Revelation 2:7
Verse
Context
Sermons
T. Austin-Sparks
F.J. Huegel
Robert B. Thompson
Erlo Stegen
Stephen Kaung
Carter ConlonSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He that hath an ear - Let every intelligent person, and every Christian man, attend carefully to what the Holy Spirit, in this and the following epistles, says to the Churches. See the note on Mat 11:15, where the same form of speech occurs. To him that overcometh - To him who continues steadfast in the faith, and uncorrupt in his life; who faithfully confesses Jesus, and neither imbibes the doctrines nor is led away by the error of the wicked; will I give to eat of the tree of life. As he who conquered his enemies had, generally, not only great honor, but also a reward; so here a great reward is promised τῳ νικωντι, to the conqueror: and as in the Grecian games, to which there may be an allusion, the conqueror was crowned with the leaves of some tree; here it is promised that they should eat of the fruit of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God; that is, that they should have a happy and glorious immortality. There is also here an allusion to Gen 2:9, where it is said, God made the tree of life to grow out of the midst of the garden; and it is very likely that by eating the fruit of this tree the immortality of Adam was secured, and on this it was made dependent. When Adam transgressed, he was expelled from this garden, and no more permitted to eat of the tree of life; hence he became necessarily mortal. This tree, in all its sacramental effects, is secured and restored to man by the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Christ. The tree of life is frequently spoken of by the rabbins; and by it they generally mean the immortality of the soul, and a final state of blessedness. See many examples in Schoettgen. They talk also of a celestial and terrestrial paradise. The former, they say, "is for the reception of the souls of the just perfect; and differs as much from the earthly paradise as light from darkness." The Epistle to the Church at Smyrna
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
He that hath an ear--This clause precedes the promise in the first three addresses, succeeds it in the last four. Thus the promises are enclosed on both sides with the precept urging the deepest attention as to the most momentous truths. Every man "hath an ear" naturally, but he alone will be able to hear spiritually to whom God has given "the hearing ear"; whose "ear God hath wakened" and "opened." Compare "Faith, the ears of the soul" [CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA]. the Spirit saith--What Christ saith, the Spirit saith; so one are the Second and Third Persons. unto the churches--not merely to the particular, but to the universal Church. overcometh--In John's Gospel (Joh 16:33) and First Epistle (Jo1 2:13-14; Jo1 5:4-5) an object follows, namely, "the world," "the wicked one." Here, where the final issue is spoken of, the conqueror is named absolutely. Paul uses a similar image (Co1 9:24-25; Ti2 2:5; but not the same as John's phrase, except Rom 12:21). will I give--as the Judge. The tree of life in Paradise, lost by the fall, is restored by the Redeemer. Allusions to it occur in Pro 3:18; Pro 11:30; Pro 13:12; Pro 15:4, and prophetically, Rev 22:2, Rev 22:14; Eze 47:12; compare Joh 6:51. It is interesting to note how closely these introductory addresses are linked to the body of Revelation. Thus, the tree of life here, with Rev 22:1; deliverance from the second death (Rev 2:11), with Rev 20:14; Rev 21:8; the new name (Rev 2:17), with Rev 14:1; power over the nations, with Rev 20:4; the morning star (Rev 2:28), with Rev 22:16; the white raiment (Rev 3:5), with Rev 4:4; Rev 16:15; the name in the book of life (Rev 3:5), with Rev 13:8; Rev 20:15; the new Jerusalem and its citizenship (Rev 3:12), with Rev 21:10. give . . . tree of life--The thing promised corresponds to the kind of faithfulness manifested. They who refrain from Nicolaitane indulgences (Rev 2:6) and idol-meats (Rev 2:14-15), shall eat of meat infinitely superior, namely, the fruit of the tree of life, and the hidden manna (Rev 2:17). in the midst of the paradise--The oldest manuscripts omit "the midst of." In Gen 2:9 these words are appropriate, for there were other trees in the garden, but not in the midst of it. Here the tree of life is simply in the paradise, for no other tree is mentioned in it; in Rev 22:2 the tree of life is "in the midst of the street of Jerusalem"; from this the clause was inserted here. Paradise (a Persian, or else Semitic word), originally used of any garden of delight; then specially of Eden; then the temporary abode of separate souls in bliss; then "the Paradise of God," the third heaven, the immediate presence of God. of God-- (Eze 28:13). One oldest manuscript, with Vulgate, Syriac, and Coptic, and CYPRIAN, read, "MY God," as in Rev 3:12. So Christ calls God, "My God and your God" (Joh 20:17; compare Eph 1:17). God is our God, in virtue of being peculiarly Christ's God. The main bliss of Paradise is that it is the Paradise of God; God Himself dwelling there (Rev 21:3).
John Gill Bible Commentary
He that hath an ear,.... Such who have new ears given them, as all have who are made new creatures; such who have their ears circumcised, and opened by the Spirit of God; who hear with understanding, affection, and faith; who try what they hear, and approve, embrace, and retain that which is good, Let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; let such hearken, and listen with attention to what is said by the Spirit, in what goes before, and follows after, in this epistle, designed for the use of all the churches; from whence it appears, that this epistle was endited by the Spirit of God, and is of divine inspiration; that it was not intended for the single use of the church at Ephesus, but of all the churches; and not of the seven churches only, though the Alexandrian copy reads, "to the seven churches": but of all the churches in that period of time, which the Ephesine church represents; and which may also be useful to the churches of Christ in all other ages and periods of time. And moreover, it may be concluded from hence, that there are in this epistle, and so in all the rest, for the same words are subjoined to them all, some things which are parabolical and prophetic, and not obvious to everyone's understanding and view; for a like expression is used by our Lord, when he had delivered anything in a parabolical way, or was obscure; see Mat 11:15. To him that overcometh: the false apostles, false teachers, and their doctrines; coldness, lukewarmness, and remissness in love; the impure tenets and practices of the Nicolaitans: will I give to eat of the tree of life; by which is meant Jesus Christ himself, in allusion to the tree of life in the garden of Eden; and is so called, because he is the author of life, natural, spiritual, and eternal; and because of his fruit, the blessings of life and grace, that are in him, of which believers may eat by faith, and which they find to be soul quickening, comforting, strengthening, and satisfying; and which are Christ's gift to them, even both the food they eat, and the faith by which they eat, are his gifts. So Christ, under the name of Wisdom, is called the Tree of life, in Pro 3:18; and this is a name which is sometimes given by the Jews to the Messiah (e): which is in the midst of the paradise of God; as the tree of life was in the garden of Eden, Gen 2:9. The Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions read, "the paradise of my God"; the God of Christ, as well as of his people; and by which may be meant, either the church on earth, which is as a paradise, Sol 4:12; in the midst of which Christ is, affording his gracious presence, and reaching forth his grace, and the benefits of it, to his people; or heaven; see Gill on Co2 12:4, said to be of God, because it is of his preparing, and where he dwells, and in the midst of which Christ, the Tree of life, is; and this shows, that he is to be come at by faith, and his fruit to be eaten, and lived upon; and he is to be beheld and enjoyed by all his saints, as he is now, and will be more perfectly hereafter, (e) Zohar in Gen. fol. 33. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:7 The reward for obedience is fruit from the tree of life—that is, eternal life (22:2; Gen 3:22).
Revelation 2:7
To the Church in Ephesus
6But you have this to your credit: You hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.7He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to eat from the tree of life in the Paradise of God.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Los Angeles Conference #1
By T. Austin-Sparks2.0K57:11ConferenceMAT 6:33JHN 3:8ACT 2:2ACT 11:17ACT 15:10REV 2:7In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the warm welcome he has received. He then directs the audience to a well-known passage in the Bible, John 3:8, which talks about the wind blowing where it chooses. The speaker connects this idea to the transformation of Peter in the book of Acts, highlighting how Peter's encounter with the Holy Spirit led to a change in his perspective. The sermon emphasizes the importance of having a living relationship with Christ rather than focusing on external traditions or structures. The speaker concludes by emphasizing that the Holy Spirit searches and tests everything, particularly the foundations and structures of our faith.
Revelation 5
By F.J. Huegel1.9K1:24:02REV 1:18REV 2:7REV 2:11REV 2:17REV 2:26REV 5:2In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Revelation and its mysteries. He starts by describing the book as written within and sealed with seven seals. He emphasizes that no one in heaven, earth, or under the earth is found worthy to open the book except for the Lion of the tribe of Judah, who is also referred to as the Lamb that was slain. The preacher then discusses the importance of overcoming and being victorious in order to receive the blessings and promises mentioned in the book, such as eating from the tree of life and having power over the nations. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the congregation to be built up in their faith and bring glory to God through Christ.
Changed Into Christ's Image #7
By Robert B. Thompson1.7K1:03:06EZK 1:19ROM 8:1EPH 6:10REV 2:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of returning to the old ways of faith and righteousness. He highlights that living according to the sinful nature leads to death, while only Jesus can bring true happiness, joy, and peace. The preacher encourages believers to have faith in God's goodness and patience, knowing that He will bring them to joy. He also mentions the significance of the number four in the Bible, representing communication and Pentecost.
Learn to Know the Shepherds Voice
By Erlo Stegen1.7K50:17Voice Of GodMAT 5:13JHN 10:5JHN 10:27REV 2:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a true shepherd to the flock. He shares a story about a shepherd who struggles to lead his sheep because they do not recognize his voice. The shepherd tries different methods, but only when he speaks with the right voice and uses the right approach do the sheep follow him. The speaker relates this story to the role of a shepherd in guiding and caring for God's people, highlighting the need for a shepherd to have the right voice and approach in order to lead effectively.
The Call to Overcome
By Stephen Kaung1.5K1:09:15OvercomingMAT 6:33REV 1:9REV 2:7REV 2:11REV 2:17REV 2:26REV 3:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of having a vision and how it relates to the call of God. The vision is described as an unveiling of the mind of God to our spirit, and it is through seeing this vision that we receive the call. The main focus of the vision is on the son of man, who is described in great detail, while the seven golden candlesticks in the background are not described. This is because the purpose of the vision is for us to see Christ and his glory. The speaker emphasizes that as Christ is, so is the church. The vision also reveals that Christ holds the keys of death and Hades, signifying his power and authority.
The Church: Recovery & Testimony - History of the Church in China - Part 1
By Stephen Kaung1.4K1:19:44Recovery And TestimonyREV 2:7REV 17:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the reason for a revival that occurred in Bucho and into college. The revival was initiated by two western sisters, one of whom was mentioned frequently as Mr. Baba. These sisters felt a burden to further the gospel in China and believed that the involvement of students and intelligent people was crucial. They began praying fervently, and as a result, a revival broke out in Bucho and into college. The preacher also references the book of Timothy, where it is mentioned that one should teach others who are competent to teach as well. The sermon emphasizes the importance of pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace, and paying attention to spiritual reality rather than worldly matters. The preacher also mentions the book of Revelation, where John sees a vision of the risen Lord walking among his churches. The sermon concludes by highlighting the power of the church built by Jesus Christ, which cannot be overcome by darkness.
Honoring God in an Impossible Place
By Carter Conlon1.1K58:57NEH 4:14PSA 139:23PRO 24:30EZK 37:1DAN 11:32JOL 2:28ACT 4:31REV 2:7
This sermon emphasizes the need for the Church of Jesus Christ to rise up in a generation where society is rapidly declining morally, socially, and politically. The speaker calls for a return to honoring God in the midst of seemingly impossible circumstances, highlighting the power of the Holy Spirit to bring life and unity to a divided and lifeless church. The message challenges believers to seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit, to prophesy faith and life into their situations, and to stand boldly as a testimony of Christ's resurrection power in a darkened world.
Nehemiah #1: Chapter 1, Rebuilding the Wall
By Stephen Kaung1.0K1:09:37DEU 28:64DEU 30:1NEH 1:3NEH 1:8ROM 3:23REV 2:7REV 18:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the burden that Nehemiah carried as the cup-bearer to the king. Despite his inner turmoil, Nehemiah had to maintain a joyful appearance before the king. However, after a few months, Nehemiah couldn't hide his sadness any longer and lifted his heart to God in prayer. The speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and seeking God's favor before taking action. The sermon also touches on the vision given to Daniel regarding the restoration of the nation of Israel and the significance of the 70 weeks mentioned in the Bible.
Hero or Coward
By John Ridley88255:51ISA 57:20MAT 9:27LUK 18:13JHN 9:241JN 4:15REV 2:7In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of a man who lived a worldly life, indulging in activities like gambling, dancing, and hunting. Despite hearing the call of Jesus to come and find rest, the man ignored it and continued his sinful ways. However, one night, when he was forty-five years old, he was struck with a severe pain that made him realize the consequences of his actions. In his anguish, he decided to plead for God's mercy, but hesitated because of the presence of a young maid. The preacher then challenges the audience to reflect on whether they are heroes or cowards in the eyes of heaven, emphasizing the importance of choosing God's praise over the praise of men. The sermon references John 12:42-43, which speaks about the fear of confessing Jesus due to the love of human praise. Ultimately, the preacher warns that gaining the whole world is meaningless if one loses their soul.
Who Is the Holy Spirit - a.w. Tozer
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons88037:41RadioPSA 139:7MAT 7:24JHN 14:16JHN 16:13ACT 1:4EPH 4:30REV 2:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. He describes the Spirit as friendly, loving, and gracious, just like Jesus Christ. The preacher explains that the Spirit can be grieved when believers ignore, resist, doubt, or sin against Him. However, he also highlights that love must be present before grief can occur. The preacher uses the example of a parent whose rebellious teenager causes them grief to illustrate this point.
Distraction in the Holy Place
By David Wilkerson82251:28DistractionEXO 20:7MAT 15:7JHN 4:24HEB 4:12REV 2:7In this sermon, the preacher begins by quoting Isaiah's prophecy about hypocrites who draw near to God with their mouths but have hearts far from Him. He emphasizes the importance of approaching God with carefulness, thoughtfulness, and affection, recognizing Him as a glorious king. The preacher highlights the tragedy of offering praise that is not connected to the heart, calling it one of the most tragic passages in Scripture. He urges the congregation to be mindful of any distractions or preoccupations that may hinder their worship and to seek the sanctification of the Holy Spirit in order to truly hear and receive God's word.
There Is a Place With Me
By Michael L. Brown81659:22PSA 51:10JER 2:5MAT 6:33REV 2:1REV 2:7REV 2:16In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the book of Jeremiah and God's sense of pain and shock at the actions of His people. The speaker emphasizes the need for personal reflection and repentance, urging the audience to remember the passion and hunger they had for God in the past. The speaker highlights that sin is the reason for leaving our first love and emphasizes personal responsibility for this. The sermon also references the book of Revelation, where Jesus addresses the seven congregations and emphasizes His intimate knowledge of their deeds.
Only One Voice Matters in the Storm
By Carter Conlon79242:49Voice Of GodPSA 29:2ISA 30:9ISA 30:15REV 2:7In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of a ship caught in a storm to illustrate the importance of being in the hand of God. He emphasizes that without God's intervention, the odds of survival would be zero. The speaker encourages the audience to cut off distractions and focus on God's word, comparing it to taking meat for sustenance. He warns that those who refuse to listen to God's word will eventually lose their strength and become a public example of the consequences of ignoring God. The speaker also mentions a sense of foreboding and voices of doubt in the world, suggesting that there is something ominous on the horizon.
I Have Kept the Faith
By John Piper74035:35FaithMAT 10:22HEB 3:5REV 2:7REV 2:10In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the year 1980 and encourages the audience to assess it by the same standard of success that Paul used in his final letter to Timothy. The speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering the brevity of life and the nearness of death, as it brings wisdom and humility. They also highlight the need to trust in God and not rely on our own understanding. The sermon concludes with the reminder that finishing the race of faith, resisting opponents, and remaining steadfast in the gospel are essential to receiving the crown of righteousness.
Redeem the Time to Him Who Overcomes
By Stephen Kaung62949:14REV 2:7
The sermon delves into the book of Revelation, emphasizing the call to overcome in the face of challenges and the imminent return of Jesus Christ. It discusses the significance of being overcomers in the last days, symbolized by the child in Revelation 12, and the importance of readiness for the Lord's return and the judgment seat of Christ.
Something Is Happening
By Hans R. Waldvogel59523:44Christian LifeISA 48:10MAT 6:33JHN 14:6ACT 20:18EPH 2:11PE 4:7REV 2:7In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a group of British men who were supposed to protect people from a man-eating lion but failed because one of them fell asleep. The speaker then emphasizes that things are happening rapidly in the world and urges the audience to be vigilant because the devil is like a roaring lion seeking to harm them. The speaker encourages the audience to believe in the existence of the devil and warns against complacency. The sermon also highlights the importance of drawing near to God through worship and waiting upon Him. The speaker shares a testimony of a family who initially had no time for worship but eventually realized its importance and experienced a transformation. The sermon concludes with the reminder that God is working in the lives of those who have a heart that is perfect toward Him and that His power is able to exceed all expectations. The audience is encouraged to remain watchful, prayerful, and ready for the coming of the Lord.
The Living Dead
By Shane Idleman52546:43PSA 51:10ACT 2:41CO 13:2JAS 4:6REV 2:4REV 2:7REV 2:16REV 2:29
The sermon titled 'The Living Dead' delves into the concept of spiritual death, focusing on the danger of being spiritually dead while appearing alive. It emphasizes the need to return to one's first love for God, highlighting the importance of humility, repentance, and genuine worship. The message challenges individuals to overcome pride and seek a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit to experience true spiritual vitality and power.
Leadership and Ministry Training #3
By Stephen Kaung25256:58REV 2:7REV 3:21REV 12:5REV 14:1REV 14:4REV 15:2REV 19:7REV 21:2REV 22:14
This sermon from Revelation chapter 14 emphasizes the call to overcome, highlighting the importance of being overcomers in Christ. It discusses the vision of the Lamb and the 144,000, the significance of following the Lamb wherever He goes, and the need for believers to be prepared for Christ's imminent return. The message stresses the urgency of surrendering to God, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, and being clothed with Christ's righteousness and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit to be prepared as the bride of the Lamb for eternity.
God and Man
By G.W. North1341:32:25GodGEN 3:19MAT 6:33HEB 2:3HEB 4:11REV 2:7In this sermon, the preacher explores the concept of man and his various components, such as soul, spirit, joints, marrow, mind, thoughts, intents, purpose, will, heart, and senses. The preacher also discusses the story of Adam and Eve being expelled from the garden and becoming laborers, emphasizing the importance of entering into God's rest. The sermon highlights the graciousness of God in forgiving sins and the power of experiencing the Bible's words. The preacher concludes by mentioning the significance of light, separation, and the taste of power in the Christian journey.
Religion or Relationship
By Phil Beach Jr.3348:49Spiritual WarfareRelationshipAuthority of JesusMAT 28:18ROM 12:11CO 6:192CO 10:4EPH 6:12PHP 4:132TI 1:7JAS 4:71JN 1:5REV 2:7Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the distinction between religion and a personal relationship with God, urging believers to open their hearts to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. He calls for a collective effort to remove spiritual strongholds in homes that hinder the ability to hear God, stressing the importance of invoking the authority of Jesus Christ in every aspect of life. The preacher highlights that many Christians experience defeat because they fail to maintain this authority outside of church, allowing darkness to infiltrate their lives. He encourages believers to actively confront sin and take authority over it, reminding them that they are not their own but belong to Christ. Ultimately, Beach Jr. calls for a commitment to live under the authority of Jesus, ensuring that their homes and lives reflect His glory.
What Spirit Are You Following pt.1 How Are You Walking
By Phil Beach Jr.3356:55Christian WalkWalking In The SpiritDiscerning the SpiritEPH 2:1REV 2:7Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of discerning which spirit we are following, urging the congregation to reflect on their walk with Christ in light of the Holy Spirit's guidance. He highlights the messages to the seven churches in Revelation, stressing that Jesus calls us to listen to the Spirit's voice amidst the many distractions and influences of the world. The preacher warns against self-deception and the dangers of being governed by worldly desires, encouraging believers to seek a deeper relationship with God and to be led by His Spirit. Ultimately, he calls for repentance and a commitment to live in accordance with God's will, allowing His glory to shine through our lives.
Overcomers - a Life of Dependance
By Phil Beach Jr.271:07:19OvercomersDependence On GodOvercoming through ChristLUK 6:20REV 2:7Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of utter dependence on Jesus Christ for spiritual maturity and overcoming life's challenges. He explains that true overcoming is not about personal achievements but about allowing Christ's life to manifest through us, highlighting the importance of recognizing our spiritual poverty and need for God. The sermon calls for a shift from a man-centered approach to a Christ-centered one, where believers acknowledge their inability to live the Christian life without the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. Beach encourages the congregation to cultivate a heart of prayer and dependence, reflecting on the Beatitudes and the call to be overcomers through Christ's finished work.
Jehovah's Declaration, Behold the Man Is Become as One of Us, Considered.
By John Gill0Redemption through ChristThe Fall of ManGEN 3:22PRO 3:18MAT 28:19JHN 1:1JHN 8:58JHN 17:21ROM 5:12EPH 4:24REV 2:7REV 22:2John Gill preaches on Genesis 3:22, emphasizing Jehovah's declaration that man has become like one of us, reflecting on the fall of humanity and the profound consequences of sin. He explores the nature of God speaking to Adam, the implications of man's lost state, and the prevention of Adam from accessing the tree of life, which symbolizes dependence on God and the promise of salvation through Christ. Gill highlights the duality of man's condition—both as created in God's image and as fallen—and the necessity of recognizing Christ as the true source of life and redemption. The sermon concludes with a call to reject self-reliance and to seek life solely through faith in Jesus Christ, the promised Savior.
Wanting No Share in Comfort
By Thomas a Kempis0PSA 27:10JAS 1:12JAS 4:71PE 5:8REV 2:7Thomas a Kempis preaches about the importance of enduring trials and temptations without seeking human or divine consolation, but rather focusing on the honor of God. He emphasizes the need to willingly endure hardships for the love of Christ, following the example of martyrs like Lawrence who chose God's pleasure over human comfort. Kempis encourages humility, patience, and reliance on God's mercy and grace, highlighting that both spiritual consolation and temptation are part of the journey towards God.
The Holy Spirit Came Especially for the Purpose of Creating a Spiritual Order of Things
By T. Austin-Sparks0New BirthSpiritual OrderMAT 11:15JHN 3:6JHN 4:24ROM 8:91CO 2:142CO 5:17GAL 5:25EPH 2:18HEB 12:9REV 2:7T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the transformative impact of the Holy Spirit in establishing a new spiritual order following the coming of Christ, contrasting it with the old Jewish dispensation that relied on physical senses. He explains that the new order is characterized by spiritual faculties, enabling believers to perceive and understand divine truths beyond mere physical experience. Sparks highlights the necessity of being born of the Spirit to access this new reality, where spiritual sight, hearing, and discernment replace the limitations of the old system. He warns against reverting to a soulish Christianity that neglects the leading of the Holy Spirit, urging believers to embrace the spiritual nature of their faith. Ultimately, he calls for a return to a Spirit-led existence that reflects the true essence of the new covenant.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He that hath an ear - Let every intelligent person, and every Christian man, attend carefully to what the Holy Spirit, in this and the following epistles, says to the Churches. See the note on Mat 11:15, where the same form of speech occurs. To him that overcometh - To him who continues steadfast in the faith, and uncorrupt in his life; who faithfully confesses Jesus, and neither imbibes the doctrines nor is led away by the error of the wicked; will I give to eat of the tree of life. As he who conquered his enemies had, generally, not only great honor, but also a reward; so here a great reward is promised τῳ νικωντι, to the conqueror: and as in the Grecian games, to which there may be an allusion, the conqueror was crowned with the leaves of some tree; here it is promised that they should eat of the fruit of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God; that is, that they should have a happy and glorious immortality. There is also here an allusion to Gen 2:9, where it is said, God made the tree of life to grow out of the midst of the garden; and it is very likely that by eating the fruit of this tree the immortality of Adam was secured, and on this it was made dependent. When Adam transgressed, he was expelled from this garden, and no more permitted to eat of the tree of life; hence he became necessarily mortal. This tree, in all its sacramental effects, is secured and restored to man by the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Christ. The tree of life is frequently spoken of by the rabbins; and by it they generally mean the immortality of the soul, and a final state of blessedness. See many examples in Schoettgen. They talk also of a celestial and terrestrial paradise. The former, they say, "is for the reception of the souls of the just perfect; and differs as much from the earthly paradise as light from darkness." The Epistle to the Church at Smyrna
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
He that hath an ear--This clause precedes the promise in the first three addresses, succeeds it in the last four. Thus the promises are enclosed on both sides with the precept urging the deepest attention as to the most momentous truths. Every man "hath an ear" naturally, but he alone will be able to hear spiritually to whom God has given "the hearing ear"; whose "ear God hath wakened" and "opened." Compare "Faith, the ears of the soul" [CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA]. the Spirit saith--What Christ saith, the Spirit saith; so one are the Second and Third Persons. unto the churches--not merely to the particular, but to the universal Church. overcometh--In John's Gospel (Joh 16:33) and First Epistle (Jo1 2:13-14; Jo1 5:4-5) an object follows, namely, "the world," "the wicked one." Here, where the final issue is spoken of, the conqueror is named absolutely. Paul uses a similar image (Co1 9:24-25; Ti2 2:5; but not the same as John's phrase, except Rom 12:21). will I give--as the Judge. The tree of life in Paradise, lost by the fall, is restored by the Redeemer. Allusions to it occur in Pro 3:18; Pro 11:30; Pro 13:12; Pro 15:4, and prophetically, Rev 22:2, Rev 22:14; Eze 47:12; compare Joh 6:51. It is interesting to note how closely these introductory addresses are linked to the body of Revelation. Thus, the tree of life here, with Rev 22:1; deliverance from the second death (Rev 2:11), with Rev 20:14; Rev 21:8; the new name (Rev 2:17), with Rev 14:1; power over the nations, with Rev 20:4; the morning star (Rev 2:28), with Rev 22:16; the white raiment (Rev 3:5), with Rev 4:4; Rev 16:15; the name in the book of life (Rev 3:5), with Rev 13:8; Rev 20:15; the new Jerusalem and its citizenship (Rev 3:12), with Rev 21:10. give . . . tree of life--The thing promised corresponds to the kind of faithfulness manifested. They who refrain from Nicolaitane indulgences (Rev 2:6) and idol-meats (Rev 2:14-15), shall eat of meat infinitely superior, namely, the fruit of the tree of life, and the hidden manna (Rev 2:17). in the midst of the paradise--The oldest manuscripts omit "the midst of." In Gen 2:9 these words are appropriate, for there were other trees in the garden, but not in the midst of it. Here the tree of life is simply in the paradise, for no other tree is mentioned in it; in Rev 22:2 the tree of life is "in the midst of the street of Jerusalem"; from this the clause was inserted here. Paradise (a Persian, or else Semitic word), originally used of any garden of delight; then specially of Eden; then the temporary abode of separate souls in bliss; then "the Paradise of God," the third heaven, the immediate presence of God. of God-- (Eze 28:13). One oldest manuscript, with Vulgate, Syriac, and Coptic, and CYPRIAN, read, "MY God," as in Rev 3:12. So Christ calls God, "My God and your God" (Joh 20:17; compare Eph 1:17). God is our God, in virtue of being peculiarly Christ's God. The main bliss of Paradise is that it is the Paradise of God; God Himself dwelling there (Rev 21:3).
John Gill Bible Commentary
He that hath an ear,.... Such who have new ears given them, as all have who are made new creatures; such who have their ears circumcised, and opened by the Spirit of God; who hear with understanding, affection, and faith; who try what they hear, and approve, embrace, and retain that which is good, Let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; let such hearken, and listen with attention to what is said by the Spirit, in what goes before, and follows after, in this epistle, designed for the use of all the churches; from whence it appears, that this epistle was endited by the Spirit of God, and is of divine inspiration; that it was not intended for the single use of the church at Ephesus, but of all the churches; and not of the seven churches only, though the Alexandrian copy reads, "to the seven churches": but of all the churches in that period of time, which the Ephesine church represents; and which may also be useful to the churches of Christ in all other ages and periods of time. And moreover, it may be concluded from hence, that there are in this epistle, and so in all the rest, for the same words are subjoined to them all, some things which are parabolical and prophetic, and not obvious to everyone's understanding and view; for a like expression is used by our Lord, when he had delivered anything in a parabolical way, or was obscure; see Mat 11:15. To him that overcometh: the false apostles, false teachers, and their doctrines; coldness, lukewarmness, and remissness in love; the impure tenets and practices of the Nicolaitans: will I give to eat of the tree of life; by which is meant Jesus Christ himself, in allusion to the tree of life in the garden of Eden; and is so called, because he is the author of life, natural, spiritual, and eternal; and because of his fruit, the blessings of life and grace, that are in him, of which believers may eat by faith, and which they find to be soul quickening, comforting, strengthening, and satisfying; and which are Christ's gift to them, even both the food they eat, and the faith by which they eat, are his gifts. So Christ, under the name of Wisdom, is called the Tree of life, in Pro 3:18; and this is a name which is sometimes given by the Jews to the Messiah (e): which is in the midst of the paradise of God; as the tree of life was in the garden of Eden, Gen 2:9. The Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions read, "the paradise of my God"; the God of Christ, as well as of his people; and by which may be meant, either the church on earth, which is as a paradise, Sol 4:12; in the midst of which Christ is, affording his gracious presence, and reaching forth his grace, and the benefits of it, to his people; or heaven; see Gill on Co2 12:4, said to be of God, because it is of his preparing, and where he dwells, and in the midst of which Christ, the Tree of life, is; and this shows, that he is to be come at by faith, and his fruit to be eaten, and lived upon; and he is to be beheld and enjoyed by all his saints, as he is now, and will be more perfectly hereafter, (e) Zohar in Gen. fol. 33. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:7 The reward for obedience is fruit from the tree of life—that is, eternal life (22:2; Gen 3:22).