Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Revelation 2:27

"and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to shivers; as I also have received of my Father:" — Revelation 2:27 (ASV)

The promise to the overcomers is twofold: “authority over nations” and the gift of “the morning star.” It contains one important modification of the regular overcomer’s formula. Added to the words “to him who overcomes” is “and does my will to the end” (lit., “who keeps my works until the end”). It reminds us of Jesus’ statement in his great eschatological discourse, that “he who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13; cf. also Col 1:23). Proof of authentic trust in Jesus is steadfastness of faith and continuance in God’s will till Christ returns or death comes.

The first promise is a fulfillment of Ps 2, which is messianic and tells how the Father gave the Messiah the rule over the nations of the world. This psalm plays an important part in this book in thinking about Christ (11:18; 12:5; 19:15). The coming reign of the Messiah over the world is to be shared with his disciples (1:6; 3:21; 20:6; 1 Corinthians 6:2). The overcomers will participate with Christ in fulfilling the promise of Ps 2:9. There is a paradox in the combination of the mild word “rule” (lit., “to shepherd”; GK 4477) with the harsh words “with an iron scepter; he will dash them to pieces like pottery” (cf. comments on 19:11ff.). The prospect of such a reversal of their experience of oppression and persecution would be a constant encouragement for suffering Christians.