He says that he “will come to you soon.” The pronoun “you” is a reference to the entire congregation. Yet when he comes, he will “war against them with the sword of my mouth.” The pronoun “them” refers here to those who embrace the teachings of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans. In a war it is not only the enemies who feel the heat of the battle, but also the citizens of the land. Jesus’ battle may be directed against those in the church who bring and embrace false teaching, but the whole church will feel the pain in some way.
16 Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth.