Jesus tells Thyatira that He knows their "works and charity." The word Aworks" is the word for "deeds." It refers to the actively involved in the work of the church. Their works and love went together. They loved the Lord and the natural result was a service of love. One must remember that the Ephesians were condemned for having lost their motive of service which must be love.
Christ explains that He knows of their service and faith. The word service is the word "ministry." The whole of the church was active in the total ministry of the church. They also went about their service in faith trusting in
God to supply the opportunity, direction and strength. He also commends them for their patience or perseverance. It means "to abide." They stuck to the task at hand were unwavering in service. Christ mentions "works" twice to this congregation. He is actually commending them because their "works" now were more numerous than when they were first saved! This shows that these believers were growing spiritually and had matured. This is a picture of what the Christian=s life is supposed to be: a labor of love that matures the believer.
