Jesus wrote seven Epistles to the churches!
The descriptions of each church in their written order give an effective profile of Church history and the current state in some form. Every church has elements of all seven of these churches mentioned in it. Jesus is admonishing all of us in varying degrees in His Epistles to the seven churches. To him that hath an ear, let him hear!
Each church had a theme, a problem, and was given certain recommendations.
The word Ephesus means “the desired one” or “darling”. This letter is about 35 years after Paul’s departure. This should be a wake up call that we also can lose our first Love.
Jesus uses the title: “He that holdeth the seven stars in His Right Hand, Who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks”. This title denotes that Jesus is in control.
Jesus issued seven commendations:
Revelation 2:2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
His Concern (Nevertheless):
Revelation 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first Love.
They were too busy doing Kingdom work to have time for Our King! FATHER is more interested in devotion rather than doctrine. FATHER uses the marriage to communicate HIS most intimate Truths. The first fruit of THE SPIRIT is Love and we should always keep this reality in mind as we read Scripture… even in the area of judgment.
Jesus’s exhortation:
Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
Jesus hated the deeds, not the Nicolaitans. This name means “rule over the people”. The fivefold ministry is not meant to rule or control the people but instead is to serve the people.
Jesus spoke in John chapter 13:
5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.
6 Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?”
7 Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.”
8 Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.”
9 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!”
10 Jesus said to him, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.”
11 For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, “You are not all clean.” 12 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you?
13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am.
14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
16 Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.
17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
Jesus functioned as a servant to the disciples so that they would do the same for those who we be taught by them. The clergy were never intended to rule over congregations. They were called to serve the people as Jesus conveyed as an example and pattern to follow. Jesus hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans.
Lastly, Jesus speaks:
Revelation 2:7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of Life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”‘
Where is the church of Ephesus today? It’s gone.