rwp - 2

rwp@Revelation:2:13 refers to as v. strkjv@2:13; strkjv@6:11; strkjv@5:9, 13; strkjv@13:10, 15;

rwp@Revelation:2:1 @{In Ephesus} (\en Ephesi\). Near the sea on the river Cayster, the foremost city of Asia Minor, the temple-keeper of Artemis and her wonderful temple (Acts:19:35|), the home of the magic arts (Ephesian letters, strkjv@Acts:19:19|) and of the mystery-cults, place of Paul's three years' stay (Acts:19:1-10; strkjv@20:17-38|), where Aquila and Priscilla and Apollos laboured (Acts:18:24-28|), where Timothy wrought (I and II Tim.), where the Apostle John preached in his old age. Surely it was a place of great privilege, of great preaching. It was about sixty miles from Patmos and the messenger would reach Ephesus first. It is a free city, a seat of proconsular government (Acts:19:38|), the end of the great road from the Euphrates. The port was a place of shifting sands, due to the silting up of the mouth of the Cayster. Ramsay (_Letters to the Seven Churches_, p. 210) calls it "the City of Change." {These things} (\tade\). This demonstrative seven times here, once with the message to each church (2:1,8,12,18; strkjv@2:1,7,14|), only once elsewhere in N.T. (Acts:21:11|). {He that holdeth} (\ho kratn\). Present active articular participle of \krate\, a stronger word than \echn\ in strkjv@1:16|, to which it refers. {He that walketh} (\ho peripatn\). Present active articular participle of \peripate\, an allusion to strkjv@1:13|. These two epithets are drawn from the picture of Christ in strkjv@1:13-18|, and appropriately to conditions in Ephesus describe Christ's power over the churches as he moves among them.

rwp@Revelation:2:2 @{I know} (\oida\). Rather than \ginsk\ and so "emphasizes better the absolute clearness of mental vision which photographs all the facts of life as they pass" (Swete). Songs:also in strkjv@2:9,13,19; strkjv@3:1,8,15|. For the distinction see strkjv@John:21:17|, "where the universal knowledge passes into the field of special observation." {Works} (\erga\). The whole life and conduct as in strkjv@John:6:29|. {And thy toil and patience} (\kai ton kopon kai tn hupomonn sou\). "Both thy toil and patience," in explanation of \erga\, and see strkjv@1Thessalonians:1:3|, where all three words (\ergon, kopos, hupomon\) occur together as here. See strkjv@14:13| for sharp distinction between \erga\ (activities) and \kopoi\ (toils, with weariness). Endurance (\hupomon\) in hard toil (\kopos\). {And that} (\kai hoti\). Further explanation of \kopos\ (hard toil). {Not able} (\ou duni\). This _Koin_ form for the Attic \dunasai\ (second person singular indicative middle) occurs also in strkjv@Mark:9:22; strkjv@Luke:16:2|. {Bear} (\bastasai\). First aorist active infinitive of \bastaz\, for which verb see strkjv@John:10:31; strkjv@12:6; strkjv@Galatians:6:2|. These evil men were indeed a heavy burden. {And didst try} (\kai epeirasas\). First aorist active indicative of \peiraz\, to test, a reference to a recent crisis when these Nicolaitans (verse 6|) were condemned. The present tenses (\duni, echeis\) indicate the continuance of this attitude. Cf. strkjv@1John:4:1|. {Which call themselves apostles} (\tous legontas heautous apostolous\). Perhaps itinerant missionaries of these Nicolaitans who posed as equal to or even superior to the original apostles, like the Judaizers so described by Paul (2Corinthians:11:5,13; strkjv@12:11|). Paul had foretold such false teachers (Gnostics), grievous wolves, in strkjv@Acts:20:29|; in sheep's clothing, Jesus had said (Matthew:7:15|). {And they are not} (\kai ouk eisin\). A parenthesis in Johannine style (John:2:9; strkjv@3:9; strkjv@1John:3:1|) for \kai ouk ontas\ to correspond to \legontas\. {And didst find} (\kai heures\). Second aorist active indicative of \heurisk\. Dropping back to the regular structure parallel with \epeirasas\. {False} (\pseudeis\). Predicate accusative plural of \pseuds\, self-deceived deceivers as in strkjv@21:8|.

rwp@Revelation:2:3 @{Thou hast} (\echeis\). Continued possession of patience. {Didst bear} (\ebastasas\). First aorist indicative of \bastaz\, repeated reference to the crisis in verse 2|. {And hast not grown weary} (\kai ou kekopiakes\). Perfect active indicative of \kopia\, old verb, to grow weary (Matthew:6:28|), play on the word \kopos\, late form in \-es\, for the regular \-as\ (\lelukas\). like \aphkes\ (verse 4|) and \peptkes\ (verse 5|). "Tired in loyalty, not of it. The Ephesian church can bear anything except the presence of impostors in her membership" (Moffatt).

rwp@Revelation:2:4 @{This against thee, that} (\kata sou hoti\). For the phrase "have against" see strkjv@Matthew:5:23|. The \hoti\ clause is the object of \ech\. {Thou didst leave} (\aphkes\). First aorist active (kappa aorist, but with \-es\ instead of \-as\) of \aphimi\, a definite and sad departure. {Thy first love} (\tn agapn sou tn prtn\). "Thy love the first." This early love, proof of the new life in Christ (1John:3:13f.|), had cooled off in spite of their doctrinal purity. They had remained orthodox, but had become unloving partly because of the controversies with the Nicolaitans.

rwp@Revelation:2:5 @{Remember} (\mnmoneue\). Present active imperative of \mnmoneu\, "continue mindful" (from \mnmn\). {Thou art fallen} (\peptkes\). Perfect active indicative of \pipt\, state of completion. Down in the valley, look up to the cliff where pure love is and whence thou hast fallen down. {And repent} (\kai metanoson\). First aorist active imperative of \metanoe\, urgent appeal for instant change of attitude and conduct before it is too late. {And do} (\kai poison\). First aorist active imperative of \poie\, "Do at once." {The first works} (\ta prta erga\). Including the first love (Acts:19:20; strkjv@20:37; strkjv@Ephesians:1:3ff.|) which has now grown cold (Matthew:24:12|). {Or else} (\ei de m\). Elliptical condition, the verb not expressed (\metanoeis\), a common idiom, seen again in verse 16|, the condition expressed in full by \ean m\ in this verse and verse 22|. {I come} (\erchomai\). Futuristic present middle (John:14:2f.|). {To thee} (\soi\). Dative, as in strkjv@2:16| also. {Will move} (\kins\). Future active of \kine\. In Ignatius' Epistle to Ephesus it appears that the church heeded this warning. {Except thou repent} (\ean m metanosis\). Condition of third class with \ean m\ instead of \ei m\ above, with the first aorist active subjunctive of \metanoe\.

rwp@Revelation:2:6 @{That thou hatest} (\hoti miseis\). Accusative object clause in apposition with \touto\ (this). Trench tells of the words used in ancient Greek for hatred of evil (\misoponria\) and \misoponros\ (hater of evil), neither of which occurs in the N.T., but which accurately describe the angel of the church in Ephesus. {Of the Nicolaitans} (\tn Nikolaitn\). Mentioned again in verse 15| and really meant in verse 2|. Irenaeus and Hippolytus take this sect to be followers of Nicolaus of Antioch, one of the seven deacons (Acts:6:5|), a Jewish proselyte, who is said to have apostatized. There was such a sect in the second century (Tertullian), but whether descended from Nicolaus of Antioch is not certain, though possible (Lightfoot). It is even possible that the Balaamites of verse 14| were a variety of this same sect (verse 15|). {Which I also hate} (\ha kag mis\). Christ himself hates the teachings and deeds of the Nicolaitans (\ha\, not \hous\, deeds, not people), but the church in Pergamum tolerated them.

rwp@Revelation:2:7 @{He that hath an ear} (\ho echn ous\). An individualizing note calling on each of the hearers (1:3|) to listen (2:7,11,17,28; strkjv@3:3,6,13,22|) and a reminiscence of the words of Jesus in the Synoptics (Matthew:11:15; strkjv@13:9,43; strkjv@Mark:4:9,23; strkjv@Luke:8:8; strkjv@14:35|), but not in John's Gospel. {The spirit} (\to pneuma\). The Holy Spirit as in strkjv@14:13; strkjv@22:17|. Both Christ and the Holy Spirit deliver this message. "The Spirit of Christ in the prophet is the interpreter of Christ's voice" (Swete). {To him that overcometh} (\ti niknti\). Dative of the present (continuous victory) active articular participle of \nika\, a common Johannine verb (John:16:33; strkjv@1John:2:13f; strkjv@4:4; strkjv@5:4f.; strkjv@Revelation:2:7,11,17,26; strkjv@3:5,12,21; strkjv@5:5; strkjv@12:11; strkjv@15:2; strkjv@17:14; strkjv@21:7|). Faith is dominant in Paul, victory in John, faith is victory (1John:5:4|). Songs:in each promise to these churches. {I will give} (\ds\). Future active of \didmi\ as in strkjv@2:10,17,23,26,28; strkjv@3:8,21; strkjv@6:4; strkjv@11:3; strkjv@21:6|. {To eat} (\phagein\). Second aorist active infinitive of \esthi\. {Of the tree of life} (\ek tou xulou ts zs\). Note \ek\ with the ablative with \phagein\, like our "eat of" (from or part of). From strkjv@Genesis:2:9; strkjv@3:22|. Again in strkjv@Revelation:22:2,14| as here for immortality. This tree is now in the Garden of God. For the water of life see strkjv@21:6; strkjv@22:17| (Cf. strkjv@John:4:10,13f.|). {Which} (\ho\). The \xulon\ (tree). {In the Paradise of God} (\en ti paradeisi tou theou\). Persian word, for which see strkjv@Luke:23:43; strkjv@2Corinthians:12:4|. The abode of God and the home of the redeemed with Christ, not a mere intermediate state. It was originally a garden of delight and finally heaven itself (Trench), as here.

rwp@Revelation:2:8 @{In Smyrna} (\en Smurni\). North of Ephesus, on a gulf of the Aegean, one of the great cities of Asia (province), a seat of emperor-worship with temple to Tiberius, with many Jews hostile to Christianity who later join in the martyrdom of Polycarp, poor church (rich in grace) which receives only praise from Christ, scene of the recent massacre of Greeks by the Turks. Ramsay (_op. cit._, p. 251) terms Smyrna "the City of Life." Christianity has held on here better than in any city of Asia. {The first and the last} (\ho prtos kai ho eschatos\). Repeating the language of strkjv@1:17|. {Which was dead} (\hos egeneto nekros\). Rather, "who became dead" (second aorist middle indicative of \ginomai\) as in strkjv@1:18|. {And lived again} (\kai ezsen\). First aorist (ingressive, came to life) active of \za\ (\ho zn\ in strkjv@1:18|). Emphasis on the resurrection of Christ.

rwp@Revelation:2:9 @{Thy tribulation and thy poverty} (\sou tn thlipsin kai ptcheian\). Separate articles of same gender, emphasizing each item. The tribulation was probably persecution, which helped to intensify the poverty of the Christians (James:2:5; strkjv@1Corinthians:1:26; strkjv@2Corinthians:6:10; strkjv@8:2|). In contrast with the wealthy church in Laodicea (3:17|). {But thou art rich} (\alla plousios ei\). Parenthesis to show the spiritual riches of this church in contrast with the spiritual poverty in Laodicea (3:17|), this a rich poor church, that a poor rich church. Rich in grace toward God (Luke:12:21|) and in good deeds (1Timothy:6:18|). Perhaps Jews and pagans had pillaged their property (Hebrews:10:34|), poor as they already were. {Blasphemy} (\blasphmian\). Reviling believers in Christ. See strkjv@Mark:7:22|. The precise charge by these Jews is not indicated, but see strkjv@Acts:13:45|. {Of them which say} (\ek tn legontn\). "From those saying" (\ek\ with the ablative plural of the present active articular participle of \leg\). {They are Jews} (\Ioudaious einai heautous\). This is the accusative of general reference and the infinitive in indirect discourse after \leg\ (Acts:5:36; strkjv@8:9|) even though \legontn\ is here ablative (cf. strkjv@3:9|), common idiom. These are actual Jews and only Jews, not Christians. {And they are not} (\kai ouk eisin\). Another parenthesis like that in strkjv@2:2|. These are Jews in name only, not spiritual Jews (Galatians:6:15f., strkjv@Romans:2:28|). {A synagogue of Satan} (\sunagg tou Satan\). In strkjv@3:9| again and note strkjv@2:13,24|, serving the devil (John:8:44|) instead of the Lord (Numbers:16:3; strkjv@20:4|).

rwp@Revelation:2:10 @{Fear not} (\m phobou\). As in strkjv@1:17|. Worse things are about to come than poverty and blasphemy, perhaps prison and death, for the devil "is about to cast" (\mellei ballein\), "is going to cast." {Some of you} (\ex humn\). Without \tinas\ (some) before \ex humn\, a common idiom as in strkjv@3:9; strkjv@11:19; strkjv@Luke:11:49|. {That ye may be tried} (\hina peirasthte\). Purpose clause with \hina\ and the first aorist passive subjunctive of \peiraz\. John himself is in exile. Peter and John had often been in prison together. James the brother of John, Paul, and Peter had all suffered martyrdom. In strkjv@3:10| a general persecution is outlined by \peirasmos\. {Ye shall have} (\hexete\). Future active, but some MSS. read \echte\ (present active subjunctive with hina, "that ye may have"). {Tribulation ten days} (\thlipsin hmern deka\). "Tribulation of ten days" (or "within ten days"). It is unwise to seek a literal meaning for ten days. Even ten days of suffering might seem an eternity while they lasted. {Be thou faithful} (\ginou pistos\). "Keep on becoming faithful" (present middle imperative of \ginomai\), "keep on proving faithful unto death" (Hebrews:12:4|) as the martyrs have done (Jesus most of all). {The crown of life} (\ton stephanon ts zs\). See this very image in strkjv@James:1:12|, a familiar metaphor in the games at Smyrna and elsewhere in which the prize was a garland. See also strkjv@3:11|. The crown consists in life (2:7|). See Paul's use of \stephanos\ in strkjv@1Corinthians:9:25; strkjv@2Timothy:4:8|.

rwp@Revelation:2:11 @{Shall not be hurt} (\ou m adikthi\). Strong double negative with first aorist passive subjunctive of \adike\, old verb, to act unjustly (from \adikos\), here to do harm or wrong to one, old usage as in strkjv@6:6; strkjv@7:2f.; strkjv@9:4,10; strkjv@11:5|. {Of the second death} (\ek tou thanatou tou deuterou\). \Ek\ here used for the agent or instrument as often (3:18; strkjv@9:2; strkjv@18:1|). See strkjv@20:6,14; strkjv@21:8| where "the second death" is explained as "the lake of fire." The idea is present in strkjv@Daniel:12:3; strkjv@John:5:29| and is current in Jewish circles as in the Jerusalem Targum on strkjv@Deuteronomy:33:6| and in Philo. It is not annihilation. The Christians put to death in the persecution will at least escape this second death (eternal punishment).

rwp@Revelation:2:12 @{In Pergamum} (\en Pergami\). In a north-easterly direction from Smyrna in the Caicus Valley, some fifty-five miles away, in Mysia, on a lofty hill, a great political and religious centre. Ramsay (_Op. cit._, p. 281) calls it "the royal city, the city of authority." Eumenes II (B.C. 197-159) extended it and embellished it with many great buildings, including a library with 200,000 volumes, second only to Alexandria. The Kingdom of Pergamum became a Roman province B.C. 130. Pliny termed it the most illustrious city of Asia. Parchment (\charta Pergamena\) derived its name from Pergamum. It was a rival of Ephesus in the temples to Zeus, Athena, Dionysos, in the great grove Nicephorium (the glory of the city). Next to this was the grove and temple of Asklepios, the god of healing, called the god of Pergamum, with a university for medical study. Pergamum was the first city in Asia (A.D. 29) with a temple for the worship of Augustus (Octavius Caesar). Hence in the Apocalypse Pergamum is a very centre of emperor-worship "where Satan dwells" (2:13|). Here also the Nicolaitans flourished (2:15|) as in Ephesus (2:6|) and in Thyatira (2:20f.|). Like Ephesus this city is called temple-sweeper (\nekoros\) for the gods. {The sharp two-edged sword} (\tn romphaian tn distomon tn oxeian\). This item repeated from strkjv@1:16| in the same order of words with the article three times (the sword the two-mouthed the sharp) singling out each point.

rwp@Revelation:2:13 @{Where} (\pou--hopou\). \Pou\ is interrogative adverb used here in an indirect question as in strkjv@John:1:39|. \Hopou\ is relative adverb referring to \pou\. Satan's throne (\ho thronos tou Satan\). Satan not simply resided in Pergamum, but his "throne" or seat of power of king or judge (Matthew:19:28; strkjv@Luke:1:32,52|). The symbol of Asklepios was the serpent as it is of Satan (12:9; strkjv@20:2|). There was, besides, a great throne altar to Zeus cut on the Acropolis rock, symbol of "rampant paganism" (Swete) and the new Caesar-worship with the recent martyrdom of Antipas made Pergamum indeed a very throne of Satan. {Holdest fast my name} (\krateis to onoma sou\). Present active indicative of \krate\, "dost keep on holding," as in strkjv@2:25, strkjv@3:11|. This church refused to say \Kurios Kaisar\ (_Martyrd. Polyc_. 8f.) and continued to say \Kurios Isous\ (1Corinthians:12:3|). They stood true against the emperor-worship. {Didst not deny} (\ouk rns\). First aorist middle second person singular of \arneomai\. Reference to a specific incident not known to us. {My faith} (\tn pistin mou\). Objective genitive, "thy faith in me." {Of Antipas} (\Antipas\). Indeclinable in this form. It is possible that \Antipa\ (genitive) was really written, though unimportant as the nominative follows in apposition. Nothing is really known of this early martyr in Pergamum before the writing of the Apocalypse. One legend is that he was burnt to death in a brazen bull. Other martyrs followed him at Pergamum (Agathonice, Attalus, Carpus, Polybus). {My witness} (\ho martus mou\). Nominative in apposition with a genitive as in strkjv@1:5| (with ablative), common solecism in the Apocalypse. "Witness" as Jesus had said they should be (Acts:1:8|) and Stephen was (Acts:22:20|) and others were (Revelation:17:6|). The word later (by third century) took on the modern meaning of martyr. {My faithful one} (\ho pistos mou\). Nominative also, with \mou\ also. Jesus gives Antipas his own title (Swete) as in strkjv@1:5; strkjv@3:14|. Faithful unto death. {Was killed} (\apektanth\). First aorist passive indicative of \apoktein\, this passive form common in the Apocalypse (?2:13; strkjv@6:11; strkjv@5:9,13; strkjv@13:10,15; 18, 20; strkjv@19:21?). {Among you} (\par humin\). By your side. Proof of the throne of Satan, "where Satan dwells" (\hopou ho Satans katoikei\), repeated for emphasis.

rwp@Revelation:2:14 @{There} (\ekei\). That is \par' humin\ (among you). A party in the church that resisted emperor-worship, to the death in the case of Antipas, yet were caught in the insidious wiles of the Nicolaitans which the church in Ephesus withstood. {Some that hold} (\kratountas\). "Men holding" (present active participle of \krate\). {The teaching of Balaam} (\tn didachn Balaam\). Indeclinable substantive Balaam (Numbers:25:1-9; strkjv@31:15f.|). The point of likeness of these heretics with Balaam is here explained. {Taught Balak} (\edidasken ti Balak\). Imperfect indicative of \didask\, Balaam's habit, "as the prototype of all corrupt teachers" (Charles). These early Gnostics practised licentiousness as a principle since they were not under law, but under grace (Romans:6:15|). The use of the dative with \didask\ is a colloquialism rather than a Hebraism. Two accusatives often occur with \didask\. {To cast a stumbling-block} (\balein skandalon\). Second aorist active infinitive (accusative case after \edidasken\) of \ball\, regular use with \skandalon\ (trap) like \tithmi skandalon\ in strkjv@Romans:14:13|. Balaam, as Josephus and Philo also say, showed Balak how to set a trap for the Israelites by beguiling them into the double sin of idolatry and fornication, which often went together (and do so still). {To eat things sacrificed to idols} (\phagein eidlothuta\). Second aorist active infinitive of \esthi\ and the verbal adjective (from \eidlon\ and \thu\), quoted here from strkjv@Numbers:25:1f.|, but in inverse order, repeated in other order in verse 20|. See strkjv@Acts:15:29; strkjv@21:25; strkjv@1Corinthians:8:1ff.| for the controversy over the temptation to Gentile Christians to do what in itself was harmless, but which led to evil if it led to participation in the pagan feasts. Perhaps both ideas are involved here. Balaam taught Balak how to lead the Israelites into sin in both ways.

rwp@Revelation:2:15 @{Songs:thou also} (\houts kai su\). Thou and the church at Pergamum as Israel had the wiles of Balaam. {The teaching of the Nicolaitans likewise} (\tn didachn tn Nikolaitn homois\). See on ¯1:6| for the Nicolaitans. The use of \homois\ (likewise) here shows that they followed Balaam in not obeying the decision of the Conference at Jerusalem (Acts:15:20,29|) about idolatry and fornication, with the result that they encouraged a return to pagan laxity of morals (Swete). Some wrongly hold that these Nicolaitans were Pauline Christians in the face of strkjv@Colossians:3:5-8; strkjv@Ephesians:5:3-6|.

rwp@Revelation:2:16 @{Repent therefore} (\metanoson oun\). First aorist (tense of urgency) active imperative of \metanoe\ with the inferential particle \oun\ (as a result of their sin). {I come} (\erchomai\). Futuristic present middle indicative, "I am coming" (imminent), as in strkjv@2:5| with \tachu\ as in strkjv@3:11; strkjv@11:14; strkjv@22:7,12,20|. As with \en tachei\ (1:1|), we do not know how soon "quickly" is meant to be understood. But it is a real threat. {Against them} (\met' autn\). This proposition with \poleme\ rather than \kata\ (against) is common in the LXX, but in the N.T. only in strkjv@Revelation:2:16; strkjv@12:7; strkjv@13:4; strkjv@17:14| and the verb itself nowhere else in N.T. except strkjv@James:4:2|. "An eternal roll of thunder from the throne" (Renan). "The glorified Christ is in this book a Warrior, who fights with the sharp sword of the word" (Swete). {With} (\en\). Instrumental use of \en\. For the language see strkjv@1:16; strkjv@2:12; strkjv@19:15|.

rwp@Revelation:2:17 @{Of the hidden manna} (\tou manna tou kekrummenou\). "Of the manna the hidden" (perfect passive articular participle of \krupt\). The partitive genitive, the only N.T. example with \didmi\, though Q reads \to\ (accusative) here. For examples of the ablative with \apo\ and \ek\ see Robertson, _Grammar_, p. 519. See strkjv@John:6:31,49| for the indeclinable word \manna\. The golden pot of manna was "laid up before God in the ark" (Exodus:16:23|). It was believed that Jeremiah hid the ark, before the destruction of Jerusalem, where it would not be discovered till Israel was restored (II Macc. strkjv@2:5ff.). Christ is the true bread from heaven (John:6:31-33, 48-51|) and that may be the idea here. Those faithful to Christ will have transcendent fellowship with him. Swete takes it to be "the life-sustaining power of the Sacred Humanity now hid with Christ in God." {A white stone} (\psphon leukn\). This old word for pebble (from \psa\, to rub) was used in courts of justice, black pebbles for condemning, white pebbles for acquitting. The only other use of the word in the N.T. is in strkjv@Acts:26:10|, where Paul speaks of "depositing his pebble" (\katnegka psphon\) or casting his vote. The white stone with one's name on it was used to admit one to entertainments and also as an amulet or charm. {A new name written} (\onoma kainon gegrammenon\). Perfect passive predicate participle of \graph\. Not the man's own name, but that of Christ (Heitmuller, _Im Namen Jsu_, p. 128-265). See strkjv@3:12| for the name of God so written on one. The man himself may be the \psphos\ on which the new name is written. "The true Christian has a charmed life" (Moffatt). {But he that receiveth it} (\ei m ho lambann\). "Except the one receiving it." See strkjv@Matthew:11:27| for like intimate and secret knowledge between the Father and the Son and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal the Father. See also strkjv@Revelation:19:12|.

rwp@Revelation:2:18 @{In Thyatira} (\en Thuateirois\). Some forty miles south-east of Pergamum, a Lydian city on the edge of Mysia, under Rome since B.C. 190, a centre of trade, especially for the royal purple, home of Lydia of Philippi (Acts:16:14f.|), shown by inscriptions to be full of trade guilds, Apollo the chief deity with no emperor-worship, centre of activity by the Nicolaitans with their idolatry and licentiousness under a "prophetess" who defied the church there. Ramsay calls it "Weakness Made Strong" (_op. cit._, p. 316). {The Son of God} (\ho huios tou theou\). Here Jesus is represented as calling himself by this title as in strkjv@John:11:4| and as he affirms on oath in strkjv@Matthew:26:63f|. "The Word of God" occurs in strkjv@19:13|. {His eyes like a flame of fire} (\tous ophthalmous autou hs phloga puros\). As in strkjv@1:14|. {His feet like burnished brass} (\hoi podes autou homoioi chalkolibani\). As in strkjv@1:15|.

rwp@Revelation:2:19 @{Thy works} (\sou ta erga\). As in strkjv@2:2| and explained (explanatory use of \kai\ =namely) by what follows. Four items are given, with separate feminine article for each (\tn agapn, tn pistin, tn diakonian, tn hupomonn\), a longer list of graces than in strkjv@2:2| for Ephesus. More praise is given in the case of Ephesus and Thyatira when blame follows than in the case of Smyrna and Philadelphia when no fault is found. Love comes first in this list in true Johannine fashion. Faith (\pistin\) here may be "faithfulness," and ministry (\diakonian\) is ministration to needs of others (Acts:11:29; strkjv@1Corinthians:16:15|). {And that} (\kai\). Only \kai\ (and) in the Greek, but doubtless \hoti\ (that) is understood. {Than the first} (\tn prtn\). Ablative after the comparative \pleiona\ (more).

rwp@Revelation:2:20 @{Thou sufferest} (\apheis\). Late vernacular present active indicative second person singular as if from a form \aphe\ instead of the usual \aphimi\ forms. {The woman Jezebel} (\tn gunaika Iezabel\). Symbolical name for some prominent woman in the church in Thyatira, like the infamous wife of Ahab who was guilty of whoredom and witchcraft (1Kings:16:31; strkjv@2Kings:9:22|) and who sought to drive out the worship of God from Israel. Some MSS. here (A Q 40 min.s) have \sou\ (thy wife, thy woman Ramsay makes it), but surely Aleph C P rightly reject \sou\. Otherwise she is the pastor's wife! {Which calleth herself a prophetess} (\h legousa heautn prophtin\). Nominative articular participle of \leg\ in apposition with the accusative \gunaika\ like \ho martus\ in apposition with \Antipas\ in strkjv@2:13|. \Prophtis\ is an old word, feminine form for \prophts\, in N.T. only here and strkjv@Luke:2:36| (Anna), two extremes surely. See strkjv@Acts:21:9| for the daughters of Philip who prophesied. {And she teacheth and seduceth} (\kai didaskei kai plani\). A resolution of the participles (\didaskousa kai plansa\) into finite verbs (present active indicatives) as in strkjv@1:5f|. This woman was not a real prophetess, but a false one with loud claims and loose living. One is puzzled to know how such a woman had so much shrewdness and sex-appeal as to lead astray the servants of God in that church. The church tolerated the Nicolaitans and this leader whose primary object was sexual immorality (Charles) and became too much involved with her to handle the heresy.

rwp@Revelation:2:21 @{I gave her time} (\edka auti chronon\). First aorist active indicative of \didmi\, allusion to a definite visit or message of warning to this woman. {That she should repent} (\hina metanosi\). Sub-final use of \hina\ with first aorist active subjunctive of \metanoe\. {And she willeth not} (\kai ou thelei\). "And she is not willing." Blunt and final like strkjv@Matthew:23:37|. {To repent of} (\metanosai ek\). First aorist (ingressive) active infinitive with \ek\, "to make a change out of," the usual construction with \metanoe\ in this book (2:22; strkjv@9:20ff.; strkjv@16:11|), with \apo\ in strkjv@Acts:8:22|. \Porneia\ (fornication) here, but \moicheu\ (to commit adultery) in verse 22|.

rwp@Revelation:2:22 @{I do cast} (\ball\). Futuristic present active indicative rather than the future \bal\, since judgment is imminent. {Into a bed} (\eis klinn\). "A bed of sickness in contrast with the bed of adultery" (Beckwith). {Them that commit adultery with her} (\tous moicheuontas met' auts\). Present active articular participle accusative plural of \moicheu\. The actual paramours of the woman Jezebel, guilty of both \porneia\ (fornication, verse 21|) and \moicheia\ (adultery), works of Jezebel of old and of this Jezebel. There may be also an allusion to the spiritual adultery (2Corinthians:11:2|) towards God and Christ as of old (Jeremiah:3:8; strkjv@5:7; strkjv@Ezekiel:16:22|). {Except they repent} (\ean m metanosousin\). Condition of first class with \ean m\ and the future active indicative of \metanoe\, put in this vivid form rather than the aorist subjunctive (\-sin\) third-class condition. {Of her works} (\ek tn ergn auts\). \Auts\ (her) correct rather than \autn\ (their). Jezebel was chiefly responsible.

rwp@Revelation:2:23 @{I will kill with death} (\apokten en thanati\). Future (volitive) active of \apoktein\ with the tautological (cognate) \en thanati\ (in the sense of pestilence) as in strkjv@Ezekiel:33:27|. {Her children} (\ta tekna auts\). Either her actual children, like the fate of Ahab's sons (2Kings:10:7|) or "her spiritual progeny" (Swete) who have completely accepted her Nicolaitan practices. {Shall know} (\gnsontai\). Future (ingressive punctiliar) middle of \ginsk\, "shall come to know." "The doom of the offenders was to be known as widely as the scandal had been" (Charles). {Searcheth} (\eraunn\). Present active articular participle of \erauna\, to follow up, to track out, late form for \ereuna\, from strkjv@Jeremiah:17:10|. {Reins} (\nephrous\). Old word for kidneys, here only in N.T., quoted also with \kardias\ from strkjv@Jeremiah:17:10|. See strkjv@22:17| for the reward of punishment.

rwp@Revelation:2:24 @{To you the rest} (\humin tois loipois\). Dative case. Those who hold out against Jezebel, not necessarily a minority (9:20; strkjv@19:21; strkjv@1Thessalonians:4:13|). {As many as} (\hosoi\). Inclusive of all "the rest." {This teaching} (\tn didachn tautn\). That of Jezebel. {Which} (\hoitines\). "Which very ones," generic of the class, explanatory definition as in strkjv@1:7|. {Know not} (\ouk egnsan\). Second aorist (ingressive) active of \ginsk\, "did not come to know by experience." {The deep things of Satan} (\ta bathea tou Satan\). The Ophites (worshippers of the serpent) and other later Gnostics (Cainites, Carpocratians, Naassenes) boasted of their knowledge of "the deep things," some claiming this very language about Satan (the serpent) as Paul did of God (1Corinthians:2:10|). It is not clear whether the words here quoted are a boast of the Nicolaitans or a reproach on the other Christians for not knowing the depths of sin. Some even claimed that they could indulge in immorality without sinning (1John:1:10; strkjv@3:10|). Perhaps both ideas are involved. {As they say} (\hs legousin\). Probably referring to the heretics who ridicule the piety of the other Christians. {None other burden} (\ou--allo baros\). \Baros\ refers to weight (Matthew:20:12|), \phortion\, from \pher\, to bear, refers to load (Galatians:6:5|), \ogkos\ to bulk (Hebrews:12:1|). Apparently a reference to the decision of the Jerusalem Conference (Acts:15:28|) where the very word \baros\ is used and mention is made about the two items in verse 20| (fornication and idolatry) without mentioning the others about things strangled, etc. See the Pharisaic narrowness in strkjv@Matthew:23:4|.

rwp@Revelation:2:25 @{Howbeit} (\pln\). Common after \ouk allo\ as a preposition with the ablative (Mark:12:32|), but here a conjunction as in strkjv@Phillipians:1:18|. {Hold fast} (\kratsate\). First aorist active imperative of \krate\, either ingressive (get a grip on) or constative (hold on as a single decisive effort). See present imperative \kratei\ in strkjv@3:11| (keep on holding). {Till I come} (\achri hou an hx\). Indefinite temporal clause with \achri hou\ (until which time) with modal \an\ and either the future active indicative or the first aorist active subjunctive of \hk\ (usual idiom with \achri\ in Revelation as in strkjv@7:3; strkjv@15:8; strkjv@20:3,5|).

rwp@Revelation:2:26 @{He that overcometh and he that keepeth} (\ho nikn kai ho trn\). Present active articular participles of \nika\ and \tre\ in the nominative absolute (_nominativus pendens_) as in strkjv@3:12,21|, resumed by the dative \auti\ (to him), as in verses 7,17|. {Unto the end} (\achri telous\). That is, \achri hou an hxo\ above. {Authority over the nations} (\exousian epi tn ethnn\). From strkjv@Psalms:2:8f|. The followers of the Messiah will share in his victory over his enemies (1:6; strkjv@12:5; strkjv@19:15|).

rwp@Revelation:2:27 @{He shall rule} (\poimanei\). Future active of \poimain\, to shepherd (from \poimn\, shepherd), also from strkjv@Psalms:2:8f|. See again strkjv@Revelation:7:17; strkjv@12:5; strkjv@19:15|. {With a rod of iron} (\en rabdi sidri\). Continuing the quotation. Instrumental use of \en\. \Rabdos\ (feminine) is the royal sceptre and indicates rigorous rule. {The vessels of the potter} (\ta skeu ta keramika\). Old adjective, belonging to a potter (\kerameus, keramos\), here only in N.T. {Are broken to shivers} (\suntribetai\). Present passive indicative of \suntrib\, old verb, to rub together, to break in pieces (Mark:14:3|).

rwp@Revelation:2:28 @{As I also have received} (\hs kag eilpha\). Perfect active indicative of \lamban\. Christ still possesses the power from the Father (Acts:2:33; strkjv@Psalms:2:7|). {The morning star} (\ton astera ton prinon\). "The star the morning one." In strkjv@22:16| Christ is the bright morning star. The victor will have Christ himself.

Revelation 2