Revelation 2:11-21

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 2:15

So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans ,.... These impure heretics sprung up in the time of the apostolic church, but their doctrines were not received, and their deeds were hated, see Revelation 2:6 . This seems to design the doctrines of the church of Rome, which in this period took place; which forbid marriage to the priests, and recommended celibacy and virginity to others also; which were the source of all uncleanness and abominable lusts; for which pardons... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 2:16

Repent ,.... This is said to those who were truly godly in those times, but still retained their communion with these corrupt men, and had not, as yet, separated from then; nor had they protested against these evil doctrines and practices, at least but very coldly, and had too much connived at them; and therefore are called upon to repent of their lukewarmness, negligence, and sinful compliances: or else I will come unto thee quickly : in a providential way, to rebuke and chastise for... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 2:17

He that hath an ear, let him hear ,.... See Gill on Revelation 2:7 . To him that overcometh ; the Balaamites and Nicolaitans, and do not give in to the doctrines and practices of the one, or of the other, whatever persecution and trouble he meets with, and endures on that account: will I give to eat of the hidden manna ; in opposition to eating things sacrificed to idols, refused by him. The allusion is to the manna which the Israelites ate of in the wilderness, which may be called... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 2:18

And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write ,.... Of the city of Thyatira; see Gill on Revelation 1:11 ; a church was formed here very likely by the Apostle Paul; Lydia was a native of this place, who, and her household were converted and baptized by him at Philippi, Acts 16:14 ; though Epiphanius F21 Contra Haeres. l. 2. Haeres. 51. seems to grant, what some heretics objected to the authority of this book, that there was no church at Thyatira when this letter was written;... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 2:19

I know thy works ,.... Good works, as appears from the particular enumeration of them afterwards, and the commendation of proficiency in them, the last being more than the first, and the distinction from the evil ones in Revelation 2:20 ; this is said to the faithful followers and professors of Christ in this interval: and charity ; by which is meant not a relieving the wants of the poor; much less such a charity as connives at the errors and heresies of men; but the divine grace of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 2:20

Notwithstanding, I have a few things against thee ,.... By way of complaint; so the Arabic version renders it, "I have a certain complaint against thee". The impartiality of Christ may be observed in taking notice of the bad deeds, as well as of the good ones of his people, and his tenderness in representing them as few; and these things he had against them not in a judicial way to their condemnation, but in a providential way, in order to chastise them for them, for their good; and they are... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 2:21

And I gave her space to repent of her fornication ,.... Of idolatry. This may have respect to the time of the witnesses, the Waldenses, and others, who bore a testimony against the Romish idolatry, and reproved for it, and denounced the judgment of God in case of impenitence; and as these things were repeated time after time, this may be called a space given to repent in; just as Jezebel had a space given her to repent in, from the time that Elijah declared the word of the Lord, that the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Revelation 2:11

He that overcometh - The conqueror who has stood firm in every trial, and vanquished all his adversaries. Shall not be hurt of the second death - That is, an eternal separation from God and the glory of his power; as what we commonly mean by final perdition. This is another rabbinical mode of speech in very frequent use, and by it they understand the punishment of hell in a future life. The Epistle to the Church at Pergamos read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Revelation 2:12

The angel of the Church in Pergamos - See the description of this place, Revelation 1:11 . Which hath the sharp sword - See on Revelation 1:16 ; (note). The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, cuts every way; it convinces of sin, righteousness, and judgment; pierces between the joints and the marrow, divides between the soul and spirit, dissects the whole mind, and exhibits a regular anatomy of the soul. It not only reproves and exposes sin, but it slays the ungodly,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Revelation 2:13

Where Satan's seat is - Ὁπου ὁ θρονος του Σατανα· Where Satan has his throne - where he reigns as king, and is universally obeyed. It was a maxim among the Jews, that where the law of God was not studied, there Satan dwelt; but he was obliged to leave the place where a synagogue or academy was established. Thou holdest fast my name - Notwithstanding that the profession of Christianity exposed this Church to the bitterest persecution, they held fast the name of Christian, which they... read more

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