Message to Ephesus (3)

Christ's Message to Ephesus

A number of traditions hold that the apostle John lived in Ephesus toward the end of the first century ( Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers, article “Ephesus”). When Jesus appeared to John and gave him the vision recorded for us in the last book of the Bible, John was on the island of Patmos off the coast of Asia Minor. As the vision unfolded, John must have been surprised as Jesus vividly and accurately described the challenges facing the congregation where it is likely he most often attended.

Christ began by telling them, “I know your works, your labor” (Revelation 2:2). Jesus knew how powerfully the gospel had been preached in Asia Minor. He was well aware of the impact of the truth upon the entire city of Ephesus. He also knew how the whole congregation was involved. He commended them saying, “you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake” (verse 3).

Jesus also praised them for rejecting false teachers saying, “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” (verse 2). They had obviously heeded Paul and Timothy's advice to beware of such teachers. They had successfully faced this challenge and had not become weary through this taxing process (verse 3).

Now we come to an important admonition. Even though Ephesus was greatly commended, Jesus also said, “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” (verses 4-5). They had lost their initial excitement and zeal for doing God's work. Over the years their enthusiasm had waned. Jesus warned them to return to their “first love” so they wouldn't lose their place as part of the Church of God.

Next, Jesus again praised them for hating the deeds of the Nicolaitans (verse 6). Who were these Nicolaitans? According to the Expositor's Bible Commentary of the New Testament, “The close association of the name with the Balaamites in 2:14-15 may suggest either identity with this group or similarity to their teachings.” As we will later see, those who follow Balaam's example are ones who compromise God's instructions. The Ephesians didn't accept this insidious way of thinking.

Finally, Jesus concludes His message to Ephesus saying, “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” (verse 7). Just how can we apply Jesus' command to adhere to this instruction originally given to the church at Ephesus? What is the modern application?

Modern Application

Like our spiritual brethren in Ephesus at the close of the first century, God's people today must reject modern false teachers and their mistaken ideas masquerading as Christianity. The United Church of God today strives to continue in the path followed by the Body of Christ throughout the centuries. It is our spiritual conviction to hold fast to the true doctrines of Christ and reject those who attempt to annul and alter His teachings.

Now we come to what is perhaps the most important consideration for God's people today in the message to Ephesus-the warning to return to our “first love.” This term, “first love,” refers to love for and among our spiritual brethren and for our enthusiasm in doing the work of God. It does not mean one doesn't have any love. It simply means he or she doesn't have the same amount or degree as before.

When we face trials and difficulties, apathy is a common result. We become too tired to expend the same energy as before. We can tell ourselves that it is no longer necessary to preach the gospel-we can just hold fast until Christ returns. Yet Christ tells us to “repent [regret our recent actions and change] and do the first works” (Revelation 2:5). This is done by returning to our initial love of our brethren, of God and of doing His work. To better grasp the magnitude of Christ's directive, let's consider the characteristics of a Christian in his or her first love.

To be contd.


God bless you all.