Chapter 2

Directions to write to the Angels or bishops of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamus, and Thyatira.

1. 1

   To the Angel of the church of Ephesus write: These things, saith he who holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks:

2. 2

   I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear the wicked: and thou hast tried them, who say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

3. 3

   And thou hast patience, and hast endured for my name, and hast not fainted.

4. 4

   But I have against thee, that thou hast left thy first charity.

5. 5

   Be mindful, therefore, from whence thou art fallen: and do penance, and do the first works. Or else I come to thee, and will move thy candlestick out of its place, unless thou do penance.

6. 6

   But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaites, which I also hate.

7. 7

   He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches: To him that overcometh, I will give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of my God.

8. 8

   And to the Angel of the church of Smyrna write: These things saith the First and the Last: who was dead, and liveth:

9. 9

   I know thy tribulation and thy poverty, but thou art rich: and thou art blasphemed by those who say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

10. 10

    Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer. Behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried: and you shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life.

11. 11

    He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches: He that shall overcome, shall not be hurt by the second death.

12. 12

    And to the Angel of the church of Pergamus write: These things saith he that hath the sharp two-edged sword:

13. 13

    I know where thou dwellest, where the seat of Satan is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith. And in those days Antipas was my faithful witness, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

14. 14

    But I have a few things against thee: because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat, and to commit fornication:

15. 15

    So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaites.

16. 16

    In like manner do penance: if not, I will come to thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

17. 17

    He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches: To him that overcometh, I will give the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone; and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth but he that receiveth it.

18. 18

    And to the Angel of the church of Thyatira write: These things saith the Son of God, who hath eyes as a flame of fire, and his feet like fine brass:

19. 19

    I know thy works, and thy faith, and thy charity, and ministry, and thy patience, and thy last works which are more than the former.

20. 20

    But I have a few things against thee: because thou permittest the woman, Jezabel, who calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants, to commit fornication, and to eat of things offered to idols.

21. 21

    And I gave her a time to do penance: and she will not repent of her fornication.

22. 22

    Behold, I will cast her into a bed: and they that commit adultery with her, shall be in very great tribulation, unless they do penance from their deeds.

23. 23

    And I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know, that I am he who searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give to every one of you according to your works. But I say to you,

24. 24

    And to the rest who are at Thyatira: Whosoever have not this doctrine, and who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will not put upon you any other burden:

25. 25

    Yet that which you have, hold fast till I come.

26. 26

    And he that shall overcome, and keep my works unto the end, I will give him power over the nations;

27. 27

    And he shall rule them with a rod of iron, and as the vessel of a potter they shall be broken,

28. 28

    As I also received from my Father: and I will give him the morning star.

29. 29

    He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.