Albert Barnes Commentary Revelation 2:12

"and to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These things saith he that hath the sharp two-edged sword:" — Revelation 2:12 (ASV)

And to the angel of the church in Pergamos. (See Barnes on Revelation 1:20).

These things says He who has the sharp sword, etc. (See Barnes on Revelation 1:16).

Compare Hebrews 4:12; Ecclesiastes 12:11; Isaiah 49:2.

Professor Stuart suggests that when the Savior, as represented in the vision, "uttered words, as they proceeded from His mouth, the breath which accompanied them assumed, in John's view, the form of a fiery two-edged sword."

It is more probable, however, that the words which proceeded from His mouth did not assume anything like a form or substance, but John means to represent them as if they were a sharp sword. His words cut and penetrate deep, and it was easy to picture Him as having a sword proceeding from His mouth; that is, His words were as piercing as a sharp sword.

As He was about to reprove the church at Pergamos, there was an appropriateness in referring to this power of the Savior. Reproof cuts deep, and this is the idea represented here.