He never conceals the difficulties or dangers of His service. (See Matthew 10:16-31; Acts 9:16.) So here He proclaims, “Behold, the devil shall cast some. . . .”
**The devil.**—The LXX. translation gives this name to Satan, regarding him as the “ac...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. Silvanus--**Silas, the companion of Paul and Timothy: a suitable messenger by whom to confirm, as Peter here does, Paul's doctrine of "the true grace of God" in the same churches (compare 2Pe 3:16). We never meet with Silvanus as Paul's companion after Paul's last journey to Jerusalem. His connection with Peter was plainly subsequent to that journey.
**as I suppose--**Join "faithful unto y...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-11**
Our Lord Jesus is the First, for by him were all things made; he was before all things, with God, and is God himself. He is the Last, for he will be the Judge of all. As this First and Last, who was dead and is alive, is the believer's Brother and Friend, he must be rich in the deepest poverty, honourable amidst the lowest abasement, and happy under the heaviest tribulation, li...
Read full commentary →He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira - love lost, faithful suffering, compromise employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocaly...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **He** **that overcometh** (or *conquereth*) **shall not be hurt.**—The words used are precise, and give certainty to the promise.
**The second death.**—This phrase is a new one in Bible language. It is said that Jews were familiar with it through its use in the Chaldee Paraphrase. It clearly points to a death which is other than that of the body; it stands in contrast with the crown of *life...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. The ... at Babylon--**Alford, Bengel, and others translate, "She that is elected together with you in Babylon," namely, Peter's wife, whom he led about with him in his missionary journeys. Compare 1Pe 3:7, "heirs together of the grace of life." But why she should be called "elected together with you in Babylon," as if there had been no Christian woman in Babylon besides, is inexplicable on t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-11**
Our Lord Jesus is the First, for by him were all things made; he was before all things, with God, and is God himself. He is the Last, for he will be the Judge of all. As this First and Last, who was dead and is alive, is the believer's Brother and Friend, he must be rich in the deepest poverty, honourable amidst the lowest abasement, and happy under the heaviest tribulation, li...
Read full commentary →To the Church in Pergamum
And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira - love lost, faithful suffering, compromise employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language char...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **Pergamos.**—Unlike Ephesus and Smyrna, Pergamos was not distinguished as a commercial city. Its importance was due to other causes. A striking coneshaped hill rose from the plain which bordered the northern banks of the Caicus. The hill was considered sacred. Its value as a strong natural fortress was early recognised, and it was used as a keep and treasury where local chieftains deposited ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14. kiss of charity--**Ro 16:16, "an holy kiss": the token of love to God and the brethren. Love and holiness are inseparable. Compare the instance, Ac 20:37.
**Peace--**Peter's closing salutation; as Paul's is, "Grace be with you," though he accompanies it with "peace be to the brethren." "Peace" (flowing from salvation) was Christ's own salutation after the resurrection, and from Him Peter d...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-17**
The word of God is a sword, able to slay both sin and sinners. It turns and cuts every way; but the believer need not fear this sword; yet this confidence cannot be supported without steady obedience. As our Lord notices all the advantages and opportunities we have for duty in the places where we dwell, so he notices our temptations and discouragements from the same causes. In...
Read full commentary →I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was s...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira - love lost, faithful suffering, compromise employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testame...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **I know thy works.**—Here, as in Revelation 2:9, some MSS. omit “thy works,” and read, “I know where thou dwellest—even where Satan’s *seat* is.” The word is translated elsewhere “throne,” and should be here, “Where the throne of Satan is.” But why should this pre-eminence in evil be assigned to Pergamos? The answer is difficult. Some leave it unsolved, saying that in the absence of any hist...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
THE SECOND EPISTLE GENERAL OF PETER
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-17**
The word of God is a sword, able to slay both sin and sinners. It turns and cuts every way; but the believer need not fear this sword; yet this confidence cannot be supported without steady obedience. As our Lord notices all the advantages and opportunities we have for duty in the places where we dwell, so he notices our temptations and discouragements from the same causes. In...
Read full commentary →But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed u...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira - love lost, faithful suffering, compromise employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testame...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **But I have a few things against thee.**—The word “few” is not to be taken as though the ground of rebuke was a trifling one. The little leaven might leaven the whole lump; and those who had been brave unto death in the days of persecution had been less temptation-proof against more seductive influences. The church tolerated without remonstrance men holding [the word is the same as that used...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-17**
The word of God is a sword, able to slay both sin and sinners. It turns and cuts every way; but the believer need not fear this sword; yet this confidence cannot be supported without steady obedience. As our Lord notices all the advantages and opportunities we have for duty in the places where we dwell, so he notices our temptations and discouragements from the same causes. In...
Read full commentary →So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira - love lost, faithful suffering, compromise employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish propheti...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes**—*i.e., *thou, as well as those of old, hast such teachers. There is little doubt that this is the connection between the verses, but opinions are divided whether we are on this account to identify the Balaamites with the Nicolaitanes, and to suppose that both names point to the same sect. The simplest meaning of the passage...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
INTRODUCTION
**Authenticity and genuineness.--**If not a gross imposture, its own internal witness is unequivocal in its favor. It has Peter's name and apostleship in its heading: not only his surname, but his original name Simon, or Simeon, he thus, at the close of his life, reminding his readers who he originally was before his call. Again, in 2Pe 1:16-18, he mentions his presence at the Transf...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-17**
The word of God is a sword, able to slay both sin and sinners. It turns and cuts every way; but the believer need not fear this sword; yet this confidence cannot be supported without steady obedience. As our Lord notices all the advantages and opportunities we have for duty in the places where we dwell, so he notices our temptations and discouragements from the same causes. In...
Read full commentary →Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira - love lost, faithful suffering, compromise employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic o...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. Grace ... peace--**(1Pe 1:2).
**through--**Greek, "in": the sphere IN which alone grace and peace can be multiplied.
**knowledge--**Greek, "full knowledge."
**of God, and of Jesus our Lord--**The Father is here meant by "God," but the Son in 2Pe 1:1: marking how entirely one the Father and Son are (Joh 14:7-11). The Vulgate omits "of God and"; but oldest manuscripts support the words. S...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-17**
The word of God is a sword, able to slay both sin and sinners. It turns and cuts every way; but the believer need not fear this sword; yet this confidence cannot be supported without steady obedience. As our Lord notices all the advantages and opportunities we have for duty in the places where we dwell, so he notices our temptations and discouragements from the same causes. In...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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 w...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira - love lost, faithful suffering, compromise employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testame...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **To him that overcometh.**—The promise should run thus:—*To him that conquereth will I give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and upon the stone a new name graven, which no man knoweth, but he who receiveth it.* On this promise we may notice (1) that it is appropriate: those who refused to indulge the fleshly appetite are promised gratifications far higher, and hidden f...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. According as, &c.--**Seeing that [Alford]. "As He hath given us ALL things (needful) for life and godliness, (so) do you give us ALL diligence," &c. The oil and flame are given wholly of grace by God, and "taken" by believers: their part henceforth is to "trim their lamps" (compare 2Pe 1:3, 4 with 2Pe 1:5, &c.).
**life and godliness--**Spiritual life must exist first before ther...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-17**
The word of God is a sword, able to slay both sin and sinners. It turns and cuts every way; but the believer need not fear this sword; yet this confidence cannot be supported without steady obedience. As our Lord notices all the advantages and opportunities we have for duty in the places where we dwell, so he notices our temptations and discouragements from the same causes. In...
Read full commentary →To the Church in Thyatira
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;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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;...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira - love lost, faithful suffering, compromise employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **Thyatira** was situated between Pergamos and Sardis, a little off the main road which connected these two cities. It was a Macedonian colony, founded by Alexander the Great after the overthrow of the Persian empire. The Macedonian colonists appear to have introduced the worship of Apollo, honoured as the Sun-god, under the name of Tyrimnas. It has been thought by some that the description h...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. Whereby, &c.--**By His glory and virtue: His glory making the "promises" to be exceeding great; His virtue making them "precious" [Bengel]. Precious promises are the object of precious faith.
**given--**The promises themselves are a gift: for God's promises are as sure as if they were fulfilled.
**by these--**promises. They are the object of faith, and even now have a sanctifying effe...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-29**
Even when the Lord knows the works of his people to be wrought in love, faith, zeal, and patience; yet if his eyes, which are as a flame of fire, observe them committing or allowing what is evil, he will rebuke, correct, or punish them. Here is praise of the ministry and people of Thyatira, by One who knew the principles from which they acted. They grew wiser and better. All C...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira - love lost, faithful suffering, compromise employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **Thy works, and charity.**—In the words of commendation we find two pairs. We have the Christian community commended for charity and service, the outward ministrations which manifest the inner principle of love; their *labour* of love, or their work and *love* (Hebrews 6:10) in general. In the second pair, faith and patience; the patience is the token of the faith (Romans 2:7; Hebrews 11:27)...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. And beside this--**rather, "And for this very reason," namely, "seeing that His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness" (2Pe 1:3).
**giving--**literally, "introducing," side by side with God's gift, on your part "diligence." Compare an instance, 2Pe 1:10; 2Pe 3:14; 2Co 7:11.
**all--**all possible.
**add--**literally, "minister additionally," or, ab...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-29**
Even when the Lord knows the works of his people to be wrought in love, faith, zeal, and patience; yet if his eyes, which are as a flame of fire, observe them committing or allowing what is evil, he will rebuke, correct, or punish them. Here is praise of the ministry and people of Thyatira, by One who knew the principles from which they acted. They grew wiser and better. All C...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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 th...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira - love lost, faithful suffering, compromise employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testame...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **A few things.**—The Sinaitic MS. has “I have much against thee; but the reading, *I have against thee that thou lettest alone, *&c., is to be preferred.
**Jezebel.**—Some adopt the reading, “thy wife Jezebel.” From these words it has been thought that there was some personal influence at work for evil in Thyatira. Whether in the household of the “angel” or not is at least doubtful. The sin ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6. Greek, "And in your knowledge self-control." In the exercise of Christian knowledge or discernment of God's will, let there be the practical fruit of self-control as to one's lusts and passions. Incontinence weakens the mind; continence, or self-control, moves weakness and imparts strength And in your self-control patient endurance" amidst sufferings, so much dwelt on in the First Epistle, seco...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-29**
Even when the Lord knows the works of his people to be wrought in love, faith, zeal, and patience; yet if his eyes, which are as a flame of fire, observe them committing or allowing what is evil, he will rebuke, correct, or punish them. Here is praise of the ministry and people of Thyatira, by One who knew the principles from which they acted. They grew wiser and better. All C...
Read full commentary →And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
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KJV Study Commentary
God's patience in giving 'space to repent' demonstrates His mercy while underscoring human responsibility. The Greek 'chronon' (time) indicates a definite period, not indefinite tolerance. This balance reflects Reformed theology's affirmation of both divine sovereignty in salvation and human moral accountability. Jezebel's refusal despite opportunity shows the hardness of impenitent hearts—a warni...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **And I gave her space.**—Read, *And I gave her time to repent, and she will not* (or, *is not willing to*)* repent of her fornication, *or, *to repent out of*—*i.e., *so as to forsake her fornication. Here, as before, we are reminded that true repentance is a repentance whereby we forsake sin. (Comp. Revelation 2:5; Revelation 3:2.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
7. "And in your godliness brotherly kindness"; not suffering your godliness to be moroseness, nor a sullen solitary habit of life, but kind, generous, and courteous [Alford]. Your natural affection and brotherly kindness are to be sanctified by godliness. "And in your brotherly kindness love," namely, to all men, even to enemies, in thought, word, and deed. From brotherly kindness we are to go for...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-29**
Even when the Lord knows the works of his people to be wrought in love, faith, zeal, and patience; yet if his eyes, which are as a flame of fire, observe them committing or allowing what is evil, he will rebuke, correct, or punish them. Here is praise of the ministry and people of Thyatira, by One who knew the principles from which they acted. They grew wiser and better. All C...
Read full commentary →Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
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KJV Study Commentary
The promise of 'great tribulation' for the impenitent demonstrates that God's judgment begins with the household of God (1 Peter 4:17). Those who committed adultery with Jezebel face consequences unless they repent of 'their deeds'—emphasizing personal responsibility despite external temptation. The conditional 'except they repent' maintains hope while warning of certain judgment. Reformed theolog...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **I will cast her into a** **bed.**—The chamber of voluptuousness will become the chamber of sickness. The spot of the sin shall be the scene of punishment. (Comp. 1Kings 21:19.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. be--**Greek, "subsist" that is, supposing these things to have an actual subsistence in you; "be" would express the mere matter-of-fact being (Ac 16:20).
**abound--**more than in others; so the Greek.
**make--**"render," "constitute you," habitually, by the very fact of possessing these graces.
**barren--**"inactive," and, as a field lying fallow and unworked (Greek), so barren and usel...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-29**
Even when the Lord knows the works of his people to be wrought in love, faith, zeal, and patience; yet if his eyes, which are as a flame of fire, observe them committing or allowing what is evil, he will rebuke, correct, or punish them. Here is praise of the ministry and people of Thyatira, by One who knew the principles from which they acted. They grew wiser and better. All C...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira - love lost, faithful suffering, compromise employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions a...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **Her children.**—This is to be understood of her followers. The so-called prophetess led the way in looseness of morals, under the pretence of some deeper knowledge. She had her associates and their disciples; the evil and the evil consequences would grow; the disciples outrun their teachers, and more than tribulation—death—is their penalty.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. But--**Greek, "For." Confirming the need of these graces (2Pe 1:5-8) by the fatal consequences of the want of them.
**he that lacketh--**Greek, "he to whom these are not present."
**blind--**as to the spiritual realities of the unseen world.
**and cannot see afar off--**explanatory of "blind." He closes his eyes (Greek) as unable to see distant objects (namely, heavenly things), and fix...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-29**
Even when the Lord knows the works of his people to be wrought in love, faith, zeal, and patience; yet if his eyes, which are as a flame of fire, observe them committing or allowing what is evil, he will rebuke, correct, or punish them. Here is praise of the ministry and people of Thyatira, by One who knew the principles from which they acted. They grew wiser and better. All C...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
The 'depths of Satan' likely refers to Gnostic claims of superior knowledge through embracing evil, or Jezebel's teaching that experiencing immorality provided deeper spiritual understanding. Christ rejects this perversion—true knowledge comes through obedience, not experimental sin. The promise 'I will put upon you none other burden' offers relief; faithfulness to apostolic truth suffices without...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **But unto you I say** (omit “and unto”) the rest, &c.
**The depths.**—Or, *the deep things.* These teachers, as was the case with the Gnostics, professed to have a deeper insight into mysteries, the deep things of God. They may have garnished their speech with this very phrase, borrowed—in sound though not in sense—from 1Corinthians 2:10, and may have even boasted of their knowledge of Satan...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. Wherefore--**seeking the blessed consequence of having, and the evil effects of not having, these graces (2Pe 1:8, 9).
**the rather--**the more earnestly.
**brethren--**marking that it is affection for them which constrains him so earnestly to urge them. Nowhere else does he so address them, which makes his calling them so here the more emphatical.
**give diligence--**The Greek aorist ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-29**
Even when the Lord knows the works of his people to be wrought in love, faith, zeal, and patience; yet if his eyes, which are as a flame of fire, observe them committing or allowing what is evil, he will rebuke, correct, or punish them. Here is praise of the ministry and people of Thyatira, by One who knew the principles from which they acted. They grew wiser and better. All C...
Read full commentary →But that which ye have already hold fast till I come .
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KJV Study Commentary
The exhortation to 'hold fast' emphasizes perseverance as evidence of genuine faith. The Greek 'kratēsate' implies vigorous grip, active retention against opposition. Reformed theology affirms the perseverance of the saints—true believers endure to the end not by their own strength but through God's preserving grace. 'Till I come' points to Christ's return as the church's ultimate hope, motivating...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. an entrance--**rather as Greek, "the entrance" which ye look for.
**ministered--**the same verb as in 2Pe 1:5. Minister in your faith virtue and the other graces, so shall there be ministered to you the entrance into that heaven where these graces shine most brightly. The reward of grace hereafter shall correspond to the work of grace here.
**abundantly--**Greek, "richly." It answers to ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-29**
Even when the Lord knows the works of his people to be wrought in love, faith, zeal, and patience; yet if his eyes, which are as a flame of fire, observe them committing or allowing what is evil, he will rebuke, correct, or punish them. Here is praise of the ministry and people of Thyatira, by One who knew the principles from which they acted. They grew wiser and better. All C...
Read full commentary →And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira - love lost, faithful suffering, compromise employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26, 27) **Power** (or, *authority*) **over the nations: and he shall rule them** (or, *shepherd them*) **with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers.**—The promise is of authority (“the might of right, not the right of might”) to share in the shepherd-like sovereignty of the anointed King. (Comp. the Messianic prophecy of Psalms 2) Those who refused to stoop to ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. Wherefore--**as these graces are so necessary to your abundant entrance into Christ's kingdom (2Pe 1:10, 11).
**I will not be negligent--**The oldest manuscripts read, "I will be about always to put you in remembrance" (an accumulated future: I will regard you as always needing to be reminded): compare "I will endeavor," 2Pe 1:15. "I will be sure always to remind you" [Alford]. "Always"; i...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-29**
Even when the Lord knows the works of his people to be wrought in love, faith, zeal, and patience; yet if his eyes, which are as a flame of fire, observe them committing or allowing what is evil, he will rebuke, correct, or punish them. Here is praise of the ministry and people of Thyatira, by One who knew the principles from which they acted. They grew wiser and better. All C...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira - love lost, faithful suffering, compromise employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apoc...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. Yea--**Greek, "But"; though "you know" the truth (2Pe 1:12).
**this tabernacle--**soon to be taken down (2Co 5:1): I therefore need to make the most of my short time for the good of Christ's Church. The zeal of Satan against it, the more intense as his time is short, ought to stimulate Christians on the same ground.
**by--**Greek, "in" (compare 2Pe 3:1).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-29**
Even when the Lord knows the works of his people to be wrought in love, faith, zeal, and patience; yet if his eyes, which are as a flame of fire, observe them committing or allowing what is evil, he will rebuke, correct, or punish them. Here is praise of the ministry and people of Thyatira, by One who knew the principles from which they acted. They grew wiser and better. All C...
Read full commentary →And I will give him the morning star.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And I will give him the morning star....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira - love lost, faithful suffering, compromise employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezeki...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28) **The morning star.**—The pledge of the coming day, both for the waiting witnesses, and for the ungodly, who loved darkness because their deeds were evil: the earnest of the sovereignty of light over darkness, when the children of the day would be manifest, and shine as the stars for ever and ever (Daniel 12:3).
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. U...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14. shortly I must put off--**Greek, "the putting off (as a garment) of my tabernacle is speedy": implying a soon approaching, and also a sudden death (as a violent death is). Christ's words, Joh 21:18, 19, "When thou art old," &c., were the ground of his "knowing," now that he was old, that his foretold martyrdom was near. Compare as to Paul, 2Ti 4:6. Though a violent death, he calls it a "...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-29**
Even when the Lord knows the works of his people to be wrought in love, faith, zeal, and patience; yet if his eyes, which are as a flame of fire, observe them committing or allowing what is evil, he will rebuke, correct, or punish them. Here is praise of the ministry and people of Thyatira, by One who knew the principles from which they acted. They grew wiser and better. All C...
Read full commentary →He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to ephesus, smyrna, pergamum, thyatira - love lost, faithful suffering, compromise employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literatur...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15. endeavour--**"use my diligence": the same Greek word as in 2Pe 1:10: this is the field in which my diligence has scope. Peter thus fulfils Christ's charge, "Feed My sheep" (Joh 21:16, 17).
**decease--**"departure." The very word ("exodus") used in the Transfiguration, Moses and Elias conversing about Christ's decease (found nowhere else in the New Testament, but He 11:22, "the departing of...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 18-29**
Even when the Lord knows the works of his people to be wrought in love, faith, zeal, and patience; yet if his eyes, which are as a flame of fire, observe them committing or allowing what is evil, he will rebuke, correct, or punish them. Here is praise of the ministry and people of Thyatira, by One who knew the principles from which they acted. They grew wiser and better. All C...
Read full commentary →