The Church at Ephesus: A Call to Love
Ephesus was one of the most influential cities of the ancient world, a thriving metropolitan center at the time of John’s writing. As the capital of Asia (modern-day southwest Turkey), it was a powerful economic hub, boasting a large seaport that made it a key player in trade and commerce. Ephesus was not only wealthy but also highly cultured—yet deeply corrupt. The city was known as the center of worship for the goddess Diana (Artemis), and this religious devotion led to a widespread acceptance of dark arts, necromancy, and exorcisms. Paul ministered here for three years, as recorded in Acts 18-19, and left behind a strong Christian community. Later, Timothy was placed in charge of the churches in the region, and according to church tradition, the Apostle John also ministered there in his later years. Some traditions even suggest that Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her final days in Ephesus. The church in this city was not merely a small group of believers but a large and influential congregation. It had a strong foundation and a rich history, making Jesus’ words to them in Revelation 2:1-7 all the more significant.
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.” (Rev. 2:1)
Jesus addresses this letter to “the angel of the church in Ephesus.” Much discussion has centered around the identity of this angel. Some scholars believe it refers to a guardian spirit over the church, but it is more likely that “angel” refers to the messenger or lead pastor responsible for delivering Jesus’ words. Christ is identified as the author of this letter, and the description of Him parallels John’s earlier vision in Revelation 1. Jesus holds the seven stars in His right hand, symbolizing His authority, power, and protection over the churches. He also walks among the seven golden lampstands, a reminder that He is present with His people, intimately aware of their struggles, successes, and failures.
“I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.” (Rev. 2:2)
By the time John penned these words, the church in Ephesus had been ministering for nearly four decades. Their unwavering commitment to sound doctrine and tireless service had not gone unnoticed. Jesus commended them for their diligence in good works and their active engagement in the life of the city. They were steadfast in their rejection of false teaching, refusing to be led astray by deception. While other churches would later be rebuked for tolerating heresy, the believers in Ephesus stood firm in their allegiance to the truth. They had successfully resisted the influence of false apostles, perhaps including early Gnostic teachers who sought to corrupt the gospel with their dualistic ideologies. Their theological precision and keen discernment set them apart as a church unwilling to compromise.
“I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary.” (Rev. 2:3)
Despite persecution and cultural opposition, the Ephesian believers endured. Their commitment to Christ was not fleeting; it was marked by perseverance. They had taken Paul’s exhortation to heart—knowing that salvation was by grace through faith, not works (Eph. 2:8-10), but that they were also created for good works, prepared by God in advance. Their faith was active, their endurance evident.
“But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.” (Rev. 2:4)
After such glowing praise, the letter takes a sharp turn. Despite their theological strength and unwavering service, the Ephesians had lost something crucial—their first love. This raises an important question: Was Jesus referring to their love for Him or their love for one another? Many scholars suggest that both are intertwined. The Ephesians had become so focused on doctrinal purity and guarding against heresy that they had grown suspicious of one another. Their passion for truth had left their hearts cold. One commentator vividly described them as people whose theology was “clear as ice and just as cold.” Their works remained, but the heart behind them had changed. Worship had become a matter of duty rather than devotion.
Paul had warned the Ephesians years earlier to “walk in love” (Eph. 5:2), yet somewhere along the way, that love had diminished. Perhaps they had forgotten that love for Christ and love for fellow believers go hand in hand. As John later wrote, “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen” (1 John 4:20). Jesus had told His disciples, “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). The Ephesians, in their zeal for truth, had neglected this fundamental principle.
“Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” (Rev. 2:5)
Jesus does not merely diagnose the problem; He provides the solution. The church is called to remember, repent, and return. They are to recall the love they once had, turn away from their current coldness, and rekindle their passion for Christ and each other. The warning is severe: if they do not change, their lampstand will be removed. This does not mean individual believers would lose their salvation, but that the church itself would cease to exist as a beacon of light in its community. History affirms that this warning was not empty—though Ephesus once thrived, its influence eventually faded.
“Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.” (Rev. 2:6)
The Nicolaitans were a heretical sect, though the specifics of their doctrine remain unclear. Some believe they promoted antinomianism, twisting Christian liberty into moral license. Others trace their origins to Nicolaus of Antioch, one of the seven deacons in Acts 6:5, who may have later strayed into false teaching. Whatever their beliefs, Jesus commends the Ephesians for rejecting their corruption. However, their hatred of evil needed to be matched with a renewed love for Christ and one another.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” (Rev. 2:7)
Each of the seven letters ends with a call to listen and a promise to those who overcome. Jesus often used the phrase “He who has an ear, let him hear” to emphasize the need for not just listening but responding. True followers of Christ heed His words and bear fruit. Victory belongs to those who endure in faith, and their reward is eternal life. The imagery of the Tree of Life takes us back to Genesis. After the fall, access to the tree was cut off (Gen. 3:22), but in Christ, it is restored (Rev. 22:2). Jesus, the restorer of all things, undoes the curse of sin and offers eternal communion with God.
The church at Ephesus serves as both an encouragement and a warning. It reminds us that truth matters, but so does love. A church can be theologically sound, active in ministry, and yet drift from its foundational love for Christ. The call remains the same today: remember, repent, and return to a love that fuels everything we do.