Revelation 2:19 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

Bible Comments

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. I know thy works - And of these he first sets forth their charity, την αγαπην, their love to God and each other; and particularly to the poor and distressed: and hence followed their faith, την πιστιν, their fidelity, to the grace they had received; and service, την διακονιαν, and ministration; properly pious and benevolent service to widows, orphans, and the poor in general.

And thy patience - Την ὑπομονην σου· Thy perseverance under afflictions and persecutions, and thy continuance in well-doing. I put faith before service according to the general consent of the best MSS. and versions.

Thy works - The continued labor of love, and thorough obedience.

The last to be more than the first - They not only retained what they had received at first, but grew in grace, and in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ. This is a rare thing in most Christian Churches: they generally lose the power of religion, and rest in the forms of worship; and it requires a powerful revival to bring them to such a state that their last works shall be more than their first.

Revelation 2:19

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.