Ephesus

Revelation 2 begins with the first letter to the first church on John’s list…the church at Ephesus. As we look at each of these SEVEN Churches we will look at FOUR different aspects of each letter. Dr. Bruce Barnes says that you can divide up each letter into these FOUR aspects. The four aspects are: (1) The place, (2) The praise, (3) The problem, and (4) The point.

Since we’ve already taken a few weeks to introduce this book and talk a little bit about the symbolism in chapter 1 let’s dive right into this first letter which can be found in Revelation 2:1-7

Revelation 2:1–7 ESV

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘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, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where 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 you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’

Following our outline, let’s first of all look at...

The Place (v. 1)

From a Biblical standpoint, we know more about the city of Ephesus and the church that was established there than we know about the other six churches.

The book of Ephesians (30 years before) by the Apostle Paul

Most important commercial center in all of Asia Minor (Karschner) bustling port city…landing spot for Roman armies…Arcadian way (important road)…very diverse city…wealthy city…pop. 250k, 4th largest city in the Roman world—world class city. Agora (marketplace) was center of life in Ephesus.

base of operations for the Apostle Paul…planted church there (see Acts 19)

Acts 19:10 ESV

This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.

*Area of great knowledge and education (medical school, ancient library)

*Prevalence of idolatry—temple of Artemis (one of the 7 ancient wonders of the world—goddess of fertility…150 yards long about 100 yards wide…Hundreds of temple prostitutes) People stopped worshipping Artemis…public brothels…14 temples…this was the society that the church was called to live. Emporer worship—Domatian (81-96 AD)…had a temple where people worshipped him as “god”…he brutally persecuted the early church. Christians were called on to worship him as “lord”

This is why Paul said what he said in Ephesians 6:10-20

Ephesians 6:10–20 ESV

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Philippians 2:15 ESV

that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,

*Local trash heap—unwanted children were brought here and left to die of exposure…Christians would find these children and take them in and care for them as their own. Eventually this practice began to fade.

Acts 19:18 ESV

Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices.

Acts 19:20 ESV

So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.

Acts 19:28–29 ESV

When they heard this they were enraged and were crying out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” So the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul’s companions in travel.

The Praise (vv. 2-3, 6)

Good theology—valued wisdom and insight (remember an area of great knowledge…minds are full of “correct content”

Working Hard

Persevering—in spite of idolatry that surrounded them

Brave

Courageous

Stood up for the faith

Hate the deeds of the Nicolatenes (“greasy grace” “cheap grace”, “sin and blend in”)…they taught the body was insignificant…it didn’t matter what you did with your body…immorality was ok, etc.

The Problem (v. 4)

Left your first love—you’ve lost the flame of your first love

Not the same passion for Jesus as before

They worked to know “truth” but got off track

First--”first in terms of priority and motivation” (Stowell)

Seems that the Christians began to substitute “faith and love” with knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge and belief is never a substitute for love.

It had become a “habit” or “duty.” Loveless labor.

This leads to losing power as a church. Jesus longs for a relationship, not just behavior.

It is easy to allow our relationship with Jesus to become “duty” rather than out of love.

Many marriages begin in the honeymoon phase with the spouses taking special care and concern for one another. But what happens after time? Many of these same couples who were madly in love just years earlier have grown distant.

The Point (vv. 5, 7)

Remember

Repent

Repeat/Return

Without you won’t be able to last…Good theology and good works is not enough…must have PASSIONATE love for God and His people too!

You can know are the right things and forget that God and people matter more!

Application: Let he who has an ear…it’s for us too!

Joseph Stowell tells about a “tree” that stood in Ephesus. Women involved in Idol worship would come and “touch” the tree in hopes that they would become pregnant. Others who had poor health would touch the tree in hopes that they would be healed. Of course the believers in Ephesus didn’t participate in this idolatrous practice.

But Jesus tells the Ephesian believers about a better tree they can inherit.

Revelation 2:7 ESV

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’

This was made possible by the sacrifice that Jesus made on another tree…the cross.

Stay faithful because there is a GREAT REWARD!