12 "And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write : The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this : 13 'I know where you dwell , where Satan's throne is; and you hold fast My name , and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas , My witness , My faithful one , who was killed among you, where Satan dwells . 14 'But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam , who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel , to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality . 15 'So you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans . 16 'Therefore repent ; or else I am coming to you quickly , and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth . 17 ' He who has an ear , let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches . To him who overcomes , to him I will give some of the hidden manna , and I will give him a white stone , and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.'
18 "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write : The Son of God , who has eyes like a flame of fire , and His feet are like burnished bronze , says this : 19 ' I know your deeds , and your love and faith and service and perseverance , and that your deeds of late are greater than at first .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Revelation 2:12-19
Commentary on Revelation 2:12-17
(Read Revelation 2:12-17)
The word of God is a sword, able to slay both sin and sinners. It turns and cuts every way; but the believer need not fear this sword; yet this confidence cannot be supported without steady obedience. As our Lord notices all the advantages and opportunities we have for duty in the places where we dwell, so he notices our temptations and discouragements from the same causes. In a situation of trials, the church of Pergamos had not denied the faith, either by open apostacy, or by giving way so as to avoid the cross. Christ commends their stedfastness, but reproves their sinful failures. A wrong view of gospel doctrine and Christian liberty, was a root of bitterness from which evil practices grew. Repentance is the duty of churches and bodies of men, as well as of particular persons; those who sin together, should repent together. Here is the promise of favour to those that overcome. The influences and comforts of the Spirit of Christ, come down from heaven into the soul, for its support. This is hidden from the rest of the world. The new name is the name of adoption; when the Holy Spirit shows his own work in the believer's soul, this new name and its real import are understood by him.
Commentary on Revelation 2:18-29
(Read Revelation 2:18-29)
Even when the Lord knows the works of his people to be wrought in love, faith, zeal, and patience; yet if his eyes, which are as a flame of fire, observe them committing or allowing what is evil, he will rebuke, correct, or punish them. Here is praise of the ministry and people of Thyatira, by One who knew the principles from which they acted. They grew wiser and better. All Christians should earnestly desire that their last works may be their best works. Yet this church connived at some wicked seducers. God is known by the judgments he executes; and by this upon seducers, he shows his certain knowledge of the hearts of men, of their principles, designs, frame, and temper. Encouragement is given to those who kept themselves pure and undefiled. It is dangerous to despise the mystery of God, and as dangerous to receive the mysteries of Satan. Let us beware of the depths of Satan, of which those who know the least are the most happy. How tender Christ is of his faithful servants! He lays nothing upon his servants but what is for their good. There is promise of an ample reward to the persevering, victorious believer; also knowledge and wisdom, suitable to their power and dominion. Christ brings day with him into the soul, the light of grace and of glory, in the presence and enjoyment of him their Lord and Saviour. After every victory let us follow up our advantage against the enemy, that we may overcome and keep the works of Christ to the end.