Revelation 2:1-7

2 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,

‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. 6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” ’ (NKJV)

Commentary

First, notice that this particular letter is addressed to the 'angel of the church in Ephesus'. Remember from our previous articles, the word 'angels' means 'pastor' or 'minister'. So, the Apostle John is addressing this letter to the pastor overseeing the Ephesian congregation. This is a specific pastor of a specific local church. That is crucial for you to keep in mind.

Also, notice in verse one this symbolic language of seven stars and seven golden lampstands again. Remember, then seven stars are the pastors or ministers (also called the angels) and the lampstands are the churches being addressed in the book of Revelation. Our sovereign King reminds this Ephesian church that He holds them in His victorious right hand. He is intimately involved with them. They do not go unnoticed. They are secure in Christ.

The Lord goes on to commend this particular local church of several praiseworthy things: their works and labor, their patience, their intolerance of evil, their discernment and commitment to test what they hear against the Scripture, and their perseverance. This is quite the commendation. We would do well to model the church of Ephesus in this manner.

Now let me draw something to your attention for a moment, because we are going to see some of the unhealthy aspects of these particular local churches especially as we move toward the other churches. What we are reading about was the condition of the churches at the close of the apostolic age. We are getting a glimpse at the condition of the churches that were the closet to the time of Christ's incarnation and the apostolic ministry. And yet, this particular church commended for her commitment to truth and patience and hard work and intolerance for evil was rebuked for leaving her first love.

What does this mean? Pastor and Seminary President, Joel Beeke calls this love that which "we most long for to capture our hearts and set the goals of our lives"[1]

Remember that time- that drive if you will, to not just know things about God, but to know and commune with God. There are many people out there that love to know things about God. There are many people out there 'busy' doing work for the Lord, but their love for just being with Christ has dwindled. This was the pitfall of the church of Ephesus. They did some great things in the name of the Lord, but their communion with God suffered greatly. The Lord knew this because the Lord knows our hearts.

Meditation Point

The meditation point can come easily to us today regarding this passage. I have left my first love so many times. Even as I sit and type this article the thought pops into my mind, is my heart devotionally warmed toward Christ? Am I dwelling with Him? Or am I distracted by doing work 'for him'? Friends, we may have many great works to show for. We may have a very successful life and ministry and family, but our hearts can be as cold as ice. Our first love must be Jesus. And the way to cultivate love with Jesus is by secret time with Jesus. Get alone with Him. Pray to Him. Read His Word. Be still.

[1] Joel Beeke, Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 2016), 64.