Summary of Revelation 2:1-7
To the church in Ephesus: Jesus praises the church for their hard work and perseverance. He knows they have endured many hardships. YET: They have forsaken the love they had at first. He asks them to repent and whoever is victorious (i.e. follows his ways), Jesus will grant them eternal life.
BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 2: Revelation 2:1-7
3) Jesus identified himself as the one who, “holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.” He told them he knows, “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.”
Jesus offers encouragement by telling them that whoever is victorious (i.e. follows his ways), he will grant them eternal life. He holds against them, “You have forsaken the love you had at first.”
The consequences of not repenting/doing what Jesus is asking them to do are, “If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.” i.e. remove his blessing from them.
Jesus’ final exhortation or encouragement is, “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”
4a) The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
b) He walks among the 7 lampstands; he also encourages them and chastizes them. Jesus walks with his church/me is wonderful news! I am not alone, and I can always turn to Jesus for anything: advice, help, praise, and worship!
5) I work hard, and I persevere. I would like to love others more and put Jesus first in my life more.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 2: Revelation 2:1-7
I love how first Jesus speaks positive things and praises the church before telling them what they are doing wrong. He also is gracious enough to give them directions on what they need to do to do right: repent and return to their old ways. While it sounds simple, we know it is hard, but each day is new, so we try, try again!
End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 2: Revelation 2:1-7
Here, we have the first letter to the first church, Ephesus. They all follow a very similar pattern: Jesus will tell the church what they are doing good and/or bad and then he will offer up a command for reparation. He also promises a reward!
Jesus addresses the church as angel.
The church in Ephesus should be familiar to you. It is mentioned a lot by Paul since he ministered there for 3 years. Aquila, Priscilla, Timothy, and Apollos served there as well. (Acts 18:24-28, Acts 19:1, Acts 19:10, Acts 20:31, 1 Timothy 1:3)
One of the seven wonders of the ancient world was located here, the temple of Diana. It was absolutely massive!
Jesus describes himself as John sees him in Chapter 1. Jesus is central in all of this.
Jesus knows all about the church (as he knows everything).
The church left (not lost) their first love. This is a deliberate choice.
Their first love is most likely God AND the people. You have to love both (Matthew 22:37-39)
Jesus tells them to:
- Remember the times when they had their priorities right. You must get back to where you were with Jesus.
- Repent
- Go back to the basics (pray, read God’s Word, be excited about Jesus).
He says another positive word, by pointing out how they hate the Nicolaitans. Not much is known about the Nicolaitans, but you can be sure they were evil.
We don’t see Jesus use the word “hate” much (after all, he’s a God of love), so this is strong indeed.
All (including us) who hear.
If you overcome your cold hearts, you’ll receive eternal life.
map courtesy of: https://www.cgg.org/index.cfm/library/article/id/1887/truth-revelation-2-3.htm
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