THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS

 

THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS REVELATION 2 2.1  “To the angel of the assembly in Ephesus write: “He who holds the seven stars in his right hand, he who walks among the seven golden lamp stands says these things: 2.2  “I know your works, and your toil and perseverance, and that you can’t tolerate evil men, and have tested those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and found them false. 2.3  You have perseverance and have endured for my name’s sake, and have not grown weary. 2.4  But I have this against you, that you left your first love. 2.5  Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I am coming to you swiftly, and will move your lamp stand out of its place, unless you repent. 2.6  But this you have, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. -WEB Bible The Church at Ephesus set a good example for other churches, and Jesus commends them for their endurance. But they have lost the glow of first love, and this dismal spiritual state is so serious that Jesus threatens punishment if they don’t repent. It seems that “going through the motions” is not enough: to maintain our vitality as Christians we must actively work on our relationship with God. A church that has lost their spiritual love is in danger of losing their place in the kingdom of God. Historians aren’t sure what the Nicolaitans believed, but they are generally remembered as a cult that was sexually immoral. The cult was started by a deacon in the Jerusalem church. Since the Bible doesn’t explain what the sins of the Nicolaitans were, it’s probably best if we don’t know. It’s not always helpful to know everything. THE REWARDS FOR EPHESUS REVELATION 2.7  He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of my God.  -WEB Bible Each of the Seven Churches is offered Rewards for obeying Jesus, and for being an overcomer. And, Jesus makes a significant statement to each of the Churches also: Jesus says, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear… “ Jesus repeats this phrase to each of the churches: He earnestly wants us to pay attention! So, although we’re (probably) eager to get to the Four Horsemen and other monsters in Revelation, Jesus personally wants us to pay special attention to His instructions to the Churches. These instructions apply to all of us who love the Lord. What Reward does Ephesus get for stirring up their love for God? Jesus promises they will eat of the Tree of Life in the Paradise of God. In Genesis, Adam and Eve were blocked from eating of the Tree of Life, lest they live forever in their sinful condition. In fact, an Angel with a flaming sword guarded the tree. - But now, the Church at Ephesus is offered access to this favored tree; indicating that Jesus is offering them eternal life.  IMAGE CREDITS: The Candle of Ephesus, and the Tree of Life were AI-generated using SeaArt.ai, and edited by C.A. Stevens.