Original Douay–Rheims AnnotationsRevelation 2

English College of Douai–Rheims

Revelation 2:1

Holdeth the seven.

Much to be observed, that Christ hath such care over the Church and the Bishops thereof, ^◦ that he is said here to bear them up in his right hand, and to walk in the middes of them: no doubt to uphold and preserve them and to guide them in all truth.

◦ Christ's care of his Church.

Revelation 2:2

Thy works, labour, patience, &c.

Things required in a Bishop. First, good works, and great patience in tribulation. Next, ^◦ zeal and sharp discipline toward offenders is here commended in them. Thirdly, wisdom & diligence in trial of false Apostles and preachers coming in sheep-skins: where is signified the watchful providence that ought to be in them, that Heretics enter not into their flocks.

◦ Special virtues required in a Bishop.

Revelation 2:5

Will move.

^◦ Note that the cause why God taketh the truth from certain countries, and removeth their Bishops or Churches into captivity or desolation, is the sin of the Prelates and people. And that is the cause (no doubt) that Christ hath taken away our golden candlestick, that is, our Church in England. God grant us to remember our fall, to do penance and the former works of charity which our first Bishops and Church were notable and renowned for.

◦ Sin is the cause that God taketh the Cath. faith from countries.

Revelation 2:6

Because thou hatest.

We see here that of all things, Christian people (specially Bishops) should have great zeal against Heretics and hate them, ^◦ that is, their wicked doctrine and conditions, even as God hateth them. For which only zeal, our Lord saith here that he beareth with some Churches and Prelates, and saveth them from perishing.

◦ Zeal against Heretics.

Of the Nicolaites.

Heretics have their callings of certain persons, as is noted at large Act. 11. 26. These had their name of Nicolas, ^◦ one of the 7 first Deacons that were chosen Act. 6. Who is thought to have taught community of women or wives, and that it was lawful to eat of meats offered to idols. Which later point is such a thing, as if one should hold it lawful to receive the bread or wine of the new Communion, which is a kind of Idolothyta, that is, idolatrous meats. For though such creatures be good by creation, yet they be made execrable by profane blessings of Heretics or Idolaters. And concerning the name of Nicolaites given here by our Lord himself to those Heretics, it is a very pattern and mark unto the faithful for ever. What kind of men they should be, that should be called after the like sort, Arians, Macedonians, Nestorians, Lutherans, Zuinglians, &c. See S, Hierom cont. Lucifer. in fine.

◦ Nicolaites the first Heretics so called, as a pattern of Arians, Lutherans, and the like peculiar callings.

Revelation 2:14

To cast a scandal.

^[1] Josephus writeth that when Balaam could not curse God's people, nor otherwise annoy them, he taught Balac a way how to overthrow them: ^[2] to wit, by presenting unto them their Heathen women very beautiful, and delicate dishes of meat offered to Beelphegor: that so being tempted they might fall to heathenish manners and displease God. ^[3] To which crafty counsel of Balaam the Apostle resembleth Heretic's fraud, who by offering of liberty of meat, women, Church goods, breach of vows, and such other licentious allurements, cause many more to fall, than by their preaching.

1 li. 4. Antiq. c. 6.
2 Balaam overcoming God's people by persuasion of lechery and bellycheer, was a type of Heretics.
3 2. Pet. 2, 15. Iuda v. 11.

Revelation 2:20

The woman Jezabel.

He warneth Bishops to be zealous and stout against false Prophets and Heretics of what sort soever, ^[1] by alluding covertly to the example of holy Elias that in zeal killed 450 false prophets of Jezabel, ^[2] and spared not Achab nor Jezabel themselves, ^[3] but told them to their faces that they troubled Israel, that is, the faithful people of God. And whether there were any such great woman then, a furtherer and promoter of the Nicolaites, who the Prophet should here mean, it is hard to say.

1 Zeal against Heretics.
2 3. Reg. 18.
3 Achab and Jezabel.

Revelation 2:21

She will not repent.

^◦ See free will here most plainly, and that God is not the proper cause of obduration or impenitence, but man himself only. Our Lord giveth sinners so long life, specially to expect their amendment: but Jezabel (to whom the Apostle here alludeth) would never repent.

◦ Free-will. God is not author of evil.

Revelation 2:22

They that commit adultery with her.

^[1] Such as communicate with Heretics, shall be damned (alas) with them. For, not only such as were in their hearts, of Jezabel's religion, or inwardly believed in Baal, but such as externally for fear worshipped him (which the Scriptures call, bowing of their knees to Baal) ^[2] are culpable. As now many bow their knees to the Communion, that bow not their hearts.

1 They that communicate with Heretic, shall be damned with them.
2 3. Reg. 19. v. 18. Ro. 11.

Revelation 2:26

I will give him power.

Observe that not only Angels have power and regiment over Countries under God, but now for the honour of Christ's human nature, and for his ministry in the world, the Saints deceased also, ^◦ being in heaven, have government over men and Provinces, and therefore have to do with our affairs in the world. Which is against the Heretics of these days, that to take away our prayers to Saints, would spoil them of many sovereign dignities, wherein the Scriptures make them equal with Angels.

◦ Saints also are Patrons, not only Angels.

Original Douay–Rheims Annotations — English College of Douai–Rheims. CC0 1.0