Revelation 2:11
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
11 “‘“Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.(A) The victor shall not be harmed by the second death.”’[a]
To Pergamum.[b]
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- 2:11 The second death: this refers to the eternal death, when sinners will receive their final punishment; cf. Rev 20:6, 14–15; 21:8.
- 2:12–17 The letter to Pergamum praises the members of the church for persevering in their faith in Christ even in the midst of a pagan setting and in face of persecution and martyrdom (Rev 2:13). But it admonishes them about members who advocate an unprincipled morality (Rev 2:14; cf. 2 Pt 2:15; Jude 11) and others who follow the teaching of the Nicolaitans (Rev 2:15; see note there). It urges them to repent (Rev 2:16) and promises them the hidden manna and Christ’s amulet (Rev 2:17).
Revelation 2:17
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
17 “‘“Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the victor I shall give some of the hidden manna;[a] I shall also give a white amulet upon which is inscribed a new name, which no one knows except the one who receives it.”’(A)
To Thyatira.[b]
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- 2:17 The hidden manna: this is the food of life; cf. Ps 78:24–25. White amulet: literally, “white stone,” on which was written a magical name, whose power could be tapped by one who knew the secret name. It is used here as a symbol of victory and joy; cf. Rev 3:4–5. New name: this is a reference to the Christian’s rebirth in Christ; cf. Rev 3:12; 19:12; Is 62:2; 65:15.
- 2:18–29 The letter to Thyatira praises the progress in virtue of this small Christian community (Rev 2:19) but admonishes them for tolerating a false prophet who leads them astray (Rev 2:20). Her fate is sealed, but there is hope of repentance for her followers (Rev 2:21–22). Otherwise, they too shall die (Rev 2:23). They are warned against Satanic power or knowledge (Rev 2:24–25). Those who remain faithful will share in the messianic reign, having authority over nations (Rev 2:26–27), and will in fact possess Christ himself (Rev 2:28).
Revelation 2:29
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
29 “‘“Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’
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Revelation 3:6
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
6 “‘“Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’
To Philadelphia.[a]
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- 3:7–13 The letter to Philadelphia praises the Christians there for remaining faithful even with their limited strength (Rev 3:8). Members of the assembly of Satan are again singled out (Rev 3:9; see Rev 2:9). There is no admonition; rather, the letter promises that they will be kept safe at the great trial (Rev 3:10–11) and that the victors will become pillars of the heavenly temple, upon which three names will be inscribed: God, Jerusalem, and Christ (Rev 3:12).
Revelation 3:13
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
13 “‘“Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’
To Laodicea.[a]
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- 3:14–22 The letter to Laodicea reprimands the community for being lukewarm (Rev 3:15–16), but no particular faults are singled out. Their material prosperity is contrasted with their spiritual poverty, the violet tunics that were the source of their wealth with the white robe of baptism, and their famous eye ointment with true spiritual perception (Rev 3:17–18). But Christ’s chastisement is inspired by love and a desire to be allowed to share the messianic banquet with his followers in the heavenly kingdom (Rev 3:19–21).
Revelation 3:22
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
22 “‘“Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’”
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Revelation 13:9
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
9 Whoever has ears ought to hear these words.(A)
Matthew 11:15
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
15 Whoever has ears ought to hear.
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