NEW TESTAMENT

Revelation 2:18–29

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18

“To the angel of the assembly in Thyatira write: “The Son of God, who has his eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like burnished brass, says these things:

ExplanationCommentary
EXPLANATION

Verse 18–29. To the Angel of the church of Thyatira. Here is first a commendation of their constancy in the faith, in good works, charity, patience, and ministry, which chiefly regards their bishop, whoever he was at that time. The heretics, called Alogians, who rejected the Apocalypse, (chiefly because of the clear proofs of the divinity of the Word, or Son of God) pretended that there was no church at Thyatria, when Saint John is supposed to have written his Apocalypse. They have no proof of this. This same church was afterwards perverted by the Montanists. See S. Epiphan. hær. li. p. 455. Here follows a reprehension that they permitted the woman, (here called by the name of Jezabel, [2] as was called the wife of Achaz, who persecuted the true prophets, and protected the false ones, 3 Kings 18) to seduce the servants of God, to commit fornication, and eat of things offered to idols. There is no probability that this Jezabel was wife to the bishop of that church. Had this been true, the bishop would have deserved a reprehension much more severe than is here given him. Alcazar thinks that by this woman was meant some heretical sect, or the corrupt synagogue of the Jews; but interpreters commonly understand some powerful woman thereabout among the infamous Nicolaites, who by her authority and artifices, brought many to embrace that sect.—I give her time to do penance; and she will not, or would not repent. It is Christ who speaks as God, for who but God gives sinners time to repent?—Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and so forth Some understand a bed of sickness, others of corporal death, others eternal torments in hell, where she, and they that sin with her, shall be in very great tribulation, unless first they do penance.—All the churches shall know that I am he, who searcheth the reins and hearts, which God alone can do. See Psalms 7:10, Jeremiah 17:10. and so forth It is God also who will give to every one … according to his works. See Psalms 61:13, Proverbs 24:12, Romans 2:6 and in divers other places.—I will not put upon you any other weight, and so forth That is, not the insupportable burden of the Jewish ceremonies, to which teachers of false doctrines would have you subject. Witham.—Whoever does not give in to this new doctrine of the Nicolaites and Gnostics, and does not approve the deep and abstruse doctrines of Satan, which they teach, shall have no new weight or punishment. Let them keep the doctrine once delivered. Calmet.—Yet in the faith which you have already learnt, remain steadfast, till I come.—To them who shall overcome, and so forth I will give power over or above all nations. This shews that the saints, who are with Christ our Lord in heaven, receive power from him to preside over nations, and provinces, as patrons; and shall come with him at the end of the world to execute his will against those who have not kept his commandments. Challoner.—End. This alludes to the day of judgment, when the faithful shall sit on thrones with Christ. And he shall inherit the morning star of perpetual bliss, that shall never set.—They shall triumph over all the wicked world, and under me shall rule them, as it were, with a rod of iron, being so much exalted above them.—As the vessel of a potter, shall all their present greatness be broken. To every such faithful servant, I will give the morning star, another expression to signify eternal light, or eternal happiness. Witham.

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19

“I know your works, your love, faith, service, patient endurance, and that your last works are more than the first.

ExplanationCommentary
EXPLANATION

Verse 18–29. To the Angel of the church of Thyatira. Here is first a commendation of their constancy in the faith, in good works, charity, patience, and ministry, which chiefly regards their bishop, whoever he was at that time. The heretics, called Alogians, who rejected the Apocalypse, (chiefly because of the clear proofs of the divinity of the Word, or Son of God) pretended that there was no church at Thyatria, when Saint John is supposed to have written his Apocalypse. They have no proof of this. This same church was afterwards perverted by the Montanists. See S. Epiphan. hær. li. p. 455. Here follows a reprehension that they permitted the woman, (here called by the name of Jezabel, [2] as was called the wife of Achaz, who persecuted the true prophets, and protected the false ones, 3 Kings 18) to seduce the servants of God, to commit fornication, and eat of things offered to idols. There is no probability that this Jezabel was wife to the bishop of that church. Had this been true, the bishop would have deserved a reprehension much more severe than is here given him. Alcazar thinks that by this woman was meant some heretical sect, or the corrupt synagogue of the Jews; but interpreters commonly understand some powerful woman thereabout among the infamous Nicolaites, who by her authority and artifices, brought many to embrace that sect.—I give her time to do penance; and she will not, or would not repent. It is Christ who speaks as God, for who but God gives sinners time to repent?—Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and so forth Some understand a bed of sickness, others of corporal death, others eternal torments in hell, where she, and they that sin with her, shall be in very great tribulation, unless first they do penance.—All the churches shall know that I am he, who searcheth the reins and hearts, which God alone can do. See Psalms 7:10, Jeremiah 17:10. and so forth It is God also who will give to every one … according to his works. See Psalms 61:13, Proverbs 24:12, Romans 2:6 and in divers other places.—I will not put upon you any other weight, and so forth That is, not the insupportable burden of the Jewish ceremonies, to which teachers of false doctrines would have you subject. Witham.—Whoever does not give in to this new doctrine of the Nicolaites and Gnostics, and does not approve the deep and abstruse doctrines of Satan, which they teach, shall have no new weight or punishment. Let them keep the doctrine once delivered. Calmet.—Yet in the faith which you have already learnt, remain steadfast, till I come.—To them who shall overcome, and so forth I will give power over or above all nations. This shews that the saints, who are with Christ our Lord in heaven, receive power from him to preside over nations, and provinces, as patrons; and shall come with him at the end of the world to execute his will against those who have not kept his commandments. Challoner.—End. This alludes to the day of judgment, when the faithful shall sit on thrones with Christ. And he shall inherit the morning star of perpetual bliss, that shall never set.—They shall triumph over all the wicked world, and under me shall rule them, as it were, with a rod of iron, being so much exalted above them.—As the vessel of a potter, shall all their present greatness be broken. To every such faithful servant, I will give the morning star, another expression to signify eternal light, or eternal happiness. Witham.

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20

But I have this against you, that you tolerate your woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. She teaches and seduces my servants to commit sexual immorality and to eat things sacrificed to idols.

ExplanationCommentary
EXPLANATION

Verse 18–29. To the Angel of the church of Thyatira. Here is first a commendation of their constancy in the faith, in good works, charity, patience, and ministry, which chiefly regards their bishop, whoever he was at that time. The heretics, called Alogians, who rejected the Apocalypse, (chiefly because of the clear proofs of the divinity of the Word, or Son of God) pretended that there was no church at Thyatria, when Saint John is supposed to have written his Apocalypse. They have no proof of this. This same church was afterwards perverted by the Montanists. See S. Epiphan. hær. li. p. 455. Here follows a reprehension that they permitted the woman, (here called by the name of Jezabel, [2] as was called the wife of Achaz, who persecuted the true prophets, and protected the false ones, 3 Kings 18) to seduce the servants of God, to commit fornication, and eat of things offered to idols. There is no probability that this Jezabel was wife to the bishop of that church. Had this been true, the bishop would have deserved a reprehension much more severe than is here given him. Alcazar thinks that by this woman was meant some heretical sect, or the corrupt synagogue of the Jews; but interpreters commonly understand some powerful woman thereabout among the infamous Nicolaites, who by her authority and artifices, brought many to embrace that sect.—I give her time to do penance; and she will not, or would not repent. It is Christ who speaks as God, for who but God gives sinners time to repent?—Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and so forth Some understand a bed of sickness, others of corporal death, others eternal torments in hell, where she, and they that sin with her, shall be in very great tribulation, unless first they do penance.—All the churches shall know that I am he, who searcheth the reins and hearts, which God alone can do. See Psalms 7:10, Jeremiah 17:10. and so forth It is God also who will give to every one … according to his works. See Psalms 61:13, Proverbs 24:12, Romans 2:6 and in divers other places.—I will not put upon you any other weight, and so forth That is, not the insupportable burden of the Jewish ceremonies, to which teachers of false doctrines would have you subject. Witham.—Whoever does not give in to this new doctrine of the Nicolaites and Gnostics, and does not approve the deep and abstruse doctrines of Satan, which they teach, shall have no new weight or punishment. Let them keep the doctrine once delivered. Calmet.—Yet in the faith which you have already learnt, remain steadfast, till I come.—To them who shall overcome, and so forth I will give power over or above all nations. This shews that the saints, who are with Christ our Lord in heaven, receive power from him to preside over nations, and provinces, as patrons; and shall come with him at the end of the world to execute his will against those who have not kept his commandments. Challoner.—End. This alludes to the day of judgment, when the faithful shall sit on thrones with Christ. And he shall inherit the morning star of perpetual bliss, that shall never set.—They shall triumph over all the wicked world, and under me shall rule them, as it were, with a rod of iron, being so much exalted above them.—As the vessel of a potter, shall all their present greatness be broken. To every such faithful servant, I will give the morning star, another expression to signify eternal light, or eternal happiness. Witham.

EXPLANATION

TR, NU read “that” instead of “your”

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21

I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality.

ExplanationCommentary
EXPLANATION

Verse 18–29. To the Angel of the church of Thyatira. Here is first a commendation of their constancy in the faith, in good works, charity, patience, and ministry, which chiefly regards their bishop, whoever he was at that time. The heretics, called Alogians, who rejected the Apocalypse, (chiefly because of the clear proofs of the divinity of the Word, or Son of God) pretended that there was no church at Thyatria, when Saint John is supposed to have written his Apocalypse. They have no proof of this. This same church was afterwards perverted by the Montanists. See S. Epiphan. hær. li. p. 455. Here follows a reprehension that they permitted the woman, (here called by the name of Jezabel, [2] as was called the wife of Achaz, who persecuted the true prophets, and protected the false ones, 3 Kings 18) to seduce the servants of God, to commit fornication, and eat of things offered to idols. There is no probability that this Jezabel was wife to the bishop of that church. Had this been true, the bishop would have deserved a reprehension much more severe than is here given him. Alcazar thinks that by this woman was meant some heretical sect, or the corrupt synagogue of the Jews; but interpreters commonly understand some powerful woman thereabout among the infamous Nicolaites, who by her authority and artifices, brought many to embrace that sect.—I give her time to do penance; and she will not, or would not repent. It is Christ who speaks as God, for who but God gives sinners time to repent?—Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and so forth Some understand a bed of sickness, others of corporal death, others eternal torments in hell, where she, and they that sin with her, shall be in very great tribulation, unless first they do penance.—All the churches shall know that I am he, who searcheth the reins and hearts, which God alone can do. See Psalms 7:10, Jeremiah 17:10. and so forth It is God also who will give to every one … according to his works. See Psalms 61:13, Proverbs 24:12, Romans 2:6 and in divers other places.—I will not put upon you any other weight, and so forth That is, not the insupportable burden of the Jewish ceremonies, to which teachers of false doctrines would have you subject. Witham.—Whoever does not give in to this new doctrine of the Nicolaites and Gnostics, and does not approve the deep and abstruse doctrines of Satan, which they teach, shall have no new weight or punishment. Let them keep the doctrine once delivered. Calmet.—Yet in the faith which you have already learnt, remain steadfast, till I come.—To them who shall overcome, and so forth I will give power over or above all nations. This shews that the saints, who are with Christ our Lord in heaven, receive power from him to preside over nations, and provinces, as patrons; and shall come with him at the end of the world to execute his will against those who have not kept his commandments. Challoner.—End. This alludes to the day of judgment, when the faithful shall sit on thrones with Christ. And he shall inherit the morning star of perpetual bliss, that shall never set.—They shall triumph over all the wicked world, and under me shall rule them, as it were, with a rod of iron, being so much exalted above them.—As the vessel of a potter, shall all their present greatness be broken. To every such faithful servant, I will give the morning star, another expression to signify eternal light, or eternal happiness. Witham.

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22

Behold, I will throw her and those who commit adultery with her into a bed of great oppression, unless they repent of her works.

ExplanationCommentary
EXPLANATION

Verse 18–29. To the Angel of the church of Thyatira. Here is first a commendation of their constancy in the faith, in good works, charity, patience, and ministry, which chiefly regards their bishop, whoever he was at that time. The heretics, called Alogians, who rejected the Apocalypse, (chiefly because of the clear proofs of the divinity of the Word, or Son of God) pretended that there was no church at Thyatria, when Saint John is supposed to have written his Apocalypse. They have no proof of this. This same church was afterwards perverted by the Montanists. See S. Epiphan. hær. li. p. 455. Here follows a reprehension that they permitted the woman, (here called by the name of Jezabel, [2] as was called the wife of Achaz, who persecuted the true prophets, and protected the false ones, 3 Kings 18) to seduce the servants of God, to commit fornication, and eat of things offered to idols. There is no probability that this Jezabel was wife to the bishop of that church. Had this been true, the bishop would have deserved a reprehension much more severe than is here given him. Alcazar thinks that by this woman was meant some heretical sect, or the corrupt synagogue of the Jews; but interpreters commonly understand some powerful woman thereabout among the infamous Nicolaites, who by her authority and artifices, brought many to embrace that sect.—I give her time to do penance; and she will not, or would not repent. It is Christ who speaks as God, for who but God gives sinners time to repent?—Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and so forth Some understand a bed of sickness, others of corporal death, others eternal torments in hell, where she, and they that sin with her, shall be in very great tribulation, unless first they do penance.—All the churches shall know that I am he, who searcheth the reins and hearts, which God alone can do. See Psalms 7:10, Jeremiah 17:10. and so forth It is God also who will give to every one … according to his works. See Psalms 61:13, Proverbs 24:12, Romans 2:6 and in divers other places.—I will not put upon you any other weight, and so forth That is, not the insupportable burden of the Jewish ceremonies, to which teachers of false doctrines would have you subject. Witham.—Whoever does not give in to this new doctrine of the Nicolaites and Gnostics, and does not approve the deep and abstruse doctrines of Satan, which they teach, shall have no new weight or punishment. Let them keep the doctrine once delivered. Calmet.—Yet in the faith which you have already learnt, remain steadfast, till I come.—To them who shall overcome, and so forth I will give power over or above all nations. This shews that the saints, who are with Christ our Lord in heaven, receive power from him to preside over nations, and provinces, as patrons; and shall come with him at the end of the world to execute his will against those who have not kept his commandments. Challoner.—End. This alludes to the day of judgment, when the faithful shall sit on thrones with Christ. And he shall inherit the morning star of perpetual bliss, that shall never set.—They shall triumph over all the wicked world, and under me shall rule them, as it were, with a rod of iron, being so much exalted above them.—As the vessel of a potter, shall all their present greatness be broken. To every such faithful servant, I will give the morning star, another expression to signify eternal light, or eternal happiness. Witham.

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23

I will kill her children with Death, and all the assemblies will know that I am he who searches the minds and hearts. I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.

ExplanationCommentary
EXPLANATION

Verse 18–29. To the Angel of the church of Thyatira. Here is first a commendation of their constancy in the faith, in good works, charity, patience, and ministry, which chiefly regards their bishop, whoever he was at that time. The heretics, called Alogians, who rejected the Apocalypse, (chiefly because of the clear proofs of the divinity of the Word, or Son of God) pretended that there was no church at Thyatria, when Saint John is supposed to have written his Apocalypse. They have no proof of this. This same church was afterwards perverted by the Montanists. See S. Epiphan. hær. li. p. 455. Here follows a reprehension that they permitted the woman, (here called by the name of Jezabel, [2] as was called the wife of Achaz, who persecuted the true prophets, and protected the false ones, 3 Kings 18) to seduce the servants of God, to commit fornication, and eat of things offered to idols. There is no probability that this Jezabel was wife to the bishop of that church. Had this been true, the bishop would have deserved a reprehension much more severe than is here given him. Alcazar thinks that by this woman was meant some heretical sect, or the corrupt synagogue of the Jews; but interpreters commonly understand some powerful woman thereabout among the infamous Nicolaites, who by her authority and artifices, brought many to embrace that sect.—I give her time to do penance; and she will not, or would not repent. It is Christ who speaks as God, for who but God gives sinners time to repent?—Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and so forth Some understand a bed of sickness, others of corporal death, others eternal torments in hell, where she, and they that sin with her, shall be in very great tribulation, unless first they do penance.—All the churches shall know that I am he, who searcheth the reins and hearts, which God alone can do. See Psalms 7:10, Jeremiah 17:10. and so forth It is God also who will give to every one … according to his works. See Psalms 61:13, Proverbs 24:12, Romans 2:6 and in divers other places.—I will not put upon you any other weight, and so forth That is, not the insupportable burden of the Jewish ceremonies, to which teachers of false doctrines would have you subject. Witham.—Whoever does not give in to this new doctrine of the Nicolaites and Gnostics, and does not approve the deep and abstruse doctrines of Satan, which they teach, shall have no new weight or punishment. Let them keep the doctrine once delivered. Calmet.—Yet in the faith which you have already learnt, remain steadfast, till I come.—To them who shall overcome, and so forth I will give power over or above all nations. This shews that the saints, who are with Christ our Lord in heaven, receive power from him to preside over nations, and provinces, as patrons; and shall come with him at the end of the world to execute his will against those who have not kept his commandments. Challoner.—End. This alludes to the day of judgment, when the faithful shall sit on thrones with Christ. And he shall inherit the morning star of perpetual bliss, that shall never set.—They shall triumph over all the wicked world, and under me shall rule them, as it were, with a rod of iron, being so much exalted above them.—As the vessel of a potter, shall all their present greatness be broken. To every such faithful servant, I will give the morning star, another expression to signify eternal light, or eternal happiness. Witham.

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24

But to you I say, to the rest who are in Thyatira—as many as don’t have this teaching, who don’t know what some call ‘the deep things of Satan’—to you I say, I am not putting any other burden on you.

ExplanationCommentary
EXPLANATION

Verse 18–29. To the Angel of the church of Thyatira. Here is first a commendation of their constancy in the faith, in good works, charity, patience, and ministry, which chiefly regards their bishop, whoever he was at that time. The heretics, called Alogians, who rejected the Apocalypse, (chiefly because of the clear proofs of the divinity of the Word, or Son of God) pretended that there was no church at Thyatria, when Saint John is supposed to have written his Apocalypse. They have no proof of this. This same church was afterwards perverted by the Montanists. See S. Epiphan. hær. li. p. 455. Here follows a reprehension that they permitted the woman, (here called by the name of Jezabel, [2] as was called the wife of Achaz, who persecuted the true prophets, and protected the false ones, 3 Kings 18) to seduce the servants of God, to commit fornication, and eat of things offered to idols. There is no probability that this Jezabel was wife to the bishop of that church. Had this been true, the bishop would have deserved a reprehension much more severe than is here given him. Alcazar thinks that by this woman was meant some heretical sect, or the corrupt synagogue of the Jews; but interpreters commonly understand some powerful woman thereabout among the infamous Nicolaites, who by her authority and artifices, brought many to embrace that sect.—I give her time to do penance; and she will not, or would not repent. It is Christ who speaks as God, for who but God gives sinners time to repent?—Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and so forth Some understand a bed of sickness, others of corporal death, others eternal torments in hell, where she, and they that sin with her, shall be in very great tribulation, unless first they do penance.—All the churches shall know that I am he, who searcheth the reins and hearts, which God alone can do. See Psalms 7:10, Jeremiah 17:10. and so forth It is God also who will give to every one … according to his works. See Psalms 61:13, Proverbs 24:12, Romans 2:6 and in divers other places.—I will not put upon you any other weight, and so forth That is, not the insupportable burden of the Jewish ceremonies, to which teachers of false doctrines would have you subject. Witham.—Whoever does not give in to this new doctrine of the Nicolaites and Gnostics, and does not approve the deep and abstruse doctrines of Satan, which they teach, shall have no new weight or punishment. Let them keep the doctrine once delivered. Calmet.—Yet in the faith which you have already learnt, remain steadfast, till I come.—To them who shall overcome, and so forth I will give power over or above all nations. This shews that the saints, who are with Christ our Lord in heaven, receive power from him to preside over nations, and provinces, as patrons; and shall come with him at the end of the world to execute his will against those who have not kept his commandments. Challoner.—End. This alludes to the day of judgment, when the faithful shall sit on thrones with Christ. And he shall inherit the morning star of perpetual bliss, that shall never set.—They shall triumph over all the wicked world, and under me shall rule them, as it were, with a rod of iron, being so much exalted above them.—As the vessel of a potter, shall all their present greatness be broken. To every such faithful servant, I will give the morning star, another expression to signify eternal light, or eternal happiness. Witham.

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25

Nevertheless, hold that which you have firmly until I come.

ExplanationCommentary
EXPLANATION

Verse 18–29. To the Angel of the church of Thyatira. Here is first a commendation of their constancy in the faith, in good works, charity, patience, and ministry, which chiefly regards their bishop, whoever he was at that time. The heretics, called Alogians, who rejected the Apocalypse, (chiefly because of the clear proofs of the divinity of the Word, or Son of God) pretended that there was no church at Thyatria, when Saint John is supposed to have written his Apocalypse. They have no proof of this. This same church was afterwards perverted by the Montanists. See S. Epiphan. hær. li. p. 455. Here follows a reprehension that they permitted the woman, (here called by the name of Jezabel, [2] as was called the wife of Achaz, who persecuted the true prophets, and protected the false ones, 3 Kings 18) to seduce the servants of God, to commit fornication, and eat of things offered to idols. There is no probability that this Jezabel was wife to the bishop of that church. Had this been true, the bishop would have deserved a reprehension much more severe than is here given him. Alcazar thinks that by this woman was meant some heretical sect, or the corrupt synagogue of the Jews; but interpreters commonly understand some powerful woman thereabout among the infamous Nicolaites, who by her authority and artifices, brought many to embrace that sect.—I give her time to do penance; and she will not, or would not repent. It is Christ who speaks as God, for who but God gives sinners time to repent?—Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and so forth Some understand a bed of sickness, others of corporal death, others eternal torments in hell, where she, and they that sin with her, shall be in very great tribulation, unless first they do penance.—All the churches shall know that I am he, who searcheth the reins and hearts, which God alone can do. See Psalms 7:10, Jeremiah 17:10. and so forth It is God also who will give to every one … according to his works. See Psalms 61:13, Proverbs 24:12, Romans 2:6 and in divers other places.—I will not put upon you any other weight, and so forth That is, not the insupportable burden of the Jewish ceremonies, to which teachers of false doctrines would have you subject. Witham.—Whoever does not give in to this new doctrine of the Nicolaites and Gnostics, and does not approve the deep and abstruse doctrines of Satan, which they teach, shall have no new weight or punishment. Let them keep the doctrine once delivered. Calmet.—Yet in the faith which you have already learnt, remain steadfast, till I come.—To them who shall overcome, and so forth I will give power over or above all nations. This shews that the saints, who are with Christ our Lord in heaven, receive power from him to preside over nations, and provinces, as patrons; and shall come with him at the end of the world to execute his will against those who have not kept his commandments. Challoner.—End. This alludes to the day of judgment, when the faithful shall sit on thrones with Christ. And he shall inherit the morning star of perpetual bliss, that shall never set.—They shall triumph over all the wicked world, and under me shall rule them, as it were, with a rod of iron, being so much exalted above them.—As the vessel of a potter, shall all their present greatness be broken. To every such faithful servant, I will give the morning star, another expression to signify eternal light, or eternal happiness. Witham.

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26

He who overcomes, and he who keeps my works to the end, to him I will give authority over the nations.

ExplanationCommentary
EXPLANATION

Verse 18–29. To the Angel of the church of Thyatira. Here is first a commendation of their constancy in the faith, in good works, charity, patience, and ministry, which chiefly regards their bishop, whoever he was at that time. The heretics, called Alogians, who rejected the Apocalypse, (chiefly because of the clear proofs of the divinity of the Word, or Son of God) pretended that there was no church at Thyatria, when Saint John is supposed to have written his Apocalypse. They have no proof of this. This same church was afterwards perverted by the Montanists. See S. Epiphan. hær. li. p. 455. Here follows a reprehension that they permitted the woman, (here called by the name of Jezabel, [2] as was called the wife of Achaz, who persecuted the true prophets, and protected the false ones, 3 Kings 18) to seduce the servants of God, to commit fornication, and eat of things offered to idols. There is no probability that this Jezabel was wife to the bishop of that church. Had this been true, the bishop would have deserved a reprehension much more severe than is here given him. Alcazar thinks that by this woman was meant some heretical sect, or the corrupt synagogue of the Jews; but interpreters commonly understand some powerful woman thereabout among the infamous Nicolaites, who by her authority and artifices, brought many to embrace that sect.—I give her time to do penance; and she will not, or would not repent. It is Christ who speaks as God, for who but God gives sinners time to repent?—Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and so forth Some understand a bed of sickness, others of corporal death, others eternal torments in hell, where she, and they that sin with her, shall be in very great tribulation, unless first they do penance.—All the churches shall know that I am he, who searcheth the reins and hearts, which God alone can do. See Psalms 7:10, Jeremiah 17:10. and so forth It is God also who will give to every one … according to his works. See Psalms 61:13, Proverbs 24:12, Romans 2:6 and in divers other places.—I will not put upon you any other weight, and so forth That is, not the insupportable burden of the Jewish ceremonies, to which teachers of false doctrines would have you subject. Witham.—Whoever does not give in to this new doctrine of the Nicolaites and Gnostics, and does not approve the deep and abstruse doctrines of Satan, which they teach, shall have no new weight or punishment. Let them keep the doctrine once delivered. Calmet.—Yet in the faith which you have already learnt, remain steadfast, till I come.—To them who shall overcome, and so forth I will give power over or above all nations. This shews that the saints, who are with Christ our Lord in heaven, receive power from him to preside over nations, and provinces, as patrons; and shall come with him at the end of the world to execute his will against those who have not kept his commandments. Challoner.—End. This alludes to the day of judgment, when the faithful shall sit on thrones with Christ. And he shall inherit the morning star of perpetual bliss, that shall never set.—They shall triumph over all the wicked world, and under me shall rule them, as it were, with a rod of iron, being so much exalted above them.—As the vessel of a potter, shall all their present greatness be broken. To every such faithful servant, I will give the morning star, another expression to signify eternal light, or eternal happiness. Witham.

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27

He will rule them with a rod of iron, shattering them like clay pots, as I also have received of my Father;

ExplanationCommentary
EXPLANATION

Verse 18–29. To the Angel of the church of Thyatira. Here is first a commendation of their constancy in the faith, in good works, charity, patience, and ministry, which chiefly regards their bishop, whoever he was at that time. The heretics, called Alogians, who rejected the Apocalypse, (chiefly because of the clear proofs of the divinity of the Word, or Son of God) pretended that there was no church at Thyatria, when Saint John is supposed to have written his Apocalypse. They have no proof of this. This same church was afterwards perverted by the Montanists. See S. Epiphan. hær. li. p. 455. Here follows a reprehension that they permitted the woman, (here called by the name of Jezabel, [2] as was called the wife of Achaz, who persecuted the true prophets, and protected the false ones, 3 Kings 18) to seduce the servants of God, to commit fornication, and eat of things offered to idols. There is no probability that this Jezabel was wife to the bishop of that church. Had this been true, the bishop would have deserved a reprehension much more severe than is here given him. Alcazar thinks that by this woman was meant some heretical sect, or the corrupt synagogue of the Jews; but interpreters commonly understand some powerful woman thereabout among the infamous Nicolaites, who by her authority and artifices, brought many to embrace that sect.—I give her time to do penance; and she will not, or would not repent. It is Christ who speaks as God, for who but God gives sinners time to repent?—Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and so forth Some understand a bed of sickness, others of corporal death, others eternal torments in hell, where she, and they that sin with her, shall be in very great tribulation, unless first they do penance.—All the churches shall know that I am he, who searcheth the reins and hearts, which God alone can do. See Psalms 7:10, Jeremiah 17:10. and so forth It is God also who will give to every one … according to his works. See Psalms 61:13, Proverbs 24:12, Romans 2:6 and in divers other places.—I will not put upon you any other weight, and so forth That is, not the insupportable burden of the Jewish ceremonies, to which teachers of false doctrines would have you subject. Witham.—Whoever does not give in to this new doctrine of the Nicolaites and Gnostics, and does not approve the deep and abstruse doctrines of Satan, which they teach, shall have no new weight or punishment. Let them keep the doctrine once delivered. Calmet.—Yet in the faith which you have already learnt, remain steadfast, till I come.—To them who shall overcome, and so forth I will give power over or above all nations. This shews that the saints, who are with Christ our Lord in heaven, receive power from him to preside over nations, and provinces, as patrons; and shall come with him at the end of the world to execute his will against those who have not kept his commandments. Challoner.—End. This alludes to the day of judgment, when the faithful shall sit on thrones with Christ. And he shall inherit the morning star of perpetual bliss, that shall never set.—They shall triumph over all the wicked world, and under me shall rule them, as it were, with a rod of iron, being so much exalted above them.—As the vessel of a potter, shall all their present greatness be broken. To every such faithful servant, I will give the morning star, another expression to signify eternal light, or eternal happiness. Witham.

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28

and I will give him the morning star.

ExplanationCommentary
EXPLANATION

Verse 18–29. To the Angel of the church of Thyatira. Here is first a commendation of their constancy in the faith, in good works, charity, patience, and ministry, which chiefly regards their bishop, whoever he was at that time. The heretics, called Alogians, who rejected the Apocalypse, (chiefly because of the clear proofs of the divinity of the Word, or Son of God) pretended that there was no church at Thyatria, when Saint John is supposed to have written his Apocalypse. They have no proof of this. This same church was afterwards perverted by the Montanists. See S. Epiphan. hær. li. p. 455. Here follows a reprehension that they permitted the woman, (here called by the name of Jezabel, [2] as was called the wife of Achaz, who persecuted the true prophets, and protected the false ones, 3 Kings 18) to seduce the servants of God, to commit fornication, and eat of things offered to idols. There is no probability that this Jezabel was wife to the bishop of that church. Had this been true, the bishop would have deserved a reprehension much more severe than is here given him. Alcazar thinks that by this woman was meant some heretical sect, or the corrupt synagogue of the Jews; but interpreters commonly understand some powerful woman thereabout among the infamous Nicolaites, who by her authority and artifices, brought many to embrace that sect.—I give her time to do penance; and she will not, or would not repent. It is Christ who speaks as God, for who but God gives sinners time to repent?—Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and so forth Some understand a bed of sickness, others of corporal death, others eternal torments in hell, where she, and they that sin with her, shall be in very great tribulation, unless first they do penance.—All the churches shall know that I am he, who searcheth the reins and hearts, which God alone can do. See Psalms 7:10, Jeremiah 17:10. and so forth It is God also who will give to every one … according to his works. See Psalms 61:13, Proverbs 24:12, Romans 2:6 and in divers other places.—I will not put upon you any other weight, and so forth That is, not the insupportable burden of the Jewish ceremonies, to which teachers of false doctrines would have you subject. Witham.—Whoever does not give in to this new doctrine of the Nicolaites and Gnostics, and does not approve the deep and abstruse doctrines of Satan, which they teach, shall have no new weight or punishment. Let them keep the doctrine once delivered. Calmet.—Yet in the faith which you have already learnt, remain steadfast, till I come.—To them who shall overcome, and so forth I will give power over or above all nations. This shews that the saints, who are with Christ our Lord in heaven, receive power from him to preside over nations, and provinces, as patrons; and shall come with him at the end of the world to execute his will against those who have not kept his commandments. Challoner.—End. This alludes to the day of judgment, when the faithful shall sit on thrones with Christ. And he shall inherit the morning star of perpetual bliss, that shall never set.—They shall triumph over all the wicked world, and under me shall rule them, as it were, with a rod of iron, being so much exalted above them.—As the vessel of a potter, shall all their present greatness be broken. To every such faithful servant, I will give the morning star, another expression to signify eternal light, or eternal happiness. Witham.

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29

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.

ExplanationCommentary
EXPLANATION

Verse 18–29. To the Angel of the church of Thyatira. Here is first a commendation of their constancy in the faith, in good works, charity, patience, and ministry, which chiefly regards their bishop, whoever he was at that time. The heretics, called Alogians, who rejected the Apocalypse, (chiefly because of the clear proofs of the divinity of the Word, or Son of God) pretended that there was no church at Thyatria, when Saint John is supposed to have written his Apocalypse. They have no proof of this. This same church was afterwards perverted by the Montanists. See S. Epiphan. hær. li. p. 455. Here follows a reprehension that they permitted the woman, (here called by the name of Jezabel, [2] as was called the wife of Achaz, who persecuted the true prophets, and protected the false ones, 3 Kings 18) to seduce the servants of God, to commit fornication, and eat of things offered to idols. There is no probability that this Jezabel was wife to the bishop of that church. Had this been true, the bishop would have deserved a reprehension much more severe than is here given him. Alcazar thinks that by this woman was meant some heretical sect, or the corrupt synagogue of the Jews; but interpreters commonly understand some powerful woman thereabout among the infamous Nicolaites, who by her authority and artifices, brought many to embrace that sect.—I give her time to do penance; and she will not, or would not repent. It is Christ who speaks as God, for who but God gives sinners time to repent?—Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and so forth Some understand a bed of sickness, others of corporal death, others eternal torments in hell, where she, and they that sin with her, shall be in very great tribulation, unless first they do penance.—All the churches shall know that I am he, who searcheth the reins and hearts, which God alone can do. See Psalms 7:10, Jeremiah 17:10. and so forth It is God also who will give to every one … according to his works. See Psalms 61:13, Proverbs 24:12, Romans 2:6 and in divers other places.—I will not put upon you any other weight, and so forth That is, not the insupportable burden of the Jewish ceremonies, to which teachers of false doctrines would have you subject. Witham.—Whoever does not give in to this new doctrine of the Nicolaites and Gnostics, and does not approve the deep and abstruse doctrines of Satan, which they teach, shall have no new weight or punishment. Let them keep the doctrine once delivered. Calmet.—Yet in the faith which you have already learnt, remain steadfast, till I come.—To them who shall overcome, and so forth I will give power over or above all nations. This shews that the saints, who are with Christ our Lord in heaven, receive power from him to preside over nations, and provinces, as patrons; and shall come with him at the end of the world to execute his will against those who have not kept his commandments. Challoner.—End. This alludes to the day of judgment, when the faithful shall sit on thrones with Christ. And he shall inherit the morning star of perpetual bliss, that shall never set.—They shall triumph over all the wicked world, and under me shall rule them, as it were, with a rod of iron, being so much exalted above them.—As the vessel of a potter, shall all their present greatness be broken. To every such faithful servant, I will give the morning star, another expression to signify eternal light, or eternal happiness. Witham.

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