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Revelation 2:1-7

English Standard Version Chapter 2

2:1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.

2 “ ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently

and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. 6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’

King James Version Chapter 2

2 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. 6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

““To the angel of the church in Ephesus, write the following: “This is the solemn pronouncement of the one who has a firm grasp on the seven stars in his right hand – the one who walks among the seven golden lampstands: ‘I know your works as well as your labor and steadfast endurance, and that you cannot tolerate evil. You have even put to the test those who refer to themselves as apostles (but are not), and have discovered that they are false. I am also aware that you have persisted steadfastly, endured much for the sake of my name, and have not grown weary. But I have this against you: You have departed from your first love! Therefore, remember from what high state you have fallen and repent! Do the deeds you did at the first; if not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place – that is, if you do not repent. But you do have this going for you: You hate what the Nicolaitans practice – practices I also hate. The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers, I will permit him to eat from the tree of life that is in the paradise of God.’”

Revelation 2:1-7 NEΤ

The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition Chapter 2

2.1 Τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Ἐφέσῳ ἐκκλησίας γράψον· Τάδε λέγει ὁ κρατῶν τοὺς ἑπτὰ ἀστέρας ἐν τῇ δεξιᾷ αὐτοῦ, ὁ περιπατῶν ἐν μέσῳ τῶν ἑπτὰ λυχνιῶν τῶν χρυσῶν· 2 Οἶδα τὰ ἔργα σου, καὶ τὸν κόπον καὶ τὴν ὑπομονήν σου, καὶ ὅτι οὐ δύνῃ βαστάσαι κακούς, καὶ ἐπείρασας τοὺς λέγοντας ἑαυτοὺς ἀποστόλους, καὶ οὐκ εἰσίν, καὶ εὗρες αὐτοὺς ψευδεῖς· 3 καὶ ὑπομονὴν ἔχεις, καὶ ἐβάστασας διὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου, καὶ οὐ κεκοπίακες. 4 ἀλλὰ ἔχω κατὰ σοῦ ὅτι τὴν ἀγάπην σου τὴν πρώτην ἀφῆκες. 5 μνημόνευε οὖν πόθεν πέπτωκας, καὶ μετανόησον καὶ τὰ πρῶτα ἔργα ποίησον· εἰ δὲ μή, ἔρχομαί σοι, καὶ κινήσω τὴν λυχνίαν σου ἐκ τοῦ τόπου αὐτῆς, ἐὰν μὴ μετανοήσῃς. 6 ἀλλὰ τοῦτο ἔχεις ὅτι μισεῖς τὰ ἔργα τῶν Νικολαϊτῶν, ἃ κἀγὼ μισῶ. 7 ὁ ἔχων οὖς ἀκουσάτω τί τὸ πνεῦμα λέγει ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις. τῷ νικῶντι δώσω αὐτῷ φαγεῖν ἐκ τοῦ ξύλου τῆς ζωῆς, ὅ ἐστιν ἐν τῷ παραδείσῳ τοῦ θεοῦ.

2:1 Τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Ἐφέσῳ ἐκκλησίας γράψον· τάδε λέγει ὁ κρατῶν τοὺς ἑπτὰ ἀστέρας ἐν τῇ δεξιᾷ αὐτοῦ, ὁ περιπατῶν ἐν μέσῳ τῶν ἑπτὰ λυχνιῶν τῶν χρυσέων· 2 οἶδα τὰ ἔργα σου καὶ τὸν κόπον καὶ τὴν ὑπομονήν σου καὶ ὅτι οὐ δύνῃ βαστάσαι κακοὺς καὶ ἐπείρασας τοὺς λέγοντας ἑαυτοὺς ἀποστόλους καὶ οὐκ εἰσίν, καὶ εὗρες αὐτοὺς ψευδεῖς. 3 καὶ ὑπομονὴν ἔχεις καὶ ἐβάστασας διὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου καὶ οὐκ εκοπίακες. 4 ἀλλὰ ἔχω κατὰ σοῦ ὅτι τὴν ἀγάπην σου τὴν πρώτην ἀφῆκες. 5 μνημόνευε οὖν πόθεν πέπτωκας, καὶ μετανόησον καὶ τὰ πρῶτα ἔργα ποίησον· εἰ δὲ μή, ἔρχομαί σοι καὶ κινήσω τὴν λυχνίαν σου ἐκ τοῦ τόπου αὐτῆς, ἐὰν μὴ μετανοήσῃς. 6 ἀλλὰ τοῦτο ἔχεις ὅτι μισεῖς τὰ ἔργατῶν Νικολαϊτῶν ἃ κἀγὼ μισῶ. 7 ὁ ἔχων οὖς ἀκουσάτω τί τὸ πνεῦμα λέγει ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις· τῷ νικῶντι δώσω αὐτῷ φαγεῖν ἐκ τοῦ ξύλου τῆς ζωῆς ὅ ἐστιν ἐν τῷ παραδείσῳ τοῦ θεοῦ.

Ephesus, in the time of the Apostle John (late 1st century AD), was a major city in the Roman province of Asia (modern-day Turkey). It was a thriving commercial, political, and religious hub, strategically located on the Aegean coast along key trade routes.

Key Features of Ephesus in John’s Time:

Major Urban Center:

Ephesus was one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire, possibly boasting a population of around 200,000–250,000 people.

It was a cosmopolitan city, home to Romans, Greeks, Jews, and other peoples from across the empire.

Religious Significance:

The city was renowned for the Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This grand temple attracted pilgrims and was central to the city's economy.

Emperor worship was also prominent, as Ephesus had temples dedicated to emperors like Domitian.

The city was filled with pagan temples, shrines, and occult practices, making it a challenging environment for early Christians.

Commerce and Trade:

As a key port city, Ephesus was a commercial powerhouse, connecting the Mediterranean world to the inland regions of Asia Minor.

The city’s wealth was evident in its grand buildings, marketplaces, and infrastructure.

Civic and Cultural Life:

Ephesus boasted a massive theater that could seat around 24,000 people. This theater was the site of the riot against Paul (Acts 19:23–41).

Public baths, gymnasiums, and a well-planned street system made Ephesus a model Roman city.

Christian Presence:

Paul had spent significant time in Ephesus (Acts 19), and later, John is believed to have lived and ministered there.

Tradition holds that John wrote his Gospel and letters while in Ephesus and may have overseen the Christian community there.

The Book of Revelation (Revelation 2:1–7) records Jesus’ message to the church in Ephesus, praising their perseverance but warning them about losing their first love.

Persecution of Christians:

Under Emperor Domitian (81–96 AD), Christians faced increasing hostility, as emperor worship was enforced more strictly.

John himself may have been exiled to Patmos (Revelation 1:9) due to persecution in Ephesus.

Ephesus was thus a city of immense power and influence, but also spiritual challenge—a place where the early church had to stand firm amidst a dominant pagan culture. ChatGPT

Ι. The Christ. vs. 1

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. ESV

King James Version Chapter 2

2 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

““To the angel of the church in Ephesus, write the following: “This is the solemn pronouncement of the one who has a firm grasp on the seven stars in his right hand – the one who walks among the seven golden lampstands: NET

2:1 Τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Ἐφέσῳ ἐκκλησίας γράψον· τάδε λέγει ὁ κρατῶν τοὺς ἑπτὰ ἀστέρας ἐν τῇ δεξιᾷ αὐτοῦ, ὁ περιπατῶν ἐν μέσῳ τῶν ἑπτὰ λυχνιῶν τῶν χρυσέων·

Rev. 1:12-20

English Standard Version Chapter 1

12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.

17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. 19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

A. The One Who Holds the Seven Stars.

‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, ESV

King James Version Chapter 2

These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand,

“This is the solemn pronouncement of the one who has a firm grasp on the seven stars in his right hand NET

τάδε λέγει ὁ κρατῶν τοὺς ἑπτὰ ἀστέρας ἐν τῇ δεξιᾷ αὐτοῦ,

Note: τάδε λέγει - tade legei - The phrase τάδε λέγει (translated as "Thus says" or "These things says") is commonly used in the Septuagint (LXX) to introduce prophetic or divine declarations, similar to the Hebrew כֹּה אָמַר ("Thus says"). Here are a few examples:

Isaiah 7:7 (LXX) "Τάδε λέγει κύριος ὁ Θεός· οὐ μὴ γένηται, οὐδ’ οὐ μὴ ᾖ." Translation: "Thus says the Lord God: It shall not stand, nor shall it be."

Jeremiah 2:2 (LXX) "Τάδε λέγει κύριος· ἐμνήσθην ἐλέους νεότητός σου..." Translation: "Thus says the Lord: I remembered the mercy of your youth..."

Ezekiel 5:5 (LXX) "Τάδε λέγει κύριος ὁ Θεός· αὕτη ἡ Ιερουσαλημ..." Translation: "Thus says the Lord God: This is Jerusalem..."

Amos 1:3 (LXX) "Τάδε λέγει κύριος· ἐπὶ τοῖς τρισὶν ἀσεβήμασιν Δαμασκοῦ..." Translation: "Thus says the Lord: For three transgressions of Damascus..."

This phrase appears frequently in prophetic books, often introducing divine pronouncements. Isaiah 7:7 (LXX) Greek: "Τάδε λέγει κύριος ὁ Θεός· οὐ μὴ γένηται, οὐδ’ οὐ μὴ ᾖ." Translation: "Thus says the Lord God: It shall not stand, nor shall it be."

Jeremiah 2:2 (LXX) Greek: "Τάδε λέγει κύριος· ἐμνήσθην ἐλέους νεότητός σου καὶ ἀγάπης τελειώσεώς σου τοῦ τοῦ ἐξιέναι σε ὀπίσω κυρίου ἐν ἐρήμῳ ἐν γῇ ἀοικήτῳ." Translation: "Thus says the Lord: I remembered the mercy of your youth and the love of your bridal days, when you followed after the Lord in the wilderness, in an uninhabited land."

Ezekiel 5:5 (LXX) Greek: "Τάδε λέγει κύριος ὁ Θεός· αὕτη ἡ Ιερουσαλημ· ἐν μέσῳ τῶν ἐθνῶν ἔθηκα αὐτήν, καὶ κύκλῳ αὐτῆς γῆς." Translation: "Thus says the Lord God: This is Jerusalem; I have set her in the midst of the nations, with lands around her."

Amos 1:3 (LXX) Greek: "Τάδε λέγει κύριος· ἐπὶ τοῖς τρισὶν ἀσεβήμασιν Δαμασκοῦ καὶ ἐπὶ τοῖς τέσσαρσιν οὐκ ἀποστρέψω αὐτόν, ἀνθ’ ὧν ἔλιθον τὰς ἐγκύμονας ἐν τῇ Γαλααδ." Translation: "Thus says the Lord: For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn it back, because they have threshed Gilead with iron threshing sledges."

ChatGPT

The Septuagint uses this phrase about 350 times and about 320 times it is used with the “Lord” - a reference to Yahweh - it is used eight times in the New Testament. Seven of those times in Revelation 2 and 3 in each letter addressing the seven churches. (NET notes)

Note: His Deity and His omnipresence.

1. The seven stars.

English Standard Version Chapter 1

the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches

οἱ ἑπτὰ ἀστέρες ἄγγελοι τῶν ἑπτὰ ἐκκλησιῶν εἰσιν

The word “angels” (ἄγγελοι) - speaks of angels or messengers. Most would say this is a reference to the bishops or pastors of the churches mentioned.

2. The seven stars held firmly.

who holds the seven stars in his right hand, ESV

the one who has a firm grasp on the seven stars in his right hand NET

ὁ κρατῶν τοὺς ἑπτὰ ἀστέρας ἐν τῇ δεξιᾷ αὐτοῦ,

holds -

A Pocket Lexicon to the Greek New Testament κρατέω

κρατέω, I lay hold of, take possession of, obtain,

The right hand speaks of strength. He holds His messengers firmly - He will not let them go.

B. The One Who Walks in the Midst of the Seven Golden Lampstands.

who walks among the seven golden lampstands. ESV

ὁ περιπατῶν ἐν μέσῳ τῶν ἑπτὰ λυχνιῶν τῶν χρυσέων·

English Standard Version Chapter 1

and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

1. He walks in the midst of His churches.

who walks among the seven golden lampstands. ESV

ὁ περιπατῶν ἐν μέσῳ τῶν ἑπτὰ λυχνιῶν τῶν χρυσέων·

2. He walks in the midst of 7 golden lampstands.

Note: He is present with His church (“The One walking”).

Note: A picture of the worth of His church and the cost of His church (“golden lampstands”).

1 Peter 1:18–19 “knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”

King James Version Chapter 1

18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

II. The Commendation. vv. 2, 3, and 6

English Standard Version Chapter 2

2 “ ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary.

English Standard Version Chapter 2

6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

King James Version Chapter 2

2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

King James Version Chapter 2

6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

‘I know your works as well as your labor and steadfast endurance, and that you cannot tolerate evil. You have even put to the test those who refer to themselves as apostles (but are not), and have discovered that they are false. I am also aware that you have persisted steadfastly, endured much for the sake of my name, and have not grown weary.

But you do have this going for you: You hate what the Nicolaitans practice – practices I also hate. NET

2 οἶδα τὰ ἔργα σου καὶ τὸν κόπον καὶ τὴν ὑπομονήν σου καὶ ὅτι οὐ δύνῃ βαστάσαι κακοὺς καὶ ἐπείρασας τοὺς λέγοντας ἑαυτοὺς ἀποστόλους καὶ οὐκ εἰσίν, καὶ εὗρες αὐτοὺς ψευδεῖς. 3 καὶ ὑπομονὴν ἔχεις καὶ ἐβάστασας διὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου καὶ οὐκ εκοπίακες.

6 ἀλλὰ τοῦτο ἔχεις ὅτι μισεῖς τὰ ἔργατῶν Νικολαϊτῶν ἃ κἀγὼ μισῶ.

Note: His omniscience - “I know” - οἶδα - Cp. γινωσκω and οιδα - γινωσκω is more of a practical knowledge, whereas οιδα speaks of an absolute knowledge.

The Greek words γινώσκω (ginōskō) and οἶδα (oida) both translate to "I know" in English, but they have distinct nuances and are used in different contexts.

γινώσκω (ginōskō):

Meaning: This verb generally refers to knowing through experience, learning, or acquaintance. It can imply a gradual, process-based knowledge. It can refer to things you come to know over time through sensory perception, personal experience, or study.

Usage: It's used for knowledge that involves coming to understand something or gaining insight over time. For example, "I know a person" or "I know a fact through experience."

οἶδα (oida):

Meaning: This verb conveys a more immediate, certain, or complete type of knowledge. It often refers to knowledge that is understood intuitively or through direct perception. It is more about knowing something in a way that is absolute or already established.

Usage: It can refer to knowing something in a more immediate sense, like knowing something for certain or possessing certain, unlearned knowledge. For example, "I know the truth" or "I know the way."

In summary, γινώσκω emphasizes a process of learning or coming to know something over time, while οἶδα stresses a more complete or intuitive knowledge, often involving certainty or awareness of something without needing to learn it. ChatGPT

A. Their Works. vs. 2

English Standard Version Chapter 2

“ ‘I know your works,

King James Version Chapter 2

I know thy works,

οἶδα τὰ ἔργα

B. Their Toil. vs. 2

English Standard Version Chapter 2

your toil

King James Version Chapter 2

and thy labour

καὶ τὸν κόπον

C. Their Patient Endurance. vs. 2

English Standard Version Chapter 2

and your patient endurance

King James Version Chapter 2

and thy patience,

and steadfast endurance, NET

καὶ τὴν ὑπομονήν σου

D. Their Disdain for Evil. vs. 2

English Standard Version Chapter 2

and how you cannot bear with those who are evil,

King James Version Chapter 2

and how thou canst not bear them which are evil:

and that you cannot tolerate evil. NET

καὶ ὅτι οὐ δύνῃ βαστάσαι κακοὺς

E. Their Discernment. vs. 2

English Standard Version Chapter 2

but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.

King James Version Chapter 2

and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

You have even put to the test those who refer to themselves as apostles (but are not), and have discovered that they are false. NET

καὶ ἐπείρασας τοὺς λέγοντας ἑαυτοὺς ἀποστόλους καὶ οὐκ εἰσίν, καὶ εὗρες αὐτοὺς ψευδεῖς.

F. Their Endurance. vs. 3

English Standard Version Chapter 2

I know you are enduring patiently

King James Version Chapter 2

And hast borne,

I am also aware that you have persisted steadfastly, NET

καὶ ὑπομονὴν ἔχεις

G. Their Stedfastness. vs. 3

English Standard Version Chapter 2

and bearing up for my name’s sake,

King James Version Chapter 2

and hast patience,

endured much for the sake of my name, NET

καὶ ἐβάστασας διὰ τὸ ὄνομά μου

H. Their Stamina. vs. 3

English Standard Version Chapter 2

and you have not grown weary.

King James Version Chapter 2

and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

and have not grown weary. NET

καὶ οὐκ εκοπίακες.

I. Their Mutual hatred. vs. 6

English Standard Version Chapter 2

6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

King James Version Chapter 2

6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

But you do have this going for you: You hate what the Nicolaitans practice – practices I also hate. NET

The Nicolaitans are mentioned in Revelation 2:6 and Revelation 2:15 in Christ’s messages to the churches of Ephesusand Pergamum. While there is some mystery surrounding their exact identity, here’s what we know:

2. Possible Identity

The Bible doesn’t explicitly define who the Nicolaitans were, but early church writings and historical context provide some theories:

Linked to Balaam’s Teaching: In Revelation 2:14-15, the Nicolaitans are mentioned right after Jesus condemns those in Pergamum who follow “the teaching of Balaam,” who led Israel into idolatry and immorality (Numbers 25:1-3; 31:16). This suggests the Nicolaitans promoted similar practices—compromising with pagan culture through idol worship and sexual sin.

Derived from Nicolas of Antioch? Some early church fathers, like Irenaeus (2nd century AD), associated the Nicolaitans with Nicolas, one of the seven deacons in Acts 6:5. However, this is debated, and there is no direct biblical evidence that Nicolas himself taught false doctrines.

Compromise with Roman Culture: Some scholars believe the Nicolaitans promoted compromise with Roman society, including participating in emperor worship and eating food sacrificed to idols—things strictly forbidden for Christians (Acts 15:29; 1 Corinthians 10:20-22).

3. Why Did Jesus Hate Their Works?

Jesus condemned the Nicolaitans because their teachings led believers into moral and spiritual compromise. They encouraged Christians to blend with pagan practices rather than remain set apart for God.

4. Application Today

The Nicolaitan problem highlights the danger of moral and theological compromise. Many see parallels today in how some blend biblical faith with worldly values, leading to a diluted Christianity.

Would you like to explore more historical sources on them? ChatGpt

III. The Complaint. vs. 4

English Standard Version Chapter 2

4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.

King James Version Chapter 2

4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

But I have this against you: You have departed from your first love! NET

4 ἀλλὰ ἔχω κατὰ σοῦ ὅτι τὴν ἀγάπην σου τὴν πρώτην ἀφῆκες.

The verb ἀφίημι has a broad range of meanings depending on the context, including:

To let go, send away, or dismiss (e.g., releasing someone or something)

To forgive (e.g., sins being "sent away")

To leave behind, abandon (e.g., forsaking something)

When it appears in relation to divorce, it carries the idea of a husband or wife leaving or dismissing the other. ChatGpt

IV. The Counsel. vs. 5

A. Remember.

5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; ESV

King James Version Chapter 2

5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen,

Therefore, remember from what high state you have fallen

μνημόνευε οὖν πόθεν πέπτωκας,

B. Repent.

English Standard Version Chapter 2

repent, and do the works you did at first.

King James Version Chapter 2

and repent, and do the first works;

and repent! Do the deeds you did at the first; NET

καὶ μετανόησον καὶ τὰ πρῶτα ἔργα ποίησον·

C. Realize.

English Standard Version Chapter 2

If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. ESV

King James Version Chapter 2

or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

if not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place – that is, if you do not repent. NET

εἰ δὲ μή, ἔρχομαί σοι καὶ κινήσω τὴν λυχνίαν σου ἐκ τοῦ τόπου αὐτῆς, ἐὰν μὴ μετανοήσῃς.

V. The Final Command and Comfort. vs. 7

English Standard Version Chapter 2

7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’

King James Version Chapter 2

7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers, I will permit him to eat from the tree of life that is in the paradise of God.’” NET

7 ὁ ἔχων οὖς ἀκουσάτω τί τὸ πνεῦμα λέγει ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις· τῷ νικῶντι δώσω αὐτῷ φαγεῖν ἐκ τοῦ ξύλου τῆς ζωῆς ὅ ἐστιν ἐν τῷ παραδείσῳ τοῦ θεοῦ.

A. The Command to Hear.

English Standard Version Chapter 2

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

King James Version Chapter 2

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches;

The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches. NET

ὁ ἔχων οὖς ἀκουσάτω τί τὸ πνεῦμα λέγει ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις·

1. An individual command.

2. A corporate command,

B. The Comfort to the Overcomer.

English Standard Version Chapter 2

To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’

King James Version Chapter 2

To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

To the one who conquers, I will permit him to eat from the tree of life that is in the paradise of God.’” NET

τῷ νικῶντι δώσω αὐτῷ φαγεῖν ἐκ τοῦ ξύλου τῆς ζωῆς ὅ ἐστιν ἐν τῷ παραδείσῳ τοῦ θεοῦ.

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