Revelation 2:24-25 But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them-I place no other burden on you . Nevertheless what you have, hold fast until I come.
This message is for those in the church at Thyatira who did not follow the teachings of Jezebel. These believers have not studied the ideas of Satan…allegedly. These folks are off the hook as far as Christ is concerned. These believers are encouraged to stay the course in their lifestyle in Jesus.
…until I come…This is the Greek word ηεκο/heko. Strong’s defines the word as: to have come, have arrived, be present. Metaphorically: to come to one, i.e. to seek an intimacy with one, become his follower: to come upon one (unexpectedly); to come upon one, of things endured.
This word ηεκο/heko captures the essence of Christ’s work in the resurrection and rapture of the church. Jesus is returning for His bride. Christ calls on us to persevere and endure the pressures of this world. He desires a personal relationship with believers, those who follow Him. And He will come like a thief in the night if one is not ready.
Revelation 2:26-27 The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father.
The one who conquers…This is the Greek verb νικαο/nikao. It is a term for a victorious military hero. Again, the shoe brand Nike comes from this Greek root word. The grammar states the action is continuous.
…and who keeps my works…Again the action of the verb is continuous. The believer is to continue the deeds and works of Christ. It should be the attitude of the believer to continuously do the will of Jesus. Again, until the end when He comes again.
Pay attention, there are rewards on the line. Believers will be political rulers in the future Millennial Kingdom. This is not an honorary position. Jesus is making the claim. Details of the leadership are noted below.
…I will give authority over the nations…What kind of authority are we promised? The Greek word is εξουσια/exousia. Strong’s Concordance defines the word as the following: power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases; physical and mental power; the ability or strength with which one is endued, which he either possesses or exercises; the power of authority (influence) and of right (privilege); the power of rule or government (the power of him whose will and commands must be submitted to by others and obeyed); universal authority over mankind; the power of judicial decisions; the sign of regal authority, a crown.
…and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces… Jesus is quoting the Psalmist. This is the power and authority promised to the Messiah. He will share in His power with His bride the church.
Psalm 2:9 You shall break them with a rod of iron, You shall shatter them like earthenware.
Notice the chain of command with authority in verses 26-27. It starts with God the Father. The Father hands authority to the Son. And the Son shares it with believers who are in Him. Believers will rule and reign with Jesus Christ in the Millennial Kingdom and into eternity.
