Ephesus

As I am getting older and having more life experience, my favorite letter of Paul’s in the Bible is becoming Ephesians. For a long time it was Philippians with those encouraging words of thinking positively with the help of Christ. Yet, now the more I read Ephesians, I get this sense of being a warrior for Christ. I love the strength of Paul’s words to this church of knowing who Jesus is and what he has done. So much of this letter is encouraging this church to stand firm in what they believe. Paul reminds them why they are to stand firm, because of the love of Christ that forgives them of their sins.

My favorite passage is Ephesians 6 where Paul talks about who are true enemy is and how we are to put on the whole Armor of God. This church was a strong church in terms of standing up for what they believe in even in the face of persecution. Paul’s let to them was encouraging. So the letter that John writes from the words of Christ probably will be as well.

Pray and Read Revelation 2:1-7

Revelation 2:1–7 NRSV

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands: “I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance. I know that you cannot tolerate evildoers; you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them to be false. I also know that you are enduring patiently and bearing up for the sake of my name, and that you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember then from what you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Yet this is to your credit: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. To everyone who conquers, I will give permission to eat from the tree of life that is in the paradise of God.

Ephesus was a the capital city in Asia Minor under the Roman Empire, set this way by Caesar Augustus. It is in the western most part of Asia Minor. Paul was the bishop over the providence for around three years before the Apostle John took over when Paul was imprisoned. Ephesus was a highly trafficked area with a lot of different cultures, different markets, and different beliefs. Many worshipped Diana, the goddess of fertility. Others were gnostic and believed in their own wisdom and magical crafting. There were many festivals to celebrate these different beliefs as you can imagine. They would have a festival in honor of the Emperor, Diana, and other magical ceremonies.

I think we can relate in our day to Ephesus in a few ways. Sexuality was celebrated and paraded through town. There were many people who wanted to help you manifest your destiny. There were books and classes on how to use crystals and cards to cast spells to give you anything you need.

How was the church suppose to operate under these circumstances? Well, Jesus says that there are two things they did very well.

They test those who claim to be from God. They are good at looking at the fruits of those who want to teach or preach to ensure they are filled with the Holy Spirit. With so many people who were spiritual, it would be easy to hear someone speaking of a higher power and believe that they have your best interest at heart. However, even with good intentions, the works may not be from God.

Later on in the passage, the Nicolaitans are mentioned. Little is known about this group. However, it is apparent that they were involved with the church at one time and then were rejected due to their false teachings. What we do know is that they believed that it was okay to participant in the ceremonies and rituals in town because they were only for fun and could be helpful. Like saying, “Let’s go play with that Ouija Board, nothing would happen.” Or, “my palm or my tarot card reading told them that this will happen for me so I believe it and am excited!” Those things, although they seem small, open doors to forces that you alone can not contain or defeat. The Ephesians knew better and told the Nicolaitans to stop trying to teach them such things for they are false. Sometimes, it is just safer and easier to say no to even the little temptations then suffer the consequences later.

The second thing that Jesus commends them of is for their endurance and strength. They are strong enough to put on the armor of God and keep it on. In the face of evil all around them, they remain strong in their beliefs and keep solid in doing what God commands them. They are well guarded against the persistence of evil that is all around them. They know right from wrong and are not afraid to live it and tell it to anyone who asks. Even if this makes them the outsiders, they would rather be safe inside their armor then tempted by the evils that covers the streets of Ephesus.

So, what could they possibly do wrong? Jesus reminds them that they have forgotten the love they had at first. They used to not be so closed off from society. Instead, they used to do good works in the midst of the festivals and celebrations. There was a time where they had a healthy balance between not participating in the ungodly rituals yet still being kind servants to those in their community. “Do the works you did at first.” No, don’t participate in the bad things, but still show love to others.

Armor is not just used in defense. No solider just hides behind their sword and shield. A good solider knows who to fight against and who to protect. Our armor from God works the same way. We put on this armor as protection from the evil forces that seek to cause us harm when we are out doing work. When we have a solid balance of fighting the good fight and showing the good news, we will live in paradise for all of eternity. After all, true holiness is both love and truth. To be holy means that we love as God loves us. It is a good thing to love God with all that we are, but we also are called to love others as God has loves us.

Remember what Ephesians 6:12

Ephesians 6:12 NRSV

For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

The Ephesians did not have to fight against the Nicolaitans, but against their false teachings. So how do we measure up to the Ephesians? Are we strong in the truth? Do we have all our armor on and know who our Savior is? Are we consistent in standing firm on what we believe? Do we do these things in kindness and love? We can love the person and show grace and forgiveness without joining in on their sin. We have our own sims and temptations to worry about. Remember, you too were once a sinner lost to the world, until Jesus redeemed you and give you His Spirit. Show others this truth.

In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen