Revelation 2:6-15

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Revelation 2:1-7

We have here, I. The inscription, where observe, 1. To whom the first of these epistles is directed: To the church of Ephesus, a famous church planted by the apostle Paul (Acts 19:1-41), and afterwards watered and governed by John, who had his residence very much there. We can hardly think that Timothy was the angel, or sole pastor and bishop, of this church at this time,?that he who was of a very excellent spirit, and naturally cared for the good state of the souls of the people, should... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Revelation 2:8-11

We now proceed to the second epistle sent to another of the Asian churches, where, as before, observe, I. The preface or inscription in both parts. 1. The superscription, telling us to whom it was more expressly and immediately directed: To the angel of the church in Smyrna, a place well known at this day by our merchants, a city of great trade and wealth, perhaps the only city of all the seven that is still known by the same name, now however no longer distinguished for its Christian church... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Revelation 2:12-17

Here also we are to consider, I. The inscription of this message. 1. To whom it was sent: To the angel of the church of Pergamos. Whether this was a city raised up out of the ruins of old Troy, a Troy nouveau (as our London was once called), or some other city of the same name, is neither certain nor material; it was a place where Christ had called and constituted a gospel church, by the preaching of the gospel and the grace of his Spirit making the word effectual. 2. Who it was that sent this... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Revelation 2:1-7

2:1-7 To the angel of the Church in Ephesus, write: These things says he who holds the seven stars in his right hand and who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands. I know your works--I mean your toil and your steadfast endurance, and I know that you cannot bear evil men, and that you have put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and who are not, and have proved them liars. I know that you possess steadfast endurance. I know all that you have borne for my name's... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Revelation 2:8-11

2:8-11 And to the angel of the Church in Smyrna, write: These things says the first and the last, who passed through death, and who came to life again. I know the affliction and the poverty you endure--you are rich in spite of it--and I know the slanders which proceed from those who call themselves Jews and are not, but who are a synagogue of Satan. Have no fear of what you will have to go through Behold! the devil is going to throw some of you into prison in order to test... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Revelation 2:12-17

2:12-17 And to the angel of the Church in Pergamum, write: These things says he who has the sharp two-edged sword. I know where your home is. I know that it is where the throne of Satan is; and yet you hold fast to my name, and have not denied your loyalty to me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan has his home. But I have a few things against you. You have among you some people who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 2:6

But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans ,.... Though these Christians had left their first love, yet they bore an hatred to the filthy and impure practices of some men, who were called "Nicolaitans"; who committed fornication, adultery, and all uncleanness, and had their wives in common, and also ate things offered to idols; who were so called, as some think F3 Vid. Irenaeum adv. Haeres, l. 1. c. 27. & Tertull. de Praescript. Haeret. c. 46, 47. , from... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 2:7

He that hath an ear ,.... Such who have new ears given them, as all have who are made new creatures; such who have their ears circumcised, and opened by the Spirit of God; who hear with understanding, affection, and faith; who try what they hear, and approve, embrace, and retain that which is good, Let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches ; let such hearken, and listen with attention to what is said by the Spirit, in what goes before, and follows after, in this epistle,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 2:8

And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write ,.... Of the city of Smyrna; see Gill on Revelation 1:11 . That there was a church of Christ here is not to be doubted, though by whom it was founded is not certain; very likely by the Apostle Paul, who was in those parts, and by whose means all Asia heard the Gospel of Christ, Acts 19:10 . Some think the present angel or pastor of this church, was Polycarp, the disciple of John. Irenaeus F6 Adv. Haeres. l. 3. c. 3. , who knew him,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 2:9

I know thy works ,.... Good works, as before in Revelation 2:2 , and tribulation ; this is Christ's legacy to his people, and which lies in their way to heaven; and never was the way of any to heaven more strewed with it than was the way of the saints in this period. But Christ took notice of it, and of them in it; he knew their souls in adversity, and remarked their patience under it, and their constancy, and close adherence to him: and poverty ; which was true in a literal sense,... read more

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