We now come to the seven messages to the churches of Asia in Revelation
Remember that on a separate page there are
Rev 2:1-7
The One who Jesus calls himself here "the one who walks among the seven golden lampstands" . He is present with the churches. We should live and act as in the
Ephesus The chief city of the province of Asia. The city today is in ruins, an extensive archaeological site of interest. Paul worked with the church there for about two years on his third
Toil and test The problem of false apostles making false claims and teaching false things caused the Ephesians to work hard and long challenging and
Weary The Ephesians did "not grow weary in well doing"
Left first love Their labour, although untiring, was not from the heart. They did it perhaps because they felt obliged to obey the Lord and keep up appearances. They had not grown weary, but they had lost their first love. We can practice our faith energetically, yet let it slip from our hearts. We don't stop being Christians, but we stop loving to be Christians. This is a first
Remember and repent Jesus threatens them severely and calls on them to recall their former genuine love and return to it, otherwise he will "come" to punish them and
Nicolaitans This appears to be a sect whose deeds and doctrines were abhorrent to Jesus, and to the Ephesians. The Ephesians were heartfelt about this at least. They may have left their first love, but they still maintained their hate. Jesus acknowledges and commends this. We often forget that, whilst love is necessary, so is hate. We should both love the truth
Tree of Life The tree of Life in the Paradise of God is shown to John at the end of his visions
Home | Bible Topics | The Hub | List | Next