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Jan 4, 2022 · The first thing to note in this letter to the Ephesian church is that the message is from the Lord Jesus Christ: “To the angel [or messenger] of the church in Ephesus . . .” (Revelation 2:1). This is not John’s message to the Ephesian believers; it is a message from the Lord, the One “who holds the seven stars in his right hand and ...
- Nicolaitans
Some Bible commentators believe they were a heretical sect...
- First Love
Revelation 2:1-7 contains Jesus’ message to the church in...
- Seven Churches
The problem with this view is that each church displays...
- Nicolaitans
- Distinctive Features About The Seven Churches
- The City and The Assembly
- The Author and The Answer
- The Commendation Or Approval
- The Condemnation Or Ailment
- The Counsel Or Admonition
- The Alternative—Removal
- A Second Commendation Or Approval
- The Call Or Appeal
- The Certainty Or Assurance
Before actually beginning the exposition of the message to Ephesus, it would be helpful to consider a few of the distinctive and common features that can be observed in each of the messages to the churches of Asia Minor as we find them in Revelation 2and 3.
Ephesus was located near the mouth of the Cayster River only three miles from the coast. It became the capitol of Asia Minor, was connected by highways with the interior of Asia and all her chief cities, and became a great commercial center. The emperor had made Ephesus a free city and it was given the title “Supreme Metropolis of Asia.” It also co...
“The One who holds the seven stars.” This is a note of warning and comfort. It stresses Christ’s authority, control, possession, and provision for the messengers of the local churches who have the responsibility to lead and teach God’s Word. They are in the hand of the risen Savior to whom all authority in heaven and earth has been given (Matt. 28:...
The Lord’s Knowledge
The opening words of verse 2, “I know,” serve to stress Christ’s omniscience, interest, and evaluation of the works, life, and activity of the church. Nothing escapes Him, nothing! Compare 1 Corinthians 3:12f; 2 Corinthians 5:9-10; Psalm 139:1-12.
Their Works
“Deeds” is the noun, erga, the plural of ergon, and refers to “a deed or action or task (this was an active church), to occupational or official activity or service (shows Christ was aware of their official ministries and service, i.e., elder, deacon, teacher, helps, etc.), and of achievements, accomplishments (Christ knew what they had done on His behalf). Compare 1 Corinthians 15:51. “Toil” is kopos, and referred to a toil or labor to the point of weariness. It stresses the depth and degree...
Their Moral and Doctrinal Purity
“That you cannot endure evil men.” “Endure” is the Greek bastazw, “to bear, carry as a burden,” and then, “to endure,” “tolerate.” Now compare Galatians 6:1-5. However, when men refuse to respond to the Word and personal rebuke, there comes a time when believers should no longer tolerate their actions and must take the necessary steps as outlined in the Word. Point: The Ephesian church had refused to allow apostasy and immorality to go on in the church. They exercised church discipline when m...
“Forsaken first love.” The word “left” is the Greek word afihmi, “to leave, forsake, depart.” It stresses an act for which one is personally responsible. This is not LOST LOVE, but LEFT LOVE and suggest three particular problems: (a) they had moved away from their original position of devotion and fervor for the Savior by a gradual departure (Heb. ...
The church as Ephesus from all outward appearances was a very spiritual church for it was certainly a church that was very active in the work of God. They toiled for the Lord, endured much, were doctrinally sound, and took a strong stand against the deeds of the Nicolaitans (vss. 2-3, 6). Nevertheless, something was wrong. They were guilty of a sin...
Removal of their lampstand or witness is the alternative. Our Lord was and is saying, either do the above three or else you will lose your light-bearing capacity. Left love means lost light. The church of Ephesus does not stand today. Its light has been not just dimmed, but completely snuffed out.
They hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans. Scholars differ on their understanding of this group. Some think they were the followers of Nicolas according to early church Fathers (cf. Acts 6:5). Since their heresy seems to be associated with the doctrine of Balaam in 2:14-15, some believe this was an antinomian sect that advocated license in matters of...
A final exhortation (2:7a). “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” This is a loving call to hear what the Holy Spirit is teaching in these seven messages. Note the change from an appeal to the individual, “he who has an ear,” to the plural, “what the Spirit says to the churches.” This change broadens the appeal of e...
Each message of Revelation 2 and 3 concludes with a promise to the overcomer, but there is a great deal of disagreement over the meaning of the overcomer promises. “Overcome” is the nikaw, “to conquer, prevail, triumph, overcome.” But the question is how exactly are we to understand these promises to those who overcome? This is where the disagreeme...
A. Jesus’ letter to the church at Ephesus. 1. (Revelation 2:1a) The character of the city of Ephesus. “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, a. To the angel: As discussed under Revelation 1:20, this angel may be the pastor of the church
Jan 1, 2008 · The letter to the Ephesians, like the other six letters, closes with an invitation and a promise: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Though the message is directed to the church as such through its pastor, the individual is urged to respond to the exhortation and warning.
- Ephesus: the first-century apostolic Church. It is not unusual to be excited about new things and to grow indifferent toward them over time. As we observe in the church at Ephesus, it can even happen in our relationship with Jesus.
- Smyrna: the persecuted Church of the second and third centuries. In Revelation 2:10, Christ said, “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer.
- Pergamos: the worldly Church after its integration with the Roman Empire. One of Satan’s favorite tactics is to weaken the Church through compromise. He used “the doctrine of Balaam” and “the doctrine of the Nicolaitans” to dilute the teachings of the Pergamos church.
- Thyatira: the Church of the Middle Ages. The church in Thyatira was steadfast, generous with others, and loving. Its members worked long and hard for the Lord.
1. What did Christ command the church at Ephesus to remember? (2:5) 2. How did the church at Ephesus need to change? (2:5) 3. What warning was given to the church if it failed to obey Christ’s words? (2:5)
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Jan 24, 2008 · 1. What is the criticism of the Ephesian church? Why is that surprising in light of how Paul concluded his letter to the Ephesians more than 30 years earlier (Ephesians 6:24)? 2. What was He referring to when He said, “… you have left your first love”? Read Mark 12:28-31. 3.
