Directions what to write to the angels or bishops of Ephesus, Smyrna,
Pergamus and Thyatira.
2:1. Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write: These things saith
he who holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the
midst of the seven golden candlesticks:
2:2. I know thy works and thy labour and thy patience and how thou
canst not bear them that are evil. And thou hast tried them who say
they are apostles and are not: and hast found them liars:
2:3. And thou hast patience and hast endured for my name and hast not
fainted.
2:4. But I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first
charity.
2:5. Be mindful therefore from whence thou art fallen: and do penance
and do the first works. Or else I come to thee and will move thy
candlestick out of its place, except thou do penance.
2:6. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaites,
which I also hate.
2:7. He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith to the
churches: To him that overcometh I will give to eat of the tree of life
which is in the paradise of my God.
2:8. And to the angel of the church of Smyrna write: These things saith
the First and the Last, who was dead and is alive:
2:9. I know thy tribulation and thy poverty: but thou art rich. And
thou art blasphemed by them that say they are Jews and are not, but are
the synagogue of Satan.
2:10. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer. Behold, the
devil will cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried: and you
shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death: and I
will give thee the crown of life.
2:11. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the
churches: He that shall overcome shall not be hurt by the second death.
2:12. And to the angel of the church of Pergamus write: These things
saith he that hath the sharp two-edged sword:
2:13. I know where thou dwellest, where the seat of Satan is. And thou
holdest fast my name and hast not denied my faith. Even in those days
when Antipas was my faithful witness, who was slain among you, where
Satan dwelleth.
2:14. But I have against thee a few things: because thou hast there
them that hold the doctrine of Balaam who taught Balac to cast a
stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat and to commit
fornication.
2:15. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaites.
2:16. In like manner do penance. If not, I will come to thee quickly
and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
2:17. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the
churches: To him that overcometh I will give the hidden manna and will
give him a white counter: and in the counter, a new name written, which
no man knoweth but he that receiveth it.
2:18. And to the angel of the church of Thyatira write: These things
saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like to a flame of fire and his
feet like to fine brass.
2:19. I know thy works and thy faith and thy charity and thy ministry
and thy patience and thy last works, which are more than the former.
2:20. But I have against thee a few things: because thou sufferest the
woman Jezabel, who calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce
my servants, to commit fornication and to eat of things sacrificed to
idols.
2:21. And I gave her a time that she might do penance: and she will not
repent of her fornication.
2:22. Behold, I will cast her into a bed: and they that commit adultery
with her shall be in very great tribulation, except they do penance
from their deeds,
2:23. And I will kill her children with death: and all the churches
shall know that I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts. And I will
give to every one of you according to your works. But to you I say,
2:24. And to the rest who are at Thyatira: Whosoever have not this
doctrine and who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say: I
will not put upon you any other burthen.
2:25. Yet that which you have, hold fast till I come.
2:26. And he that shall overcome and keep my works unto the end, I will
give him power over the nations.
Power over the 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.
2:27. And he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and as the vessel of a
potter they shall be broken:
2:28. As I also have received of my Father. And I will give him the
morning star.
2:29. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the
churches.