启示录 2:2-3

2. Commendation 2:2-3 (cf. Revelation 2:6)

The Greek word oida, translated "know" (Revelation 2:2), reflects full and exact knowledge from absolute clearness of vision and is always the word used to describe Christ’s knowledge in Revelation. [Note: Swete., p. 24] The other Greek word for knowledge, ginosko, speaks of progress of knowledge in Revelation.

This church had remained faithful to Jesus Christ for over 40 years. He approved of the good works of these believers-their toil in His service, patient endurance of circumstances (Gr. hypomone) under affliction, and discipline of evil men and false teachers. The false teachers probably claimed to be functional apostles (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:13) rather than official apostles (Acts 1:15-26).

"The false teachers claimed to be apostoloi [apostles] in the wider sense, itinerant teachers with a mission which placed them on a higher level than the local elders (I Cor. Xii. 28, Eph. iv. 11 . . ." [Note: Ibid., p. 25.]

"As to whether the authoritative function of apostles continued after the first century, the apostolic fathers are instructive. In no case do the many references to apostles in the writings of Clement of Rome, Ignatius, Barnabas, and the Shepherd of Hermas relate to any recognized apostles other than those associated with the NT. The Fathers apparently understood the special apostolic function to have ceased with the end of the apostolic era." [Note: Johnson, p. 434.]

Particularly commendable was the faithful perseverance of this church (Revelation 2:3).