Revelation 2

Let’s move into an exciting lesson about the churches that we attend, mirrored in seven ancient churches.

Ephesus

Revelation 2:1-3 “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.

Caesar’s son was pictured as surrounded by seven stars, yet Jesus holds them in His hand. This same powerful Jesus, who controls the universe, walks among the churches. Ephesus is commended for diligence, perseverance, intolerance of evil people and fraudulent apostles. Many of today’s churches could not be given the same praise.

Revelation 2:4-5 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.

Many of our modern churches have also left their first love. In defining the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:36-40; Mark 12:28-34; Luke 10:25-28), Jesus was very specific as to which was the first, love of God.

A major fault of the so-called “social gospel” can highlight the love of our neighbor and overlook the love of God. This causes an upside down approach to worship, whereby the God-breathed Word of Holy Scripture is placed second to the cultural dictates of our neighbors. Many believed in Jesus but would not confess Him because of fear they would be put out of the synagogue. We too have “loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” (John 12:43)

The ancient church of Ephesus is no more, having lost its place. Today, the sin of Ephesus continues, because many have also left their first love, the love of God and obedience to His written instructions. Through Ephesus, we are reminded to “do the first works” and that love involves action. Where have we failed to love God with all our hearts, souls, strength and minds? What works have we neglected to do?

Revelation 2:6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Who were the Nicolaitans? Nicolaism was one of many ancient heresies. Moderns may be shocked that “inclusivity” has boundaries and does not include apostates. Early church fathers wrote of various licentious errors named for the deacon Nicolas (Acts 6:5). Whether he was to blame or not is uncertain. The context shows that these false ideas, which had infiltrated some churches, were not tolerated in Ephesus.

Revelation 2:7 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.

All of us, in every age and place are encouraged to heed this instruction, penned by a mere man in an ancient cultural context, yet inspired by the Holy Spirit with universal symbolism. We are also encouraged to overcome the worldly influence that had crept into 5 of the 7 churches. Why? Because, most of our churches today are also too worldly.

Can salvation come even in very heretical modern churches? The same principle applies today: “to him who overcomes.” Overcoming may be more difficult in some church situations than others, but the hope of salvation exists even in churches that are very corrupt.

Smyrna

Revelation 2:8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

Smyrna is modern Izmir, Turkey. The city was dead for 300 years and came back to life. This is only one of two churches not told to repent.

Revelation 2:9 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.

Their tribulation and poverty were caused by persecution. Could we lose everything and remain rich in faith (James 2:5)? Contrast this with wealthy Laodicean believers who are in spiritual reality poor. Christians of Smyrna were oppressed by the large Jewish population.

Revelation 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.