To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, “These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.” He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God. (Revelation 2:1-7)

A Letter To Ephesus

Paul spent more time with the church at Ephesus than any other. The brethren were dear to the heart of Paul. On his way to Jerusalem, which would lead to his arrest and trial before Caesar, Paul called the elders of Ephesus to meet with him at Miletus. The farewell was sad as they stood on the seashore, kneeling down, praying, and weeping freely. Paul would never see the brethren again. A few years after his last meeting while imprisoned in Rome, the apostle wrote to the Ephesian saints and faithful in Christ. His letter declared the New Testament church promised by Jesus Christ.

A little more than twenty years after the death of Paul, the church at Ephesus was on the mind of God as He unfolded His revelation to the apostle John. The aged apostle had been banished to the island of Patmos when the Lord brought His revelation. John saw Jesus standing among the lampstands, each representing a church in the region of Western Asia Minor. The first letter addressed the church of Ephesus with many positive things to say but challenges that needed to be met. God’s letter to Ephesus (like the other six letters) is a testimony to how each church throughout the world can define itself. The church of Ephesus can be a pattern to build the church of the Lord today.

The Ephesian church was a church where everyone was active. Jesus commends Ephesus for their work and labor, showing the brethren were unafraid of industry. The vineyard of the Lord requires workers willing to get their hands dirty. There is much work to do in the fields white to harvest. A growing and thriving church is filled with workers. Jesus commends the church for their industry. Faced with trials of persecution, the church patiently carried out its evangelism and teaching. Teaching, admonishing, and seeking out lost souls is hard work. The church of Ephesus was not a lazy church.

Jesus knew what they had done. That brought comfort to the brethren, who knew the Lord saw their efforts. When troubles arose in the church, the saints would not tolerate unrighteousness. Some claimed to be apostles, but because of the diligent teaching of truth, the men were found to be false. The church at Ephesus was active in establishing truth to follow the admonition of Paul many years prior. Paul had warned the Ephesians elders to watch out for wolves among the flock of God who would come in and teach false doctrine. The Ephesian church was a vigilant church.

The church of Ephesus was in a city overcome with idolatry and wickedness. It would be easy to allow the world’s influences to infiltrate the church to change its teachings and doctrines. Jesus commends them for persevering and, through patience, not becoming weary in holding forth the light of truth. It can be overwhelming to watch for error and immorality constantly. The Ephesians successfully kept the church pure by testing the spirit of those who came among them. They had a lot of things to do and were very busy with the work of the kingdom. But there was one thing that Jesus pointed out that hindered their growth.

Paul had written to the church about their strong faith in Jesus and love for God’s people. Their roots would grow into the love of God as Paul exhorted the brethren to love one another. Now, Jesus warns the Ephesian church of their lack of love. They were busy with many things, but their love for God was empty. Their ‘first love’ was filled with vitality, vigor, and joy. Now, many years past their beginnings, they had become stale in their relationships with one another and with God. They were going through the motions.

Jesus reminds them of their first fruits and to repent for their lack of love. He encourages them to fill their hearts with love again and be busy with the work of the Lord. They hated the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, and so did the Lord. He wanted them to rekindle that first love to help them grow more and more in the grace of God. They were doing well, but they could do better.

Ephesus is a church that we should model in practice and examine what the Lord would say to us if He were to write a letter. Which one of the seven churches would best describe where we worship? The seven letters clearly show that not one church is perfectly filled with perfect people. Some churches had serious problems, while others needed to work harder. Take a test of the seven letters. Which church are you modeling after?