Jesus’ first letter in the book of Revelation is to the church in Ephesus. Now, this was a historic congregation that was founded by Paul during his second missionary journey. But even though this is a church that possessed a rich history and marks of a quality congregation, Jesus still saw something that deserved criticism and correction. What did the church in Ephesus need to do in order to be pleasing to Christ and what impact does Jesus’ words to this congregation have on the church today?
REVELATION 2:1-7
1 To the angel 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 lamp stands. 2 “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. 6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’