![]() Probably should be ὁμοίως, in like manner. It is true that sin is in the will, but it is known by its expression in acts. Nicolaitanes.-These people encouraged Christians to join in the idolatrous feasts of their neighbours, on the plea that to the spiritual man there can be no sin in any merely bodily, animal action. Nothing can be baser, or more demoralising, than this “doctrine of Balaam.” “Israel could not be cursed, but they might be made to bring a curse upon themselves by yielding to sin.” Doctrine of Balaam.-Which was this: if you cannot get your own way by open disobedience to God, get it by scheming get it through offering gratification to human passion. (The legend concerning Antipas cannot be traced earlier than the fifth century, and then legends of martyrs were freely invented.) The death of one of them reveals the severity of the persecution under which all passed. Martyr.-Strictly witness but bearing witness unto death. It may be better, however, to keep the idea of deceiver associated with the term “Satan,” and destroyer associated with the word “Devil.” Antipas.-Probably short for Antipater a man not otherwise known. Another suggestion is, that the phrase merely indicates that Pergamos was, in a special sense, a home of the Satanic spirit of persecution. Satan’s seat.-Or “throne.” Reference may be to the worship of Æsculapius, under the symbol of a serpent but Sinclair, on the ground of recent excavations, gives the suggestion that the phrase refers to the great altar of Zeus Soter, carved with the wars of gods and giants, which Attalus set up to commemorate his victory over the Gauls-the last great triumph of Hellenism over barbarism. ![]() Thy works.-Better omitted, as in Revelation 2:9. On the other, it was also quick and powerful to smite and to destroy. “On the one hand, it was to smite that it might heal, cutting to the quick, reaching the conscience, laying bare the hidden depths of each man’s life. Sharp sword.-Suggesting unusual severity of asserting, and unusual severity of dealing (see Revelation 1:16 also Ephesians 6:17). ![]()
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