Revelation 2:1-7 Letter to the Church in Ephesus

Downloads: 7

The Revelation 2:1-7 Letter to the Church in Ephesus offers a powerful warning and call to spiritual renewal. Jesus, who walks among the lampstands, acknowledges the church’s perseverance but rebukes them for leaving their first love. This divine message reveals the heart of God—He desires not only our works but our love. This passage challenges believers today to rekindle their passion for Christ. If you’re seeking insight into Revelation 2:1-7, this clear letter to the Church in Ephesus delivers both encouragement and correction with great implications for all believers.

Revelation 2:1-7 Overview

Christ’s Authority Over the Church (Rev. 2:1)
Commendation for Faithfulness & Discernment (Rev. 2:2-3)
Warning: Loss of First Love (Rev. 2:4-5)
Rejection of False Teachings (Rev. 2:6)
Promise to the Overcomers (Rev. 2:7)

Christ’s Message to Ephesus

1 “To the angel of the assembly in Ephesus write: ‘He who holds the seven stars in his right hand, he who walks among the seven golden lamp stands says these things:

2 I know your works, and your toil and perseverance, and that you can’t tolerate evil men, and have tested those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and found them false. 3 You have perseverance and have endured for my name’s sake, and have not grown weary.

4 But I have this against you, that you left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I am coming to you swiftly, and will move your lamp stand out of its place, unless you repent.

6 But this you have, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of my God.”

Bible Commentary

▷ Matthew Henry Concise Commentary on the Bible, taken from e-Sword app.

Revelation 2:1-7

These churches were in such different states as to purity of doctrine and the power of godliness, that the words of Christ to them will always suit the cases of other churches, and professors. Christ knows and observes their state; though in heaven, yet he walks in the midst of his churches on earth, observing what is wrong in them, and what they want.

The church of Ephesus is commended for diligence in duty. Christ keeps an account of every hour’s work his servants do for him, and their labour shall not be in vain in the Lord. But it is not enough that we are diligent; there must be bearing patience, and there must be waiting patience. And though we must show all meekness to all men, yet we must show just zeal against their sins.

The sin Christ charged this church with, is, not the having left and forsaken the object of love, but having lost the fervent degree of it that at first appeared. Christ is displeased with his people, when he sees them grow remiss and cold toward him.

Surely this mention in Scripture, of Christians forsaking their first love, reproves those who speak of it with carelessness, and thus try to excuse indifference and sloth in themselves and others; our Saviour considers this indifference as sinful. They must repent: they must be grieved and ashamed for their sinful declining, and humbly confess it in the sight of God.

They must endeavour to recover their first zeal, tenderness, and seriousness, and must pray as earnestly, and watch as diligently, as when they first set out in the ways of God. If the presence of Christ’s grace and Spirit is slighted, we may expect the presence of his displeasure.

Encouraging mention is made of what was good among them. Indifference as to truth and error, good and evil, may be called charity and meekness, but it is not so; and it is displeasing to Christ. The Christian life is a warfare against sin, Satan, the world, and the flesh. We must never yield to our spiritual enemies, and then we shall have a glorious triumph and reward. All who persevere, shall derive from Christ, as the Tree of life, perfection and confirmation in holiness and happiness, not in the earthly paradise, but in the heavenly.

This is a figurative expression, taken from the account of the garden of Eden, denoting the pure, satisfactory, and eternal joys of heaven; and the looking forward to them in this world, by faith, communion with Christ, and the consolations of the Holy Spirit. Believers, take your wrestling life here, and expect and look for a quiet life hereafter; but not till then: the word of God never promises quietness and complete freedom from conflict here.

Sermon Themes

Have you drifted from your first love? Let this chapter remind you to return, repent, and rekindle your devotion. How does Revelation 2 challenge you to renew your relationship with Jesus today? Dive deeper into the chapter by studying the sermon topics suggested below.

The Forgotten First Love (Revelation 2:4): Despite their positive attributes, the central criticism is their abandonment of their initial devotion to Christ (“But I have this against you, that you left your first love”). This highlights the critical importance of the heart’s posture and the danger of allowing religious activity to overshadow genuine affection for God.
Listen and Conquer (Revelation 2:7): Actively hearing and responding to the Holy Spirit’s guidance leads to spiritual victory and eternal rewards.
The Call to Repentance and Renewal (Revelation 2:5): The Lord urgently calls for reflection (“Remember therefore from where you have fallen”), repentance (“and repent”), and a return to foundational practices (“and do the first works”).
Hatred of Evil as a Positive Trait (Revelation 2:6): Their aversion to the Nicolaitans’ practices is commended (“But this you have, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate”).
Work Ethic with Integrity (Revelation 2:2): Our service to God should be characterized by hard work coupled with a commitment to truth and rejection of harmful influences.
Endurance for Christ’s Name (Revelation 2:3): Their perseverance in the face of challenges is recognized. This theme speaks to the necessity of steadfastness and resilience in following Christ, even when it is difficult.
Guard Your Affection for Jesus (Revelation 2:4): It’s crucial to continually nurture and prioritize our personal love and devotion to Christ above religious routines.
Reflect, Repent, Restart (Revelation 2:5): When we realize we’ve strayed, we must honestly assess our path, turn away from what hinders us, and actively return to foundational spiritual practices.
Discernment Matters (Revelation 2:6): We are called to identify and reject teachings and behaviors that are contrary to God’s Word and harmful to our spiritual well-being.

More Free PowerPoints Downloads

Bible Readings Free Downloads

On FREE DOWNLOAD BOX below, click the ellipsis (three dots) next to the PowerPoint file or hover over it to download. Free users have a daily limit, but you can unlock unlimited downloads with the Amen Vault Lifetime Access plan.

▷ Scripture quotations taken from the World English Bible (WEB), which is in the public domain.