Revelation 2:1–8
The ancient Christian historian Eusebius records that for many decades after Jesus’ ascension John traveled throughout Asia Minor establishing and building up churches. When Jesus appeared to John on Patmos, He gave specific commendations, rebukes, and promises to seven churches in Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey. These seven churches were all on a prominent trade route, and any message sent to them would soon be shared with other churches.
Jesus's first message was addressed to the church in Ephesus. Ephesus had become one of the wealthiest cities in the ancient world, its Library of Celsus considered to be the third largest in the world, evidence of the Ephesians' thirst for knowledge. Though it previously held over 12,000 scrolls and many reading rooms, only the library façade can be seen today. Ephesus was also home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple took 120 years to build, and worshippers from all over Europe, Africa, and Asia would visit the pagan shrine to be awed by its marble pillars, golden plating, temple prostitutes, and black magic. When the apostle Paul ministered to the Ephesians, the newly converted Christians immediately turned their backs on these pagan practices. Luke recounts, “Many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver” (Acts 19:19).
Living in a wealthy city full of temptations to worship a pagan goddess, Ephesian Christians knew they could not both pay homage to Artemis and profess Christ. They vigilantly studied the Scriptures, tested false prophets, and rebuked the evils around them. However, while the believers in Ephesus lived holy lives outwardly, they lacked the love that should have motivated these works. Jesus commended their service, but He was greatly concerned about one thing, saying, “I have this against you, that you have left your first love” (Revelation 2:4). They were not performing works consistent with being in love with Jesus, communing with Him and cultivating a character of love and humility. Perhaps they needed to do what Mary did in Luke 10, to come and sit at Jesus’ feet, listen a moment, and spend time with Him. Jesus urged His Ephesian followers to repent and renew their love for Him, for He wanted love, not legalism. To those who heeded His words, Christ promised food from the original Tree of Life in heaven.
While this first letter of commendation and rebuke was written to the church of Ephesus, it is also suggestive of the period in Christian history from the time of Christ’s ascension to the death of the apostles. During this time, Christianity had “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6) and on occasion thousands converted in a single day, many forsaking all for the cause of Christ. But as time went on, many believers lost their first love. The second generation of Christians did not always exhibit the zeal of their parents, and Jesus wanted to wake them up to the importance of their first love.
Though separated by 2,000 years, Christians today can relate to the Christians of Ephesus. We too are often caught up in doing good things for our church and community, yet we lack passion for personal time with Christ. We have also forgotten our first love. If you find yourself in such a situation, take hope! Jesus foresaw it and made provision to help you renew your first love. Recognize your diminished love for Jesus, remember what He has rescued you from, and recall how you once showed your love through Bible study, prayer, song, and sharing with others. Cultivate your love for Him again. Why not start today?
Read Revelation 2:1-8 in full and then reflect on the following questions:
Jesus is walking among the seven candlesticks with seven stars in His hand. The number seven is a number of completeness, representing the entire experience of Christianity. What is the meaning of the candlesticks and stars? See Revelation 1:20.
- What does Jesus praise the Ephesian Christians for? See Revelation 2:2–6.
- What rebuke does Jesus have for them? See Revelation 2:3.
- Genesis tells about a lost Eden, while Revelation promises a restored Eden. What significance does the promise of Revelation 2:7 have to Christians?
- Reflect on your own life. When were you the most in love with Jesus? What did you talk about, and how did you spend your time? The best way to renew lost love is to take the focus off self though daily devotions, prayer, song, sharing your gratitude, and acts of service—especially to those who are less fortunate. How can you renew your love for Jesus this week?
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
