Commentaries:
Adam Clarke
I know thy works - And of these he first sets forth their charity, , their love to God and each other; and particularly to the poor and distressed: and hence followed their faith, , their fidelity, to the grace they had received; and service, , and ministration; properly pious and benevolent service to widows, orphans, and the poor in general.
And thy patience - ̔ · Thy perseverance under afflictions and persecutions, and thy continuance in well-doing. I put faith before service according to the general consent of the best MSS. and versions.
Thy works - The continued labor of love, and thorough obedience.
The last to be more than the first - They not only retained what they had received at first, but grew in grace, and in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ. This is a rare thing in most Christian Churches: they generally lose the power of religion, and rest in the forms of worship; and it requires a powerful revival to bring them to such a state that their last works shall be more than their first.
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