To The Church of Ephesus

Revelation 2:1-7

Immanuel – 11/21/21

Last week I said that Revelation 1:20 was like a key that unlocks the rest of the book. I want to start this message by being as clear as I can about what I meant. In Revelation 1:20, Jesus is showing us how symbolism will work within this whole revelation.

Symbolism creates relationships between different elements. For example, Jesus says that the seven churches are seven lampstands. This does not mean that lampstand is a codeword for church. It means that there are things true about the church that are true about lampstands; and things about lampstands that are true about the church. Biblical symbolism is looking at the same object from two different vantage points. And when you do that, you learn more truth about what it is you are looking at.

And when symbolism is understood in this light, here is what chapter 1 revealed:

The church are participants in Christ’s ever expanding kingdom.

The church is united by the glorious grace and majesty of our great King.

He holds the church in His righteous right hand, and nothing can separate us from His love.

It is through the church that the Holy Spirit is casting heaven’s light into the darkness of this world.

When we understand the way symbolism works, we know what to do when we see it. And Revelation is a highly symbolic book; just as are all other prophetic books of the Bible. When we come to the first symbolism in Revelation, Jesus gives us the interpretation; which is much like giving us a key to unlock the rest of the symbols we will see.

Over the next number of weeks we will be reading the seven letters to the seven different churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Each one of these churches existed in the first century and were dealing with particular issues of the day. Christ addresses those issues and then offers particular encouragements to each church.

I say that because classical premillennialists and amillennialists will often say that these seven churches represent different ages of church history. The particular struggles associated with each church represent the struggles of the universal church during different seasons of her history. I disagree. I actually agree with many dispensational premillennialists who believe that these seven churches truly existed in the 1st century, and Christ’s seven messages had particular meaning for them.

Purpose

Part 1 – Zoomed out view of chapters 2 and 3.

Part 2 – Zoomed in view.

What were the issues in Ephesus?

What did Jesus say they needed to overcome?

Read Revelation 2:9-11

7 Epistles

Chapters 2 and 3 in Revelation are devoted to the seven churches. Christ is speaking directly to them, giving them seven different messages. From this point forward I will be calling those seven different messages the seven epistles. An epistle is simply a letter/message to a church.

Even though there are seven epistles to particular churches, we saw in chapter 1 that these seven churches stand as figure heads for the whole church, for every church, for Immanuel. Though the seven churches have unique issues identified by Christ, every church knows these issues in some measure. Every church can identify with something written to each of the seven.

Just one of the reasons I believe that is because Revelation was given as an encouragement to the church universal. In an immediate sense, it was given to encourage the churches about to go through a great tribulation. But it was also given to show all churches throughout time that Jesus reigns, He is victorious, and therefore, so is His church.

And as we consider each epistle over the next seven sermons, we will find powerful application for our church and for each one of our lives.

But before we do that, I want to zoom out and look at these seven epistles from a distance. Because when you do, you see the absolute genius of the One who delivered these epistles. Jesus Christ is an intellect that shames the simple minds of men; and once again I find myself standing on a bluff overlooking the vastness and depth of the majesty and wisdom of our great God!

As I said earlier, some claim that the seven churches represent different ages of church history. Though I think that is wrong, I do believe they are on to something. The seven churches do not represent church history, but the seven epistles are powerful reflections of Israel’s history.

The epistle to Ephesus has language of the Garden of Eden throughout – which we will see today.

Smyrna reminds us of the patriarchs – of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and others – who were promised everything and yet possessed nothing.

Pergamum remembers Israel’s wandering in the wilderness, where manna fell and they faced Balaam.

Thyatira corresponds to Israel’s kings; to promises made to David and that wicked queen Jezebel.

Sardis remembers the prophets, who were filled by the Holy Spirit, calling to repentance, speaking of coming judgements.

Philadelphia is like a return from exile, with a rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple with resistance from fallen Jews.

Laodicea calls to mind the very days Israel was in during the writing of Revelation: the Last Days. Apostate Israel was so self-righteous, but really they were whitewashed tombs filled with dead men’s bones. They would be spit out of God’s mouth and out of the promised land.

Zooming out and seeing Israel’s history reflected in the seven epistles does two things. First, it reminds us, the Church, not to apostatize as Israel had done. It is a reminder not to repeat their mistakes. It’s a reminder not to leave our first love. Secondly, it shows us that the Church will do what Israel could not: we will overcome – which is the message at the end of each epistle, and it is the message at the end of Revelation.

So, we zoom out and see Israel’s history reflected in the seven epistles. We also see a foreshadowing of the rest of the book of Revelation in the seven epistles.

Ephesus – Judgement on False Apostles/False Christians

7 Churches – Chapters 2 & 3

Smyrna – Judgements on False Israel

7 Seals – Chapters 4-7

Pergamum – Judgements of the Evil King and False Prophet

7 Trumpets – Chapters 8-14

Thyatira – Judgement of Royal Harlot

7 Bowls – Chapters 15-18

Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea – Worship, Marriage, Victory, Dominion, Judgement, Recreation, Life

7 Promises – Chapters 19-22

The seven epistles look back on Israel’s history and they look forward to what is coming in Revelation. And then there is one final thing to see from this zoomed out view. There is a beautiful symmetry built into chapters 1 and 2: a chiastic structure between the vision of the Son of Man and the seven epistles – and it is absolutely genius.

From a zoomed out perspective there are three layers of structure in chapters 2 and 3; not to mention that the seven churches are listed in a clockwise order according to their geographic location. I know those slides went quickly and some of them were probably hard to read, but if you want to dive deeper into those three structural layers, I have print-outs for you to take home and study. You can grab them after the service if you like.

I wonder if there is a correlation. The seven epistles have a look back, a look forward, and an ever present chiastic structure. It reminds me that the seven epistles were given by the One who is and who was and who is to come (1:4). And these epistles remind us that it is through the church God is displaying his immeasurable wisdom.

Through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. -Ephesians 3:10

God’s wisdom is being made known to all angels and demons, and certainly to us who are in the church. How unsearchable are His judgements and how inscrutable are His ways (Romans 11:33). To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever!

When we zoom out we see God’s glory in a majestic and unique way. So it is when we zoom in – which we will now do. Let us consider what Jesus Christ has to say to the Ephesian Church.

Read Revelation 2:1-7

A Commendation

Last week I demonstrated how the seven angels of the seven churches are not angels. Each church does not have a special guardian or overseeing angel. God gave pastors to oversee and guard the churches. Additionally, the Greek word for angel literally means messenger. God speaks through His appointed messengers; and in the context of the church, those are the pastors.

When we read verse one, we should think of it like this: “To the pastor of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of Him who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.”

We saw that same symbolic language in 1:20; but there is a difference. In chapter 1, Jesus stood in the midst of the lampstands. Here in chapter 2, Jesus walks in their midst; just as God once walked in the garden among the first people. He is not a static God, like so many motionless, powerless gods made out of our own desires – gods of stone or idols of success. Jesus Christ is the living, personal power burning within the heart of the church.

“I will make my dwelling among you, and my soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people.”

-Leviticus 26:11-12

He moves among us and He knows us.

Read vs 2a

“I know your works.” It is the same opening phrase given to 5 of the 7 churches. Think of works as synonymous with deeds. Jesus knows the deeds of the Ephesians. He also knows their toil; those things which they labor over; the things that they are spending themselves on.

Remember in 1:9, John said he shared in the patient endurance of these seven churches? Not only does John know the patient endurance of the Ephesians, but so also does the King. Though Jesus is the King of kings, ruling upon a sovereign throne, He is not far off and distant. He is right in their midst, totally aware of all the happenings and struggles and successes of this particular local church. He sees it all.

And if that is true of the Ephesian church, so also is it true of Immanuel. The one like a Son of Man – with eyes ablaze and a roaring voice – He walks in our midst too. He sees our struggles and successes. He is more aware of them than we are. And if Jesus has not forgotten this church, then you can be assured that He has not forgotten you.

Read vs 2-3

What a commendation! The Ephesians were successfully resisting false apostles. Right there in verse 2 Jesus calls these false apostles evil.

False apostles were a big problem in the first century. Paul writes a great deal about this.

What I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as [we apostles] do. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguised themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. -2 Corinthians 11:12-15

There was such a proliferation of false apostles that some people struggled to receive Paul as an apostle, which Paul writes about in 1 Corinthians 9:2. With all the imposters and deception in the first century, it must have been hard to trust new teachers.

Every single false apostle was a false teacher, but not every false teacher was a false apostle. And the proliferation of false apostles, false teachers, false prophets, false christs – in the Last Days – is prophesied all over the New Testament.

“For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, the elect. See, I have told you beforehand.”

-Matthew 24:24-25

Jesus’ apostles were the new covenant equivalent of old covenant prophets. The apostles spoke authoritatively and they performed miracles. Therefore, false apostles were false prophets. And Jesus said, time and again, that they were coming. Remember also, every false apostle was a false teacher.

There will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. -2 Peter 2:1

It was also prophesied that people – in the church – would eat up what these false teachers were selling.

The days are coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

-2 Timothy 4:3-4

But Christ commends the Ephesian church. They did not fall prey to false apostles and false teachers. It says in verse 2 that they could not bear with those who are evil. They rejected false apostles and cast them out of their midst. They took to heart the warning that Paul gave their elders.

I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore be alert. -Acts 20:29-31

According to Jesus’ words in Revelation, fierce wolves did indeed come in; just as Paul said they would. But praise God, the church was alert and ready. They resisted, and Christ praises them for it!

It is also worth noting Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Many scholars regard it as Paul’s pinnacle theological work. Though Romans expands on many theological ideas, his letter to the Ephesians joyfully soars upon the highest truths and dives profoundly deep into the mind of God. It is prayerful and jubilant.

And Ephesians is the only one of Paul’s epistles that does not correct the theology of the church. Indicating that the Ephesian church knew Scripture and doctrine. Paul didn’t need to correct them; he wanted them soar higher and dive deeper in their theology.

Let that be a lesson to us. There are always theological heights still higher; always depths still deeper. Though we can truly know many things, there will always be more to truly learn. It also means that we are all responsible to be mature theologians…

So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.

-Ephesians 4:14

I am convinced that it was the depth of theological understanding in Ephesus that kept the false apostles and false teachers at bay. But like verse 3 implies, it was hard work – it was toil.

Ephesus was the most important city in Asia Minor, with a constant stream of travelers moving through it. Its temple to Diana was considered one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. It was a hotbed of occultism, even Jewish occultism.

The Christians in Ephesus must have felt like they were under constant assault from false teachings and all kinds of imposters. But like verse 3 says, the Ephesians patiently endured it, faithfully bearing up the name of Christ, and refusing to bear with wicked teachers.

With a sharp-two edged sword that is the word of God, they protected the doctrinal purity of their church; just as the angle protected the purity of Eden with a flaming sword.

Even so, everything was not right in Ephesus.

Read vs 4

A Warning

It is safe to say that the Ephesians knew their theology, but they had forgotten what doctrine points to: a Father who made them in His image, who gave His only Son; a Son who loved them and laid down His life for them; a Spirit that has breathed in them new life and lavished them with spiritual gifts. They had forgotten their first love.

I doubt that meant that the Ephesians were not passionate about Christ. I’m certain they were, otherwise they would not have battled false apostles so successfully. In fact, I imagine that they felt strong emotions towards Jesus – they truly felt they loved Him.

But they forgot to love one another. They forgot to love the people in their city. Jesus once told a parable illustrating that the way we love Him is by serving one another.

“Truly, I say to you, as you did to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” -Matthew 25:40

And the writer of Revelation elsewhere wrote:

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

We love because He first loved us. -1 John 4:11,19

But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother and sister in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. -1 John 3:17-18

The Ephesian church was passionately theological, and Christ was pleased by this. But they forgot to use their hands, they forgot to serve. They could teach all about how Jesus cleanses us from sins, but they didn’t bother washing each other’s feet. And here in Revelation 2:4, Jesus says that they abandoned Him.

If we as a church are going to love Jesus, then every individual must be asked: Have you abandoned Jesus? Do you serve? Do you embrace the challenge of getting into people’s mess? It is hard, never comfortable, usually inconvenient, and it will stretch you; but what you do for the least of these you do for Jesus. Don’t sit back and let other people serve. If your hands are not dirty, then you risk abandoning your first love.

Repent!

Read vs 5

Oh, may this never be true of Immanuel! Busy your hands in the service of other, and love the One who loved you first! And when you do so, the world will see, and Christ will get the glory!

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” -John 13:34-35

This is what it means to remember our first love. Look again at Jesus who loves you, who gave His most precious blood for you. Remember His love, and turn once more to those around you and love. Love like He loved. Love each other and return to your first love.

If we as a church, and as individuals, fail to serve each other, we fail to love Jesus. Failure to love Jesus means judgement.

Notice, Christ says that He would come to Ephesus. But that did not mean He would show up in person and visit them. It meant that He would judge them and abolish their church. That city on a hill, that light in the darkness, Christ Himself would extinguish.

It’s the same language that is the theme of this book, recorded in the first chapter.

Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of Him. -Revelation 1:7

As I said two weeks ago, that verse was a prophecy about the judgement coming upon the Jews in 70 AD. Similarly, warnings of judgement when Jesus comes are proclaimed over Ephesus if they do not repent; if they do not give their hands and their heart wholly over to Jesus the King.

Though I must say, for them to abandon their first love is the light already going out. It is a decaying and dying church. Christ will not tolerate a church that looks good on the outside, but inside is full of dead men’s bones. It tarnishes His name. Ironically, isn’t that what a false apostle and false teacher does? Christ will not allow a false church to exist. He will, in His time, remove that lampstand.

How many churches abandoned Christ, either in their doctrine or in their service? You can see the decaying buildings in Utica and elsewhere – an outside that reflects what the inside once was. Others have become veterinary clinics or book stores or houses. Lampstands that have been removed.

But there was hope. The light had not yet gone out in Ephesus. Their doctrine held true. And they hated what Jesus hated.

Read vs 6

No one really knows who the Nicolaitians were. We can tell they were followers of someone named Nicolas, and the Greek for Nicolas means “conqueror of the people.” It is interesting to note that Balaam, mentioned in the epistle to Pergamum, also means “conqueror of the people,” but in Hebrew.

Whatever teaching and practices the Nicolaitians engaged in, it was despicable. Jesus hated it. So also did the Ephesian church. Jesus loves it when we hate the things He hates.

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.

-Romans 12:9

They had not altogether abandoned their first love. They loved Christ with their theology. They hated evil teachings and practices attempting to lead people away. They loved Christ in what they despised.

Read vs 7

All of the seven epistle end with these two phrases:

The one who conquers…

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches

Jesus, the holder of the seven stars, who walks among the seven golden lampstands, He is the One who has been speaking. But now He says, “hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” The words of Jesus are the words of the Spirit; and the words of the Spirit are the words of Jesus.

And promises are made for all who conquer. In Ephesus two things must be conquered. (1) False teachers and (2) failures to love. Which means they need to continually grow in doctrine, in order to discern who is true and who is false; and they need to continually take up their cross and serve one another.

We, at Immanuel, need these two things also. False teachers and false apostles are absolutely everywhere. Though you can listen to great teachers on YouTube, you can also find a rotten cesspool brimming with false teachers and false apostles. Then there are countless people, that you don’t know, claiming to discern what is true and what is false. This can be just as dirty a cesspool.

Conquer false teachers by knowing sound doctrine. Test all things against Scripture. Talk to people in church about what you are reading and hearing, and I think you will find wisdom in the council of many.

For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers. -Proverbs 11:14 (NIV)

And couple your devotion to Scripture with a devotion to serve one another. Be a shoulder to cry on. Call the person you haven’t seen in a while. Bring a meal to the sick. Look for ways to offer words of encouragement. Help in a time of need. Confront bad theology and lazy service. Hands that are clean before God are hands that are dirtied by service. Conquer a loss of love by serving each other!

And the one who conquerors will enjoy paradise restored – will eat of the tree of life and live forevermore. Christ knows your works. He walks in your midst. The King sees you, and He knows.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the church.