Revelation 2:16, Revelation 2:22, Revelation 2:23 WEB

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Revelation 2:1-29

Revelation 2:1 Compare Milton's magnificent apostrophe, in The Remonstrant's Defence: 'Who is there that cannot trace Thee now in Thy beamy walk through the midst of Thy sanctuary, amidst those golden candlesticks, which have long suffered a dimness amongst us through the violence of those that had seized them, and were more taken with the mention of their gold than of their starry light; teaching the doctrine of Balaam, to cast a stumbling-block before Thy servants, commanding them to eat... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Revelation 2:1-29

CHAPTER IITHE CHURCH ON THE FIELD OF HISTORY.Revelation 2:1-29; Revelation 3:1-22To the angel of the church in Ephesus write; These things saith He that holdeth the seven stars in His right hand, He that walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks: I know thy works, and thy toil and patience, and that thou canst not bear evil men, and didst try them which call themselves apostles, and they are not, and didst find them false; and thou hast patience and didst bear for My name’s sake,... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Revelation 2:1-29

II. THE THINGS WHICH ARE, THE SEVEN CHURCH MESSAGES, AND THEIR PROPHETIC MEANING CHAPTER 2 1. Ephesus: The post-apostolic period (Revelation 2:1-7 ) 2. Smyrna: The period of persecution (Revelation 2:8-11 ) 3. Pergamos: The corruption period (Revelation 2:12-17 ) 4. Thyatira: The Romish corruption (Revelation 2:18-29 ) The two chapters which follow the introductory chapter contain seven messages to seven local churches which were in existence in the province of Asia in the days when the... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Revelation 2:1-29

The Address to Ephesus (vv. 1-7) Each local assembly is addressed on the basis of its responsibility as a testimony for God. Each of these assemblies actually existed and were functioning as assemblies in Asia Minor at the time of John's writing, but the spiritual condition of each is strikingly representative of seven successive stages of the entire history of the Church on earth from its beginning until the coming of the Lord (the Rapture). This interpretation is supported by such... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Revelation 2:1-29

THE SEVEN CHURCHES This section might also be entitled “The things which are.” No agreement exists as to the application of “angel” in the address to each of these churches, but as the word means “messenger,” it may refer to those sent by the churches to interview the apostle at Patmos (see Philippians 4:18 ). Of course, the seven churches existed at this time in Asia, and yet the epistles have not only a local application to them, but apply representatively to the whole church everywhere at... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Revelation 2:12-17

(12) And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; (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. (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... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Revelation 2:12-17

To the Angel of the Church of Pergamus. -- This Church is exhorted to do penance, and reprehended, as the seat or throne of Satan. It is only said, that the bishop lives where this satanical seat is, that he had not denied the faith, even under the persecution, when St. Antipas suffered martyrdom, of whom see Tillemont in the persecution under Domitian, tom. ii, p. 119, and note 523; and Bollandus, April 11th; though the acts themselves be not of great authority. --- Thou hast them that... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Revelation 2:12-17

12-17 The word of God is a sword, able to slay both sin and sinners. It turns and cuts every way; but the believer need not fear this sword; yet this confidence cannot be supported without steady obedience. 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. In a situation of trials, the church of Pergamos had not denied the faith, either by open apostacy, or by giving way... read more

Frank Binford Hole

F. B. Hole's Old and New Testament Commentary - Revelation 2:1-99

Revelation 2 CHAPTERS 2 AND 3 “the things which are” may be read in three ways. First, as a record of the state of seven churches in the Province of Asia as the first century drew to its close. By then all the Apostles, save the aged John, were gone, and their shepherd care no longer available. Various dangers were discerned and uncovered by the Lord, and various declensions, defections and defilements exposed. Of the seven only two churches, the first and the seventh, are alluded to elsewhere... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - Revelation 2:12-17

The letter to the congregation at Pergamos: v. 12. And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write: These things saith He which hath the sharp sword with two edges: v. 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. v. 14. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that... read more