02/19/21 WHAT’S NEW? #21 — Revelation 2:17 (HCSB) Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. I will give the victor some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone, and on the stone a NEW NAME is inscribed that no one knows except the one who receives it.

“hidden manna”: Just as Israel received manna, God promises to give the true believer the spiritual bread the unbelieving world cannot see: Jesus Christ (cf. Jn 6:51).

“white stone”: When an athlete won in the games, he was often given, as part of his prize, a white stone which was an admission pass to the winner's celebration afterwards. This may picture the moment when the overcomer will receive his ticket to the eternal victory celebration in heaven.

“NEW NAME”: A personal message from Christ to the ones He loves, which serves as their admission pass into eternal glory. It is so personal that only the person who receives it will know what it is. (adapted from The MacArthur Study Bible)