That I am He which searcheth the reins and hearts.—In olden times the mind was supposed to be located in the reins (kidneys); and the prophecy assumes the same position. Thus David says, “My reins also instruct me in the night seasons”; “In the night his song shall be with me.” (Psa. 16:7; 42:8.) “My reins within me are consumed with earnest desire for that day.” (Job 19:27, margin.) The metaphor is appropriate to the theme.—Psa. 7:9; Jer. 11:20; 17:10; 20:12.
And I will give unto every one of you according to your works.—The light of Truth blazes most fiercely against the ecclesiastical organizations whose offenses have been greatest. As for the Papacy, “her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.”—Rev. 18:5, 6; Matt. 7:16, 20.
2:24. But unto you I say [and unto] the rest in Thyatira.—Waldenses and others outside of the Papal system.
As many as have not this doctrine.—Spiritual fornication, mixture of church and state, the special subject of the message to Thyatira.
[And] which have not known.—Comprehended, realized, entered into.
The depths of Satan.—Rome, pagan and papal.
As they speak.—“So to say,” i. e., “Satan” is a name applicable to Rome, as describing its characteristics.—Rev. 2:10.
I will put upon you none other burden.—The Lord only requires of His people obedience to the light due.—1 John 1:7.
2:25. But that which ye have already.—The truths described in 2:18.
Hold fast till I come.—Some of the light which shone upon the Waldensians has never been entirely extinguished.