Revelation 2:1-7 — Letters to the Seven Churches: “What Is Now”

Each church is address in the same pattern:

A. The letter to the church in Ephesus (2:1–7)

DESTINATION (2:1)

COMMENDATION (2:2–3)

REBUKE (2:4)

EXHORTATION (2:5–6)

PROMISE (2:7)

Introduction

As stated in Revelation 1:11 Christ sent a message to each of seven local churches in Asia Minor. The order of scriptural presentation was geographic. A messenger would naturally travel the route from the seaport Ephesus 35 miles north to another seaport Smyrna, proceed still farther north and to the east, to Pergamos, and then would swing further to the east and south to visit the other four cities.

Revelation 1:11 (KJV 1900)

11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

There has been a lot of debate as to the meaning of these messages for today. These churches were specifically selected and providentially arranged to provide specific situations that the church has faced throughout its history. Just as Paul’s epistles, though addressed to individual churches, are also intended for the entire church, so these seven messages also apply to the entire church today insofar as they are in similar situations. There were many other churches such as those at Colosse, Magnesia, and Tralles, some larger than the seven churches mentioned in Asia Minor, but these were not addressed.

As the contents of the letters are examined, it is clear that they are, first, messages to these historic local churches in the first century. Second, they also constitute a message to similar churches today. Third, individual exhortations to persons or groups in the churches make it clear that the messages are intended for individuals today. Fourth, some believe that the order of the seven churches follows the order of various eras in church history from the first century until now.

There are some remarkable similarities in comparing these letters to the seven churches to the movement of church history since the beginning of the apostolic church. For instance, Ephesus seems to characterize the apostolic church as a whole, and Smyrna seems to depict the church in its early persecutions. However, the Scriptures do not expressly authorize this interpretation, and it should be applied only where it fits naturally. After all, these churches all existed simultaneously in the first century.

Though each message is different, the letters have some similarities. In each one Christ declared that He knows their works; each one includes a promise to those who overcome; each one gives an exhortation to those hearing, and each letter has a particular description of Christ that is related to the message which follows. Each letter includes a commendation (praise) (except the letter to Laodicea), a rebuke (except the letters to Smyrna and Philadelphia), an exhortation, and an encouraging promise to those heeding its message. In general, these letters to the seven churches address the problems inherent in churches throughout church history and are a cutting and complete revelation of how Christ evaluates local churches.

This portion of Scripture has been strangely neglected. While many turns to the epistles of Paul and other portions of the New Testament for church truth, often the letters to these seven churches, though coming from Christ Himself and being climactic, are completely ignored. This neglect has contributed to churches today not conforming to God’s perfect will.

A. The letter to the church in Ephesus (2:1–7)

1. DESTINATION (2:1)

2:1. At the time this letter was written, Ephesus was a major city of Asia Minor, a seaport, and the location of the great temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Paul had visited Ephesus about A.D. 53, about 43 years before this letter in Revelation was sent to them. Paul stayed in Ephesus for several years and preached the gospel so effectively, according to Acts 19:10, "that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.” This large city was thoroughly stirred by Paul’s message, with the result that the silversmiths created a riot because their business of making shrines of Artemis was threatened.

Acts 19:11–41 (KJV 1900)

11 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:

12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.

15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?

16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

18 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.

19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

21 After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

22 So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.

23 And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.

24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;

25 Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.

26 Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:

27 So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.

28 And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

29 And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.

30 And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.

31 And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.

32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.

33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.

34 But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

35 And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?

36 Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.

37 For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.

38 Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.

39 But if ye inquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.

40 For we are in danger to be called in question for this day’s uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.

41 And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

The church, therefore, had a long history and was the most prominent one in the area. The pastor or messenger of the church was addressed as the angel (angelos). The word’s primary use in the Bible is about heavenly angels. But it is also used to refer to human messengers.

Matthew 11:10 (KJV 1900)

10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

Mark 1:2 (KJV 1900)

2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

Luke 7:24 (KJV 1900)

24 And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

Luke 7:27 (KJV 1900)

27 This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

Luke 9:52 (KJV 1900)

52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.

Christ was holding seven stars in His right hand and walking among the seven golden lamp-stands. The “stars” were the angels or messengers of the churches and the “lamp-stands” were the seven churches (1:20).

Revelation 1:20 (KJV 1900)

20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

2. COMMENDATION (2:2–3)

2:2–3. Christ commended those in the Ephesian church for their hard work … perseverance, their condemnation of wicked men, and their identification of false apostles.

Revelation 2:2–3 (KJV 1900)

2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

False teachers were present in each of the first four churches:

Revelation 2:2 (KJV 1900)

2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

Revelation 2:6 (KJV 1900)

6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Revelation 2:9 (KJV 1900)

9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

Revelation 2:14–15 (KJV 1900)

14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

Revelation 2:20 (KJV 1900)

20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

Also, they were commended for enduring hardships and not growing tired in serving God. In general, this church had continued in its faithful service to God for more than 40 years.

3. REBUKE (2:4)

2:4. Despite the many areas of commendation, the church in Ephesus was soundly rebuked:

Revelation 2:4 (KJV 1900)

4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

The order of words in the Greek is emphatic; the phrase could be translated, “Your first love you have left.” Christ used the word agapēn, speaking of the deep kind of love that God has for people. This rebuke contrasts with what Paul wrote the Ephesians 35 years earlier, that he never stopped giving thanks for them because of their faith in Christ and their love (agapēn) for the saints (Eph. 1:15–16). Most of the Ephesian Christians were now second-generation believers, and though they had retained the purity of doctrine and life and had maintained a high level of service, they were lacking in deep devotion to Christ. How the church today needs to heed this same warning, that doctrine and service are not enough. Christ wants believers’ hearts as well as their hands and heads.

4. EXHORTATION (2:5–6)

2:5–6. The Ephesians were first reminded to remember the height from which you have fallen! They were told to repent and to return to the love they had left.

Revelation 2:5 (KJV 1900)

5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Similar exhortations concerning the need for a deep love for God are frequently found in the New Testament.

Matthew 22:37 (KJV 1900)

37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

Mark 12:30 (KJV 1900)

30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

Luke 10:27 (KJV 1900)

27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

John 14:15 (KJV 1900)

15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

John 14:21 (KJV 1900)

21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

John 14:23 (KJV 1900)

23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

John 21:15–16 (KJV 1900)

15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

James 2:5 (KJV 1900)

5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

1 Peter 1:8 (KJV 1900)

8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

Christ stated that one’s love for God should be greater than his love for his closest relatives, including his father, mother, son, and daughter in Matt. 10:37. Paul added that love for God should even be above one’s love for his or her mate in 1 Cor. 7:32–35. In calling the Ephesian believers to repentance, Christ was asking them to change their attitude as well as their desires. They were to continue their service not simply because it was right but because they loved Christ. He warned them that if they did not respond, the light of their witness in Ephesus would be extinguished: I will … remove your lamp-stand from its place. The church continued and was later the scene of a major church council, but after the 5th century, both the church and the city declined. The immediate area has been uninhabited since the 14th century.

One additional word of commendation was inserted.

Revelation 2:6 (KJV 1900)

6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

They were commended because they hated the practices of the Nicolaitans. There has been a lot of speculation concerning the identity of the Nicolaitans, but the Scriptures do not specify who they were. They were a sect wrong in practice and doctrine.

5. PROMISE (2:7)

2:7. As in the other letters, Christ gave the Ephesian church a promise addressed to individuals who will hear. He stated, To him, who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

Revelation 2:7 (KJV 1900)

7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

The tree of life, first mentioned in Genesis 3:22, was in the Garden of Eden.

Genesis 3:22 (KJV 1900)

22 And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:

Later it reappears in the New Jerusalem where it bears abundant fruit.

Revelation 22:2 (KJV 1900)

2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

Those who eat of it will never die. This promise should not be taken as a reward for only a special group of Christians but a normal expectation for all Christians. “The paradise of God” is probably a name for heaven.

Luke 23:43 (KJV 1900)

43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

2 Corinthians 12:4 (KJV 1900)

4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

These verses are the only other NT references to paradise. It will be identified with the New Jerusalem in the eternal state.

This encouragement to true love reminded them again of God’s gracious provision for salvation in time and eternity. Love for God is not brought by legalistically observing commands, but by responding to one’s knowledge and appreciation of God’s love.