Revelation of John 2:23

her children-- (Isa 57:3; Eze 23:45, Eze 23:47). Her proper adherents; not those who suffer her, but those who are begotten of her. A distinct class from the last in Rev 2:22 (compare Note, see on Rev 2:22), whose sin was less direct, being that only of connivance. kill . . . with death--Compare the disaster that overtook the literal Jezebel's votaries of Baal, and Ahab's sons, Kg1 18:40; Kg2 10:6-7, Kg2 10:24-25. Kill with death is a Hebraism for slay with most sure and awful death; so "dying thou shalt die" (Gen 2:17). Not "die the common death of men" (Num 16:29). all the churches shall know--implying that these addresses are designed for the catholic Church of all ages and places. So palpably shall God's hand be seen in the judgment on Thyatira, that the whole Church shall recognize it as God's doing. I am he--the "I" is strongly emphatical: "that it is I am He who," &c. searcheth . . . hearts--God's peculiar attribute is given to Christ. The "reins" are the seat of the desires; the "heart," that of the thoughts. The Greek for "searcheth" expresses an accurate following up of all tracks and windings. unto every one of you--literally, "unto you, to each." according to your works--to be judged not according to the mere act as it appears to man, but with reference to the motive, faith and love being the only motives which God recognizes as sound.

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.).