Revelation 1:10--3:22

1:10 I was in the Spirit ¹  on the Lord’s Day ²  when ³  I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 1:11 saying: “Write in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches – to Ephesus, ⁴  Smyrna, ⁵  Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

1:12 I ⁶  turned to see whose voice was speaking to me, ⁷  and when I did so, ⁸  I saw seven golden lampstands, 1:13 and in the midst of the lampstands was one like a son of man. ⁹  He was dressed in a robe extending down to his feet and he wore a wide golden belt ¹⁰  around his chest. 1:14 His ¹¹  head and hair were as white as wool, even as white as snow, ¹²  and his eyes were like a fiery ¹³  flame. 1:15 His feet were like polished bronze ¹⁴  refined ¹⁵  in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar ¹⁶  of many waters. 1:16 He held ¹⁷  seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp double-edged sword extended out of his mouth. His ¹⁸  face shone like the sun shining at full strength. 1:17 When ¹⁹  I saw him I fell down at his feet as though I were dead, but ²⁰  he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid! I am the first and the last, 1:18 and the one who lives! I ²¹  was dead, but look, now I am alive – forever and ever – and I hold the keys of death and of Hades! ²²  1:19 Therefore write what you saw, what is, and what will be after these things. ²³  1:20 The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and the seven golden lampstands is this: ²⁴  The seven stars are the angels ²⁵  of the seven churches and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

To the Church in Ephesus

2:1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus, ²⁶  write the following: ²⁷ 

“This is the solemn pronouncement of ²⁸  the one who has a firm grasp on ²⁹  the seven stars in his right hand ³⁰  – the one who walks among the seven golden ³¹  lampstands: 2:2 ‘I know your works as well as your ³²  labor and steadfast endurance, and that you cannot tolerate ³³  evil. You have even put to the test ³⁴  those who refer to themselves as apostles (but are not), and have discovered that they are false. 2:3 I am also aware ³⁵  that you have persisted steadfastly, ³⁶  endured much for the sake of my name, and have not grown weary. 2:4 But I have this against you: You have departed ³⁷  from your first love! 2:5 Therefore, remember from what high state ³⁸  you have fallen and repent! Do ³⁹  the deeds you did at the first; ⁴⁰  if not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place – that is, if you do not repent. ⁴¹  2:6 But you do have this going for you: ⁴²  You hate what the Nicolaitans ⁴³  practice ⁴⁴  – practices I also hate. 2:7 The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers, ⁴⁵  I will permit ⁴⁶  him to eat from the tree of life that is ⁴⁷  in the paradise of God.’ ⁴⁸ 

To the Church in Smyrna

2:8 “To ⁴⁹  the angel of the church in Smyrna write the following: ⁵⁰ 

“This is the solemn pronouncement of ⁵¹  the one who is the first and the last, the one who was dead, but ⁵²  came to life: 2:9 ‘I know the distress you are suffering ⁵³  and your poverty (but you are rich). I also know ⁵⁴  the slander against you ⁵⁵  by those who call themselves Jews and really are not, but are a synagogue ⁵⁶  of Satan. 2:10 Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer. The devil is about to have some of you thrown ⁵⁷  into prison so you may be tested, ⁵⁸  and you will experience suffering ⁵⁹  for ten days. Remain faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown that is life itself. ⁶⁰  2:11 The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers ⁶¹  will in no way be harmed by the second death.’

To the Church in Pergamum

2:12 “To ⁶²  the angel of the church in Pergamum write the following: ⁶³ 

“This is the solemn pronouncement of ⁶⁴  the one who has the sharp double-edged sword: ⁶⁵  2:13 ‘I know ⁶⁶  where you live – where Satan’s throne is. Yet ⁶⁷  you continue to cling ⁶⁸  to my name and you have not denied your ⁶⁹  faith in me, ⁷⁰  even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, ⁷¹  who was killed in your city ⁷²  where Satan lives. 2:14 But I have a few things against you: You have some people there who follow the teaching of Balaam, ⁷³  who instructed Balak to put a stumbling block ⁷⁴  before the people ⁷⁵  of Israel so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality. ⁷⁶  2:15 In the same way, there are also some among you who follow the teaching of the Nicolaitans. ⁷⁷  2:16 Therefore, ⁷⁸  repent! If not, I will come against you quickly and make war against those people ⁷⁹  with the sword of my mouth. 2:17 The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers, ⁸⁰  I will give him some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white ⁸¹  stone, ⁸²  and on that stone will be written a new name that no one can understand ⁸³  except the one who receives it.’

To the Church in Thyatira

2:18 “To ⁸⁴  the angel of the church in Thyatira write the following: ⁸⁵ 

“This is the solemn pronouncement of ⁸⁶  the Son of God, the one who has eyes like a fiery flame ⁸⁷  and whose feet are like polished bronze: ⁸⁸  2:19 ‘I know your deeds: your love, faith, ⁸⁹  service, and steadfast endurance. ⁹⁰  In fact, ⁹¹  your more recent deeds are greater than your earlier ones. 2:20 But I have this against you: You tolerate that ⁹²  woman ⁹³  Jezebel, ⁹⁴  who calls herself a prophetess, and by her teaching deceives ⁹⁵  my servants ⁹⁶  to commit sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. ⁹⁷  2:21 I ⁹⁸  have given her time to repent, but ⁹⁹  she is not willing to repent of her sexual immorality. 2:22 Look! I am throwing her onto a bed of violent illness, ¹⁰⁰  and those who commit adultery with her into terrible suffering, ¹⁰¹  unless they repent of her deeds. 2:23 Furthermore, I will strike her followers ¹⁰²  with a deadly disease, ¹⁰³  and then all the churches will know that I am the one who searches minds and hearts. I will repay ¹⁰⁴  each one of you ¹⁰⁵  what your deeds deserve. ¹⁰⁶  2:24 But to the rest of you in Thyatira, all who do not hold to this teaching ¹⁰⁷  (who have not learned the so-called “deep secrets ¹⁰⁸  of Satan”), to you I say: I do not put any additional burden on you. 2:25 However, hold on to what you have until I come. 2:26 And to the one who conquers ¹⁰⁹  and who continues in ¹¹⁰  my deeds until the end, I will give him authority over the nations ¹¹¹  –

2:27 he ¹¹²  will rule ¹¹³  them with an iron rod ¹¹⁴ 

and like clay jars he will break them to pieces, ¹¹⁵ 

2:28 just as I have received the right to rule ¹¹⁶  from my Father – and I will give him the morning star. ¹¹⁷  2:29 The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

To the Church in Sardis

3:1 “To ¹¹⁸  the angel of the church in Sardis write the following: ¹¹⁹ 

“This is the solemn pronouncement of ¹²⁰  the one who holds ¹²¹  the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a reputation ¹²²  that you are alive, but ¹²³  in reality ¹²⁴  you are dead. 3:2 Wake up then, and strengthen what remains that was about ¹²⁵  to die, because I have not found your deeds complete ¹²⁶  in the sight ¹²⁷  of my God. 3:3 Therefore, remember what you received and heard, ¹²⁸  and obey it, ¹²⁹  and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will never ¹³⁰  know at what hour I will come against ¹³¹  you. 3:4 But you have a few individuals ¹³²  in Sardis who have not stained ¹³³  their clothes, and they will walk with me dressed ¹³⁴  in white, because they are worthy. 3:5 The one who conquers ¹³⁵  will be dressed like them ¹³⁶  in white clothing, ¹³⁷  and I will never ¹³⁸  erase ¹³⁹  his name from the book of life, but ¹⁴⁰  will declare ¹⁴¹  his name before my Father and before his angels. 3:6 The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

To the Church in Philadelphia

3:7 “To ¹⁴²  the angel of the church in Philadelphia write the following: ¹⁴³ 

“This is the solemn pronouncement of ¹⁴⁴  the Holy One, the True One, who holds the key of David, who opens doors ¹⁴⁵  no one can shut, and shuts doors ¹⁴⁶  no one can open: 3:8 ‘I know your deeds. (Look! I have put ¹⁴⁷  in front of you an open door that no one can shut.) ¹⁴⁸  I know ¹⁴⁹  that you have little strength, ¹⁵⁰  but ¹⁵¹  you have obeyed ¹⁵²  my word and have not denied my name. 3:9 Listen! ¹⁵³  I am going to make those people from the synagogue ¹⁵⁴  of Satan – who say they are Jews yet ¹⁵⁵  are not, but are lying – Look, I will make ¹⁵⁶  them come and bow down ¹⁵⁷  at your feet and acknowledge ¹⁵⁸  that I have loved you. 3:10 Because you have kept ¹⁵⁹  my admonition ¹⁶⁰  to endure steadfastly, ¹⁶¹  I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come on the whole world to test those who live on the earth. 3:11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have so that no one can take away ¹⁶²  your crown. ¹⁶³  3:12 The one who conquers ¹⁶⁴  I will make ¹⁶⁵  a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will never depart from it. I ¹⁶⁶  will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God (the new Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven from my God), ¹⁶⁷  and my new name as well. 3:13 The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

To the Church in Laodicea

3:14 “To ¹⁶⁸  the angel of the church in Laodicea write the following: ¹⁶⁹ 

“This is the solemn pronouncement of ¹⁷⁰  the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the originator ¹⁷¹  of God’s creation: 3:15 ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. ¹⁷²  I wish you were either cold or hot! 3:16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going ¹⁷³  to vomit ¹⁷⁴  you out of my mouth! 3:17 Because you say, “I am rich and have acquired great wealth, ¹⁷⁵  and need nothing,” but ¹⁷⁶  do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, ¹⁷⁷  poor, blind, and naked, 3:18 take my advice ¹⁷⁸  and buy gold from me refined by fire so you can become rich! Buy from me ¹⁷⁹  white clothing so you can be clothed and your shameful nakedness ¹⁸⁰  will not be exposed, and buy eye salve ¹⁸¹  to put on your eyes so you can see! 3:19 All those ¹⁸²  I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent! 3:20 Listen! ¹⁸³  I am standing at the door and knocking! If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come into his home ¹⁸⁴  and share a meal with him, and he with me. 3:21 I will grant the one ¹⁸⁵  who conquers ¹⁸⁶  permission ¹⁸⁷  to sit with me on my throne, just as I too conquered ¹⁸⁸  and sat down with my Father on his throne. 3:22 The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

[1:10]  ¹ tn Or “in the spirit.” “Spirit” could refer either to the Holy Spirit or the human spirit, but in either case John was in “a state of spiritual exaltation best described as a trance” (R. H. Mounce, Revelation [NICNT], 75).

[1:10]  ² tn Concerning the phrase κυριακῇ ἡμέρᾳ (kuriakh Jhmera) BDAG 576 s.v. κυριακός states: “pert. to belonging to the Lord, the Lord’s…κ. ἡμέρᾳ the Lord’s day (Kephal. I 192, 1; 193, 31…) i.e. certainly Sunday (so in Mod. Gk….) Rv 1:10 (WStott, NTS 12, ’65, 70-75).”

[1:10]  ³ tn The conjunction καί (kai) is not introducing a coordinate thought, but one that is logically subordinate to the main verb ἐγενόμην (egenomhn).

[1:11]  ⁴ map For location see JP1 D2; JP2 D2; JP3 D2; JP4 D2.

[1:11]  ⁵ tn Grk “and to Smyrna.” For stylistic reasons the conjunction καί (kai) and the preposition εἰς (eis) have not been translated before the remaining elements of the list. In lists with more than two elements contemporary English generally does not repeat the conjunction except between the next to last and last elements.

[1:12]  ⁶ tn Throughout the translation John’s use of καί (kai) often reflects the varied usage of the Hebrew conjunction ו (vav). A clause which καί introduces has been translated in terms of its semantic relationship to the clause that preceded it. If the καί seemed redundant, however, it was left untranslated; that is the case in this verse.

[1:12]  ⁷ tn Grk “with me.” The translation “with me” implies that John was engaged in a dialogue with the one speaking to him (e.g., Jesus or an angel) when in reality it was a one-sided conversation, with John doing all the listening. For this reason, μετ᾿ ἐμοῦ (met’ emou, “with me”) was translated as “to me.”

[1:12]  ⁸ tn Grk “and turning I saw.” The repetition of ἐπιστρέφω (epistrefw) is somewhat redundant in contemporary English and has been translated generally.

[1:13]  ⁹ tn This phrase constitutes an allusion to Dan 7:13. Concerning υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου (Juio" tou anqrwpou), BDAG 1026 s.v. υἱός 2.d.γ says: “ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου lit. ‘the son of the man’…‘the human being, the human one, the man’…On Israelite thought contemporary w. Jesus and alleged knowledge of a heavenly being looked upon as a ‘Son of Man’ or ‘Man’, who exercises Messianic functions such as judging the world (metaph., pictorial passages in En 46-48; 4 Esdr 13:3, 51f)…Outside the gospels: Ac 7:56…Rv 1:13; 14:14 (both after Da 7:13…).” The term “son” here in this expression is anarthrous and as such lacks specificity. Some commentators and translations take the expression as an allusion to Daniel 7:13 and not to “the son of man” found in gospel traditions (e.g., Mark 8:31; 9:12; cf. D. E. Aune, Revelation [WBC], 2:800-801; cf. also NIV). Other commentators and versions, however, take the phrase “son of man” as definite, involving allusions to Dan 7:13 and “the son of man” gospel traditions (see G. K. Beale, Revelation [NIGTC], 771-72; NRSV).

[1:13]  ¹⁰ tn Or “a wide golden sash,” but this would not be diagonal, as some modern sashes are, but horizontal. The Greek term can refer to a wide band of cloth or leather worn on the outside of one’s clothing (L&N 6.178).

[1:14]  ¹¹ tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.

[1:14]  ¹² tn The clause, “even as white as snow” seems to heighten the preceding clause and is so understood in this ascensive sense (“even”) in the translation.

[1:14]  ¹³ tn The genitive noun πυρός (puros) has been translated as an attributive genitive.

[1:15]  ¹⁴ tn The precise meaning of the term translated “polished bronze” (χαλκολιβάνῳ, calkolibanw), which appears nowhere else in Greek literature outside of the book of Revelation (see 2:18), is uncertain. Without question it is some sort of metal. BDAG 1076 s.v. χαλκολίβανον suggests “fine brass/bronze.” L&N 2.57 takes the word to refer to particularly valuable or fine bronze, but notes that the emphasis here and in Rev 2:18 is more on the lustrous quality of the metal.

[1:15]  ¹⁵ tn Or “that has been heated in a furnace until it glows.”

[1:15]  ¹⁶ tn Grk “sound,” but the idea is closer to the roar of a waterfall or rapids.

[1:16]  ¹⁷ tn Grk “and having.” In the Greek text this is a continuation of the previous sentence, but because contemporary English style employs much shorter sentences, a new sentence was started here in the translation by supplying the pronoun “he.”

[1:16]  ¹⁸ tn This is a continuation of the previous sentence in the Greek text, but a new sentence was started here in the translation.

[1:17]  ¹⁹ tn Grk “And when.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here.

[1:17]  ²⁰ tn Here the Greek conjunction καί (kai) has been translated as a contrastive (“but”) due to the contrast between the two clauses.

[1:18]  ²¹ tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.

[1:18]  ²² tn Concerning “Hades” BDAG 19 s.v. ᾅδης 1 and 2 states: “Orig. proper noun, god of the nether world, ‘Hades’, then the nether world, Hades as place of the dead, Ac 2:27, 31 (Ps 15:10; Eccl 9:10; PGM 1, 179; 16, 8; Philo, Mos. 1, 195; Jos., Bell. 1, 596, Ant. 6, 332). Of Jonah’s fish ἐκ τοῦ κατωτάτου ᾅδου. In the depths, contrasted w. heaven ἕως (τοῦ) ᾅδου Mt 11:23; Lk 10:15 (PsSol 15:10; cp.; Is 14:11, 15); ἐν τῷ ᾅδῃ 16:23; ἐν ῝Αιδου ApcPt Rainer. Accessible by gates (but the pl. is also used [e.g. Hom., X., Ael. Aristid. 47, 20 K.=23 p. 450 D.] when only one gate is meant), hence πύλαι ᾅδου (Il. 5, 646; Is 38:10; Wsd 16:13; 3 Macc 5:51; Pss. Sol. 16:2. – Lucian, Menipp. 6 the magicians can open τοῦ ῝Αιδου τὰς πύλας and conduct people in and out safely) Mt 16:18…locked ἔχω τὰς κλεῖς τοῦ θανάτου καὶ τοῦ ᾅδου Rv 1:18 (the genitives are either obj. [Ps.-Apollod. 3, 12, 6, 10 Aeacus, the son of Zeus holds the κλεῖς τοῦ ῝Αιδου; SEG VIII, 574, 3 (III ad) τῷ τὰς κλεῖδας ἔχοντι τῶν καθ᾿ ῝Αιδου (restored)] or possess.; in the latter case death and Hades are personif.; s. 2)…Hades personif.…w. θάνατος (cp. Is 28:15; Job 38:17…) Rv 6:8; 20:13f.”

[1:19]  ²³ tn Grk “Therefore write the things that you saw, and the things that are, and the things that will take place after these things.” Verse 19 could also be translated (taking καί…καί [kai…kai] as “both…and”): “Therefore write what you have seen, both what things currently are and what is going to happen after these things.” The structure of this verse is debated.

[1:20]  ²⁴ tn The words “is this” are supplied to make a complete sentence in English.

[1:20]  ²⁵ tn Or perhaps “the messengers.”

[2:1]  ²⁶ map For location see JP1 D2; JP2 D2; JP3 D2; JP4 D2.

[2:1]  ²⁷ tn The phrase “the following” after “write” is supplied to clarify that what follows is the content of what is to be written.

[2:1]  ²⁸ tn Grk “These things says [the One]…” The expression τάδε λέγει (tade legei) occurs eight times in the NT, seven of which are in Rev 2-3. “The pronoun is used to add solemnity to the prophetic utterance that follows. …In classical drama, it was used to introduce a new actor to the scene (Smyth, Greek Grammar, 307 [§1241]). But the τάδε λέγει formula in the NT derives from the OT, where it was used to introduce a prophetic utterance (BAGD, s.v. ὅδε, 1)” (ExSyn 328). Thus, the translation “this is the solemn pronouncement of” for τάδε λέγει is very much in keeping with the OT connotations of this expression.

[2:1]  ²⁹ tn Grk “holds,” but the term (i.e., κρατῶν, kratwn) with an accusative object, along with the context, argues for a sense of firmness. (Cf. ExSyn 132.)

[2:1]  ³⁰ sn On seven stars in his right hand see 1:16.

[2:1]  ³¹ tn Grk “lampstands of gold” with the genitive τῶν χρυσῶν (twn cruswn) translated as an attributive genitive.

[2:2]  ³² tn Although the first possessive pronoun σου (sou) is connected to τὰ ἔργα (ta erga) and the second σου is connected to ὑπομονήν (Jupomonhn), semantically κόπον (kopon) is also to be understood as belonging to the Ephesian church. The translation reflects this.

[2:2]  ³³ tn The translation “tolerate” seems to capture the sense of βαστάσαι (bastasai) here. BDAG 171 s.v. βαστάζω 2.b.β says, “bear, endure…κακούς Rv 2:2.…bear patiently, put up with: weaknesses of the weak Ro 15:1; cf. IPol 1:2; evil Rv 2:3.”

[2:2]  ³⁴ tn Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, the participle was broken off from the previous sentence and translated as an indicative verb beginning a new sentence here in the translation.

[2:3]  ³⁵ tn Because of the length and complexity of this Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation by supplying the phrase “I am also aware” to link this English sentence back to “I know” at the beginning of v. 2.

[2:3]  ³⁶ tn The Greek word translated “persisted steadfastly” (ὑπομονή, Jupomonh) is the same one translated “steadfast endurance” in v. 2.

[2:4]  ³⁷ tn The Greek word translated “departed from” (ἀφίημι, afihmi; L&N 15.48) can actually be used of divorce (L&N 34.78), so the imagery here is very strong.

[2:5]  ³⁸ tn Grk “from where,” but status is in view rather than physical position. On this term BDAG 838 s.v. πόθεν 1 states, “from what place? from where?…In imagery μνημόνευε πόθεν πέπτωκες remember from what (state) you have fallen Rv 2:5.”

[2:5]  ³⁹ tn Grk “and do” (a continuation of the previous sentence in the Greek text). For stylistic reasons in English a new sentence was started here in the translation. The repeated mention of repenting at the end of the verse suggests that the intervening material (“do the deeds you did at first”) specifies how the repentance is to be demonstrated.

[2:5]  ⁴⁰ tn Or “you did formerly.”

[2:5]  ⁴¹ tn Although the final clause is somewhat awkward, it is typical of the style of Revelation.

[2:6]  ⁴² tn Grk “But you do have this.” The words “going for you” are supplied to complete the English idiom; other phrases like “in your favor” (NIV) or “to your credit” (NRSV) could also be supplied.

[2:6]  ⁴³ sn The Nicolaitans were a sect (sometimes associated with Nicolaus, one of the seven original deacons in the church in Jerusalem according to Acts 6:5) that apparently taught that Christians could engage in immoral behavior with impunity.

[2:6]  ⁴⁴ tn The expression τὰ ἔργα τῶν Νικολαϊτῶν (ta erga twn Nikolaitwn) has been translated as a subjective genitive.

[2:7]  ⁴⁵ tn Or “who is victorious”; traditionally, “who overcomes.” The pendent dative is allowed to stand in the English translation because it is characteristic of the author’s style in Revelation.

[2:7]  ⁴⁶ tn Or “grant.”

[2:7]  ⁴⁷ tn Or “stands.”

[2:7]  ⁴⁸ tc The omission of “my” (μου, mou) after “God” (θεοῦ, qeou) is well attested, supported by א A C and the Andreas of Caesarea group of Byzantine mss (Ï^A). Its addition in 1611, the Ï^K group, latt, and others, seems to be evidence of a purposeful conforming of the text to 3:2 and the four occurrences of “my God” (θεοῦ μου) in 3:12.

[2:8]  ⁴⁹ tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated due to differences between Greek and English style.

[2:8]  ⁵⁰ tn The phrase “the following” after “write” is supplied to clarify that what follows is the content of what is to be written.

[2:8]  ⁵¹ tn Grk “These things says [the One]…” See the note on the phrase “this is the solemn pronouncement of” in 2:1.

[2:8]  ⁵² tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present between these two phrases.

[2:9]  ⁵³ tn Or “know your suffering.” This could refer to suffering or distress caused by persecution (see L&N 22.2).

[2:9]  ⁵⁴ tn Because of the length and complexity of this Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation by supplying the phrase “I also know” to link this English sentence back to “I know” at the beginning of the verse.

[2:9]  ⁵⁵ tn The words “against you” are not in the Greek text, but are implied.

[2:9]  ⁵⁶ sn A synagogue was a place for Jewish prayer and worship, with recognized leadership (e.g., Mt 4:23, Mk 1:21, Lk 4:15, Jn 6:59).

[2:10]  ⁵⁷ tn Grk “is about to throw some of you,” but the force is causative in context.

[2:10]  ⁵⁸ tn Or “tempted.”

[2:10]  ⁵⁹ tn Or “experience persecution,” “will be in distress” (see L&N 22.2).

[2:10]  ⁶⁰ tn Grk “crown of life,” with the genitive “of life” (τῆς ζωῆς, th" zwh") functioning in apposition to “crown” (στέφανον, stefanon): “the crown that consists of life.”

[2:11]  ⁶¹ tn Or “who is victorious”; traditionally, “who overcomes.”

[2:12]  ⁶² tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated due to differences between Greek and English style.

[2:12]  ⁶³ tn The phrase “the following” after “write” is supplied to clarify that what follows is the content of what is to be written.

[2:12]  ⁶⁴ tn Grk “These things says [the One]…” See the note on the phrase “this is the solemn pronouncement of” in 2:1.

[2:12]  ⁶⁵ sn On the sharp double-edged sword see 1:16.

[2:13]  ⁶⁶ tc The shorter reading adopted here has superior ms support (א A C P 2053 al latt co), while the inclusion of “your works and” (τὰ ἔργα σου καί, ta erga sou kai) before “where you reside” is supported by the Byzantine witnesses and is evidently a secondary attempt to harmonize the passage with 2:2, 19; 3:1, 8, 15.

[2:13]  ⁶⁷ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “Yet” to indicate the contrast between their location and their faithful behavior.

[2:13]  ⁶⁸ tn The present indicative verb κρατεῖς (kratei") has been translated as a progressive present.

[2:13]  ⁶⁹ tn Grk “the faith”; here the Greek article is used as a possessive pronoun (ExSyn 215).

[2:13]  ⁷⁰ tn Grk “the faith of me” (τὴν πίστιν μου, thn pistin mou) with the genitive “of me” (μου) functioning objectively.

[2:13]  ⁷¹ tn Or “martyr.” The Greek word μάρτυς can mean either “witness” or “martyr.”

[2:13]  ⁷² tn Grk “killed among you.” The term “city” does not occur in the Greek text of course, but the expression παρ᾿ ὑμῖν, ὅπου ὁ σατανᾶς κατοικεῖ (par’ Jumin, {opou Jo satana" katoikei) seems to indicate that this is what is meant. See G. B. Caird, Revelation (HNTC), 36-38.

[2:14]  ⁷³ sn See Num 22-24; 31:16.

[2:14]  ⁷⁴ tn That is, a cause for sinning. An alternate translation is “who instructed Balak to cause the people of Israel to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols…”

[2:14]  ⁷⁵ tn Grk “sons,” but the expression υἱοὶ ᾿Ισραήλ (Juioi Israhl) is an idiom for the people of Israel as an ethnic entity (see L&N 11.58).

[2:14]  ⁷⁶ tn Due to the actual events in the OT (Num 22-24; 31:16), πορνεῦσαι (porneusai) is taken to mean “sexual immorality.” BDAG 854 s.v. πορνεύω 1 states, “engage in illicit sex, to fornicate, to whore…W. φαγεῖν εἰδωλόθυτα ‘eat meat offered to idols’ Rv 2:14, 20.”

[2:15]  ⁷⁷ tn The term ὁμοίως (Jomoiws, “likewise”) is left untranslated because it is quite redundant.

[2:16]  ⁷⁸ tc The “therefore” (οὖν, oun) is not found in א 2053 2329 2351 Ï^A or the Latin mss. It is, however, included in impressive witnesses such as {A C 046 1006 1611 sy^p,h co}. Though the conjunction looks at first glance like a scribal clarification, its omission may be explained on the basis of its similarity to the last three letters of the verb “repent” (μετανόησον, metanohson; since οὖν is a postpositive conjunction in Greek, the final three letters of the verb [-σον, -son] would have been immediately followed by ουν). A scribe could have simply passed over the conjunction in his copy when he saw the last three letters of the imperative verb. A decision is difficult, however, because of the motivation to add to the text and the quality of witnesses that lack the conjunction.

[2:16]  ⁷⁹ tn Grk “with them”; the referent (those people who follow the teaching of Balaam and the Nicolaitans) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

[2:17]  ⁸⁰ tn Or “who is victorious”; traditionally, “who overcomes.” The pendent dative is allowed to stand in the English translation because it is characteristic of the author’s style in Revelation.

[2:17]  ⁸¹ tn Or “bright.” The Greek term λευκός (leukos) can refer either to the color white (traditional here) or to an object that is bright or shining, either from itself or from an outside source of illumination (L&N 14.50; 79.27).

[2:17]  ⁸² tn On the interpretation of the stone, L&N 2.27 states, “A number of different suggestions have been made as to the reference of ψῆφος in this context. Some scholars believe that the white ψῆφος indicates a vote of acquittal in court. Others contend that it is simply a magical amulet; still others, a token of Roman hospitality; and finally, some have suggested that it may represent a ticket to the gladiatorial games, that is to say, to martyrdom. The context, however, suggests clearly that this is something to be prized and a type of reward for those who have ‘won the victory.’”

[2:17]  ⁸³ tn Or “know”; for the meaning “understand” see L&N 32.4.

[2:18]  ⁸⁴ tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated due to differences between Greek and English style.

[2:18]  ⁸⁵ tn The phrase “the following” after “write” is supplied to clarify that what follows is the content of what is to be written.

[2:18]  ⁸⁶ tn Grk “These things says [the One]…” See the note on the phrase “this is the solemn pronouncement of” in 2:1.

[2:18]  ⁸⁷ tn Grk “a flame of fire.” The Greek term πυρός (puros) has been translated as an attributive genitive.

[2:18]  ⁸⁸ tn The precise meaning of the term translated “polished bronze” (χαλκολιβάνῳ, calkolibanw), which appears no where else in Greek literature outside of the book of Revelation (see 1:15), is uncertain. Without question it is some sort of metal. BDAG 1076 s.v. χαλκολίβανον suggests “fine brass/bronze.” L&N 2.57 takes the word to refer to particularly valuable or fine bronze, but notes that the emphasis here and in Rev 1:15 is more on the lustrous quality of the metal.

[2:19]  ⁸⁹ tn Grk “and faith.” Here and before the following term καί (kai) has not been translated because English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the next to last and last terms in a list.

[2:19]  ⁹⁰ tn Or “perseverance.”

[2:19]  ⁹¹ tn The phrase “In fact” is supplied in the translation to bring out the ascensive quality of the clause. It would also be possible to supply here an understood repetition of the phrase “I know” from the beginning of the verse (so NRSV). Grk “and your last deeds [that are] greater than the first.”

[2:20]  ⁹² tn The Greek article has been translated here with demonstrative force.

[2:20]  ⁹³ tc The ms evidence for γυναῖκα (gunaika, “woman”) alone includes {א C P 1611 2053 pc lat}. The ms evidence for the addition of “your” (σου, sou) includes A 1006 2351 Ï^K pc sy. With the pronoun, the text reads “your wife, Jezebel” instead of “that woman, Jezebel.” In Revelation, A C are the most important mss, along with א Ì⁴⁷ (which only reads in portions of chapters 9-17) 1006 1611 2053; in this instance, the external evidence slightly favors the shorter reading. But internally, it gains strength. The longer reading implies the idea that the angel in 2:18 is the bishop or leader of the church in Thyatira. The pronoun “your” (σου) is used four times in vv. 19-20 and may have been the cause for the scribe copying it again. Further, once the monarchical episcopate was in vogue (beginning in the 2nd century) scribes might have been prone to add “your” here.

[2:20]  ⁹⁴ sn Jezebel was the name of King Ahab’s idolatrous and wicked queen in 1 Kgs 16:31; 18:1-5; 19:1-3; 21:5-24. It is probable that the individual named here was analogous to her prototype in idolatry and immoral behavior, since those are the items singled out for mention.

[2:20]  ⁹⁵ tn Grk “teaches and deceives” (διδάσκει καὶ πλανᾷ, didaskei kai plana), a construction in which the first verb appears to specify the means by which the second is accomplished: “by her teaching, deceives…”

[2:20]  ⁹⁶ tn See the note on the word “servants” in 1:1.

[2:20]  ⁹⁷ sn To commit sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. Note the conclusions of the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15:29, which specifically prohibits Gentile Christians from engaging in these activities.

[2:21]  ⁹⁸ tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and contemporary English style.

[2:21]  ⁹⁹ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to bring out the contrast present in this woman’s obstinate refusal to repent.

[2:22]  ¹⁰⁰ tn Grk “onto a bed,” in this context an idiom for severe illness (L&N 23.152).

[2:22]  ¹⁰¹ tn Or “into great distress.” The suffering here is not specified as physical or emotional, and could involve persecution.

[2:23]  ¹⁰² tn Grk “her children,” but in this context a reference to this woman’s followers or disciples is more likely meant.

[2:23]  ¹⁰³ tn Grk “I will kill with death.” θάνατος (qanatos) can in particular contexts refer to a manner of death, specifically a contagious disease (see BDAG 443 s.v. 3; L&N 23.158).

[2:23]  ¹⁰⁴ tn Grk “I will give.” The sense of δίδωμι (didwmi) in this context is more “repay” than “give.”

[2:23]  ¹⁰⁵ sn This pronoun and the following one are plural in the Greek text.

[2:23]  ¹⁰⁶ tn Grk “each one of you according to your works.”

[2:24]  ¹⁰⁷ sn That is, the teaching of Jezebel (v. 20).

[2:24]  ¹⁰⁸ tn Grk “deep things.” For the translation “deep secrets” see L&N 28.76; cf. NAB, NIV, CEV.

[2:26]  ¹⁰⁹ tn Or “who is victorious”; traditionally, “who overcomes.”

[2:26]  ¹¹⁰ tn Grk “keeps.” In a context that speaks of “holding on to what you have,” the idea here is one of continued faithful behavior (BDAG 1002 s.v. τηρέω 3 has “ὁ τηρῶν τὰ ἔργα μου the one who takes my deeds to heart Rv 2:26”).

[2:26]  ¹¹¹ tn Or “over the Gentiles” (the same Greek word may be translated “Gentiles” or “nations”).

[2:27]  ¹¹² tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.

[2:27]  ¹¹³ tn Grk “will shepherd.”

[2:27]  ¹¹⁴ tn Or “scepter.” The Greek term ῥάβδος (rJabdo") can mean either “rod” or “scepter.”

[2:27]  ¹¹⁵ sn A quotation from Ps 2:9 (with the line introducing the quotation containing a partial allusion to Ps 2:8). See also Rev 12:5, 19:15.

[2:28]  ¹¹⁶ tn What has been received is not specified in the Greek text, but must be supplied from the context. In the light of the two immediately preceding verses about rulership or dominion, it seems that the implied direct object of δώσω (dwsw) is “the right to rule” (i.e., ἔχειν ἐξουσίαν ποιμάνειν, ecein exousian poimanein), although many modern translations supply the word “authority” here (so NAB, NRSV, NLT).

[2:28]  ¹¹⁷ tn On this expression BDAG 892 s.v. πρωϊνός states, “early, belonging to the morning ὁ ἀστὴρ ὁ πρ. the morning star, Venus Rv 2:28; 22:16.”

[3:1]  ¹¹⁸ tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated due to differences between Greek and English style.

[3:1]  ¹¹⁹ tn The phrase “the following” after “write” is supplied to clarify that what follows is the content of what is to be written.

[3:1]  ¹²⁰ tn Grk “These things says [the One]…” See the note on the phrase “this is the solemn pronouncement of” in 2:1.

[3:1]  ¹²¹ tn Grk “who has” (cf. 1:16).

[3:1]  ¹²² tn Grk “a name.”

[3:1]  ¹²³ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.

[3:1]  ¹²⁴ tn The prepositional phrase “in reality” is supplied in the translation to make explicit the idea that their being alive was only an illusion.

[3:2]  ¹²⁵ tn The verb ἔμελλον (emellon) is in the imperfect tense.

[3:2]  ¹²⁶ tn The perfect passive participle has been translated as an intensive (resultative) perfect here.

[3:2]  ¹²⁷ tn Or “in the judgment.” BDAG 342 s.v. ἐνώπιον 3 states, “in the opinion/judgment of…As a rule…of θεός or κύριος; so after…πεπληρωμένος Rv 3:2.”

[3:3]  ¹²⁸ tn The expression πῶς εἴληφας καὶ ἤκουσας (pw" eilhfa" kai hkousa") probably refers to the initial instruction in the Christian life they had received and been taught; this included doctrine and ethical teaching.

[3:3]  ¹²⁹ tn Grk “keep it,” in the sense of obeying what they had initially been taught.

[3:3]  ¹³⁰ tn The negation here is with οὐ μή (ou mh, the strongest possible form of negation in Koine Greek).

[3:3]  ¹³¹ tn Or “come on.”

[3:4]  ¹³² tn Grk “a few names”; here ὄνομα (onoma) is used by figurative extension to mean “person” or “people”; according to L&N 9.19 there is “the possible implication of existence or relevance as individuals.”

[3:4]  ¹³³ tn Or “soiled” (so NAB, NRSV, NIV); NCV “have kept their clothes unstained”; CEV “have not dirtied your clothes with sin.”

[3:4]  ¹³⁴ tn The word “dressed” is not in the Greek text, but is implied.

[3:5]  ¹³⁵ tn Or “who overcomes.”

[3:5]  ¹³⁶ tn Grk “thus.”

[3:5]  ¹³⁷ tn Or “white robes.”

[3:5]  ¹³⁸ tn The negation here is with οὐ μή (ou mh), the strongest possible form of negation in Koine Greek.

[3:5]  ¹³⁹ tn Or “will never wipe out.”

[3:5]  ¹⁴⁰ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.

[3:5]  ¹⁴¹ tn Grk “will confess.”

[3:7]  ¹⁴² tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated due to differences between Greek and English style.

[3:7]  ¹⁴³ tn The phrase “the following” after “write” is supplied to clarify that what follows is the content of what is to be written.

[3:7]  ¹⁴⁴ tn Grk “These things says [the One]…” See the note on the phrase “this is the solemn pronouncement of” in 2:1.

[3:7]  ¹⁴⁵ tn The word “door” is not in the Greek text but has been supplied in the translation. Direct objects were often omitted in Greek when clear from the context. Since the following verse does contain the word “door” (θύραν, quran), that word has been supplied as the direct object here.

[3:7]  ¹⁴⁶ tn See the note on the word “door” earlier in this verse.

[3:8]  ¹⁴⁷ tn Grk “I have given.”

[3:8]  ¹⁴⁸ tn Grk “to shut it,” but English would leave the direct object understood in this case.

[3:8]  ¹⁴⁹ tn This translation is based on connecting the ὅτι (Joti) clause with the οἶδα (oida) at the beginning of the verse, giving the content of what is known (see also 3:1, 3:15 for parallels). Because of the intervening clause that is virtually parenthetical (see the note on the word “shut” earlier in this verse), the words “I know that” from the beginning of the verse had to be repeated to make this connection clear for the English reader. However, the ὅτι could be understood as introducing a causal subordinate clause instead and thus translated, “because you have.”

[3:8]  ¹⁵⁰ tn Or “little power.”

[3:8]  ¹⁵¹ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.

[3:8]  ¹⁵² tn Grk “and having kept.” The participle ἐτήρησας (ethrhsas) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. For the translation of τηρέω (threw) as “obey” see L&N 36.19. This is the same word that is used in 3:10 (there translated “kept”) where there is a play on words.

[3:9]  ¹⁵³ tn Grk “behold” (L&N 91.13).

[3:9]  ¹⁵⁴ sn See the note on synagogue in 2:9.

[3:9]  ¹⁵⁵ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “yet” to indicate the contrast between what these people claimed and what they were.

[3:9]  ¹⁵⁶ tn The verb here is ποιέω (poiew), but in this context it has virtually the same meaning as δίδωμι (didwmi) used at the beginning of the verse. Stylistic variation like this is typical of Johannine literature.

[3:9]  ¹⁵⁷ tn The verb here is προσκυνήσουσιν (proskunhsousin), normally used to refer to worship.

[3:9]  ¹⁵⁸ tn Or “and know,” “and recognize.”

[3:10]  ¹⁵⁹ tn Or “obey.” For the translation of τηρέω (threw) as “obey” see L&N 36.19. In the Greek there is a wordplay: “because you have kept my word…I will keep you,” though the meaning of τηρέω is different each time.

[3:10]  ¹⁶⁰ tn The Greek term λόγον (logon) is understood here in the sense of admonition or encouragement.

[3:10]  ¹⁶¹ tn Or “to persevere.” Here ὑπομονῆς (Jupomonhs) has been translated as a genitive of reference/respect related to τὸν λόγον (ton logon).

[3:11]  ¹⁶² tn On the verb λάβῃ (labh) here BDAG 583 s.v. λαμβάνω 2 states, “to take away, remove…with or without the use of force τὰ ἀργύρια take away the silver coins (fr. the temple) Mt 27:6. τὰς ἀσθενείας diseases 8:17. τὸν στέφανον Rv 3:11.”

[3:11]  ¹⁶³ sn Your crown refers to a wreath consisting either of foliage or of precious metals formed to resemble foliage and worn as a symbol of honor, victory, or as a badge of high office – ‘wreath, crown’ (L&N 6.192).

[3:12]  ¹⁶⁴ tn Or “who is victorious”; traditionally, “who overcomes.”

[3:12]  ¹⁶⁵ tn Grk “I will make him,” but the pronoun (αὐτόν, auton, “him”) is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated here.

[3:12]  ¹⁶⁶ tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.

[3:12]  ¹⁶⁷ sn This description of the city of my God is parenthetical, explaining further the previous phrase and interrupting the list of “new names” given here.

[3:14]  ¹⁶⁸ tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated due to differences between Greek and English style.

[3:14]  ¹⁶⁹ tn The phrase “the following” after “write” is supplied to clarify that what follows is the content of what is to be written.

[3:14]  ¹⁷⁰ tn Grk “These things says [the One]…” See the note on the phrase “this is the solemn pronouncement of” in 2:1.

[3:14]  ¹⁷¹ tn Or “the beginning of God’s creation”; or “the ruler of God’s creation.” From a linguistic standpoint all three meanings for ἀρχή (arch) are possible. The term is well attested in both LXX (Gen 40:13, 21; 41:13) and intertestamental Jewish literature (2 Macc 4:10, 50) as meaning “ruler, authority” (BDAG 138 s.v. 6). Some have connected this passage to Paul’s statements in Col 1:15, 18 which describe Christ as ἀρχή and πρωτότοκος (prwtotoko"; e.g., see R. H. Mounce, Revelation [NICNT], 124) but the term ἀρχή has been understood as either “beginning” or “ruler” in that passage as well. The most compelling connection is to be found in the prologue to John’s Gospel (1:2-4) where the λόγος (logos) is said to be “in the beginning (ἀρχή) with God,” a temporal reference connected with creation, and then v. 3 states that “all things were made through him.” The connection with the original creation suggests the meaning “originator” for ἀρχή here. BDAG 138 s.v. 3 gives the meaning “the first cause” for the word in Rev 3:14, a term that is too philosophical for the general reader, so the translation “originator” was used instead. BDAG also notes, “but the mng. beginning = ‘first created’ is linguistically probable (s. above 1b and Job 40:19; also CBurney, Christ as the ᾿Αρχή of Creation: JTS 27, 1926, 160-77).” Such a meaning is unlikely here, however, since the connections described above are much more probable.

[3:15]  ¹⁷² sn Laodicea was near two other towns, each of which had a unique water source. To the north was Hierapolis which had a natural hot spring, often used for medicinal purposes. To the east was Colossae which had cold, pure waters. In contrast to these towns, Laodicea had no permanent supply of good water. Efforts to pipe water to the city from nearby springs were successful, but it would arrive lukewarm. The metaphor in the text is not meant to relate spiritual fervor to temperature. This would mean that Laodicea would be commended for being spiritually cold, but it is unlikely that Jesus would commend this. Instead, the metaphor condemns Laodicea for not providing spiritual healing (being hot) or spiritual refreshment (being cold) to those around them. It is a condemnation of their lack of works and lack of witness.

[3:16]  ¹⁷³ tn Or “I intend.”

[3:16]  ¹⁷⁴ tn This is the literal meaning of the Greek verb ἐμέω (emew). It is usually translated with a much weaker term like “spit out” due to the unpleasant connotations of the English verb “vomit,” as noted by L&N 23.44. The situation confronting the Laodicean church is a dire one, however, and such a term is necessary if the modern reader is to understand the gravity of the situation.

[3:17]  ¹⁷⁵ tn Grk “and have become rich.” The semantic domains of the two terms for wealth here, πλούσιος (plousios, adjective) and πλουτέω (ploutew, verb) overlap considerably, but are given slightly different English translations for stylistic reasons.

[3:17]  ¹⁷⁶ tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “but” to indicate the contrast present in this context.

[3:17]  ¹⁷⁷ tn All the terms in this series are preceded by καί (kai) in the Greek text, but contemporary English generally uses connectives only between the last two items in such a series.

[3:18]  ¹⁷⁸ tn Grk “I counsel you to buy.”

[3:18]  ¹⁷⁹ tn Grk “rich, and.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation, repeating the words “Buy from me” to make the connection clear for the English reader.

[3:18]  ¹⁸⁰ tn Grk “the shame of the nakedness of you,” which has been translated as an attributed genitive like καινότητι ζωῆς (kainothti zwh") in Rom 6:4 (ExSyn 89-90).

[3:18]  ¹⁸¹ sn The city of Laodicea had a famous medical school and exported a powder (called a “Phrygian powder”) that was widely used as an eye salve. It was applied to the eyes in the form of a paste the consistency of dough (the Greek term for the salve here, κολλούριον, kollourion [Latin collyrium], is a diminutive form of the word for a long roll of bread).

[3:19]  ¹⁸² tn The Greek pronoun ὅσος (Josos) means “as many as” and can be translated “All those” or “Everyone.”

[3:20]  ¹⁸³ tn Grk “Behold.”

[3:20]  ¹⁸⁴ tn Grk “come in to him.”

[3:21]  ¹⁸⁵ tn Grk “The one who conquers, to him I will grant.”

[3:21]  ¹⁸⁶ tn Or “who is victorious”; traditionally, “who overcomes.”

[3:21]  ¹⁸⁷ tn Grk “I will give [grant] to him.”

[3:21]  ¹⁸⁸ tn Or “have been victorious”; traditionally, “have overcome.”