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



Ver. 17. Of the hidden manna] That is, of Christ, whom none of the princes of this world knew; but God hath revealed him to his hidden ones by the Spirit, 1Co_2:8; 1Co_2:10 cf. Psa_83:3, and given them to taste of that heavenly gift.



A white stone] In token of absolution. With this white stone may the saints comfort themselves against all the black coals wherewith the world seeks to besmear them. If Libanius could say, âáóéëåéïõ ìå åðáéíåóáíôïò êáôá ðáíôùí å÷ù ôá íéêçôçñéá (In epist, ad Basil.), Let Basil praise me, and I shall sing away all care, whoever reproaeheth me; may not we much more say so of Christ? "It is he that justifieth us; who shall condemn us?" Rom_8:34.



A new name] Better than that of sons and daughters, Isa_56:5. The assurance whereof is (saith Father Latimer) the deserts of the feast of a good conscience, which is inconceivable and full of glory.