What does Revelation 2:26 mean?

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: Revelation 2:26

Explanation

Revelation 2:26 speaks to the persistent faithfulness and victory in the Christian life. The verse is a promise that those who “overcome,” or remain steadfast in their faith and obedience to Jesus’ teachings ‘unto the end,’ will be rewarded with authority. The phrase “power over the nations” indicates a share in Christ’s own rule and can be understood as a metaphor for significant responsibility and honor in the kingdom of God. It’s important to note that the overcoming refers to a spiritual conquest over sin, the world, and the devil rather than a literal, earthly political dominion.

Historical Context

Revelation was written by the Apostle John while he was in exile on the island of Patmos, during a time of persecution of Christians under the Roman Empire. The early Christian churches faced both external opposition from the Roman government and internal challenges such as false teachings and moral compromise. This verse is part of a series of messages to seven churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), each addressing specific issues within those congregations. The promise of authority over nations would resonate with readers living under Roman rule, as it offered hope of a triumphant future despite their present trials.

Theological Insights

From a Premillennial perspective, Revelation 2:26 is taken as a literal promise that in the Millennial Kingdom, Christians will reign with Christ on earth. Amillennialists, on the other hand, might view this more as a symbolic representation of spiritual victory and the believer’s participation in Christ’s kingly authority.

The concept of overcoming is central to Johannine theology; it represents a life lived in faith and genuine discipleship as opposed to a life of sin and separation from God. The promise of authority to those who overcome indicates a future reward that corresponds with faithfulness in this life; it essentially draws from the idea that there will be different roles and responsibilities in the eternal kingdom based on one’s earthly faithfulness.

Practical Applications

Believers can take comfort and encouragement from Revelation 2:26 in knowing that perseverance in righteous living and faithfulness is recognized and will be rewarded by God. This promise can motivate Christians to endure hardships, temptations, and persecutions, holding onto their faith and continuing to do the works of Jesus. It also challenges believers to prioritize spiritual victory over worldly success, ensuring their pursuits align with Christ’s commands and kingdom values.

Cross-References

• Revelation 20:4 – “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God…”
• Revelation 3:21 – “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.”
• Luke 19:17 – “And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.”

Language Study

The Greek term for “overcometh” in this verse is “νικῶν” (nikōn), which means to conquer, prevail, or get the victory. The phrase “keepeth my works” uses the Greek word “τηρήσας” (tērēsas), which means to guard, observe, or maintain. The reference to “power over the nations” translates from “ἐξουσίαν ἐπὶ τῶν ἐθνῶν” (exousian epi tōn ethnōn), which suggests authority or jurisdiction upon the nations.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The idea of rulership and authority as a divine reward can be found in other ancient cultures too, such as in Egyptian or Mesopotamian religions where afterlife rewards were often associated with ascendance to a god-like status or assuming positions of power. However, in the Christian context, this rulership is presented as a share in Christ’s authority rather than an independent godly power, distinguishing it from other ancient religious beliefs.

Scientific Perspectives

Science typically does not intersect directly with promises of spiritual rewards or eschatological (end times) concepts. The description of power and authority over the nations is a theological matter outside the purview of empirical science. However, psychological studies do indicate that belief in a rewarding afterlife can influence moral behavior, providing motivation and an ethical framework that shapes social behavior.

Commentaries

Contemporary scholars and theologians offer different interpretations of Revelation 2:26. Premillennialists might view the promise of authority in a future earthly kingdom, while Amillennialists and Postmillennialists might see it as a symbolic representation of spiritual truths. John MacArthur, a well-known evangelical preacher, sees this as a literal promise of reigning with Christ during the Millennium. Matthew Henry, in his commentary, views the overcoming as a spiritual victory and the promise of authority as the participation in Christ’s victory and glory. It is generally agreed that whatever the precise nature of the authority promised, it signifies a reward for faith and faithfulness.