The Church of Ephesus

Revelation 2:l-3  "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 lamp stands V.2 "I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those how are evil, and you have tested those who say they are apostles and are  not and have found them liars:  V.3  And you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. 

 

Ephesus was a city of about 200,000 people.  The temple of Diana was one of the seven wonders of the world.  Ephesus was the wealthiest and greatest cities of Asia.

Jesus introduced Himself as the one who holds the seven stars in His right hand and who walks in the midst of the golden lamp stands.  The seven stars represent the seven angels or messengers of the seven churches.  The seven lamp stands with Jesus walking in the midst are the seven churches. 

Jesus has good things to say about Ephesus. 


 He said, "You work hard, you are patient and you do not tolerate those who are evil."  "You have tested those who say they are apostles and have found them to be false apostles."  Jesus commends them because they have persevered, labored and are patient for "My name's sake and have not become weary. 

Paul founded the church at Ephesus.  Paul's parting message to the church:  "I know this, that after my departing grievous 'wolves' will enter in among you, not sparing the flock.  Also of your own selves shall many arise speaking 'grievous things', to draw away disciples after them." (Acts 20:29-30)