Revelation 2:19; I Know Thy Works

Revelation 2:19 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.

We may think that we can get away with sin but the Bible tells us that our sin will find us out. Our Lord Jesus is described in Rev. 1 as walking amongst the candlesticks. He is right there with His people, looking to their well-being!

And He has good words of commendation for His people. Verse 19 says, “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. ”

This church is not at all complacent and lazy but is diligently witnessing for the Lord by their good works. They were sacrificial in their service, giving and not expecting to receive – that’s the meaning of the word “charity” that’s the word “agape” the outworking of God’s love. They knew our Lord’s injunction – “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35). They were supporting the weak, helping the needy, visiting the sick. They were commended for their service – this is the word for “deacon”, a servant, literally “one serving tables.” They had a servant’s heart, living for others, helping the weak. They were commended for their faith. They were faithful in service, trusting God to do God’s work, in God’s ways, and receiving God’s blessing. Their love shined through. In fact, they were “patient” able to keep serving despite “hostile environment” and obstacles. They were persevering in service despite difficulties and sacrifices. Love, faithfulness, endurance were distinctly present as the Spirit’s fruit in their lives.

The phrase “and the last to be more than the first” speaks of the abounding love that was very much like the commendation that Paul gave to the church in Thessalonica – Paul commended this church of their work of faith and labour love and patience of hope and how the gospel came out to the Thessalonian Christians not just in word only but in power of the Holy Ghost and how they became the followers of Paul and they were good examples to all that believe in the region beyond, they turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God. But the church in Thyatira was turning back to idols, and instead of awaiting Jesus to bring her to glory this church is fearfully awaiting the wrath of God.

This is the transition of thought from verse 20 to 21 from our first thought “doing good works” to our second thought – “Deal with sin”. Amen.