The Church At Ephesus Series

Secondly, notice that they were commended for putting people to the test. Notice what verse 2 says, “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.” By apostles, he is not referring to the Twelve chosen by the Lord, but is using the word in a much broader sense, as could be seen in 2 Corinthians 11:13. The word apostle means called, sent, commissioned, or ordained. The reference means everyone who makes a claim that they are working for the Lord. By its nature, it encompasses every office, position, task, or duty within the confines of church ministry.

By trying them, it means you have put them to the test, to scrutinize, examine closely, and discipline. Literally it means to weigh the evidence closely, discern the motive and standing, then take action to correct the wrong. The scales to use must be the Scriptures. In God’s word, every qualification, guideline, and requirement for every office or functional ministry personnel is clearly given to us. We are told everything a person needs to be in order to fill an office within the church.

Notice that it says, “and found them liars.” The word found is a judicial term. It carries the meaning of a judge pronouncing sentence and slapping down the gavel.

The fullness of the phrasing means to examine the evidence, weigh the person in the balance of scripture, and pronounce your findings, taking the proper actions to correct the wrong. Evidence examined, verdict passed, sentence enacted. The purpose is to eradicate wrongful actions, and to keep those who do not qualify from abusing certain offices. Scripture is the basis for measuring, not personal bias.

These actions are not to be approached in fear, but are commanded by the Lord Jesus Christ. Why? It is because He desires a clean bride. He does not wish for His bride to be filled with blemishes and have a bad name. It is a biblical principle commanded by our Lord and Savior.

So we have the first two commendations. These are the first two of three things in Ephesus that pleased the Lord. But then He gives a stern rebuke in the middle of the commendations. Notice verse 4, “Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.”

The implication is that love they initially had for the Savior. It is that amazing sense of gratitude that you felt when you realized your guilt, but you also realized His forgiveness. It was how you felt when the very sentence of death was hanging above your head, and the savior said, “I’ll take that.”

By first love, it is similar to the way it is when two people initially fall in love. They think about each other all the time. They talk to each other constantly. They tell their friends about each other and how wonderful the other is. Nothing can distract their attention from each other.

That is the relationship Christ desires to have with you. He desires to have that kind of closeness; that kind of fondness; that kind of desire coming from you toward Him. As a Christian, do you speak often about your Savior? Do you have that same love you initially had? Is He the most important thing in your life? Do you read His word earnestly so that you may know Him in a special way? If you are answering yes, then put yourself in the balances, and see how your answer weighs out. Does your answer come up wanting? How badly does it come up short?