Explanation: In Revelation 2, Jesus delivers messages to 4 of the seven churches of Asia. He speaks to the other three in the next chapter. For each church, he introduces himself using as a title a part of his description in Revelation 1:12-16. The title is appropriate to the things he has to say to each particular church. The words given to each church are structured according to a literary formula. Each begins with the words, "I know thy works." Each has a promise "To him that overcometh." Each promise encapsulates a key benefit from biblical history, beginning with the Garden of Eden (the tree of Life) and ending with the New Heavens and the New Earth (sitting with Jesus on his throne). Five contain warnings. Two (Smyrna and Philadelphia) do not. Each ends with, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
     Jesus, who has the seven stars and walks among the seven golden candlesticks, tells Ephesus that he knows their works of toil and endurance. He knows how they cannot endure those which are evil, how they have uncovered false apostles, how they have endured for his name's sake and not fainted. Nevertheless, they have left their first love. So he warns them to repent and do the things they used to do, otherwise he will come and take their candlestick. He offers some encouragement by acknowledging that they hate the deeds of Nicolaitans [idolaters and fornicators] which he also hates. The Spirit says that the one who overcomes will be allowed to eat of the tree of life: a benefit from the Garden of Eden. (1-7).
     Jesus, the first and the last, who was dead and is alive tells Smyrana that he knows their works, their tribulation, and their poverty (but they are rich). He also knows the blasphemy of Jews who say they are Jews but are of the synagogue of Satan. He tells them to fear none of the suffering (prison and death) which will come upon them. They will have tribulation ten days; but those who are faithful unto death will receive a crown of life. The Spirit says that the one who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death: a benefit which counteracts the death brought about by original sin which came upon the human race through the fall. (8-11).
     Jesus, who has the sharp, twoedged sword knows the works of Pergamos, how they dwell where Satan' seat is, yet they hold fast his name, and have not denied the faith, even when Antipas was slain among them. But he has things against them. Among them are those who teach and practice idolatry and fornication. Some (in contrast to those in Ephesus) also hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which he hates. he warns them to repent or he will use the sword of his mouth against them. The Spirit will give to overcomers the hidden manna and a white stone with a new name for the one who receives it, unknown to anyone except who receives it. These benefits hearken to the wilderness experience. Manna is an obvious reference. The white stone with a new, secret name, is, I believe, a variant of the idea of being written in the Book of Life (or blotted out of it), as spoken of in Exodus 32:32-33 while Israel was in the wilderness (12-17).
     Jesus, whose eyes are like fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze, tells Thyatira that he knows their works, their, love, their service, their faith, their endurance, and the latter works which were greater than the first. Nevertheless, they have allowed a Jezebel false prophetess to teach and to seduce his servants to commit fornication and to commit pagan worship by eating things sacrificed to idols. Jesus gave her space to repent, but she did not. So Jesus is going to cast her and here paramours into a bed of great tribulation unless they repent. Her children will die. He will search their inward parts and give them according to their deeds. But to those in Thyatira who have not committed this sin, Jesus will put no other burden on them. He asks them to hold fast to that which they already have. If they overcome and keep his words, he will give them power over the nations. They will rule them with a rod of iron and shatter them in pieces like a potter's vessel. He will give them the morning star. These blessings are promises which allow the recipient full participation in the Messianic kingdom, doing the things that the Messiah does, as described by various prophets from Moses to John: Rod of Iron: [Psalm 2:9; Revelation 12:5; Revelation 19:15. ]. Morning Star: [Numbers 24:17; Malachi 4:2; Luke 1:78-79; 2 Peter 1:19; Revelation 22:16. ] So says the Spirit to the churches (18-29).
     [Sermons: Eric Alexander. Sinclair B Ferguson. Various. ]
     [Illustration: Today's painting shares several elements with today's chapter: the arrival of morning, the arrival of victory, and victory through Christ ]

     ¹⁹ I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. ²⁰ Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. ²¹ And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. ²² Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. ²³ And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. ²⁴ But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. ²⁵ But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. ²⁶ And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: ²⁷ And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. ²⁸ And I will give him the morning star. ²⁹ He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

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