In this last word there is a recurrence to the word (kopos) translated labour or toil in Revelation 2:2. Color Scheme . Our Lord Jesus is the First, for by him were all things made; he was before all things, with God, and is God himself. Observe, the sureness of the reward; "I will give thee:" they shall have the reward from Christ's own hand. Epistles to the churches in Asia, with warnings and encouragements, To the church at Ephesus; (1-7) at Smyrna; (8-11) at Pergamos; (12-17) and at Thyatira. A wrong view of gospel doctrine and Christian liberty, was a root of bitterness from which evil practices grew. Read Revelation 2 commentary using Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible. © 2020 Christianity.com. All Rights Reserved. Not a member? Revelation 2:1. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers (3) And hast borne. These things saith the Son of God - See how great he is, who appeared "like a son of man!" Christ brings day with him into the soul, the light of grace and of glory, in the presence and enjoyment of him their Lord and Saviour. The Christian life is a warfare against sin, Satan, the world, and the flesh. These churches were in such different states as to purity of doctrine and the power of godliness, that the words of Christ to them will always suit the cases of other churches, and professors. Jump to: Alford • Barnes • Bengel • Benson • BI • Bonar • Cambridge • Clarke • Darby • Ellicott • Expositor's • Exp Dct • Exp Grk • Gaebelein • View the entire commentary, Smyrna was a port city with a good harbor about thirty-five miles northwest of Ephesus... Commentary on Revelation 2:18-29 (Read Revelation 2:18-29) 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. Surely this mention in Scripture, of Christians forsaking their first love, reproves those who speak of it with carelessness, and thus try to excuse indifference and sloth in themselves and others; our Saviour considers this indifference as sinful. But it is not enough that we are diligent; there must be bearing patience, and there must be waiting patience. He lays nothing upon his servants but what is for their good. (1b) Jesus describes Himself to the church at Ephesus. 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. 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. Revelation 2 Commentary, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary is one of the most respected interdenominational commentaries ever written. About Ephesus. Chapter 2. 2:18: And to the angel of the church at Thyatira - Where the faithful were but a little flock. The sin Christ charged this church with, is, not the having left and forsaken the object of love, but having lost the fervent degree of it that at first appeared. View the entire commentary, For some people today tolerance is the only real virtue and intolerance the only vice... The new name is the name of adoption; when the Holy Spirit shows his own work in the believer's soul, this new name and its real import are understood by him. Révélations 2 … le bateau ivre chavirera-t-il ? God is known by the judgments he executes; and by this upon seducers, he shows his certain knowledge of the hearts of men, of their principles, designs, frame, and temper. Ephesus was on the coast of Ionia, one mile northeast of the present-day town of Selcuk in the Izmir Province of Turkey. Revelation 2:1 "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ... (Rev 2:14-15+) Comment - We may not know their exact identity, but we can definitely know their modus operandi. The word of God is a sword, able to slay both sin and sinners. Let us beware of the depths of Satan, of which those who know the least are the most happy. Here is praise of the ministry and people of Thyatira, by One who knew the principles from which they acted. He is the Last, for he will be the Judge of all. Believers, take your wrestling life here, and expect and look for a quiet life hereafter; but not till then: the word of God never promises quietness and complete freedom from conflict here. Indifference as to truth and error, good and evil, may be called charity and meekness, but it is not so; and it is displeasing to Christ. Christ arms against coming troubles. ver. The church of Ephesus is commended for diligence in duty. After every victory let us follow up our advantage against the enemy, that we may overcome and keep the works of Christ to the end. Scripture quotations are from the 1901 American Standard Version unless otherwise noted. Commentaries for Revelation Chapter 2 The Message to Ephesus. —This verse needs some change to bring it into harmony with the best MSS. Encouraging mention is made of what was good among them. It should stand, And hast (or, hadst) patience, and didst bear for My name’s sake, and didst not weary. This is hidden from the rest of the world. The Seven Messages. This is a figurative expression, taken from the account of the garden of Eden, denoting the pure, satisfactory, and eternal joys of heaven; and the looking forward to them in this world, by faith, communion with Christ, and the consolations of the Holy Spirit. Christ knows and observes their state; though in heaven, yet he walks in the midst of his churches on earth, observing what is wrong in them, and what they want. Yet this church connived at some wicked seducers. 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, like the church of Smyrna. How tender Christ is of his faithful servants! Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary (concise), Matthew Henry Bible Commentary (complete), California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Books containing formula for sorcery and other ungodly and forbidden arts were plentiful in that city.” (Gaebelein in his commentary on Acts) 2. 2:12: The sword - With which I will cut off the impenitent, verse 16. If … It should be to try them, not to destroy them. We must never yield to our spiritual enemies, and then we shall have a glorious triumph and reward.