Each letter to the seven churches of Asia Minor is addressed to the angel or messenger. The messenger most likely has a reference to the pastor of the church. Each letter is addressed to a particular church and “may be outlined under six headings: “Destination, The Lord, Commendation, Condemnation, Exhortation, Promise” (Revelation, Dr. Charles Caldwell Ryrie, pg. 21).
Destination (Revelation 2:1)
Ephesus, the first church addressed, was a major city of Asia Minor, Capital of Asia, and an important Seaport. In Ephesus, was the Temple of Artemis, Diana, (Acts 19:24, 27-28, 34-35), one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The Ephesian church had a strong influence in the Asian area. Paul established the Ephesian church during his third Missionary Journey (Acts 19).
The Lord (Revelation 2:1
The One sending the letter was Christ, who was holding seven stars in His hand and standing in the midst of the candlesticks. The stars are symbolical of the seven pastors, and the candlesticks represent the churches (Revelation 1:20).
Commendation (Revelation 2:2-3)
Christ commended or praised the Ephesian believers for their hard work and perseverance in the faith. They did not tolerate wickedness in the church or false teachers. They had undergone hardships for the sake of Christ and had not grown weary in their service for God. This church was earnest in their efforts in serving God. They patiently endured hardship for Christ’s sake and did not relent. In the face of hardships, they did not give up.
Condemnation (Revelation 2:4)
In the face of all the good this church had done, there was a major problem besetting the Ephesian church: the people had left their first love. Years earlier, Paul had commended this church for their love for other believers (Ephesians 1:15-16). Although the church had worked hard and remained doctrinally pure, they were not characterized in having a deep devotion for Christ. They were not motivated by the selfless sacrificial love that God demonstrated to us (I John 4:10-11). This church was sound doctrinally and engaged in service for the Lord; however, sound doctrine and service are not sufficient without love (I Corinthians 13:1-3).
Exhortation (Revelation 2:5)
The church is exhorted to remember from where they had come. They needed to contemplate on the love that engulfed their hearts when they had first believed the gospel. Next, they were told to repent and change their thinking so that their focus would be on Christ. Purity and service should spring from a heart of love for Christ. Third, they were admonished to return to their first works and the love they had left. They needed to return to serving the Lord with hearts full of love. If they refused to change, Christ would come and remove their candlestick. They would no longer serve as a witness in that region. Today the region formerly called Asia Minor is controlled by Islam. The light of this important church is gone. This church had refused to follow the deeds of the Nicolaitans (a sect that advocated and promoted a license in areas of Christian conduct.
Promise (Revelation 2:7)
A promise is given to those who would listen and obey. We are to listen to God’s Word with an intent to obey. All true believers are overcomers and are promised heaven – the Paradise of God (Revelation 21:2).
May God Bless!
Dr. Johnny Calvin Smith
