Aug 2002

Rev. 2:1-7
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:

These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands: [2] I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. [3] You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
[4] Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. [5] Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. [6] But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices 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 the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

Rev 2:1-7
Introduction:
. . . write; These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands:
Positive:
Hard work and perseverance
Hating the Nicolaitans and wicked people (false apostles)
(see also vs.6)
Negative:
You left your first love.
Recommendation:
Repent and do the first works (ta prota erga). If you don‘t, I will come and remove your lamp stand from its place among the churches.
Reward:
. . . ; to him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Hear what the Spirit says unto the churches.
. . . Rev. 2:7
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; (not just Ephesus)