1.
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;
Verse 1
Unto the angel of the church. This expression, which is used in reference to each of the seven churches, has been generally understood to refer to the several presiding officers, upon whom would devolve the duty of receiving and communicating such epistles. It is, however, perhaps, not certain that any actual office is intended. The term may be used, in accordance with the general style and manner of this book, symbolically, that is, as a personification of the spirit and influence by which the several churches were characterized; for it does not appear to be elsewhere used to signify presiding officers over the church; and besides, from other allusions to these churches, it would seem that there was no one officer who had them particularly in charge. James 5:14.Titus 1:5.) However this may be, it is plain that the instructions and warnings contained in these epistles, thus addressed in form to the angels of the churches, are plainly intended for the members in general. See Revelation 2:10,Revelation 2:11, and other similar modes of expression.
2.
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:
3.
And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
4.
Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
Verse 4
Thy first love. The passage (Ephesians 1:15,Ephesians 1:16) addressed to the same church at an earlier day, by the apostle Paul, contains a striking allusion to the strength of their early love for the Savior and his cause. As is very often the case with Christians, it would seem that their zeal (Revelation 2:2,Revelation 2:3) had somewhat outlasted their love.
5.
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.
Verse 5
And will remove thy candlestick; that is, take away from them the religious privileges which they would not rightly improve.
6.
But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
Verse 6
The Nicolaitanes. There is another allusion to this class in Revelation 2:15. Various traditions and conjectures have come down to us in respect to this sect, whose deeds and whose doctrines, it seems, were alike hateful to God. All that is important, however, for our purpose, is clear, namely, that God is pleased when the church is decided and firm in withstanding every corruption, in sentiment and practice within her pale.
7.
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.
Verse 7
The paradise of God; the garden of God,--heaven.
8.
And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
9.
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.
Verse 9
But thou art rich; rich in faith and in good works.
10.
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.
Verse 10
The devil, that is, wicked men under the influence of the devil.--Some of you. This and similar expressions show clearly that it was the members of these churches, and not the several presiding officers, who were really addressed in these epistles.--That ye may he tried; that your faith, and patience may be tried.--Ten days; for a short time.
11.
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.
12.
And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
Verse 12
As sharp sword; spoken of particularly Revelation 1:16.
13.
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.
Verse 13
Where Satan's seat is. This expression implies that idolatry or corruption, or the spirit of persecution, held unusual sway at Pergamos. The allusion at the close of the verse seems to refer to the latter of these sins.--Who was slain among you, &c. No information in respect to this case, excepting what is contained in this allusion to it, has been preserved.
14.
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.
Verse 14
The account of Balak's enticing the children of Israel to sin is contained in Numbers 25:1-18: Allusions to Balaam's influence in the instigation of this design are found in other places. (2 Peter 2:15; Jude 1:11.)--A stumbling-block; an enticement to sin.
15.
So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
16.
Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
17.
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.
Verse 17
The hidden manna; the spiritual life and sustenance which God bestows.--A white stone. Precious stones, upon which figures and inscriptions were cut, were often used, by ancient princes, as gifts and badges of honor.
18.
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;
19.
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.
20.
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.
Verse 20
Sufferest that woman Jezebel--to teach; that is, the spirit of Jezebel (1 Kings 18:4) to prevail.
21.
And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
22.
Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
Verse 22
Into a bed; a bed of sickness and sufferings.
23.
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.
Verse 23
Her children; her votaries.
24.
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.
Verse 24
The rest in Thyatira; that is, those who had not fallen before the temptations spoken of above.--As they speak; that is, those referred to in the Revelation 2:18-23.
25.
But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
26.
And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
27.
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.
Verse 27
This language closely corresponds with the passage, Psalms 2:8,Psalms 2:9. Considered in its connection here, it seems to imply that the tried and faithful servants of God were to become, in some sense, the instruments of executing judgment upon his enemies.
28.
And I will give him the morning star.
Verse 28
The morning-star. The morning-star is the symbol of approaching light, life, and joy.
29.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.