Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 26, 3:5, 12, 21 | PNT | STEP | He that hath an ear . The call to solemn attention found at the close of each epistle. See . To him that overcometh . The Christian life is a battle and must also be a victory. The Greek word "nikao", rendered "overcome", is peculiar to John. It occurs "once" in his Gospel ( ), "six" times in his epistles ( ), and "sixteen" times in Revelation ( ), but only "three" times in all the rest of the New Testament ( ). To eat of the tree of life . The symbol of eternal life. The tree is seen in Eden ( ), here, and in the New Jerusalem ( ). Which is in the midst of the paradise of God . Since the tree of life is found in both, Paradise and the New Jerusalem must mean the same. Paul uses the term as a synonym of the "Third Heaven", or Heaven itself ( ).

Revelation of John 2:7

He that hath an ear. The call to solemn attention found at the close of each epistle. See Re 2: 7,11,17,29 3:6,13,22.

To him that overcometh. The Christian life is a battle and must also be a victory. The Greek word "nikao", rendered "overcome", is peculiar to John. It occurs "once" in his Gospel (Joh 16:33), "six" times in his epistles (1Jo 2:13,14 4:4 5:4,5), and "sixteen" times in Revelation (Re 2:7,11,17,26 3:5,12,21 5:5 6:2 11:7 12:11 13:7 Re 15:2 17:14 21:7), but only "three" times in all the rest of the New Testament (Lu 11:22 Ro 3:4 12:21).

To eat of the tree of life. The symbol of eternal life. The tree is seen in Eden (Ge 2:9 3:22), here, and in the New Jerusalem (Re 22:2).

Which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Since the tree of life is found in both, Paradise and the New Jerusalem must mean the same. Paul uses the term as a synonym of the "Third Heaven", or Heaven itself (2Co 12:2-4).

Revelation of John 2:11

He that hath an ear, let him hear.

See PNT Re 2:7.

He that overcometh shall not be hurt by the second death. Those who win the victory shall live forever. To die the second death is to be sent from the judgment throne into hell. See Re 20:14.

Revelation of John 2:17

He that hath an ear, let him hear.

See PNT Re 2:7.

I will give to eat of the hidden manna. The bread of life, the bread from heaven. The living bread is Jesus Christ, unseen in the earth and hence called hidden.

I will give him a white stone. Among the Greeks a white stone was a symbol of acquittal, as a black stone was of guilt. The white stone implies justification, innocence and victory.

And in the stone a new name written. All conjectures concerning this new name are idle. It is only given to those who have finally overcome and cannot be known to us here, but implies their new relation to God and the Lamb in their triumphant state.

Revelation of John 2:26

To the end. Until death.

To him will I give power over the nations. In the coming period, when Christ shall rule all kingdoms, the saints who have endured shall share his authority.

Revelation of John 3:5

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment. This is the usual promise to him who overcomes; he shall wear the white raiment of the redeemed; though the names of those who are spiritually dead shall be blotted out of the book of life his name shall not be; and he will be confessed before the Father, that is, acknowledged.

The book of life. Compare 13:8 17:8 20:12,15 21:27 Php 4:3. The book of life means the roll of those who have become heirs of immortality.

I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Compare Mt 10:32 Lu 12:8.

Revelation of John 3:12

A pillar. A term implying strength, permanence and honor.

In the temple of my God. Not in any material temple, but in the church, either on earth or in heaven. The latter is here meant. The New Jerusalem has no temple in it because it is all temple.

He shall go no more out. Always dwell there.

I will write upon him the name of my God. When one enters the church, the spiritual temple below, three names are recorded in his baptismal formula. When he enters the kingdom above, three names are again written upon him; the name of God, of the heavenly city, and Christ's heavenly name.

Revelation of John 3:21

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne. He shall reign with Christ; that is, as a coadjutor of Christ.

As I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. As the result of his overcoming God exalted him to be a Prince and a Saviour (Ac 5:31), and to sit at the right hand of the Majesty of the heavens (Heb 8:1). As he was exalted, so he will exalt all his brethren who win the victory over sin and temptation.