Revelation Session 5

Revelation Session 5, Chapter 2:1-8 contains the messages of Jesus Christ to two of the seven churches in Asia Minor: Ephesus and Smyrna. These messages, delivered through the apostle John, offer commendations, criticisms, and promises to each church.

Message to the Church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7)

Jesus first addresses the church in Ephesus. He is described as the one who holds the seven stars and walks among the seven golden lampstands (the churches).

• Commendations: Jesus praises the Ephesians for their hard work, patient endurance, and sound doctrine. They cannot tolerate wicked people and have tested those who falsely claim to be apostles, exposing them as liars. They have persevered for His name’s sake without growing weary.
• Criticism: Despite their doctrinal purity and hard work, Jesus has this against them: they have forsaken the love they once had. This means they had lost the initial depth of love and devotion for Christ and one another.
• Instruction and Warning: They are instructed to remember from where they have fallen, repent (change their inner self and behavior), and return to the “first works” (the things they did when their love was strong). If they do not repent, their lampstand (representing the church’s presence and impact) will be removed from its place.
• Promise: To those who overcome, Jesus promises the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

Message to the Church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8)

Verse 8 marks the beginning of the message to the church in Smyrna. Jesus introduces Himself as “the First and the Last, who was dead, and is alive”.

The full message to Smyrna continues, but verse 8 establishes the speaker and the beginning of the letter to a church facing affliction and poverty.