Verse 3
3. How thou hast received Or rather, didst receive, namely, when the gospel first came to you. And the meaning is not, (as some interpret,) remember what you received, that is, the matter; but truly, how you received; that is, the spirit and manner. He reminds them, as he does the Ephesians, of their “first love.” Compare Galatians 4:13-15.
And heard Refers more to the matter, namely, the true apostolic tradition of the gospel.
Hold fast Firmly with your original maintenance.
Repent Recognise and reverse your sinful decline.
I… as a thief The comparison originated by no other than our Lord himself in regard to himself, Matthew 24:43; Luke 12:39. For who else would presume upon such a comparison without his example? Its primary application is to his judgment advent; and all its applications are to such a catastrophe as finally fixes the case of the man for that judgment. The judge then comes upon the sinner, repentance ceases to be possible, and the certainty of his final sentence is fixed.
Shalt not know Expect no other warning. The only safety is in watchfulness, constant preparedness, as if the judgment day, at least through the gates of death, were here.
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