Church At Ephesus In Revelation

The Threat Of Discipline

When the prophetess refused an opportunity to repent, Christ warned of His judgment: Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed. Whether taken figuratively or literally, those words are cautionary. God is holy and will not tolerate rebellion forever. As Hebrews 10:31 says, It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

D Jesus Letter To The Church At Thyatira

1. The character of the city of Thyatira.

And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write,

a. Thyatira: This was the smallest and least important of the seven cities Jesus addresses in Revelation 2 and 3. In history, we have no record that the Christians of Thyatira suffered any significant political or religious persecution.

i. The elder Pliny dismissed Thyatira with the almost contemptuous phrase Thyatira and other unimportant cities.

b. Thyatira: Still, this city was a center of business and trade. It had many active trade guilds, each having their own patron deity from the Greek and Roman pantheon of gods.

i. Acts 16:14-15 mentions Lydia of Thyatira, who was a seller of purple cloth from the city of Thyatira. Thyatira was famous for the manufacture of a purple dye, and numerous references are found in secular literature of the period to the trade guilds which manufactured cloth.

ii. From the inscriptions which have been found in the neighborhood it is clear that Thyatira possessed more trade guilds than any other town of its size in Asia.

2. Jesus describes Himself to the church at Thyatira.

These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass:

b. Who has eyes like a flame of fire: Jesus chose this description of Himself from the presentation in Revelation 1:14 to emphasize the idea that His eyes looked with penetrating judgment.

3. What Jesus knows about the Christians in Thyatira.

6. The promise of a reward.

The Prescription For Spiritual Blindness

By calling the Laodiceans blind , Christ was presenting a paradox. The city was famous for its export of a powder that created an eye salve when mixed with water. Yet the Laodicean church had lost its spiritual perception.

The only salve for spiritual blindness is repentance and submission to the Lord Jesus Christ, asking Him for the wisdom of His Spirit to restore our spiritual sight.

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They Must Consider How Far They Have Fallen

If they dont comply, Jesus will pronounce judgment, and their effectiveness as a church of God will be lost.

Someone will probably wonder Do Christians need to repent, confess, and turn back to God? Believe me, Christians need to repent there must be a change of mind that will lead to a change of direction. We need to break the shell of self-sufficiency, the crust of conceit, the shield of sophistication, the veneer of vanity, get rid of the false face of piosity, and stop this business of everlastingly polishing our halo as if we were some great saint. Our Lord admonishes His Church to turn from her sins to her first love. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him . Nothing less than genuine repentance and a return to her first love could save Ephesus from complete collapse. Thus remembrance and repentance are stated as two essential factors in recovering the church from its backslidden state. The only proof that the heart is sincere is that the backslider returns to do the first works.

6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.

Christ had added a further commendation to this church in Ephesushe credited them for hating the works of the Nicolaitanes, which Christ also hated. While it is clear from this verse that the Nicolaitanes represent a heresy, we have only speculation as to the origin and specifics. What follows is a compilation of those speculations:

Johns Vision Of Christ

If you have ever wondered what Jesus of Nazareth looked like, youre not alone. Biblically speaking, we do not know. The book of Isaiah contains the only reference to His appearancemore than seven hundred years before the Nativity. Isaiah described His appearance as average, not conspicuous in any way .

The resurrected Christ appeared much different to John. He had striking white hair that suggested the age, wisdom, and dignity befitting a judge. His eyes were like a flame of fireeyes from whom nothing is hidden, eyes that will judge all mankind . His feet were like fine brass, another symbol of judgment in Scripture.

John described two features of Christs mouth: the sound and the sword. Drowning out all other voices, His voice evoked thoughts of roaring waterfalls. Piercing soul and spirit, the sword represented the Word of God . When Christ returns, He will slay His enemies by His Word .

In His right hand, Christ held seven stars, representing His authority . I believe the stars stand for the pastors of the seven churches who received authority from Christ to lead their churchesnot their authority, but Christs authority.

This vision of Christ was so awe-inspiring that John fell at feet as dead . He was not the first person to respond to Gods presence in this way. Abraham , Moses , Balaam , Joshua , Gideon , and others all demonstrated terror in the presence of pure holiness and righteousness.

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A Call To Return To Your First Love

Do not let the love of God and the love for others to grow faint because you have gotten so busy fighting the battles of life.

• Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed today.

• Maybe you are feeling alone and spiritually tired.

• Maybe you have focused on the battle and have not noticed that the love of God and the love for others is missing in your life.

• Maybe you have begun to realize that your love for God is not what it used to be. Its not that you dont love God, but you know your love for Jesus is not want it once was.

Listen to the Spirit of God and press in:

• Take time to absorb the love and presence of God each day.

• Take time to pray and receive from God.

• Take time to be refreshed by reading the word of God each day.

The Lord is speaking to you at this moment.Choose today to be an overcomer, listen to the Spirit of God and press in spiritually. Choose to grow deeper in the love of God. Passionately seek the love of God and share it with those around you. He is right here right now.

The Church In Ephesus

This article highlights a few details concerning the background of the church the apostle Paul planted in the ancient city of Ephesus.

Cities have always played critical roles in the history of the world. Jerusalem is the city where Jesus gave his life as the worlds substitute for sin. Athens is known as a city of intellectual influence and the birthplace of democracy. Rome is known as the city of law and justice. London is the place where mankinds literary imagination was born. New York is the city of commerce and the catalyst for industry and trade throughout the world. And the old city of Ephesus is the city that teaches us more about the church than any other city.

The city of Ephesus is located in modern day Turkey. The Roman Empire made the city of Ephesus a provincial capital and it hosted around 250,000 residentsthe third largest city in the Roman empire. Ephesus was known as a city of size, wealth, and power. The major economies of the city were rooted in trade and idol worship. The temple of Artemis, located in the heart of the city, was prized as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. From the ocean ports to the theater to the stadium to the library, Ephesus had so much to offer its inhabitants and visitors. Ephesus was a major cultural center in the ancient world.

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A Their Persistent Endeavor

“I know your works” . The writer to the Hebrews said, “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” .

He knows all things, and He knows our works. What kind of works were they in the case of the Ephesian church? Ah, there could be none better. “I know your works and your labor.” They worked for the Lord to the point of exhaustion. The word means “toil with great exertion.” It’s an arduous endeavor, strenuous activity. It’s hard work.

The church at Ephesus was a virtual beehive of industry. They were always doing something for the Lord. It was a marvelous thing to behold. It was a busy church, a church on the go, an active church every committee, organization, agency, and fellowship just hummed. There was never a shortage of workers–always volunteers available, with some to spare. And it wasn’t easy work either. It involved both a spirit of sacrifice and a great deal of physical exertion. The pastor of the church at Ephesus had much to be thankful for. He had a congregation that worked.

They weren’t doing it to get a name for themselves. Verse 3 tells us that they were working for the Lord. They weren’t looking for praise and prestige and popularity. They were doing it for the Lord, and that’s commendable.

To The Church In Smyrna

8 To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:

These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.9 I know your afflictions and your povertyyet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victors crown.

11 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.

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Thyatira: The Faithful And Persevering Church

The person pictured as speaking to the church in this letter identified himself as the Son of God . While this title is implied elsewhere in the book, it is used only here. Two closely allied titles from Johns vision in chapter 1 began the letter the figures blazing eyes and feet that appear as burnished bronze .

Christ praised the church for its love, faith, service and perseverance. The range of praise regarding Thyatiras spiritual status was perhaps the widest given to any of the seven churches. It was the only church that is said to have improved its spiritual condition .

The Church And Ephesus

The church in the United States has a lot to learn from the church of Ephesus as portrayed in the pages of scripture. During the time of the Bible, Ephesus was arguably one of the worlds greatest cities and played a major role in the development of Christianity. Yet, for all the magnitude of this once-great city, today it is nothing but ruins.

The book of Revelation includes a brief letter and stark warning to the church of Ephesus. In that letter, Jesus Christ complements the church for its history of faithful discernment between evil and good. Yet, the letter also admonishes the church for forsaking its first love. Rather than uphold the sanctity of its Christian faith, the church had largely sold out to the political powers of the city. Rather than shine as a beacon of Christian faith, hope, and love. The church at Ephesus had aligned itself with the powers of darkness and embraced the vile nature of corrupt politics. For this, Christ warns the church in Revelation, that their prominence and blessing will be removed.

In modern times, much as in Ephesus nearly 2,000 years ago, Scripture calls the church to faithful vigilance that the church may stand strong against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places .

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Ephesus: The Persevering Church

In the opening letter to the church at Ephesus, Christ is pictured as walking among the seven lampstands, which represent the seven churches . This corresponds to the fact that he is the leader of the church and is its Savior . Perhaps there is an allusion here to Genesis 3:8, where the Lord is walking in the Garden of Eden with the man and woman he had created. In each case, the Lord seeks a personal relationship with his people, and wants to interact with them and be their guide.

The statement about Jesus walking among the candlesticks recalls an Old Testament promise: I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people . This promise to ancient Israel is now made to the church, the new Israel .

Each letter is introduced with Christs assertion, I know . Christ is aware of the distresses and persecution the church members may be suffering. He also knows what they have achieved and where they have fallen short.

The Christ Of The Church

To each church that is addressed, Christ reveals himself in ways that are unique to the churchs context and specific problems. Here Christ reveals himself as the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the golden lampstands .

In Revelation 1:20, we discover that the lampstands are the churches and the stars are the angels of the seven churches. Most scholars believe that these angels refer to the pastors of the seven churches. Whatever the case may be, one thing is certain: the Christ of the Church is in complete control. As the one who holds the church and walks in our midst, he is in sovereign control of everything.

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The Church Of Ephesus

The initial visit by Paul to Ephesus and the powerful preaching of Apollos marked the beginning of the Church of God in Ephesus . The next time Paul came through the city, he found that some people, including about twelve men, had become disciples .

Paul then spent three years in Ephesus a comparatively long time compared to the lengths of his stays in other areaspreaching the gospel. He began by first speaking in the synagogue and then later teaching daily in the school of Tyrannus so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks .

Several notable events took place in Ephesus. Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them . These miracles and an attack by an evil spirit against someone other than Paul attempting to cast it out created quite a stir.

As the Bible explains, This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. Also, 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. So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed .

The library among the ruins of ancient Ephesus .

The Role Of The Churches

In Revelation 1, we find the apostle John in exile on the tiny island of Patmos. Having been the overseer of the churches in Asia Minor, he was banished from society by the Romans to reduce his religious influence . Exile was a horrible sentence, second only to the death penalty. In this context of persecution, John received the most detailed vision of things to come given to any apostle.

When Christ appeared to John, he saw seven lampstands representing the seven churches. Standing among them was One like the Son of Man . Jesus came as the light of the world and then commissioned us to be the light of the world . Johns vision was a physical representation of this imagery. Christ was standing in His rightful place amid the churches.

Every churchthen and nowhas the opportunity to be a lampstand shining forth Christs light in a dark world. The churches do not create the light they reflect it. Christ is the light.

Bearing His light in the world is the Churchs primary purpose.

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Pergamum: A Church In The Center Of Heresy And Apostasy

Christ introduced himself to the church in Pergamum as one who has the sharp, double-edged sword . This was another reference taken from the One Like a Son of Man image in chapter one .

The sword is symbolic of the penetrating word of God . More precisely, it is the discerning aspect of the word that judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart, and from which nothing in creation is hidden. This would have had great meaning in reference to where the members of the Pergamum church lived in a city filled with the splendor and power of false religion.

The church was reminded that Pergamums power structure had wrongly judged or condemned Antipas, a faithful witness, and executed him . But God will judge the world system itself in opposition to God, of which Pergamums power center partakes.

Revelation describes Gods judgment on the world in great symbolic detail. It is represented by the City of Babylon while Gods people are symbolized by the New Jerusalem. This struggle between the world and the saints, pictured in Revelation, led one commentator to label the book as a Tale of Two Cities.

The religious climate at Pergamum was not conducive to the Christian life. Thats because Satans throne was in the city . While the phrase has received differing interpretations, it probably refers to Pergamum as a major center of pagan religion, especially the imperial cult. The city symbolized secular power and civil religion working together to do something Satan wanted.