Revelation 2

Christ chargeth John to write, first, to the Angel of the church of Ephesus, 1. Whom he commendeth for his care and diligence, in withstanding the bad, and for divers other virtues, 2. But reproves him for the remissness of his first zeal and love, 4. Promising to the overcomers, to give them of the Tree of Life, 7. Secondly, to him of Smyrna, whom he likewise commends for sundry virtues, 8. But warns him of the afflictions that should come upon him, with a promise of the crown of life unto the overcomers, 10. Thirdly, to him of Pergamus, whom he commends for his steadfastness of withstanding the followers of the doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaites, 12. Promising nevertheless unto the overcomers, the hidden Manna, with a white Electing-stone, 17. Fourthly, to him of Thytira, whom he commends for his growth in good things, 18. But rebukes him for suffering Jezebel to prophecy, 20. Threatening to punish her, with her adherents and children, 22. And warning such as did not embrace those depths of Satan, to keep close to that which they had, 25. With promise to the overcomer, to give him power over the heathen, and the morning star, 26.

1. Write to the Angel of the church of Ephesus, [i.e. to the Overseer, Inspector, or Pastor of that church, as it is explained, chapt. 1. 20. And this is set down here in the singular number, either in regard of their whole College, as Malach. 2. 7. Under the name of Angel in the singular, the whole College of the Priests was to be understood, or because that some one of them had the precedence among them in order, by whom it was to be communicated to the rest, as appears by Acts 20:17, 28. That there were more Elders or Overseers in this church of Ephesus, whom Paul chargeth in his last farewell, to take heed unto themselves, and to the whole flock, over which the Holy Ghost had made them Episcopous, that is to say, Overseers, for to feed the flock. So that it is groundless to infer from hence an Episcopal authority of one person above the rest. For the very matter itself, written here to the Angel of the church, is written for a warning to the whole church, as appears by v. 7. Here, and above chapter 1. 11.] this saith he, that holdeth the seven stars in his right (hand), [viz. Christ, to whom this description is appropriated, above chapter 1. 13, 16. Where it is likewise explained] that walketh in the midst of the seven golden Candlesticks: [to provide and furnish them with their spiritual light and adornment (as the Priests were wont to do it outwardly) to take care and heed of their good order and government: not as being every where present with his body, but because he is ever with his churches by his spirit and word, thereby enlightening and governing them, according to his promise, Mat. 18. V. 20. And 28. 20. See the like Leviticus 26:12.]

2. I know thy works, [i.e. all thy practice, good and evil, as the sequel showeth. And Christ speaketh here, not of a mere bare knowing, but of such an one as is joined with an operative care purpose, to reward or punish the same, as appeareth plainly in this and all the Epistles following] and thy labour, [viz. thy constant teaching and exhorting. See 1 Thes. 5. 12. 1 Tim. 5. 17.] and thy patience: [in bearing of persecutions, as is further declared, v. 3.] and that thou canst not bear the evil ones : [i.e. such as are scandalous in life and doctrine. Thus their zeal is condemned here in the exercise of Ecclesiastical discipline] and (that) thou hast tried [Gr. Tempted, or, search, proved, sifted out, and discovered the falsehood of] those that gave out themselves to be Apostles, [i.e. such as pretended they were sent by Christ, there being many false Teachers and false Apostles risen up already in the churches, Acts 20:29, etc. 2 Cor. 11. 13, etc.] and they are not: and hast found them liars.

3. And thou hast born, and hast patience: and thou hast labored for my name’s sake, and didst not grow weary.

4. But I have against thee, that thou hast forsaken thy first love [i.e. thy first zeal, in practicing thy duty and the works of love, as is showed further verse 5.]

5. Remember then from whence thou art fallen, [i.e. from how great a zeal into how great a remissness]] and convert thyself, [viz. unto thy former zeal. For that he was not wholly fallen away from the Love and from the Faith, appears plainly by the commendation given him by Christ himself in the second and third verses before, and in the sixth following] and do the first works: And if not, I shall come (upon) thee suddenly, [viz. with my punishments and chastisements] and shall remove thy Candlestick he means the church here spoken of, as above chapter 1. 20. Whence it appears that the church also itself was fallen into that remissness, whom Christ by this communication, labours to rose up again to their former zeal. For, albeit that Christ’s church never perisheth, Matthew 16:18. Yet it comes to pass, that she is removed now and then one place to another, as Christ threateneth the Jews, Matthew 21:43.]

6. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the works of the Nicolaites, whom I also hate. [This sect of the Nicolaites, as some ancient writers witness, taught, that whoredome was no sin, and that it was lawful to eat that which was sacrificed to idols; against which the Apostles had determined, Acts 15:29. Some think, that Nicolaus, one of the first Deacons, Acts 6:5. Was the first Author thereof, as being fallen away from the purity of the doctrine of Christ, like another Judas; though others clear this man of it, ascribing it to another Nicolaus, that brought it in, abusing the name of the former Nicolaus in that behalf. See Euseb. Hist. l. 3. C. 26. And Irene. L. 1. c. 7.]

7. He that hath ears [Gr. An ear. See Matth. 13. 43. Mark 4:9.] let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches, To him that overcometh, I will give to eat of the tree of life, that is in the midst of the Paradise of God. [Gr. Word of life. This hath respect to the tree of life, that stood in the midst of the earthly paradise, Genesis 2:9. Which paradise is taken as a type and shadowing forth of heaven, or the habitation of the Elect in heaven, as also Luke 23:43. And 2 Cor. 12. 24. The tree of life is a shadow of Christ the Author of life, of whom such as persevere in faith shall participate for ever; as likewise hereafter that tree of life is to stand planted in the new Jerusalem, below, chapter 22. 2. Whose leaves serve for the healing of the Gentiles, the virtue whereof proceedeth only from Christ, John 11:25. Acts 4:12.]

8. And write to the Angel of the Church [See the annotate. on ver. 1.] of these at Smyrna, [this was what near to the North and Ephesus, whereof this was a Colony in a manner] this saith the First and the Last, [see the annotate chapter 1. On ver. 8.] he that was dead, [viz. after this human nature, 1 Pet. 3. 18.] and is become alive (again) [viz. through his resurrection from the dead, or was living, viz. according to his divine nature, whilist he was dead according to his humanity.]

9. I know thy works, and affliction, and poverty [viz. by being bereft and spoiled of thy goods in thy affliction] but thou art rich [viz. after the Spirit, or in spiritual and heavenly goods, which no enemy is able to despoil thee of, Matthew 6:19.] and the blasphemy of those that say they are Jews [i.e. boast of it, and that therefore they are Gods people, and zealous maintainers of the Law. Romans 2:17. & c. these made no scruple of blaspheming Christ, as a seducer, and his Church as so many enemies of the Law, apostates from Moseh, and seditious persons; as find it upon record in the Gospel and Acts of the Apostles, and they persecuted the Christians under that pretence all along. See Acts 13:50. And 14. 2. And elsewhere] and are not [i.e. they are no true Jews, nor Abrahams children, as they boast; but rather the children of the Devil, whose works they follow, John 8:39. Etc.] but are a Synagogue of Satan. [that is to say, a congregation; the Apostle makes use of the word Synagogue, because the Jews used to call their Assemblies or Churches thus.]

10. Fear none of these things which thou art to suffer: [viz. so as, that it should make thee to shrink back, or to grow faint hearted] behold, the Devil shall cast some of you into prison [viz. by his instruments, the Tyrants and others whom he shall raise and instigate against you, for to do you all the ignominy and mischief they can devise] that ye may be tried: [or, proved, viz. whether ye be steadfast in the truth] and ye shall have an affliction for ten days. [some take these days to signify so many years, as Numb. 14. 34. And we read that soon after this time here spoken of there was a persecution raised against the Christians, under the Emperor Trajan, for ten years together. Others take it for a short or small time, as Hosea 6:2. In regard that this is brought in here, by way of comfort] Be faithful unto death, [i.e. so as not to be terrified with death itself, or unto the end, to the last and utmost] and I will give thee the crown of life. [i.e. everlasting life, as a crown, or gracious recompense for your labour, 1 Pet. 5 4. A comparison taken from those that combat or run a race for a prize, so 2 Tim. 4. 7, 8.]

11. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear, what the spirit saith unto the Churches: He that overcometh shall not be hurt by the second death. [i.e. by everlasting death: for even as the first death is a separation and seclusion of man of God, joined with everlasting pains and torments in Hell, as John declareth it, bel. chapter 20. 14. And 21. 8.]

12. And write to the Angel of the church that is in Pergamos; [This was a principal city of a part of Asia the less, where the Attalian kings kept Court formerly, and where at this time the Roman Gorvenours resided; which City was full of pride, violence, whoredom and idolatry, there being a Temple in it then, where the Devil used to give answers by the name of Esculapius, as the heathen-writers testify; where also the Christian Church was most persecuted and oppressed, and disturbed with great heresies] this saith he, that hath the two edged sword. [See the annotate above chapter 1. On ver. 16.]

13. I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, (namely) where the throne of Satan is: [Christ calleth this city here the throne of Satan, because that Satan bare sway there in a special manner by Idolatry and Tyrany; according as hereafter the throne of the Dragon is given to the beast with seven heads and ten horns, chapter 13. 2.] and thou keepest my name, and hast not denied my faith, [i.e. thou art not afraid to profess my Name, notwithstanding all the difficulties thou encounterest with in that behalf] even in these days wherein Antipas was my faithful witness, who was put to death with you, where Satan dwelleth. [of this Antipas there is but little mention made in the Old Ecclesiastical Histories; but it seems by this place that he was a principal Overseer or Pastor of that Church, who having suffered as a Martyr or witness of the truth of Christ, and sealed the same with his death, is brought in here and set before the eyes of that Church, as an example for their imitation.]

14. But I have (some) few things against thee, that thou hast there [i.e. sufferest to converse and teach among you, as is further declared below, ver. 20. Without removing them by Ecclesiastical censure from among you: the contrary practice whereof is commended in the Angel of the Church of Ephesus, above ver. 2.] those that keep the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast an offence before the children of Israel, that they might eat idols-sacrifices, and commit fornication [of this story, see Numb. 22, 23, and 24. Chapters for when God would not suffer Balaam to curse the Israelites, he for the love of filthy lucre, notwithstanding gave counsel to Balak, to entice and seduce them to their idolatrous feasts and entertainments, and to whoredom by certain daughters and women whom he sent into the camp of the Israelites, as appears by Numb. 25. 1, & c. compared with chapter 31. 16. That so thereby they might incur Gods displeasure, as it also came to pass. Which indeed was a most diabolical counsel: against which sort of men, Peter in his second Epistle, and Jude also in his, have written professedly.]

15. So thou hast likewise those that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaites, [i.e. even as the Israelites were seduced by the counsel of Balaam unto idolatry and whoredom, so there be those among you, who follow the doctrine of the Nicolaites, teaching that to be lawful which Balaam counseled Balak. Of these Nicolaites, see before, the annotate on verse 6.] the which I hate.

16. Repent, and if not, I will suddainly come (upon) you, and will wage war against you with the sword of my mouth. [i.e. by my threatening and spiritual power. See above, chapter 1. 16. And 2 Cor. 10. 5, 6.]

17. He that hath ears, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches. He that over, to him will I give to eat of the Manna that is hidden, [the Apostle hath respect here to the pot with Manna, which was set by and kept in the holy of Holies, as we read, Exodus 16:33, 34. And Hebrews 9:4. Whereby Christ the bread of life, that was to come, was typified, or shadowed forth with all his merits and benefits, as is declared more at large, John 6:31, & c. Here then is promised the near union and communion with Christ, and the enjoyment of all spiritual benefits, and of the glory which he hath purchased for us, as before ver. 7. Is promised to us, by the tree of life: it having pleased the Father that in him all fullness should dwell, and we should be made perfect in him, Colossians 1:19. And 2. 9, 10.] and I will give him a white electing stone, [hereby is mearnt the Holy Spirit, which transfers this electing voice the farther into our consciences, and beareth witness that we are justified in God’s judgement for Christ his sake, by faith, from all his sins and guilt thereof, 2 Cor. 1. 22. A similitude taken from the voicing or voting among the Greeks and Romans in the condemning or absolving of Malefactors: the black electing-stones betokened condemnation, the white one absolution or acquitment. See somewhat like it, Acts 26:10.] and upon the electing-stone a new name written, [this name is, that He, who was formerly a child of wrath and destruction, should now become a child of God, and heir of life everlasting, as Paul speaketh, Romans 8:15.] which none knoweth, but he that receiveth it. [for the natural man doth not understand the things that belong to the spirit of God, but we have received the Spirit of Christ, to the end that we may know what it is that God hath given unto us.]

18. And write to the Angel of the Church at Thyatira, [This was the last City in Mysia, lying opposite to Macedonia, southward of Pergames, whereof see Acts 16:14.] this saith the Son of God, that hath his eyes as a flame of fire, and his feet are like to shining copper. [Or, fine copper. Here Christ calls himself by His Name, according to his divine Nature, as above chapter 1. 13. In the Vision, he called himself the Son of man, according to his human Nature; he being God and man in one person, chapter 1. 14, 15.]

19. I know thy works, and love, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works, and [some leave out this particle and here] (that) the last (are) more than the first.

20. But I have (some) few things against thee, [Few in number, though great of weight, as also verse 14. And this Christ saith, the better and more easily to induce and encourage them to amendment] that thou sufferest the woman Jezebel, that saith of her self, she is a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants, that they commit whoredom, and eat the offering of idols. [By this description some do understand the sect of the Nicolaites, as by the whore of Babel, hereafter chapter 17. There is understood the whole Idolatrous Vogue, and sway of Antichrist. Yet, seeing Christ nameth this sect the second time here, it is more probable, that here is meant a certain woman of note and repute among them, belonging to that sect, making a great show of godliness, and boasting of a prophetical spirit of her own, who in the same manner (as the true Jezabel of old) enticed and seduced the people of Israel to the Idolatry of Baal, and consequently also to bodily whoredom , commonly attending such idolatry, likewise sought to draw and bring the Christians by her shows and persuasions to the like exorbitances in both regards, as to matters of indifference, and to that end kept open house.]

21. And I have given her time, that she might turn from her whoredom, [Spiritual and Corporal, both of them being expressed before] and she hath not turned her self.

22. Behold I cast her into a bed, [viz. into a grievous and tormenting sickness, so that the bed, which formerly served her for pleasure, may serve now to afflict and punish her, and that she may have some time yet there, together with their children to repent, as followeth] and those that commit adultery with her, [i.e. idolatry and whoredom both together, as before: for idolatry is also spiritual adultery, it turning away the soul of man from God, the true husband of his Church] into great affliction, [viz. either by punishment from the Magistrate, or by grievous bodily diseases, or also by the checks and torments of their own guilty consciences] if they repent not of their works.

23. And her children I will destroy by death, [Some understand here her disciples; yet these being already spoken of before, others think that this passage hath regard to the true and proper children of this woman, and their progeny. And here doubtless the issue of Achab. And Jezebel, is likewise glanced at, who were all of them destroyed by the sword of Jehu, as we read 2 King 9. 22. And 10. 6. Etc.] and all the Churches shall know, that I am he that searcheth reins and hearts, [this Christ adds here, because of the pretences and coverings which the leaders of this sect made use of to palliate their abominations withal, seeking to enveigle the simpler sort, from discovering their vilenesses, under colour of spiritual mysteries, and Christian liberty, as appears by the sequel, and as some libertines and sects do yet at this day; unto which Christ doth oppose his omniscience, being able thereby to judge their very reins and thoughts of their hearts] and I will give unto you, to every one, according to your works.

24. Yet I say unto you, and to the rest that are at Thyatira, as many of them as have not this doctrine, and those that have not known [i.e. as yet not understood, nor approved] the depths of Satan, [i.e. those dark mysteries of their satanical doctrine] as they say: [i.e. which they pretend to proceed from the holy Ghost, and seduce others withal] I will lay no other burden upon you: [i.e. no extraordinary punishment or visitation as the Prophets generally call them a burden of Ceremonies, or the observing of certain grievous commands, as Acts 15:10, 28. Such commands are expressly called a yoak and a burden.

25. But that which ye have, hold the same until I come.

26. And he that overcometh, and that keeps my works [i.e. my precepts and instructions, as faith also itself is called a work of God, John 6:29.] unto the end, to him will I give power over the heathen. [i.e. over the enemies of this Church, as the heathen always were Enemies to the people of God. The place here is taken out of Psalm 2. Ver. 8 where this promise is made by God the Father, to his Son Jesus Christ, into the communion and participation whereof Christ doth promise here to receive the true believers, persevering to the end, after the same manner, as chapter 3. 21. He promiseth to give them to sit with him in his throne, as he himself did sit in the throne of the Father. See also Romans 8:17. Ephes. 2. 6. 2 Tim. 1. 2.]

27. And he shall guard them with an iron staff; they shall be bruised as potters-vessells: as I also received power of my Father. [Hereby is understood the spiritual power against, and overcoming of all the enemies of the Church of Christ, who set themselves against the salvation of the children of God, whereof they enjoy the beginnings here through the blood of the Lamb, and the word of their Testimony, which is the scepter of that kingdom, Revelation 12:11. And at the last day hereafter, they shall likewise as Kings judge the unbelieving world, together with Christ, Matth. 19. 28. 1 Cor. 6. 2, 3.]

28. And I will give him the mourning star. [Hereby may fitly be understood, a greater light of the knowledge of Christ, which, as the morning star precedes the day, shall here likewise shine in our hearts continually, until the star of the perfect knowledge of God shall shine in us, when God be all in all, 1 Cor. 15. 28. And Revelation 22:16. Where Christ and his knowledge is likened unto the morning star.]

29. He that hath ears, let him hear, what the spirit saith unto the Churches.