Revelation 2

To the Church in Ephesus

1 "To the 1 angel of the church of Ephesus write,
'These things says a He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, b who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:

2 c "I know your works, your labor, your 2 patience, and that you cannot 3 bear those who are evil. And d you have tested those e who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 "and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have f not become weary. 4 "Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, g or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place - unless you repent. 6 "But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 h "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give i to eat from j the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God." '

To the Church in Smyrna

8 "And to the 4 angel of the church in Smyrna write,
'These things says k the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life:

9 "I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are l rich); and I know the blasphemy of m those who say they are Jews and are not, n but are a 5 synagogue of Satan. 10 o "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. p Be faithful until death, and I will give you q the crown of life. 11 r "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by s the second death." '

To the Church in Pergamum

12 "And to the 6 angel of the church in Pergamos write,
'These things says t He who has the sharp two-edged sword:

13 "I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. 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. 14 "But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of u Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, v to eat things sacrificed to idols, w and to commit sexual immorality. 15 "Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, 7 which thing I hate. 16 "Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and x will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. 17 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden y manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone z a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it." '

To the Church in Thyatira

18 "And to the 8 angel of the church in Thyatira write,
'These things says the Son of God, a who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass:

19 b "I know your works, love, 9 service, faith, and your 10 patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. 20 "Nevertheless I have 11 a few things against you, because you allow 12 that woman c Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, 13 to teach and seduce My servants d to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 "And I gave her time e to 14 repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. 22 "Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of 15 their deeds. 23 "I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who f searches 16 the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. 24 "Now to you I say, 17 and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the g depths of Satan, as they say, h I 18 will put on you no other burden. 25 "But hold fast i what you have till I come. 26 "And he who overcomes, and keeps j My works until the end, k to him I will give power over the nations - 27 'He l shall rule them with a rod of iron;
They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels' 19 -
as I also have received from My Father;
28 "and I will give him m the morning star. 29 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." '

  1. Cross References
    Acts 10:34
    Then Peter opened his mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.
    Romans 10:18
    But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: "Their sound has gone out to all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world.
  2. Cross References
    Romans 16:26
    But now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith -
    2 Corinthians 1:19
    For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us - by me, Silvanus, and Timothy - was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes.
    Colossians 1:6
    Which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth.
    Colossians 1:23
    If indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.
  3. Cross References
    Luke 24:51
    Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven.
  4. Cross References
    2 Timothy 3:13
    But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
    Revelation 16:14
    For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
  5. Cross References
    Matthew 7:15
    Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
  6. Cross References
    Ephesians 4:19
    Who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
  7. Cross References
    2 Timothy 3:14
    But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them.
  8. Cross References
    2 Timothy 2:16
    But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.
    Titus 1:14
    Not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth.
  9. Cross References
    Hebrews 5:14
    But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
  10. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 8:8
    But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse.
  11. Cross References
    Psalms 37:9
    For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the LORD, They shall inherit the earth.
  12. Cross References
    Psalms 36:6
    Your righteousness is like the great mountains; Your judgments are a great deep; O LORD, You preserve man and beast.
  13. Cross References
    Philippians 3:17
    Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
    Titus 2:7
    In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility.
    1 Peter 5:3
    Nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
  14. Cross References
    2 Timothy 1:6
    Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
  15. Cross References
    Acts 6:6
    Whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
    1 Timothy 5:22
    Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people's sins; keep yourself pure.
  16. Cross References
    Genesis 45:10
    You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near to me, you and your children, your children's children, your flocks and your herds, and all that you have.
  17. Cross References
    Acts 26:7
    To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope's sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews.
  18. Cross References
    Isaiah 58:7
    Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
    2 Corinthians 12:14
    Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
  19. Cross References
    2 Timothy 3:5
    Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
  20. Cross References
    Matthew 18:17
    And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.
  21. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 25:4
    You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.
    1 Corinthians 9:7 - 9
    Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?
  22. Cross References
    Leviticus 19:13
    You shall not cheat your neighbor, nor rob him. The wages of him who is hired shall not remain with you all night until morning.
    Deuteronomy 24:15
    Each day you shall give him his wages, and not let the sun go down on it, for he is poor and has set his heart on it; lest he cry out against you to the LORD, and it be sin to you.
    Matthew 10:10
    Nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.
    Luke 10:7
    And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house.
    1 Corinthians 9:14
    Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.
  23. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 17:6
    Whoever is deserving of death shall be put to death on the testimony of two or three witnesses; he shall not be put to death on the testimony of one witness.
    Deuteronomy 19:15
    One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established.
    Matthew 18:16
    "But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'
  24. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 1:17
    'You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small as well as the great; you shall not be afraid in any man's presence, for the judgment is God's. The case that is too hard for you, bring to me, and I will hear it.'
  25. Cross References
    Ephesians 5:6
    Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
    Ephesians 5:7
    Therefore do not be partakers with them.
  26. Cross References
    Galatians 5:19 - 21
    Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness.
  27. Cross References
    Ephesians 6:5
    Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ.
    Titus 2:9
    Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back.
    1 Peter 2:18
    Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.
  28. Cross References
    2 Timothy 1:13
    Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
  29. Cross References
    Titus 1:1
    Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness.
  30. Cross References
    2 Timothy 3:5
    Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
  31. Cross References
    Philippians 4:11
    Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
    Hebrews 13:5
    Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you.
  32. Cross References
    Job 1:21
    And he said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD.
    Psalms 49:17
    For when he dies he shall carry nothing away; His glory shall not descend after him.
    Ecclesiastes 5:15
    As he came from his mother's womb, naked shall he return, To go as he came; And he shall take nothing from his labor Which he may carry away in his hand.
  33. Cross References
    Proverbs 30:8
    Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches - Feed me with the food allotted to me.
    Proverbs 30:9
    Lest I be full and deny You, And say, "Who is the LORD?" Or lest I be poor and steal, And profane the name of my God.
  34. Cross References
    Matthew 27:2
    And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
    John 18:36
    Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.
    John 18:37
    Pilate therefore said to Him, "Are You a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.
  35. Cross References
    Daniel 2:22
    He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him.
  36. Cross References
    John 6:46
    Not that anyone has seen the Father, except He who is from God; He has seen the Father.
  37. Cross References
    Jeremiah 9:23
    Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches.
    Jeremiah 48:7
    For because you have trusted in your works and your treasures, You also shall be taken. And Chemosh shall go forth into captivity, His priests and his princes together.
  38. Cross References
    Ecclesiastes 5:18
    Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage.
    Ecclesiastes 5:19
    As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor - this is the gift of God.
  39. Cross References
    Matthew 6:20
    But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
    Matthew 6:21
    For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
    Matthew 19:21
    Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.
New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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