A Paraphrase on the New Testament, Revelation · Chapter 2
CHAP. II.
1. 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:
1. To the Paſtors and Flock of the Church of Epheſus, meant by the name of their Angels, Theſe things ſaith Chriſt before deſcribed, and commandeth me to write them.
Note 1. I believe not that Timothy was their Biſhop in the ordinary ſenſe as a fixed Paſtor of that Church alone; but that he in his Itinerant courſe (deſcribed in Scripture, doing the work of an Evangeliſt) was there ſometime, and is therefore by the Ancients called their Biſhop, as Apoſtles were called Biſhops, for planting and taking care for many Churches; when as there is not the leaſt proof that they appropriated any Dioceſſes or Churches to each, as their proper charge, which other Apoſtles might not uſe the ſame Authority with, or were fixed to any.
2. I believe it yet leſs probable that Timothy was the Angel here accuſed, of leaving and falling from his firſt Love.
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:
2. Thy good works, and great labour in the Goſpel, and thy patience in ſuffering for it, are not unknown or diſregarded by me: And it is thy praiſe that thou doſt not countenance nor tolerate among you, the ſeducing Hereticks and wicked men; and that thoſe that have pretended Inſpiration, as ſent of God, thou haſt tryed, and rejected them as proved liars and falſe Apoſtles.
3. And haſt born, and haſt patience, and for my names ſake haſt laboured, and haſt not fainted.
3. Note; Chriſ… loveth and praiſeth that which is good in the Churches, while he reproveth them for that which is evil.
4. Nevertheleſs, I have ſomewhat againſt thee, becauſe thou haſt left thy firſt love.
4. But for this I reprove thee, that you have not that hearty, ſervent Love to me, and to one another, which you had at the firſt; and that you grow colder when you ſhould grow better.
Note; Even good people may fall into a more cold, declining ſtate, by negligence.
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.
5. Look back on thy firſt Love and Works, and think whether it was not then better with thee, and whether thou hadſt any cauſe to decline; Return to thy firſt works, or el;ſe I will ſhortly viſit thee with the heavy puniſhment, of taking the Miniſtry and Goſpel from thee.
Note 1. Declinings from former Love and Duty are diſpleaſing to God, and tend to worſe. 2. It is a grievous puniſhment to have the Goſpel and Miniſtry taken away, either by Wars, Devaſtations, Perſecutions, Silencing, and worſt by wilful Expulſion.
6. But this thou haſt, that thou hateſt the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I alſo hate.
6. It is commendable in thee, that thou hateſt the deeds of the Nicolaitans, for I hate them.
Note; It is lawful to diſtinguiſh ſuch Hereticks as are not to be tolerated in Church-Communion by the names of their Leaders: But this ſhould not be done againſt tolerable differences, as tending to divide thoſe that ſhould all unite in the Chriſtian name.
2. God hateth licentious Doctrines and Deeds, and ſo muſt we.
3. Whence theſe Nicolaitans had their name is not known certainly, but doubtful Tradition in Hiſtory tells us, that Nicholas the Deacon, Act. 6. had a beautiful Wife, and he was blamed as jealous of her; and that thereupon he brought her forth, and bid who would take her, to ſhew that he was above all fleſhly luſt; and that ſome people, miſunderstanding him, thence took occaſion to plead for the lawfulneſs of Fornication. The Hereſie of theſe hateful Nicolaitans lay, 1. In making light of Fornication, 2. And in deſpiſing the Heathens Government, as if Chriſtian Liberty lay in being from under its power; 3. And in teaching that to avoid ſuffering, men might deny Chriſt with the mouth, while the heart denyed him not; 4. And that they might eat things offered to Idols, ſo they deſpiſed the Idol in their hearts. Paul, Act. 20. had before told theſe Epheſians, that grievous Wolves ſhould enter and devour; and that of their own ſelves men ſhould ariſe ſpeaking perverſe things, to draw Diſciples after them: And it ſeems thus warned, they hated the Hereſies. And St. John himſelf lived in Aſia, and is ſaid to die at Eph… ſus, who no doubt would warn them (and was aſ above Timothy)
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.
7. Let all that hear or read theſe words of the Spirit to the Churches, ſet their hearts to them with regard, as of great and common importance: To him that in the day of Tryal and Temptation doth overcome, by being true to Chriſt, and keeping his Innocency, I will give a part in everlaſting Happineſs, ſignified by the Tree of Life in Paradiſe.
Note 1. Striving without overcoming in Temptation, ſo far as to keep our uprightneſs and faithfulneſs, will not ſave men (much leſs lazy wiſhes.)
2. Though Faith put us at firſt in a ſtate of Righteouſneſs and Life, to thoſe that ſurvive, Perſeverance and Victory are conditions of Salvation.
3. It ſeems that the ſenſe of the Tree of Life in Paradiſe, Gen. 3. Is here expounded to be, Everlaſting Life of Bleſſedneſs with God; and ſo in the New Jeruſalem after, ch. 21.22.
8. And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna, write, Theſe things ſaith the Firſt and the Laſt, which was dead, and is alive,
8. Note; Chriſt is not barely named, but deſcribed by Divine Properties, to awe the Church with reverence to him, and to reſolve them to Truſt him, who can deliver and reward them.
9. I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blaſphemy of them which ſay they are Jews and are not, but are the ſynagogue of Satan.
9. I know with approbation and praiſe, thy labour, and ſufferings, and worldly poverty; but thou art rich in grace: And I know that blaſphemous Sect, that tempt and reproach thee, who by obtruding Moſes's Law on the Churches, (or at leaſt ſeem Jews to avoid their malice) do trouble the Churches againſt Purity, Unity and Peace, and are Satans Synagogue, as thus doing his work.
10. Fear none of thoſe things which thou ſhalt ſuffer: behold, the devil ſhall caſt ſome of you into priſon, that ye may be tried, and ye ſhall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
10. Fear not though thou muſt ſuffer; and I foretel thee what thy ſufferings will be: But I will fully reward thee.
Note 1. Certainty of ſuffering may conſiſt with the Conqueſt of cowardly fear.
2. It is the Devil that impriſoneth and perſecuteth Chriſt's Servants, when his wicked Servants do it by his Temptation.
3. Priſons and Perſecutions are for the Tryal of the Faithful. Our care therefore muſt be, that we fall not in the Tryal.
4. Ten days is a ſhort time, yet ſeemeth long to the fleſh.
5. The Crown of Life Everlaſting is the ſure reward of true Martyrdom and Perſeverance in Tryal.
11. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the ſpirit ſaith unto the Churches. He that overcometh, ſhall not be hurt of the ſecond death.
11. Theſe Warnings of the Spirit to the Chruches are recorded, as of great Concernment for all. It is they that overcome the Love of this Life and World, even unto death, if God call them to Martyrdom, that ſhall eſcape that ſorer ſecond Death that, after this Life, will befall the Ungodly.
12. And to the angel of the church in Pergamos, write, Theſe things ſaith he which hath the ſharp ſword with two edges.
12. To the Paſtors and People of the Church of Pergamos, noted by the word Angel, Chriſt, …hat hath his dreadful Juſtice, as well as ſaving Mercy, ſendeth this Meſſage.
Note; Once for all here note, that Churches were then named from Cities, becauſe Proximity was needful to Communion: And among Chriſtians, there ſhould be ſo great Unity, that they that live in one Proximity (like our Pariſhes or Towns) ſhould always be of one Church, unleſs the uncapable multitude force them to divide in one City, into many Churches; in which ſtill Proximity ſhould be obſerved; or unleſs the great Corruption, or Violence, of any Church do neceſſitate any to congregate by themſelves, for their ſafety and duty. For if the faults of a Church, and any of its Members, be but tolerable Weakneſſes, it ſhould not break their Communion, but they ſhould bear with, and receive each other: But if they are intolerable, for which God diſowneth and forſaketh them, or their Worſhip, they are no true Churches, and muſt be forſaken of all, as no true particular Chriſtians, and muſt be caſt out.
13. I know thy works, and where thou dwelleſt, even where Satan's ſeat is, and thou holdeſt faſt my Name, and haſt not denied my faith, even in thoſe days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was ſlain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
13. I know, with Approbation, all thy good Works, and that thou dwelleſt where Satan ruleth in the Heathen multitude; having there an Idol-Temple, and Roman, perſecuting Powers; and that yet thou haſt held faſt the Profeſſion of Chriſtianity, and not denyed me in Perſecution; even in the days when Satan's Inſtruments murder'd my faithful Martyr Antipas.
Note; We have no other certain Hiſtory of Antipas, and his Caſe, but only the uncertain ſtories of Metaphraſles, and the Menology. No doubt but there were many Martyrs, whoſe Hiſtory is not come down to us: But Chriſt hath honoured Antipas by this ſacred Record: The time of his ſuffering is unknown.
14. But I have a few things againſt thee, becauſe thou haſt there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to caſt a ſtumbling-block before the children of Iſrael, to eat things ſacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
14. Though all this Good be found in thee, I am offended that thou ſo conniveſt at the Hereſie of the falſe Teachers, as to permit ſome of them in your Communion, who, as Balaam for Gain taught Balac how to enſnare the Iſraelites into ſin by Women, ſo they lay Snares and Temptations before men, by teaching them, that it is lawful to eat things offered to Idols, and to commit Fornication.
Note; Had not this Church tolerated theſe filthy Hereticks in their Communion, Chriſt would not have blamed them for their meer Neighbourhood.
15. So haſt thou alſo them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
15. And thou haſt yet in thy Communion ſome that hold the Doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which maketh light of Adulteries, which is hateful to me.
Note; Chriſt hateth all ſuch falſe Doctrine as corrupteth Faith or Manners.
16. Repent, or elſe I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight againſt them with the ſword of my mouth.
16. Repent of thy connivance at this wicked Sect and Doctrine, and caſt out them that will not be cured; or elſe with the two-edged Sword, which goeth out of my mouth, I will ſhortly cut off theſe Hereticks, and puniſh thee for bearing with them.
17. 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 hidden manna, and will give him a white ſtone, and in the ſtone a new name written, which no man knoweth, ſaving he that receiveth it.
17. Let no man diſregard what the Spirit ſaith to the Churches: To him that overcometh the manifold Temptations, of Perſecutors, falſe Teachers, and fleſhly luſts, I will give the bread of life, that hidden Manna which is laid up in the heavenly Sanctuary, even Chriſt and his Spirit; and in the grace of that Spirit I will give him a Pledge and Title to Eternal Life, and that new Name and Nature, Holineſs and the Divine Image, the evidence of right to the heavenly Inheritance, whoſe Nature and Worth none rightly know, but thoſe who receive it. Thus ſhall it be done to them whom I will honour.
18. And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira, write, Theſe things ſaith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine braſs.
18. To the Church of Thyatira, Paſtors and People repreſented by their Angel, hear and regard this meſſage from the Son of God, whoſe glory and dreadfulneſs was ſignified by his appearing …o me, with Eyes like a flame, and Feet ſhining as burniſh't Braſs.
19. I know thy works, and charity, and ſervice, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works, and the laſt to be more than the firſt.
19. I know and commend thy good Works and Charity, and Miniſtration to the Saints, and thy Fidelity and conſtant Patience in Tryals, and that thy laſt Works excel thy firſt.
20. Notwithſtanding, I have a few things againſt thee, becauſe thou ſuffereſt that woman Jezebel, which calleth her ſelf a propheteſs, to teach, and to ſeduce my ſervants to commit fornication, and to eat things ſacrificed unto idols. 21. And I gave her ſpace to repent of her fornication, and ſhe repented not.
20. Note 1. Even a few faults in a laudable Church may be a provocation to the Juſtice of Chriſt. 2. Suffering corrupt Doctrines and Seducers in a Church, is a ſin which Chriſt will not paſs by. Suffering was not oppoſite to Baniſhing, Impriſoning, Killing: For the Church had no ſuch power or command. But it was forbearing that ſharp Reproof, Confutation and Excommunication which was the Churches duty. 3. Whether there were really a Woman among them that promoted this wickedneſs, by pretence of Prophetick Inſpiration, or whether, by the Woman Jezabel, be meant the whole Sect of Nicolaitans or Gnoſticks, is uncertain. But it's certain that the Hereſie tolerated was the ſame as was before reproved, and that Paul was put ſo oft to write againſt, viz. Fornication and Idol-Sacrifices, pleaded for as lawful for Chriſtians to partake of, ſo they kept their faith and hearts to God. 4. Impenitence after God's Patience and Warnings, ripeneth men for Judgment.
22. Behold, I will caſt her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her, into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23. And I will kill her children with death, and all the churches ſhall know that I am he which ſearcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
22, 23. Inſtead of a Bed of Luſt, I will caſt her, and all her ſeduced Sect, into a Bed of great Tribulation, except true Repentance and Reformation prevent it; ſo that all the Churches ſhall ſee my heavy Plagues on them, and ſhall know that I diſcern, and hate, and judge the moſt ſecret luſts and ſins; and will judge you, and all men, according to your works.
Note; Judging is either Juſtifying or Condemning, and Executing accordingly. Our firſt Juſtification, which maketh us Juſt, and ſo Accounts us, is not according to any works ſtrictly ſo called, unleſs you will call it a work, believingly to Accept a free gift: Nor is our Juſtification in Judgment according to the works of the Law of Innocency, or of Moſes, or any that can be thought to make the Reward not of Grace, but of Debt: But it is according to our performing the Covenant of Chriſtianity, made by Chriſt the condition of Salvation.
24. But unto you I ſay, and to the reſt in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they ſpeak, I will put upon you none other burden. 25. But that which ye have already, hold faſt till I come.
24, 25. Note; Some Copies have [And] and ſome leave it out. If it be [you and the reſt] it muſt mean [you Paſtors, and the faithful People.] And this would ſhew that it is not One, but Many Paſtors that is meant by [the Angel]. But if [And] be left out, then the ſenſe is [All you of the Church that are not polluted with this filthy Doctrine, which the pretenders to Wiſdom call Profound Knowledge, but is indeed the Depths of Satan; I will put on you no new Doctrine nor Burden, but charge you to hold faſt that Apoſtolick Doctrine which you have received; and wait in fidelity for my coming, who will reward you.
26. And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27. (And he ſhall rule them with a rod of iron; as the veſſels of a potter ſhall they be broken to ſhivers) even as I have received of my Father.
26, 27. This Promiſe is dive…ſly expounded; 1. Some think that it is not the ſame perſons then living to whom it is made, but thoſe, that in Conſtantine's time are found perſevering, ſhall then be advanced by him to honour and power. Others think that it is to the ſame perſons, and meaneth bu…, that they ſhall be made Biſhops, and convert many Heathens. But all the Church could not be made Biſhops; and Biſhops then were the greateſt Sufferers: and converting is not ruling, and daſhing them in pieces with an Iron Rod. The Phraſe is fetcht from Pſal. 2. Others think that it is meant of the Heavenly power of faithful, ſeparated Souls; and that after death, the Saints joyn with Angels, …s inviſible Rulers of this World. And others think that it is meant of a thouſand years Reign on Ear…h, before the laſt Judgment. And others think it is meant, of the ſtate after Judgment; and that the Damned ſhall be as Slaves to the glorified Saints. It is certain, that it ſignifieth a triumphant, glorious ſtate in Heaven: but the …eſt is dark to us.
I think it meaneth, that they ſhall partake of Chriſt's Royal Power ſubſerviently, in their degree; by which they ſhall now triumph over the World in faith, and in time, be delivered from men's Tyrannny; and at Death, initially, and at Judgment, fully, ſhall, with Chriſt, judge the World of wicked Men and Angels; which is here called, Ruling them. And it is not improbable that the miſerable damned ones will be, in ſome ſort, trod down by Chriſt and his Saints; but how, we yet know not. By the Morning-Star, ſeemeth meant, Chriſt and his Spirit to ſhine on them in Glory.
29. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit ſaith unto the churches.
29. Let none take themſelves to be unconcerned in Chriſt's Meſſage to his Churches; for it is recorded for our common uſe, and nearly concerneth us all.