Revelation 2

Introduction

The seven churches of Asia Minor (Turkey)

There were probably many, many more churches than these in that area; some of these churches may not have been especially prominent

The messages for these churches would be representative of the needs of the church throughout history

The church at Ephesus

We could spend much time talking about this great Roman city!

A combination of New York City and New Orleans

3rd largest city in the Roman empire; population 250,000

In the middle of three important trade routes

The Book of Revelation A. Ephesus (2:1–7)

The traveler from Rome landing at Ephesus would proceed up a magnificent avenue thirty-five feet wide and lined with columns that led from the harbor to the center of the city.

The Book of Revelation A. Ephesus (2:1–7)

It boasted a major stadium, marketplace, and theater. The latter was built on the west slope of Mt. Pion overlooking the harbor, and seated some 25,000 persons.

The Book of Revelation A. Ephesus (2:1–7)

The major religious attraction, however, was the Temple of Artemis (Diana in Latin), one of the seven wonders of the ancient world

Paul ministered there for at least two years; then later Timothy; then later John

Acts 19:10 “10 This went on for two years, so that all the residents of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord.”

1. What does Jesus say is good with the church?

Revelation 2:1–3 CSB

1 “Write to the angel of the church in Ephesus: Thus says the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and who walks among the seven golden lampstands: 2 I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate evil people. You have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and you have found them to be liars. 3 I know that you have persevered and endured hardships for the sake of my name, and you have not grown weary.

v.1 “angel of the church” - lit. messenger

The Revelation of Jesus Christ The Letter to Ephesus: The Church Without Love (2:1-7)

pastors of these churches or prophets through whom the message was to be delivered to the congregation

From 1:20 we know that…stars=angels and lampstands=churches

“in his right hand” - speaks of control, protection

“walks among” - present in their midst and aware of their activities

v.2-3

The Revelation of Jesus Christ The Letter to Ephesus: The Church Without Love (2:1-7)

The Ephesian church is therefore commended for abhorring that which is morally bad as well as that which is theologically in error

“those who call themselves apostles and are not” - very easy for traveling hucksters to pass through Ephesus and present their messages

“persevered and endured hardships” - persecutions from Rome; attacks from those impacted by their ministry (recall the silversmiths)

Revelation 2:6 CSB

6 Yet you do have this: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

May have been “a licentious sect advocating complete freedom in Christian conduct including participation in heathen feasts and free love”

What characteristics would we have as a church if we were to emulated this church?

2. What does Jesus say is wrong with the church?

Revelation 2:4–5 CSB

4 But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember then how far you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

“the love you had at first” - remember the ardor which once gripped their hearts, the causes for it, the wonder of their newfound salvation, and the joy and satisfaction that were theirs in Christ

Recall - this was actually a second-generation church!

Love for God?

Why were the pharisees condemned? Not as much for their deeds, but for their lack of relationship with God

Love for other believers?

The Book of Revelation A. Ephesus (2:1–7)

A cooling of personal love for God inevitably results in the loss of harmonious relationships within the body of believers. Jesus had made it clear that “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Love for other believers was the distinctive badge of Christian discipleship, but at Ephesus hatred of heresy and extensive involvement in the works appropriate to faith had allowed the first fresh glow of love for God and one another to fade

3. What are the instructions that Jesus gives to help them endure to the end?

Revelation 2:5–7 CSB

5 Remember then how far you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. 6 Yet you do have this: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

The Book of Revelation A. Ephesus (2:1–7)

Bear in mind the loving relationships you once enjoyed and make a clean break with your present manner of life!

The Revelation of Jesus Christ The Letter to Ephesus: The Church Without Love (2:1-7)

The promise here mentioned for overcomers is not a message to a special group of Christians distinguished by their spirituality and power in contrast to genuine Christians who lack these qualities; it is rather a general description of that which is normal, to be expected among those who are true followers of the Lord

Application

• What aspects of the Church does Christ want the world to see in order for them to be saved? • Who in your life needs to know Jesus?