(Revelation 2:1-7)…..“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: 2 “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; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 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. 6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 “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.”
The word “angel” means messenger, pastor, one who is sent, or a messenger of God. This letter is written to the messenger of Ephesus, and it was dictated by the One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, and who walks in the midst of the seven golden lamp stands (Revelation 1:20). The term “right hand” (Gr. Dexios) implies a place of honor and authority. It is with this authority that Jesus walks among His church (walk – Gr. perpipateo – means to live, to follow as a companion, and to be occupied with). What is being said to us about Jesus? He is the One who has authority over His church, who walks and lives among His people, His church.
Notice that Jesus begins His remarks towards Ephesus by talking about what is right with the congregation (Revelation 1:2-3,6). It certainly seems to be the course that Jesus takes with all the churches, to build them up before he takes the opportunity to correct them. Jesus says, “I know your works.” Ephesus was a working church. “I know your labor.” Ephesus was a toilsome church. They were serving the Lord at great personal expense, and at great sacrifice. Just how does God know? He knows because He is the omniscient God. He sees us and knows us (Psalm 1:6) (2 Timothy 2:19) (Hebrews 6:10).” He also testified, ” I know that you are patient and that you cannot bear those who are evil.” That is, those who practice evil. Ephesus was a wicked city, and they did not let bad men corrupt the church from the outside, or even the inside. They at least worked toward that purpose.
The Christian in Ephesus knew they were the Lord’s sheep who were on guard against false sheep (Matthew 10:16) (Matthew 7:15). So they tested those who say they are apostles, but are not Paul had warned them of that very thing in (Acts 20:28-30). When people came before them, claiming to be men of God, they examined their preaching to see if it lined up with God’s word, if it didn’t they would refuse to hear them, or to fellowship with them. How serious should we be with such things. In todays culture, probably more serious. May we find ourselves being on watch so that it could be said of us, “We cannot bear those who are evil.”
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