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Rev_2:19. The works of the church ( οἰδά σου τὰ ἔργα ), as the Lord knows them, are first introduced by name,—the subordination of the four items τ . ἀγάπην , τ . πίστιν , τ . διακονίαν , and τ . ὑπομονήν , is noted by the attaching of the σοῦ only to the last,[1218]—and then ( κ . τὰ ἔργα σου , κ . τ . λ .) are commended as a whole, because a progress therein is shown. Two pairs are mentioned, and that, too, in such order that their individual members correspond to one another. The ἀγάπη , which already, because it precedes, is intended to refer in an altogether general way to love to God and the brethren, and not only to love to the poor,[1219] proves itself in the διακονία , i.e., in kindness towards all needing help, especially the poor;[1220] and the ΠΊΣΤΙς , i.e., faith,—not fidelity,[1221]—proves itself in the ὙΠΟΜΟΝΉ , i.e., faithful and patient perseverance founded upon the hope of faith, in the midst of attacks from the hostile world.[1222]
ΠΛΕῖΟΝΑ ΤῶΝ ΠΡΏΤΩΝ . Cf. Mat_12:45; 2Pe_2:20. The church at Ephesus (Rev_2:5), on the contrary, but in a similar way, had been reproved for a relapse.
[1218] Ebrard. Cf. Rev_2:2.
[1219] Ew. Cf. Rev_2:4.
[1220] Act_11:29; 1Co_16:15; 2Co_9:12 sqq. Aretius, Grot., Beng., Heinr., Ew., De Wette, Ebrard. Calov., incorrectly: “ διακ ., the performance of the duties of the holy ministry.”
[1221] Beng., Ew. ii.
[1222] Cf. Rev_1:9.