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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 2:1-7

The words of Christ from eternity to the congregation at Ephesus. "Unto the angel of the Church of Ephesus," etc. The quality of words, whether weak or potent, pure or unvirtuous, useful or otherwise, depends evermore upon the character of the author. Hence the words of truly great men, intellectually and morally great, are the most blessed of all the blessed things we have; they are the organs of the highest light and choicest life. Hence the words of Christ have a value unsurpassed and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 2:5

The exhortation and threat are clear as trumpet notes: "Remember, repent, and return, or I will return and remove thee." A modem heathen philosophy teaches us that in this world to be happy is to forget. That is not the teaching of Christ. The past is both an encouragement and a warning to us; therefore "remember." Some have to remember heights from which they have fallen; others, depths from which they have been raised; others again, both. Cicero ('Ad. Att.,' 4.16) would remember the one and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 2:6

They are again commended for their good points. But it is possible to hate what Christ hates without loving what he loves. It is possible to hate false doctrine and lawlessness, and yet be formal and dead one's self. Who the Nicolaitans were we cannot now determine with certainty. The name Nicolaus may be intended as a Greek equivalent of Balaam, but this is by no means certain. Irenaeus and Clement of Alexandria write as if the sect of Nicolaitans existed in their day. A common belief was... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Revelation 2:5

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen - The eminence which you once occupied. Call to remembrance the state in which you once were. The duty here enjoined is, when religion has declined in our hearts, or in the church, to call to distinct recollection the former state - the ardor, the zeal, the warmth of love which once characterized us. The reason for this is, that such a recalling of the former state will be likely to produce a happy influence on the heart. Nothing is better adapted... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Revelation 2:6

But this thou hast - This thou hast that I approve of, or that I can commend.That thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans - Greek, “works” (τὰ ἔργα ta erga). The word “Nicolaitanes” occurs only in this place, and in the Revelation 2:15 verse of this chapter. From the reference in the latter place it is clear that the doctrines which they held prevailed at Pergamos as well as at Ephesus; but from neither place can anything now be inferred in regard to the nature of their doctrines or their... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Revelation 2:5

Revelation 2:5. Remember therefore, &c. It is not possible for any church, or individual Christian, whether public teacher or private member, that has lost the first love, to recover it, but by taking the three steps here spoken of. 1st, Remember; 2d, Repent; 3d, Do the first works. Remember from whence thou art fallen From what degree of faith, love, holiness, though perhaps insensibly; and repent Have a deep and lively conviction of thy fall, be humbled and truly sorry for it... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Revelation 2:6

Revelation 2:6. But Or nevertheless; this thou hast This honour and praise remaining; divine grace seeks whatever may help him that is fallen to recover his standing; that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes A sect so called, it is thought, from Nicolas, one of the seven deacons mentioned Acts 6:5; according to ancient writers, their doctrine and their lives were equally corrupt. They allowed the practice of the most abominable lewdness and adulteries, as well as sacrificing to... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Revelation 2:1-7

Letter to Ephesus (2:1-7)Over the years the church at Ephesus had been troubled constantly by false teachers, as Paul had warned (cf. Acts 20:17,Acts 20:29-30). The false teaching condemned in Paul’s letters to Timothy and in the letters of John was centred in Ephesus. Later the church in Ephesus was troubled by the Nicolaitans, who taught that Christians could best demonstrate their freedom from rules and regulations by eating food that had been offered to idols and joining in immoral... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Revelation 2:5

from. Omit. art fallen = hast fallen. repent. Compare Leviticus 26:40-42 .Deuteronomy 30:1-3 .Daniel 9:3 , Daniel 9:4 .Matthew 4:17 . Acts 2:38 ; &c. Contrast Ephesians 1:3 . App-111 . else = if ( App-118 ) not ( App-105 ). will. Omit. quickly. The texts omit. remove = move, as Revelation 6:14 . except. If ( App-118 ) not ( App-105 ). read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Revelation 2:6

deeds = works, as Revelation 2:5 . Nicolaitanes. History has no record of these. Tradition says much. They will appear "in that day". All we do know is that they are hateful to God. read more

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