Revelation 2:16 - Exposition

Repent therefore; or else I come to thee quickly (see on Revelation 2:5 ). Some take "in like manner" with this verse: "In like manner (as Ephesus) repent therefore;" but this is not probable. Repent of having allowed some members to follow the examples of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans. With the sword of my mouth (comp. Revelation 1:16 and Revelation 2:12 ). It is possible that there is here another allusion to Balaam. It was with a drawn sword that the angel of the Lord withstood him ( Numbers 22:23 ), and with the sword that he was slain ( Numbers 31:8 ; Joshua 13:22 ). Those who follow Balaam in his sin shall follow him in his punishment; and the Church which allows such things will have to suffer along with those who commit them.