6. “ To him that overcometh . . . will I give power over the nations, and he shall rule them with a rod of iron” -- 2:26-27. This is not a future millennium text. It is plainly the imagery of the irresistible force of the gospel. It compares with Jeremiah 1:10; Isaiah 11:9; Psalms 2:9; Psalms 110:2, and 1 Corinthians 6:2. The figure of the rod is used to denote the chastening of the truth, and for the power and authority of Jesus Christ transferred in a figure to his followers who proclaim it. It is used to denote the power of the gospel published in the new dispensation, as previewed in the prophetic psalms-- Psalms 2:9; Psalms 110:2. It is used for censure and discipline in 1 Corinthians 4:21. In Revelation 2:26 it refers to the impact of the gospel on the pagan world through the victory of the church emerging from persecution.