Revelation 2:7

He that hath an ear. That is, to heed the counsel given (see on ch. 1:3; cf. on Isa. 6:9, 10; Matt. 11:15). The same formula accompanies the promise to each of the seven churches.

Hear. The Greek of this passage implies that those who hear will do so with understanding (cf. on Acts 9:4). Hearing God’s word is meaningless unless the life thenceforth is conformed to the pattern of what has been heard (see on Matt. 19:21–27).

The churches. The promise here addressed particularly to the church at Ephesus belongs in a special sense to all “the churches” of apostolic times, as represented by the church at Ephesus. Though particularly appropriate to them, it applies also to believers in all ages (see on ch. 1:11).

Overcometh. The form of the verb in Greek implies that the person “continues to overcome,” or “keeps on winning.” The thought of overcoming is a recurring theme in the Revelation. The promises of the Revelation have been especially precious to God’s persecuted children in all ages. However, the context (vs. 2–6) implies that the overcoming here referred to is, in a special sense, victory over the false apostles and teachers who had been tempting believers to eat of the tree of human knowledge. How appropriate that their reward for overcoming should be access to the tree of life

Tree of life. See on Gen. 2:9; Rev. 22:2.

In the midst. As in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 2:9). The location stresses the importance of the tree in God’s plan for a perfect world.

Paradise. See on Luke 23:43. The Garden of Eden was “paradise” on earth. When Eden is restored to this world, earth will once more become a “paradise.”

For the application of the message to the church at Ephesus to a certain period in history see Additional Note at end of chapter. For the application of the message to the literal church see on Rev. 1:11.