What is commanded to be written to the angels, that is, the ministers of the churches of Ephesus, 1-7, Smyrna, 8-11, Pergamos, 12-17, Thyatira, 18-29; and what is commended or found lacking in them.
1 "To the angel of the church of Ephesus, write: 'He who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, says these things:
2 "'"I know your works, your labor, and your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tried those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars. 3 You have patience and have endured for my name's sake, and have not grown weary. 4 Nevertheless, I have this against you: that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the first works. Otherwise, I will come to you quickly and will remove your candlestick out of its place unless you repent. 6 But this you have: that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God."'
8 "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna, write: 'The first and the last, who was dead and is alive, says these things:
9 "'"I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich), and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. 10 Fear none of those things which you shall suffer. Behold, the devil will cast some of you into prison so that you may be tried. And you shall have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death and I will give you a crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death."'
12 "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos, write: 'He who has the sharp sword with two edges, says these things:
13 "'"I know your works and where you dwell, even where Satan's seat is. And you hold firmly to my name and have not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling-block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit lewdness. 15 Likewise, you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and 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 to eat of the hidden manna and will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no man knows, except he who receives it."'
18 "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira, write: 'The Son of God, who has his eyes like a flame of fire and his feet are like fine brass, says these things:
19 "'"I know your works, charity, service, faith, your patience, and your works—and the last works to be more than the first. 20 But, I have a few things against you, because you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. She teaches and seduces my servants to commit lewdness and to eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 And I gave her time to repent of her lewdness and she did not repent. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation unless they repent of their deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with death. And all the churches shall know that I am he who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each of you according to your works. 24 But to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine and who have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak, I will put upon you no other burden. 25 But that which you already have, hold firmly until I come. 26 And he who overcomes and keeps my works to the end, 'to him I will give power over the nations, 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron, and as the vessels of a potter they shall be broken to pieces,' even as I received of my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning-star. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."'"
Matthew Henry Commentary - Revelation, Chapter 2[➚]
[v.14] - Reference, Numbers 24:14, 25:1-3, 31:8, 16.
[v.20] - Reference, 1st Kings 16:31, 19:1-2, ch. 21.
[v.23] - "I am he who searches the minds and hearts" - Reference, 1st Chronicles 28:9, 29:17; Psalms 7:9; Proverbs 17:3; Jeremiah 11:20, 17:10; Romans 8:27; 1st Thessalonians 2:4.
[v.26] - Quoting Psalm 2:8.
[v.27] - Quoting Psalm 2:9 (LXX—paraphrased)