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Expanded Comments |
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| 1 To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, he that walketh in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:
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Unto the angel – The appropriate message for each time or epoch in the Church's experience would be sent by the Lord through a particular star or messenger whom he would particularly commission as his representative. R3570:4
One representative to whom the Lord would specially address himself, and through whom he would specially instruct the Church. R2826:6
The chosen elders of the Church, who specially represent the Lord, the Head. F272
The Lord addressed his messengers through their representative elders messengers or servants. R1893:2
Minister. R1087:5*
The messengers of the first church--Matthew, Peter, James, John and Paul. R336:2*
See comments on Rev. 1:20.
Church of Ephesus – Meaning first, desirable. Ephesus covers the period during the lives of the apostles. R5992:3, 4870:2, 3569:2, 491:1*; HG97:2
The first phase of the church reached to about the death of John, the last of the apostles. HG97:3
Any number of the living church assembled together in any place may properly be called the church of that place. R1893:5
The capital or chief city of the province of Asia, from which the laws, proclamations, etc., would go forth--Ephesus fitly represents the first period of the church of Christ and his apostles. R336:2*
Holdeth the seven stars – The messengers of the churches--St. Paul, St. Peter, St. John, etc.--were so powerfully led and kept in the grasp of the Lord, that we accept their teachings as his. R5992:3, 491:2*, 336:2*
Who walketh in the midst – The supervision of the glorious Head over the Body--his Church. F401
Seven – Perfect or complete number. R529:4*. 3650:6[R3650]
Golden candlesticks – Or lampstands. R3650:6, 1491:1
The Church of the first-born. R529:4*
Representing all the true saints or light bearers in all the various phases of the nominal church development. R1491:1
Similar to those in Zech. 4,but separated from one another and representing the seven stages or epochs of the church. R3650:6, 2521:6, 1491:1
Each of the seven churches or the seven epochs of the history of the church, is represented by a separate candlestick or lamp. R2521:6
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| 2 I know thy works, and thy toil and patience, and that thou canst not bear evil men, and didst try them that call themselves apostles, and they are not, and didst find them false;
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I know thy works – It was characteristic of this period that "they forsook all and followed him." (Luke 5:11) They took joyfully the spoiling of their goods. They sold what they had and gave to those in want. R5992:3, 491:2*
Compare with the account given by Paul of their labors, their patience, stripes, power of discerning spirits, etc. HG97:5
Labour – Toil. R336:4*
Thou hast tried them – To the first church (and to her only) was given the supernatural power of discerning of spirits. (1 Cor. 12:10) R336:4*
Say they are apostles – Self-styled "Apostolic Bishops." R5765:2, 5544:1
Bishops claimed to be successors of the apostles, and spoke claiming the same divine authority; calling great church councils and deciding what was and was not orthodox. R5002:6, 5831:3; SM133:T, 462:T, 552:1, 672:1; OV22:3
Claiming that they are the only ones who have the right to give authority to any to preach. OV411:1; SM671:2
Beginning some time before the year 325 AD this doctrine of apostolic succession had been growing. SM672:1; OV411:3
The exaltation of false apostles, false prophets, apostolic succession was contrary to the divine arrangement. R5003:1, 5347:2; D594; OV396:1
But are false teachers, "vainly puffed up." (Col. 2:18) D594
The voice of God to and through the Church came only through "the twelve apostles of the Lamb." SM462:T; HG736:4
And are not – They never have been able to convey any of the miraculous gifts. R5831:6
Some of the ministers of Satan are thought to be ministers of God. R5259:1
The twelve apostles selected by Jesus (St. Paul taking the place of Judas) were to be the only foundations of the Christian church. R5751:6, 5829:1; OV396:1, 410:1, 412:1; SM670:1, 673:T
There is just one class in the world today and for centuries past who have been claiming to be apostles, and who are not. OV410:1; SM670:1
Hast found them liars – Jesus says that those who make claims of being apostles when they are not are lying. OV410:3; R5347:2; SM671:1
Apostolic succession is a grievous error. R5940:2, 5544:1
Our Roman Catholic, Church of England, and Greek Catholic friends have made a very serious blunder in claiming to have Apostolic Bishops. OV410:2; R5829:1; SM670:3
It is not uncharitable to say this, for we are to speak the Lord's Word. OV411:T; SM671:1
The gift of discernment of spirits, as in the cases of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1), Simon (Acts 8:1) and Elymas (Acts 13:8), belonged only to the early church. R336:4*
The Ephesus stage of the church is commended for its faithful, patient labor and for its discernment of truth and true teachers. (Acts 20:28-30; 1 Cor. 11:19) R5992:3, 491:1*
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| 3 and thou hast patience and didst bear for my name’s sake, and hast not grown weary.
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Fainted – Greek, kamno, as in "The prayer of faith shall save the sick." (James 5:15)--the weary and weak in faith. R4099:2*
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| 4 But I have this against thee, that thou didst leave thy first love.
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Left thy first love – And became subject to ambitious leaders, finally drifting into the great system of error called "Babylon." R984:2
There was a love for Jesus, God, and the great plan of salvation manifested in the days of Jesus and the apostles, for a little while during the first century, and gradually much of that love and zeal became less and less. Q102:4
Some at first found the truth of God very precious and sweet, but finally persecution arose and opposition, and they found out how much it would cost, and some have lost their first love. Q102:4
Whoever is not rendering some service to our King, has at the very most the "lukewarm" love that is offensive to the Master. (Rev. 3:16) R2497:4[R2496]; Q102:4
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| 5 Remember therefore whence thou art fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I come to thee, and will move thy lampstand out of its place, except thou repent.
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I will come – Our Lord's own words for it that he is supervising and correcting his Church now. R2431:2
Do the first works – To repent and turn humbly to God and to heed his instruction. R1528:5
To commence over again by a full surrender of themselves to the Lord, that he may sacrifice them. R2020:3
Remove thy candlestick – "The light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee." (Rev. 18:23) R590:6*
Even that highly exalted church at last lost its first love, and God removed their candlestick, to the second and lower condition. The power of miracles passed away. HG97:5
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| 6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
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Nicolaitans – Those who lord it over the Lord's heritage. (1 Pet. 5:3) The word Nicolans means "A conqueror or lord of the people." R336:5*
Nicholans in Greek, has the same meaning as Balaam in Hebrew. R336:5*
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| 7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.
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Hath an ear – To hear. R2414:4
A humble heart of obedience. OV309:1
The ear of faith is the special favor of God to those of a meek, honest heart, desiring truth and righteousness. R4557:2; NS743:6
We want to be wise in this matter and merely seek for those who desire the truth. CR344:1
The world's ears are dull of hearing, "deaf." The Church's mission is not to these. R2414:4, 336:5*
As salvation reaches now those who "have an ear to hear," so it will be in the Millennial age, reach all--for the deaf ears will be unstopped. R1265:4
Let him hear – Receive the testimony of prophetic truths. B16
Jesus often used these words, to show that some messages are not sent for all. R336:5*
That overcometh – During the Gospel age. R2832:2, 5992:5
There is an individual and personal friendship between the Lord and the overcomers now in this life, and the promise of pleasure and honor that shall be eternal. (Psa. 16:11) R5113:4, 5993:2
We must remember his words that only "overcomers" can share with him in the Kingdom. Q787:2
To eat – Though often deprived of the bread of this present life, they not only had the Living Bread (John 6:51) but had the promise of the tree of life. R5992:5, 491:2*
As Eve shared the loss of the first dominion, and access to the tree of life was barred, so the Church will share the gaining of that dominion (Micah 4:8), and with Christ, will eat of the tree of life. R4018:6*
The tree of life – All the trees in Eden were trees of life, but one in the midst of the Garden was then a forbidden tree, the disobedient eating of which brought death upon Adam and all his race. R5992:5, 2832:1
The overcomers of the Gospel age shall have full liberty to partake of that tree under most blessed and satisfactory conditions, when the knowledge will be of benefit to them under divine approval. R5992:5, 2832:1
A grove or "woods" or orchard seems to be the thought of the original. R2840:3
Evidently a reference to Jesus Christ, harmonizing with his statement in John 6:55 "My flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed." R480:5*
The paradise of God – Paradise, or the Garden of the Lord, not only represents the earthly condition which will be restored, but it also applies in a figurative sense to the glorious heavenly position which God has for the Church. HG435:6
The glorious estate of the future. D648; F669; R1794:1
Identifying with the first paradise of Eden. R2832:1
An antitype of the Garden of Eden. HG399:5
The earth shall be the Paradise of God, and God's Tabernacle shall again be with men. NS535:6
The garden of Eden was the paradise lost, and on a larger and grander scale it shall in due time be restored by him whose sacrifice purchased it as well as mankind. R2788:3, 1794:1; F669; HG399:5
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| 8 And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These things saith the first and the last, who was dead, and lived again:
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The angel – See comments on Rev. 2:1
Church in Smyrna – Meaning "bitter" (Myrrh and Marah are kindred words); referring to the period of most bitter Pagan persecution under Roman Emperors from Nero to Diocletian, reaching to about 325 AD when Constantine declared in favor of Christianity. R5992:3,5, 351:2*
Means a "sweet odor," and represents the Church in the first persecution under the Roman emperors, before the corruption and "falling away" of which Paul speaks, began. HG97:2
The second stage of the church from the beginning of the second century to the conversion of Constantine in AD 312. HG97:3
First and the last – The only direct creation of God. E93; R5992:6, 5748:1, 1904:5, 1278:3, 1005:3; SM491:2
The only begotten Son. (John 1:14) E93; R5748:1, 1005:3
As if he said: "Fear not, my faithful ones; I was before all these persecutors; I shall be when they are forgotten; I shall take care of you. Fear not to follow in my footsteps. R351:3*
See comments on Rev. 1:8 and 3:14.
Was dead – From the time of his crucifixion, until the time of his resuscitation, Jesus was not in any sense alive during that interim period of about thirty-eight hours. R2476:5
And is alive – In itself a message of comfort and hope to the suffering martyrs. R351:3*
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| 9 I know thy tribulation, and thy poverty (but thou art rich), and the blasphemy of them that say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
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And poverty – This is an interjection with an emphasis. It is as if he said. You poor? No, no; you are looking at the things which are seen. R351:3*
But thou art rich – Look up; the kingdom of heaven is yours. R351:3*
Upon whom death and persecution and poverty had come. Persecution always purifies the true child of God. HG97:5
Say they are Jews – Spiritual Israelites. R2443:1, 5964:6
Not literal Jews, but "Israelites indeed." HG97:6
The synagogue of Satan – Where ministers teach theories of Evolution and other errors. R2106:2
Those who claimed to be the favorites of the gods, and to whom applies the true symbolic and appropriate name by which they should afterwards be known--Satan, Devil, etc. R351:6*
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| 10 Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer; behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life.
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Behold the devil – Pagan Rome, which has been the most devilish of all earthly governments when viewed in the light of its bloody persecutions. R5992:6[R5992:6], 491:2*, 351:6*; A258
Much of the persecution of the children of light (1 Thes. 5:5) must be ascribed to Satan and his hosts. SM549:2
The great Adversary, Satan, whose very existence is now being denied by many. F609
Into prison – Thus the Lord informed his faithful servants of this period that theirs would be a time of great persecution. R5992:6[R5992:6]
That ye may be tried – Some of the most sublime pictures of Christian endurance were enacted during the Smyrna period. R5992:6, 491:2*
Tribulation ten days – Symbolic days, referring to the last and most severe persecution under the Roman emperors, that in the reign of Diocletian, AD 303-313. R5992:6[R5992:6], 491:2*, 351:6*, 306:3
A quotation from Wilson's Outline of History. R351:6*
Be thou – Each one of the Church class. R5824:3, 5069:4
The Bride class. R5069:4
The Gospel Church--called, chosen, and faithful. R3327:4, 306:2
This thrilling exhortation is given to those who have entered into a special contract with the Lord. R5913:3
Faithful – Full of faith. R5914:1
Never neglecting his work to strive for the transient joys and prizes which the world offers. C225; R1113:4
Loyal and obedient to God. CR158:4; R5914:1; NS62:5
A faithful servant is one who demonstrates himself worthy of his master's confidence, one who can always be relied upon. R5914:1
All the followers of Jesus must obey him, must follow his directions. R5473:4
Holding fast the faith that first led to consecration, through evil report and good report. (2 Cor. 6:8) R5914:1, 5858:6
Our justification comes to us as a reward of faith, regardless of works, but our glorification will follow only as a reward for faithfulness. R5090:5
The wheat class must be ready to lay down their lives as the price of their fidelity to the Lord. Their consecration is sure to lead to consecration to death, which ultimately finishes in literal death. R2778:4
Full submission to the divine will. R5495:6
Faithful to the Lord, which includes faithfulness to the brethren, the truth, to righteousness in every sense of the word. R3973:6
Seeking to glorify God in our bodies and spirits which are his. (1 Cor. 6:20) R5090:5
Proving whether we love God or self best; if our confidence in him is such that we will lay aside everything else to win the great prize, the crown of life. R5914:1
That glorious work of the future shall be done only by those who have proved themselves wholly loyal to God. R5461:4
The Church is now on trial or judgment and the faithful shall be rewarded. Q794:4
They have the assurance of attaining a share in his glory, honor and immortality if they are but faithful--even unto death. SM275:T, 668:1; F444; R2647:3; NS451:5; OV308:3
Unto death – "Ye shall die like men." (Psalm 82:7) F444
The kings who will reign with him will not be crowned nor reign as kings in this life. A284
A faithfulness which would persist until the sacrifice is finished in death. R5914:4, 5858:6, 3211:6; OV194:3
The obedience of the Church is the extreme of obedience. R5844:6
Victory through death. R5495:6
In some instances may come early; in others, it may come late. R5173:6
The heavenly things are to be attained only by those who sacrifice earthly things. R4902:4
A struggle, a battle, must go on continually to the end of the course. OV182:1
Until the Master shall say, "It is enough. Come up higher." R5063:3
This faithfulness must be tried, tested, proven, clear down to the end of life's journey. R3973:6; F445
The Lord whom we serve is able and willing to open the prison-doors and bring us forth in the first resurrection to a share in the glory, honor and immortality of his own Kingdom. R3973:6; F445
To those who continue faithful and obedient, the final moment of crisis is at death, even as with the Master, "faithful unto death." R669:6
Victor-kings through dying. R5495:4
St. Stephen's climax of victory--the loving spirit in which he received death. R5858:5, 2108:3
Our consecration to the Lord is not to October 1914, nor to any other time except that mentioned by the Savior. R5336:5
It is not a sacrifice for a day or a year. R3685:5
All who would be accepted as followers of the cross must follow the Captain's example if they would have the great prize. R3273:1, 3281:4
This does not mean merely to die as a consequence of consecration to the Lord. R5914:2
A crown of life – "The crown of life which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." (James 1:12) "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness." (2 Tim. 4:8) "When the chief Shepherd shall appear ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." (1 Pet. 5:4) R3211:6
Life on the highest plane; inherent life; eternal, everlasting life; immortality. R3211:6, 5992:6, 5914:4, 5608:6, 4668:6
Take heed that no man take thy crown. (Rev. 3:11) E490
The Father has offered a reward so high that such obedience has become the standard par excellence throughout the universe. R5844:6
Jesus will succor all his followers who obey him and guide them to the heavenly Kingdom. R5473:4
He assured them and us that he will furnish trials and assistances and that if faithful to the end, we shall have a "crown of life." PD66/78
Given to the "more than conquerors." A crown of superior life. R5914:4, 5608:6
The future inheritance of faith. R3518:5
The invitation of the present time, to suffer with Jesus that we may reign with him, implies the attainment of membership in his Body. R5913:6
To those who in loyalty of heart meet all the reasonable requirements of the Lord. R5702:6
The "King's own" are called to victory and not to defeat. NS62:1
"Let us so run that we may obtain." The goal is near! (1 Cor. 9:24) R5914:4
Given to those referred to in Matt. 25:21, 23. R5914:1
Those who forfeit their crown are numbered among God's enemies or the Great Company. R2942:5
The Great Company will stand before the throne, with palm branches in their hands, instead of sitting in the throne, wearing crowns. SM362:T; R5533:4, 4871:1
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| 11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
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He that hath an ear – A humble heart of obedience. OV309:1
The ear of faith is the special favor of God to those of a meek, honest heart, desiring truth and righteousness. R4557:2
The world's ears are dull of hearing, "deaf." The Church's mission is not to these, but to those who desire the truth. R2414:4, 336:5*; CR344:1
Let him hear – Receive the testimony of prophetic truths. B16
Jesus often used these words, to show that some messages are not sent for all. R336:5*
Churches – All the churches of the second phase of the seven stages. HG97:6
He that overcometh – Those, who during this age follow in the footsteps of the Forerunner. (Heb. 6:20) R649:2
He that conquers. (Rotherham) The overcomers of the world. R649:5
There is an individual and personal friendship between the Lord and the overcomers now in this life. R5113:4
The promise of pleasure and honor that shall be eternal. (Psa. 16:11) R5993:2
Not be hurt of – In no wise shall be injured in consequence of. (Rotherham) R649:2[R649], 514:5[R514]
The true children of God were suffering death at this stage of the church, but are encouraged that they shall not be hurt of the second death. HG97:6
All others than the class of overcomers of the Gospel Church will be greatly injured by the second death. R649:5
The second death – He who in this present age having died with, or in Adam, is awakened of the Spirit and consecrates himself to death with Christ (this would be his legal death), is not hurt of it. R528:1*, 514:5
Every scripture where the second death is mentioned refers to a class of willful sinners, who, in spite of knowledge and ability, love sin and hate righteousness, except this one; which hastens to assure us that though this class will suffer death aside from the Adamic, and therefore, the second, they will not be injured in consequence. R649:5
The present is the judgment day of all who stand on trial for life, with the alternative of second death before them. R1391:6
Notwithstanding discipline and experience, if any still choose to live after the flesh, the Apostle's warning is that such shall die (Rom. 8:13) and he refers to the second death. R1699:5,6
Satan and all who affiliate or sympathize with him and his evil course shall be everlastingly destroyed. F459; NS73:5
Second death is not mentioned until the last part of the Bible is reached, thousands of years after the first death is recorded. Before there was the second death, there was the second sin, the "sin unto death." (1 John 5:16) R1478:1*
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| 12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These things saith he that hath the sharp two-edged sword:
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The angel – See comments on Rev. 2:1
Church in Pergamos – Meaning "earthly elevation." Referring to a period in which the nominal church was growing popular and Papacy had its rise. R5992:6, 491:2*
Means "elevated," and refers to the phase of the Church at and after the conversion of Constantine, when the self-exaltation, corruption and falling away began. HG97:2
The church of this period was exceedingly exalted, but only from an earthly point of view; she was "exalted in the earth." R359:1*
The third phase of the church during the falling away, and prior to the fleeing into the wilderness, near the beginning of the sixth century. HG97:3
The time of Constantine's conversion, when the power of the empire was made subservient to the church, and Christianity could begin to assume the dignity of civil power. HG97:6
A celebrated city of the Roman province of Asia. Here parchment was first perfected. It had a library of 200,000 volumes; also a famous temple of Esculapius, the mythological deity who presided over medicine. R359:1*
Dating from the time Constantine professedly embraced Christianity, which being thus popularized, soon became the nominal religion of the people. R359:1*
Persecution had ceased, the policy of the Emperor became the policy of both priests and people. The nominal Christian church soon filled with the popular time-serving crowd. R359:1*
All the vile doctrines that have saturated the papal church, and that still permeate Protestantism had at least their origin in this period. R359:3*
The name given to the citadel of Troy. R359:1*
Quotations from Mosheim on this period. R359:2*
Saith he – The speaker is Christ himself. R359:3*
It seems as if the little company of faithful ones were earnestly looking amid all the noise and strife for their Leader, when suddenly he shouts, Attention company! R359:3*
The sharp sword – The Word of God, the Truth. (Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12) R359:3*, 5992:6[R5992:15], 591:2*; B101
This weapon is formed both for offensive and defensive warfare. While one edge is presented toward the enemy, there is another toward him who wields it. R359:3*
Christ has given it to the Church to be used in his service: woe to him who handles it unskillfully. R359:3*
As if the faithful ones, looking for their leader amidst the strife, when suddenly he appears and shouts, attention! R359:3*
With two edges – Greek, two-mouthed. R5992:6, 491:2*
This weapon is formed both for offensive and defensive warfare. R359:3*
While one edge is presented toward the enemy, there is another toward him who wields it; a warning to those who handle this spiritual weapon unskillfully. R359:3*
See comments on Rev. 1:16
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| 13 I know where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s throne is; and thou holdest fast my name, and didst not deny my faith, even in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwelleth.
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I know thy works – They were many. The faithful of this period were very zealous and were hard workers against much opposition. R359:4*
Satan's seat – The home and stronghold of Paganism, which, in course of time, with a change of little else than name and names was re-christened Papacy. R359:4*
The seat of the "dragon," called "the devil and Satan" (Rev. 12:9); the seat of the empire. HG98:1
How appropriate is this, when addressed to the Christian church of that day; and how meaningless it would be, if applied to the little church in the village of Pergamos, in Asia, where the "dragon" never had its seat. HG98:1
Holdest fast my name – The endearing name of our "Father," R359:5*[R359*]
The fidelity of the faithful is more particularly noted because of their adverse surroundings. R359:4*
The nominal church was split in two, chiefly over the question of image-worship; the idolaters ranging under the bishop of Rome, who received the name of Pope, while the image-breakers, as they were called, formed the Greek Church under the Patriarch (chief father) of Constantinople. R359:4*
Not denied my faith – True Christians were tested and proved by the introduction of pagan and papal ideas. R5992:6, 491:2*, 359:2*
At this time there were many teachers and more controversy than ever before. Light was darkened by words, and truth with sophistry. R359:4*
Antipas – Anti [against] papas [father or the pope]; one who protests against the pope. The true followers of the Master denounced the attempt to disobey the direct command of Jesus, "Call no man Father." (Matt. 23:9) 5993:2[R5993], 491:3*[R491*], 359:5*[R359*]
Would evidently mean "against the father," or "opposed to the Pope or Patriarch"; as we use the name anti-christ, the opponent of Christ. R359:5*[R359*]
Who was slain – They received persecution. R5993:2, 491:3*
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| 14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there some that hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumblingblock before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication.
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Doctrine of Balaam – Pagan priests sought to bend their ideas to fit the new religion. Thus gradually the church was led into error, evil practices, and away from God. R5993:1, 491:2*
The blasphemous doctrine of eternal torment, and the endless existence of sin and sinners; also the fiction of the short line from the death-bed to heaven, and kindred fancies, have always been a "stumbling block" to the church. R359:6*
The homage given to pagan rites, ceremonies, festivals, etc., Christianized (?) such as prayers to the dead, sacred places, days, and persons; union with earthly powers and with those who do such things would be Baal-am service. R359:6*
Some in the ministry are willing to preach doctrines which they do not believe (respecting eternal torment, etc.) for the sake of salary and the maintenance of their positions and friendship of wealthy Balaks. R2204:6; F166
At this time, the doctrine of three Gods was invented. R359:2*
Numbers 22 and onward tells the story of Balaam. R359:5*
Who taught Balac – Balaam had been a prophet of God (Num. 23:24), but he instructed King Balak how to tempt Israel to sin. R5993:1, 491:3*, 359:5*
Cast a stumblingblock – The harlotry and false worship would be on a higher plane than that which stumbled natural Israel, even as everything in this Christian dispensation is anti-typical. R5323:5
Before the children of Israel – Spiritual Israel. R2204:6
To commit fornication – Pagan priests taught the church to indulge in spiritual fornication. R5993:1, 491:3*
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| 15 So hast thou also some that hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans in like manner.
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Of the Nicolaitans – Nicholas means a conqueror of the people; a lord. R359:6*, 491:3*
The theory of lordship or headship in the church. The strife as to who should be greatest existed amongst many of the patriarchs--fathers--of the prominent churches. R5993:1, 491:3*, 359:4*
In the church of Rome the laity are as much the subjects of the Pope, both in spiritual and temporal things, as any of earth's conquerors ever dreamed of demanding. R359:6*
The patriarchs of Jerusalem, Antioch, Constantinople and Rome were the most prominent. The first two dropped out of the conflict, but the strife continued for several hundred years between Constantinople and Rome. R5993:1, 491:3*, 359:4*
Noticed in the Ephesus message, developed in the Pergamos age--a burden to the church ever since. R359:6*
The "reverent" fathers who profess a superior sanctity, privilege and authority for the exposition of God's Word. R359:5*
Nicholans in Greek, has the same meaning as Balaam in Hebrew. R336:5*
Which thing I hate – Those whom God makes leaders will be the last to boast of it. R336:5*
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| 16 Repent thou therefore; or else I come to thee quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth.
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Come unto thee – To his own; in a sense delivered them out of Babylon, bearing them up on eagles' wings (Rev. 12:14; Exod. 19:4) into the wilderness. R360:1*
Notice "thee" and "them." The words are evidently used like "you" and "them" in 1 Thes. 5:1-4. The Lord speaks directly to his Church as "thou" or "you," but of the world as "they" or "them." R359:6*
Fight against them – The world, Babylon, to whom he comes with the sword, by which they are cut into two--The Roman and Greek churches. R359:6*, 360:1*
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| 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and upon the stone a new name written, which no one knoweth but he that receiveth it.
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He that hath an ear – A humble heart of obedience. OV309:1
The world's ears are dull of hearing, "deaf." The Church's mission is not to these, but to those who desire the truth. R2414:4, 336:5*; CR344:1
The ear of faith is the special favor of God to those of a meek, honest heart, desiring truth and righteousness. R4557:2
Let him hear – Receive the testimony of prophetic truths. B16
Jesus often used these words, to show that some messages are not for all. R336:5*
To him that overcometh – There is an individual and personal friendship between the Lord and the overcomers now in this life. R5113:4
In this stage of the development of the church those who sought to be popular received the emoluments of the church; but the promise to the overcomers is that of pleasure and honor that shall be eternal. R5993:2, 491:4*
The hidden manna – Immortality, typified by the golden pot of manna in the Ark of the Covenant. T122, T123; R4012:1, 360:1*
Being incorruptible, represents the grace of God in the Church of the firstborn, the Little Flock, which shall enjoy the incorruptible life. R4012:1; T123
Typifies spiritual food, the Word of God; and also refers to the living Word, the true Bread of Life. (John 6:47-51) R360:1*
Only these who come with sincere hearts to taste and see for themselves what good things are found on the table of the Lord can ever know. Their's is the "hidden manna." R1957:6
A pledge to the Pergamos Church that he who watched over literal Israel in their journeyings would care for them in the weary march that was about to begin. R360:1*
A promise in the face of desolation and death, of a life that should be hid--from all the power of persecution--with Christ, in God. R360:1*
A white stone – The seal of the holy Spirit in the heart. E247
The sealing of the holy Spirit by which the Lord identifies the overcomers. R5113:4
Signifying a precious token of the Lord's love. R5113:2, 5863:1 1820:6
The emblem of authority, the color indicating the purity of the reign. "A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom." (Heb. 1:8) R360:4*
In ancient times a white stone was divided into halves, and the production of the stone would insure friendly aid. Thus the divided stone became a mark of identification. R5113:1
A new name written – The name of the Bridegroom. R5863:1, 5113:2, 1820:6
The name of Christ. R2571:5
The name of our beloved, King of kings, and Lord of lords. R360:4*
The name assumed by our Lord on taking unto him his great power and beginning his reign--a name now revealed to the members of his Body since the reign has begun. R360:4*
Henceforth to be ours; "a people for his name." (Acts 15:14) R1820:6, 5863:1
Expressive of the new character. R2571:5
The Great King of kings' secret between himself and the individual. R5113:4
No man knoweth – "The natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them." (1 Cor. 2:14) R1820:6
Except as others may see the fruits of holy Spirit in the daily lives. E247
Saving he – The overcomers are not to be recognized merely as a class, but each will have the personal favor of the Lord. R5113:4
There is an individual and personal friendship between the Lord and the overcomers--the antitypical white stone--the sealing of the holy Spirit. R5113:4
That receiveth it – In the resurrection, we shall have complete knowledge of the name by which we shall be known to the Lord. R5113:5
No person knows our new name except they that receive it; for it is, "The Lord our righteousness." R238:5*
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| 18 And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like unto burnished copper:
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The angel – See comments on Rev. 2:1
Church in Thyatira – Meaning, "the sweet perfume of sacrifice." Referring to the period of Papal persecution in which the virgin Church was enduring hardships in the wilderness while the apostate church sat on the throne of her royal paramour. R5993:2, 491:4*, 388:3*
Meaning "sweet savor of labor." Applies to the first part of the period during which the Church was said to be in the wilderness; the time also in which the Papacy was in power. R388:3*
Means "sacrificed," and refers to that phase of the Church when the "woman fled into the wilderness," where she was to be fed of God. HG97:2
Represents the Church in its sacrifice of life and property. HG97:4
This Church has to forsake all and flee into the wilderness. HG98:1
When the true Church, purified by persecution, relieved of its ordinary load of lazy dead-heads and untrammeled by the class who always choose the popular side, was fully harnessed and faithfully laboring in the Lord's work. R388:3*
Many evidently had more zeal than knowledge, but they were faithful to the light they had. R388:3*
The space of time during which the true Church was in the wilderness, and the apostate church sat as a queen and lived deliciously with the kings of the earth. (Rev. 18:7) R5992:3, 491:1*, 389:3*
Saith the Son of God – A more emphatic declaration of who the speaker is than in any previous message was necessary because a usurper had arisen. R388:3*
Our Lord here announces himself as speaking through his written Word--his only authorized authority. R388:6*
Eyes like unto a flame – Expressive of their piercing brightness. R388:6*
To watch over his faithful ones as they wandered through the dark valleys or hid in the darker caves of earth. R5993:2, 491:4*
He can follow them in all their desolate wandering, no matter how wild and dreary the mountain passes may be. HG98:1
Despised and persecuted for the truth, it was a cheering thought to know that their exalted Head "seeth not as man seeth." (1 Sam. 16:7) R388:6*
Feet are like fine brass – This metal was perhaps the most useful and enduring known to the ancients. As if saying, "Fear not in all your terrible journey of 1260 years in the wilderness, lo! I am with you; we shall walk together." R388:6*
To walk by the side of his Church as they scaled the rugged mountains or wandered footsore and weary, seeking a place to plant the seeds of truth. R5993:2, 491:4*
See comments on Rev. 1:14, 15.
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| 19 I know thy works, and thy love and faith and ministry and patience, and that thy last works are more than the first.
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I know thy works – At such a crisis, works, feeding the hungry and clothing the naked, would be a prominent virtue. HG98:2
Similar language to that used in addressing Ephesus, with the apparent recognition that works of Thyatira were even more abundant. R389:1*
More than the first – A generous praise, and shows the Lord's appreciation of the faithful labors of the true Church of this period. R389:1*
An apparent recognition that the works of Thyatira were even more abundant than those of Ephesus. R389:1*
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| 20 But I have this against thee, that thou sufferest the woman Jezebel, who calleth herself a prophetess; and she teacheth and seduceth my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols.
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That woman Jezebel – Type of the enemy of the saints. B256; R557:4; OV326:2
Symbolical of the persecutor of the Church. R3794:4; HG69:4
Symbolically representing the great harlot, Babylon. OV268:3
The apostate church of Rome. B256; R389:2*
Representing a great religious system of this Gospel age which did violence to the truth. R5751:2, 5741:6, 4730:4
Type of a corrupt church inculcating false doctrines amongst the Lord's nominal church. R4741:1
The antitypical Herodias, (Matt. 14:3, 4; Mark 18:19) is adulterously allied to the kingdoms of this world while nominally espoused to Christ. R3325:3, 5751:2
Representing a false Christian church system married to earthly governments. R5751:2
The idolatrous wife of king Ahab (1 Kings 19:14) from whom Elijah fled for his life into the wilderness. R5993:2, 4741:1, 3794:4, 3326:6, 491:4*, 389:2*; B256; OV326:2
Clearly the drunken woman from whom the church fled. HG98:2
The protector of the priests of Baal. R5993:2, 5751:3, 491:4*, 389:2*
If we are inclined to feel or speak strongly of the wicked course of Jezebel, as we should, let us not forget that somewhat similar practices prevail in our day. R4741:6
Calleth herself – Greek, heautou, as in "Shall not speak of himself." (John 16:13) E171
To teach – The description of Jezebel in this message exactly fits the teaching of Rome. R389:3*
Seduce my servants – From the proper course of Christian living. R4730:4
In their great troubles, many of those who had fled were seduced back by offers of life, property and position, in the earlier days of their flight. HG98:2
So successful has been the seduction that Protestants generally would rather associate with an immoral member of an orthodox church, or a member of the body of anti-Christ, than a faithful and consistent Christian. R389:4*
Commit fornication – In that Christendom lives with the world; worshiping houses and lands, banks, stocks and bonds, name and fame. R4811:5
Churches are continually typified in the Scriptures by women, so the teaching alluded to is the following and union with some of the daughters of Babylon. R389:4*
Sacrificed unto idols – How could the Pagan ideas taught by the Papacy, and clung to by Protestantism, be better described? R389:3*
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| 21 And I gave her time that she should repent; and she willeth not to repent of her fornication.
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I gave her space – Greek, chronos, time, 360 years, ending in the spring of 1878. Luther's 95 theses were placed on the doors of the church in Wittenberg Oct. 31, 1517. Dating the beginning of this "time" from the spring of 1518, allowing the intervening months for the light to spread, 360 years bring us to the spring of 1878. R491:4*, 389:4*
To the time when our Lord said to the nominal Gospel church, as shown by the parallels, "Your house is left unto you desolate." R389:5*, 491:4*
Her time for repentance has been since the light of the Reformation dawned upon her. R491:4*, 389:4*
Fornication – Worldly affiliation. C164
The temptation before spiritual Israel, which was illustrated in fleshly Israel, is of a more insidious kind--any illicit fellowship with the world. R2300:1
Union with some of the daughters of Babylon; the various creed-bound sects which still hold captive the spiritual Zion. R389:4*
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| 22 Behold, I cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of her works.
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A bed – Sleep, stupor. R491:5*
Great tribulation – The great tribulation. R491:5*
Their deeds – "Her works," rendered by oldest manuscripts and other best authorities. R389:4*
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| 23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the kidneys and hearts: and I will give unto each one of you according to your works.
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Her children – Daughters, the churches of today. R491:5*
Rome endeavored to kill Thyatira's children with literal death; and the Lord cheers them by the assurance that the reverse would finally take place. R389:5*
Antitype of the 450 priests of Baal whom Jezebel fed and whom Elijah destroyed. (1 Kings 18:19, 20) R389:5*
With death – Spiritual death is what ails the churches of today. R491:5*, 389:5*
According to your works – The changed condition of things will reveal to "all the churches" who it is that is doing the sifting work. R389:5*
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| 24 But to you I say, to the rest that are in Thyatira, as many as have not this teaching, who know not the deep things of Satan, as they are wont to say; I cast upon you none other burden.
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The depths of Satan – Manifested in modern Christian Science, etc. R2189:1
There are apparently certain ideas which "they" call deep things of God which our Lord calls by the proper name: "deep things of Satan." R389:6*
None other burden – The message began by commending them for their "works" and "service." R390:1*
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| 25 Nevertheless that which ye have, hold fast till I shall have come.
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Hold fast – Patiently carry this burden, holding fast what they have. R390:1*
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| 26 And he that overcometh, and he that keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give authority over the nations:
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He that overcometh – That overcometh love of self, popularity, worldly prosperity, human theories and systems. D268; HG718:5
The victory is only to those who overcome the old creature, the old will. R5778:2
Those who overcome the weaknesses and besetments of their own fallen flesh, the allurements of their environment and the wiles of the Adversary. OV356:3
Those that become the Royal Priesthood and inherit immortality. R5371:3
The promise of pleasure and favor that shall be eternal. (Psa. 16:11) R5993:2
The Lord has promised the crown of glory and the heavenly blessings. R2752:3
The promise to the faithful sheep of the Gospel age. NS182:3
The glorified Church will be associated with Christ in this work. NS552:5; OV308:3; PD93/108
There is an individual and personal friendship between the Lord and the overcomers now in this life. R5113:4
Will I give power – Authority. R390:1*
During the world's judgment the overcomers of this Gospel age will be with the Lord in his Millennial throne. (Rev. 3:21) R4084:4, 1163:6; SM346:3
Participants in the Millennial Kingdom glory and its dominion of earth for the uplifting of mankind. CR81:1; R2063:5; HG669:3; OV190:2, 379:5
In no sense was the Kingdom set up at Pentecost in any but its embryo or preparatory form. HG368:4
The characteristic of the Thyatira period was the reign of the false church. R491:5*
Over the nations – The Gentiles. OV379:5
The overcoming Church would have a share in the work at the time of the establishment of the Kingdom and the overthrow of Gentile power. D624, D12; R507:2; HG669:3; NS683:2
There will be contention amongst the nations--war. NS58:5
Not merely a present work of grace in the heart. A285
Countless millions can be saved in the age to come. R858:2
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| 27 and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the ceramic vessels are broken to shivers; as I also have received of my Father:
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He shall rule them – The nations. D518, D636; NS217:6, 552:5
At Christ's second coming. NS552:5; SM716:2
For their blessing and uplift out of sin and selfishness. R4799:2, 5377:4
The execution of vengeance (chastisement) upon the earth. HG31:2; NS217:6
"He must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet." "At the name of Jesus every knee should bow; and every tongue should confess." (1 Cor. 15:25; Phil. 2:10, 11) R1057:1
Rome was in the height of her glory, claiming to be the kingdom of God; that Christ's reign had begun--through the Pope. She literally ruled the nations with a rod of iron, dashing in pieces whom she could. R390:1*
With a rod of iron – God's Kingdom will be established by force. D518, D429, D636; R1057:2
When the dominion of the world will be assumed.
Outward obedience will be compulsory. D636; R1163:6
Inflexible justice. OV324:1; NS27:4
Willful opponents of righteousness will be destroyed. D643; R5286:6, 3141:2
The socialism of the Millennium will not be voluntary, but enforced. R3141:2
The force will not in the slightest sense interfere with man's God-like quality of free will. R1057:2
The perverse and obstinate will be roughly handled if they attempt resistance. R1057:1
"Judgment will I lay to the line and righteousness to the plummet." (Isa. 28:17) A303; C371; D637
When the Church is gathered to Christ, he will begin the rule of the iron rod which shall break the world's vaunted institutions as potter's vessels. R2462:6
Christ's Millennial work will not consist simply in drawing men's hearts by love through a knowledge of the truth, it will be more than that: it will be a ruling with an iron rod with unbending justice. R1057:1, 1423:2, 1248:2, 1149:4*; SM57:1
Regulations will be far more exacting than those of any previous government, and the liberties of the people will be restricted to a degree that will be galling indeed to many now clamoring for an increase of liberty. A302
The rule will be felt by many to be a severe one, breaking up all their former habits and customs, as well as present institutions founded upon false habits and ideas of liberty. A302
Many and severe will be the stripes which a present life of self-indulgence and gratification will naturally demand and receive under Christ's reign. A303
When the iron rod has accomplished the work of destruction, then will the hand that smote be turned to heal. A256
Though the power and rod will still remain throughout the Millennial age, their use will probably be unnecessary. D637
The type (in a sense) of the iron rule was signified before the eyes of the faithful; making even their terrible persecution a reminder of the glory and power they were called to inherit. R390:4*
Vessels of a potter – The seats of popes, cardinals, bishops, kings, princes, financial magnates, etc., created by the Adversary. SM716:2
In the time of trouble the Lord will dash the kingdoms of this world to pieces, as pottery is shivered before the blows of an iron rod. R1563:6; SM57:1, 716:2; NS27:4
All nations, not only heathen but civilized, will be found in violent opposition to the Heavenly Kingdom, and hence all together they will be crushed. SM442:T
Christ's title "Prince of Peace," will not apply to him at the beginning of his reign, when he will be breaking in pieces every human system out of accord with the divine standards. R5136:4
The coming of the King of earth means much of trouble and a general overturning of the kingdoms of this world. It means the breaking in pieces of the kingdoms of earth as a potter's vessel. R1692:4
Shall they – The Gentile governments, empires, nations. B77, B100; D12, D624; NS683:2
The great systems of selfishness which are to fall and rise no more. SM58:1
At the time of Christ's second advent and the establishment of his Kingdom. SM716:2
Broken to shivers – This smiting and breaking properly belongs to the Day of Vengeance. D637
The "dashing" of the present social system to pieces in a great time of trouble and anarchy, preparatory to the establishment of the Kingdom of righteousness. D296, D12
Mankind will not heed (Psa. 2:9-12), and shall be dashed to pieces. R713:4, 30:6*; HG13:3; NS857:4
The higher than human government will come to men through a baptism of bloody trouble--the breaking of present imperfect systems. R1424:4
The great Redeemer will utterly dash in pieces all the existing institutions that seem so great and so wonderful, but are vessels of the Adversary potter. SM717:1; R3467:3, 507:2
The kingdoms of this world which at the advent of Christ's Kingdom shall be utterly unfit for his service, and utterly out of harmony with the principles of righteousness. R2691:6
Immanuel will exercise divine power in the closing of the Gentile Times. R3467:3
"This honor have all his saints,--to execute the judgments written." (Psa. 149:9) R2975:5, 155:4*; B100; PD93/108
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| 28 and I will give him the morning star.
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The morning star – The false church claimed infallibility, that she alone could interpret the Scriptures; but to the faithful is promised not only the light before the day, but the same proof of the time of night and of the dawning. R491:5*
They would have the "Morning Star" very early in the morning of the resurrection, while it is yet dark to the world at large. R91:1*
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| 29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.
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He that hath an ear – The ear of faith is the special favor of God to those of a meek, honest heart, desiring truth and righteousness. R4557:2
Churches – All the churches of that age. HG98:2
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