The Church at Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7) by: Francis Jackson

                In this series, the church in Ephesus is addressed first for a few possible reasons.  Historically, Ephesus was known as “the gateway to Asia Minor.”  With this being the case, also considering the location of the island of Patmos where Revelation was composed (a small island in southern part of Aegean Sea, 50 mi. from Ephesus), this would be the best city to address first.  Also, there was lots of time spent there for ministry.  For instance, Paul ministered there for three years (Acts 20:31), Timothy and John also served this church.  It was from this city that John was exiled to Patmos.  Of the different characteristics of God listed in chapter 1, God chooses to emphasize Rev. 1:13, 16 highlighting Him being in the midst of the lampstands (churches-Rev. 1:20) and holding the seven stars (pastors of the churches- Rev. 1:20). The word “angel” mean “messenger.”  The messenger here is not an angel from heaven, but a pastor or God’s messenger to the church.  This characteristic of God is used towards Ephesus to communicate His control and authority over the church.  It is tied into the consequence to the church if they do not repent and return the passion they once had for Christ (2:4-5).  If they failed to turn, God would remove the church altogether from being a light in Asia.  However, before His rebuke, He praises them for what they are doing well.  Their deeds, toil, and endurance were recognized as well as their ability to discern truth (2:2-3, 6).  They are warned to repent and those who conquer through repentance are given the promise to eat from the tree of life.  Taken the experience of this historical church, it is easy for us to become caught up in a laundry list of things as believers, even in ministry, and lose the passion and love we had when first coming to Christ.  Have you become so task-oriented that you disregard or overlook the spiritual pain in people?  Have you become so scholarly that you cannot balance discerning rebuke with love?  In our spiritual life, balance and humility is vital.  Just as important as it is to remember when you first fell in love your spouse, it is all the more important that we remember and return to when we first fell in love with Jesus Christ.  The more we revisit that memory and embrace it, the more we can extend that passionate love to others.