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.
Her children - (Isaiah 57:3; Ezekiel 23:45; Ezekiel 23:47.) Her proper adherents: not those who suffer, but those who are begotten of, her. A distinct class from those, Revelation 2:22 (cf. note there), whose sin was that only of connivance.
Kill ... with death - which overtook the literal Jezebel's votaries of Baal, and Ahab's sons (1 Kings 18:40; 2 Kings 10:6-7; 2 Kings 10:24-25). A Hebraism for slay with sure and awful death: so 'dying, die' (Genesis 2:17). Not "die the common death of all men" (Numbers 16:29).
All the churches shall know. These addresses are for the Catholic Church of all ages and places. So palpably shall God's hand be seen in the judgment on Thyatira, that the whole Church shall recognize it.
I am he - strongly emphatic: 'it is I am He who,' etc.
Searcheth ... hearts - God's special attribute is given to Christ. The "reins" are the seat of the desires; the "heart," that of the thoughts. х Eraunoon (G2045), "searcheth:" accurately following up all tracks and windings.]
Unto every one of you - `unto you, to each,' etc. According to your works - to be judged, not according to the act as it appears to man, but with reference to faith and love, the only motives which God accepts.