الرؤيا ٢:٢٦

And--implying the close connection of the promise to the conqueror that follows, with the preceding exhortation, Rev 2:25. and keepeth--Greek, "and he that keepeth." Compare the same word in the passage already alluded to by the Lord, Act 15:28-29, end. my works--in contrast to "her (English Version, 'their') works" (Rev 2:22). The works which I command and which are the fruit of My Spirit. unto the end-- (Mat 24:13). The image is perhaps from the race, wherein it is not enough to enter the lists, but the runner must persevere to the end. give power--Greek, "authority." over the nations--at Christ's coming the saints shall possess the kingdom "under the whole heaven"; therefore over this earth; compare Luk 19:17, "have thou authority [the same word as here] over ten cities."

The apostle John, having in the foregoing chapter written the things which he had seen, now proceeds to write the things that are, according to the command of God (Rev 1:19), that is, the present state of the seven churches of Asia, with which he had a particular acquaintance, and for which he had a tender concern. He was directed to write to every one of them according to their present state and circumstances, and to inscribe every letter to the angel of that church, to the minister or rather ministry of that church, called angels because they are the messengers of God to mankind. In this chapter we have, I. The message sent to Ephesus (Rev 2:1-7). II. To Smyrna (Rev 2:8-11). III. To Pergamos (Rev 2:12-17). IV. To Thyatira (Rev 2:18, etc.).

2:26-28 Christ promises that those who are obedient will share authority with him, as symbolized by the iron rod that will smash the opposition like clay pots (quoting Ps 2:8-9; cp. Rev 12:5; 19:15). • The morning star is the planet Venus, which signals the coming of a new day. Here it refers to the promise of resurrection at Christ’s return (22:16; 2 Pet 1:19).