It is used here as a symbol of victory and joy; cf. Acts 20:29–30. For this reason the Church held it necessary to issue special decrees on the subject in the Vatican Council. * [2:20] The scheming and treacherous Jezebel of old (cf. 23And I will put her sons to death, and all the Churches shall know that I am the one who examines temperaments and hearts. Directions what to write to the angels or bishops of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamus and Thyatira. a. But I say to you, But it admonishes them about members who advocate an unprincipled morality (Rev 2:14; cf. 98% of our readers don't give; they simply look the other way. Those who adopt this standpoint rely in the main on two fundamental objections: … —The possibility of Revelation as above explained has been strenuously denied from various points of view during the last century. Revelation 2. 17Whoever has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches. 1 A revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him so that he could tell his servants what is now to take place very soon; he sent his angel to make it known to his servant John, 2 and John has borne witness to the Word of God and to the witness of Jesus Christ, everything that he saw. Version In the Public Domain. Revelation 2, George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary was originally compiled by … 8And to the Angel of the Church of Smyrna write: Thus says the First and the Last, he who was dead and now lives: 9I know your tribulation and your poverty, but you are rich, and that you are blasphemed by those who declare themselves to be Jews and are not, but who are a synagogue of Satan. Rev 3:4–5. 22Behold, I will cast her onto a bed, and those who commit adultery with her shall be in a very great tribulation, unless they repent from their works. REV 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. Walks in the midst of the seven gold lampstands: this signifies that Christ is always present in the church; see note on Rev 1:4. * [2:13] Satan’s throne: the reference is to emperor worship and other pagan practices that flourished in Pergamum, perhaps specifically to the white marble altar erected and dedicated to Zeus by Eumenes II (197–160 B.C.). The angel of the Church in Pergamos - See the description of this place, Revelation 1:11. 20Yet I hold this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, who teaches and misleads my servants to play the harlot and to eat food sacrificed to idols. 12“To the angel of the church in Pergamum,* write this: “‘The one with the sharp two-edged sword says this: Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:3 German Bible Alphabetical: and endured for grown hardships have my name name's not perseverance persevered sake weary You NT Prophecy: Revelation 2:3 You have perseverance and have endured (Rev. Catholic Catechism For Converts 3. 2 Pt 2:15; Jude 11) and others who follow the teaching of the Nicolaitans (Rev 2:15; see note there). 2:1 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: 2:2 ‘I know your works as well as your labor and steadfast endurance, and that you cannot tolerate evil. You have some people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who instructed Balak to put a stumbling block before the Israelites: to eat food sacrificed to idols and to play the harlot.d 21And I gave her a time, so that she might do penance, but she is not willing to repent from her fornication. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. The angel could have been the person who read this letter aloud to the church. * [2:1–3:22] Each of the seven letters follows the same pattern: address; description of the exalted Christ; blame and/or praise for the church addressed; threat and/or admonition; final exhortation and promise to all Christians. Rev 20:6, 14–15; 21:8. Likewise the Catechism says, “[Private revelations] do not belong, however, to the deposit of faith. And to him I will give the morning star. (Acts 19:8–12; Ephesians 1:1–2) 1 “And to the Angel of the Church of Ephesus write: Thus says the One who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 I know your works, and your hardship and patient endurance, and that you cannot stand those who are evil. 12And to the Angel of the Church of Pergamus write: Thus says he who holds the sharp two-edged spear: 13I know where you dwell, where the seat of Satan is, and that you hold to my name and have not denied my faith, even in those days when Antipas was my faithful witness, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells. 14* Yet I have a few things against you. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 29“‘“Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’. 2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem 1 in Judea, in the time 2 of King Herod, 3 wise men 4 from the East came to Jerusalem 5 2 saying, “Where is the one who is born king of the Jews? 1:16; 2:16 He who has the sharp two-edged sword: 13 “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. 18“To the angel of the church in Thyatira,* write this: “‘The Son of God, whose eyes are like a fiery flame and whose feet are like polished brass, says this: 11Whoever has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches. * [2:2] Who call themselves,impostors: this refers to unauthorized and perverse missionaries; cf. He was instructed to record Jesus' words, aimed at each of seven churches in Asia Minor, and to faithfully record them. 21I have given her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her harlotry. 15Likewise, you also have some people who hold to the teaching of [the] Nicolaitans. Its antagonists may be divided into two classes according to the different standpoints from which they direct their attack, viz: (1) Rationalists (under this class we include both Deist and Agnostic writers). Each church is given a unique description of Jesus, a command, and a promise. 7Whoever has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches. The Douay–Rheims Bible (or Rheims–Douai Bible or Douai Bible) is a translation of the Bible from the Latin Vulgate into English made by members of the English College, Douai, in the service of the Catholic Church. * [2:12–17] The letter to Pergamum praises the members of the church for persevering in their faith in Christ even in the midst of a pagan setting and in face of persecution and martyrdom (Rev 2:13). * [2:18] Thyatira: modern Akhisar, ca. 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation To all our readers, Please don't scroll past this. 20But I have a few things against you. 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: 16Therefore, repent. * [2:14–15] Like Balaam, the biblical prototype of the religious compromiser (cf. Re Apocalypse) Bible Study Resources, Dictionary, Concordance and Search Tools. Catholic Prayers 7. 24But I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not uphold this teaching and know nothing of the so-called deep secrets of Satan:* on you I will place no further burden, The Catholic Church 4. * [2:1–7] The letter to Ephesus praises the members of the church there for their works and virtues, including discerning false teachers (Rev 2:2–3), but admonishes them to repent and return to their former devotion (Rev 2:4–5). * 3 Moreover, you have endurance and have suffered for my name, and you have not … Scriptures are from The Douay Rheims Catholic Bible 1582-1610 a.d. How to Baptize and the Steps to Convert - 10.2. 9“I know your tribulation and poverty, but you are rich. 6But you have this in your favor: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans,* which I also hate. * [2:1] Ephesus: this great ancient city had a population of ca. * [2:26] Who keeps to my ways: literally, “who keeps my works.”. * [2:9–10] The church in Smyrna was materially poor but spiritually rich. Repent, and do the works you did at first. * [2:24] The so-called deep secrets of Satan: literally, “the deep things of Satan,” a scathing reference to the perverse teaching of the Nicolaitans (Rev 2:15). * [2:17] The hidden manna: this is the food of life; cf. To Pergamum. And so, you have tested those who declare themselves to be Apostles and are not, and you have … Catholic Booklets 9. * [2:11] The second death: this refers to the eternal death, when sinners will receive their final punishment; cf. 27And he shall rule them with an iron rod, and they shall be broken like the earthenware of a potter. 3Moreover, you have endurance and have suffered for my name, and you have not grown weary. Baptism - 10.1. Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy 7“‘“Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. For you permit the woman Jezabel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants, to commit fornication and to eat the food of idolatry. For we saw his star when it rose 6 and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod 7 heard this he was alarmed, and all Jerusalem with him. 2“I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate the wicked; you have tested those who call themselves apostles but are not, and discovered that they are impostors. Deuterocanon. REV 2:23 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. Agape Bible Study, in depth Catholic Scripture Study of both the Old and New Testaments, catecism of the catholic church, bible study,commentaries, ancient catholic scholars, contemporay catholic scholars, biblical history, salvation history, fathers of the church. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 3And you have patient endurance for the sake of my name, and you have not fallen away. It also had an outstanding library (the word parchment is derived from its name). It urges them to repent (Rev 2:16) and promises them the hidden manna and Christ’s amulet (Rev 2:17). They abused the principle of liberty enunciated by Paul (1 Cor 9:19–23). 11“‘“Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.c The victor shall not be harmed by the second death.”’*. Pope Benedict XIV (1675-1758) stated, “No private revelation is ever to be believed with Catholic faith.” This refers even to those “approved” by the Church. The Book of Revelation (also called the Apocalypse of John, Revelation to John or Revelation from Jesus Christ) is the final book of the New Testament, and consequently is also the final book of the Christian Bible.Its title is derived from the first word of the Koine Greek text: apokalypsis, meaning "unveiling" or "revelation. If you do less, I will come to you quickly and I will fight against these ones with the sword of my mouth. 250,000; it was the capital of the Roman province of Asia and the commercial, cultural, and religious center of Asia. In its Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation (Dei Verbum, November 18, 1965) the Second Vatican Council spelled out in some detail what the Church believes and teaches with regard to divine revelation, primarily as it is contained in the Bible. And you will have tribulation for ten days. Dogma and Doctrine 10. To Smyrna. * forty-five miles northeast of Smyrna, a center for various kinds of pagan worship. THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE 2002.11.11 See also: Credits IntraText CT is the hypertextualized text together with wordlists and concordances. 10You should fear nothing amid those things which you will suffer. There is no admonition; rather, the Christians are told that they will suffer much, even death, but the time of tribulation will be short compared to their eternal reward (Rev 2:10), and they will thus escape final damnation (Rev 2:11). {2:29} Whoever has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches.” [ Revelation 3 ] {3:1} “And to the Angel of the Church of Sardis write: Thus says he who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: I know your works, that you have a name which is alive, but you are dead. * [2:12] Pergamum: modern Bergama, ca. Nm 25:1–3; 31:16; 2 Pt 2:15; Jude 11), the Nicolaitans in Pergamum and Ephesus (Rev 2:6) accommodated their Christian faith to paganism. 4Yet I hold this against you: you have lost the love you had at first. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. So, angel could also mean this in unknown 2:8, 12, 18 and in unknown 3:1, 7, 14. ‘These things says # Is. To the victor I shall give some of the hidden manna;* I shall also give a white amulet upon which is inscribed a new name, which no one knows except the one who receives it.”’e. Today, we humbly ask you to defend Catholic Online's independence. 28just as I received authority from my Father. 18And to the Angel of the Church of Thyatira write: Thus says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like shining brass. 19“I know your works, your love, faith, service, and endurance, and that your last works are greater than the first. "Peter Williamson has written a balanced, clear, informative, and insightful commentary on Revelation that is both Catholic and catholic. 15And you also have those who hold to the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. Catholic Books 8. * [2:8] Smyrna: modern Izmir, ca. 2:3 I am also aware that you have persisted steadfastly, … 1 Kgs 19:1–2; 21:1–14; 2 Kgs 9:22, 30–34) introduced pagan customs into the religion of Israel; this new Jezebel was doing the same to Christianity. in the midst of the paradise--The oldest manuscripts omit "the midst of." * [2:26–28] The Christian who perseveres in faith will share in Christ’s messianic authority (cf. Revelation 2:10 Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE) 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. 19I know your works, and your faith and charity, and your ministry and patient endurance, and that your more recent works are greater than the earlier ones. Catholic Bible Those who remain faithful will share in the messianic reign, having authority over nations (Rev 2:26–27), and will in fact possess Christ himself (Rev 2:28). * What does Revelation chapter 2 mean? 10Do not be afraid of anything that you are going to suffer. The tree of life that is in the garden of God: this is a reference to the tree in the primeval paradise (Gn 2:9); cf. God sees and addresses the conditions that existed within the seven churches at that time. You have even put to the test those who refer to themselves as apostles (but are not), and have discovered that they are false. Rev 22:16. Ps 78:24–25. Acts 14:2, 19; 17:5, 13. Behold, the devil will cast some of you into prison, so that you may be tested. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. 6But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Ignatius Catholic Study Bible The Letters of St. John, and Revelation Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch . 2:1 Many people think that the angel here means a human messenger that God has sent. Ps 2:8–9) and resurrection victory over death, symbolized by the morning star; cf. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB’s) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. For more information on the study Bible, or to Old Testament. Everywhere else in Revelation, ‘ angel ’ … * 28The same I also have received from my Father. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give to you the crown of life. 5Realize how far you have fallen. * [2:8–11] The letter to Smyrna encourages the Christians in this important commercial center by telling them that although they are impoverished, they are nevertheless rich, and calls those Jews who are slandering them members of the assembly of Satan (Rev 2:9). They are warned against Satanic power or knowledge (Rev 2:24–25). Revelation 2 - NIV: “To the angelof the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. To the victor* I will give the right to eat from the tree of life that is in the garden of God.”’a. To Thyatira. 49:2; Rev. Adam Clarke Commentary. Thus shall all the churches come to know that I am the searcher of hearts and minds and that I will give each of you what your works deserve.f * Secret meaning: literally, “mystery.” Angels: … 1“And to the Angel of the Church of Ephesus write: Thus says the One who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2I know your works, and your hardship and patient endurance, and that you cannot stand those who are evil. REV 2:23 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. Accusations made by Jewish brethren there occasioned the persecution of Christians; cf. Copyright 2019-2021 USCCB, please review our Privacy Policy, On Fraternity and Social Friendship (Fratelli Tutti). * What you have seen, and what is happening, and what will happen afterwards: the three parts of the Book of Revelation, the vision (Rev 1:10–20), the situation in the seven churches (Rev 2–3), and the events of Rev 6–22. The Bible Proves the Teachings of the Catholic Church 2. The Catholic Bible Online. It was renowned for its loyalty to Rome, and it also had a large Jewish community very hostile toward Christians. 23I will also put her children* to death. The Catholic Bible is composed of the 46 books of the Old Testament and the 27 books of the New Testament. 16So do penance to the same extent. 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;. 24and to the others who are at Thyatira: Whoever does not hold to this doctrine, and who has not ‘known the depths of Satan,’ as they say, I will not set any other weight upon you. 25Even so, that which you have, hold on to it until I return. The Catholic faith is based on divine revelation. New name: this is a reference to the Christian’s rebirth in Christ; cf. To him who prevails, I will give the hidden manna. "And to the Angel of the Church of Ephesus write: Thus says the One who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: I know your works, and your hard Acts 20:29–30. * Attentive to the first-century context, the history of interpretation, and Christian liturgy and life, it offers us--like Revelation itself--guidance for the spiritual struggle between the first and second comings of the Lord." They who refrain from Nicolaitane indulgences ( Revelation 2:6) and idol-meats ( Revelation 2:14 Revelation 2:15), shall eat of meat infinitely superior, namely, the fruit of the tree of life, and the hidden manna ( Revelation 2:17). 26And whoever will prevail and will observe my works even unto the end, I will give to him authority over the nations. forty miles southeast of Pergamum, a frontier town famous for its workers’ guilds (cf. * [2:6] Nicolaitans: these are perhaps the impostors of Rev 2:2; see note on Rev 2:14–15. Acts 16:14), membership in which may have involved festal meals in pagan temples. The Catholic Bible 6. And so, you have tested those who declare themselves to be Apostles and are not, and you have found them to be liars. To the Church in Ephesus(Acts 19:8–12; Ephesians 1:1–2). 26“‘“To the victor,* who keeps to my ways* until the end. 22So I will cast her on a sickbed and plunge those who commit adultery with her into intense suffering unless they repent of her works. The decree excluding humanity from the tree of life has been revoked by Christ. * [2:7] Victor: referring to any Christian individual who holds fast to the faith and does God’s will in the face of persecution. The doctrine of the Nicolaitans is also condemned in Revelation 2:15, and in that passage it is related to immorality and idolatry. 5And so, call to mind the place from which you have fallen, and do penance, and do the first works. To Ephesus. 13“I know that you live where Satan’s throne* is, and yet you hold fast to my name and have not denied your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was martyred among you, where Satan lives. Indeed, the devil will throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will face an ordeal for ten days. * [2:18–29] The letter to Thyatira praises the progress in virtue of this small Christian community (Rev 2:19) but admonishes them for tolerating a false prophet who leads them astray (Rev 2:20). Tobit, Judith, 1 Maccabees and 2 Maccabees, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, are the deuterocanonical books of the Bible. [2:7] 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22; 13:9; Mt 11:15. d. [2:14] Nm 22–24; 25:1–3; 31:16; 2 Pt 2:15; Jude 11. The Catholic Mass 5. The Douay Rheims Bible is a translation of the Bible from the Latin Vulgate into English undertaken by members of the English College, Douai in the service of the Catholic … The Catholic Reader's Bible - Gospels & Acts, Epistles & Revelation (2 Book Set) Scripture in its original form – without all the verse numbers, section heads, comments, references, and footnotes; Generous, single-column pages graced with handsome, readable type; 2 volumes: The 4 Gospels & Acts of the Apostles, and The Epistles and Revelation In the first chapter of Revelation, John introduced his reason for writing: a direct command from Jesus Christ. * [2:23] Children: spiritual descendants. * I know the slander of those who claim to be Jews and are not, but rather are members of the assembly of Satan.b To him who prevails, I will give to eat from the Tree of Life, which is in the Paradise of my God. For you have, in that place, those who hold to the doctrine of Balaam, who instructed Balak to cast a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat and to commit fornication. And I will give to him the morning star. Otherwise, I will come to you quickly and wage war against them with the sword of my mouth. The other six churches were located in the same province, situated roughly in a circle; they were selected for geographical reasons rather than for the size of their Christian communities. There is little evidence for connecting this group with Nicolaus, the proselyte from Antioch, mentioned in Acts 6:5. Whoever will prevail, he shall not be harmed by the second death. And I will give to him a white emblem, and on the emblem, a new name has been written, which no one knows, except the one who receives it. 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