Revelation 2

In these seven epistles observe (1) Christ always describes himself in the introduction by a character suited to the case of that particular church to which the letter is directed, whether for encouragement or terror. (2) He directs them all to the Angel or Messenger of the church, that is the pastors, represented as one, because of the unity and sameness of their office and work; and yet sometimes as more than one, ver. 10, 25—because they are his mouth to their people. (3) The churches of Ephesus, Pergamos, Thyatira, and Sardis, are commended for some things, and reproved for others; the churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia only commended, and the churches of Laodicea only reproved. (4) Each of the epistles is concluded with a delightful promise of eternal glory and happiness to victorious believers;—A solemn call to every reader or hearer seriously to attend to and apply the epistles to his own conscience

Revelation 2:2

I am acquainted with, and approve, your manifold works of righteousness, and the pains you have taken to maintain and propagate my pure gospel and the interests of my kingdom, and with your holy prudent zeal that sin and error, and scandalous and erroneous persons, may be kept or put out of your church fellowship; with the strict trial you have made of the principles and manners of such as pretend an apostolic commission from me

Revelation 2:3

And that you have, with holy fortitude, constancy, and patient resignation to the will of God, borne up against all the opposition of false teachers, and under manifold persecutions for my sake;—and, from a principle of love to me and my cause, have, without fainting or discouragement, under your trials, persisted in diligently applying yourselves to promote my glory in the world

Revelation 2:4

Nevertheless, I must sharply reprove you, that of late your affection to me, my people and cause, has become less fervent than when you were first converted to the faith

Revelation 2:5

Think, therefore, seriously and impartially, on your shameful declensions and revolts from your former love and zeal, and how much of the purity, pleasure, and life, of religion you have lost by them: and with grief and hatred of them return to your wonted lively exercises of faith, love, and obedience; otherwise I will quickly take away all your gospel privileges, and dissolve your church, that you shall no longer enjoy or hold forth the light of gospel truth, holiness, and comfort

Revelation 2:6

The Nicolaitans, under a pretence of Christian freedom, encouraged men to idolatry, uncleanness, or such like wickedness

Revelation 2:7

To every one, who, united to my person, and depending on my grace, perseveres in mortifying his own corruptions, and resisting the temptations of Satan and the world, will I freely grant all the benefits of my purchase, in the sublime, substantial, and never-failing, honours and delights of the heavenly state; in which God himself dwells, and is immediately enjoyed in the most glorious manner

Revelation 2:9

They were poor in outward circumstances, and in spirit, but rich in faith, and heirs of God’s kingdom of grace and glory

Revelation 2:10

Ten days of tribulation may either denote ten years or many days, Gen. xxxi. 7, 41; 1 Sam. xviii. Job xix. 3; Eccl. vii. 19; or a few days, Gen. xxiv. 55; Lev. xxvi. 26; Amos v. 3; and vi. 9

Revelation 2:16

Unless you quickly repent of your conduct, I will, by fearful judgments, cut off these bold offenders

Revelation 2:17

I will make those who believe and overcome partakers of all the reviving blessings of spiritual and eternal life, which are safely treasured up in Christ, and unknown to carnal men, and give them the most delightful sense of their full justification and adoption. 22, 23. I will inflict dreadful calamities upon your corrupt seducers, and those seduced by them, so as to alarm all the churches around, and to make them know that no pretences to knowledge or piety can hide any wicked principles or evil practices from me. 24, 25. Such of you as have never approved, but faithfully opposed, those diabolical delusions and mysteries of iniquity, which these seducers propagate with the deepest intrigue and subtilty, and boast of, as the product of profound knowledge and wisdom, I only require to persevere in your opposition, and to hold fast the doctrines and precepts which ye have received in my word,—in the continued exercise of faith, love, and holy obedience

Revelation 2:26-28

Such as stand their ground against temptations, and persevere in faith and holiness till the end, I will make to share in my conquests and glorious dominion over the world, and my victory over mine enemies, and will give them all that light and grace, those comforts, enjoyments, and glories, that are to be found in myself as their everlasting portion

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. II.—No churches on earth are without their defilements and weaknesses; few without some glaring iniquities, or even without some wicked seducers. And it is a mercy that Jesus Christ, for their benefit, communicates to both pastors and people his reproofs, warnings, directions, and encouragements. His characters, as well as his oracles, exactly answer their case. And he has a critical and divine acquaintance with them and all their concerns. He takes the first and kindest notice of their graces, services, and sufferings for his sake, and how they oppose what is evil, and perform what is good. Graciously he dwells among them, supports, furnishes and directs, their ministers; begins and perfects all that concerns them in time or eternity; and lives for them as their risen and exalted Redeemer. With tender compassion he reminds them of their decleusions and irregularities, and calls them to repentance and reformation. And his promises are very encouraging to his ministers and people, who faithfully wrestle against every known sin in themselves or others. Spiritual and heavenly are the delights he now bestows upon them; sure is their security from eternal damnation; and infinite is the glory, acceptance, pleasure, fame, illustrious excellency, and power over every opposer, to which he will at last exalt them.—But awful are his threatenings, and tremendous his judgments, upon impostors, hypocritical professors, and obstinate sinners! No boast of deep or devilish understanding, no power in deceiving his people or in persecuting his servants, shall be able to screen them from his righteous and destructive judgments. Let them every soul hear and fear, and do no more so wickedly