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“To the angel in the congregation1 in Ephesus,2 write: This message is from3 the One holding the 7 stars in his right hand4 – the One walking about among the 7golden lampstands”
| 1 | To the angel in the congregation: Or, messenger, leader. In the Jewish synagogue of the 1st Century AD the presiding officer or ruler was called the messenger or angel. This was one of the leading elders who received messages from Jerusalem and elsewhere. He then read them to the assembly. It is very likely that here “angel” refers to the presiding presbyter of the Christian congregation. |
| 2 | Ephesus: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Acts. [Acts 20:17-35] |
| 3 | This message is from: Or, KJV: these things saith he; KNX: a message to thee; deeds. Each of the seven Christine apocalyptic epistles follows a standard format: an introduction describing the sender, commendation where possible, a rebuke where needed, and then a promise to those who conquer. Each of these letters teaches much about the character of the glorified Christ as letters always reveal about their authors. See Biblical Articles on this subject. |
| 4 | The One holding the 7 stars in his right hand: This description would seem to confirm that each of the seven congregations received the complete book of Revelation. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose Revelation 2:1 as the theme verse of chapter two – Three Troubled Angels and One Faithful Angel. The first of seven letters from Christ is addressed to the congregation in Ephesus. [1-4] Christ through John describes himself the one who holds the seven stars and who walks among the seven lampstands. He is aware of the angel’s works and his intolerance of evil men. The angel has tested those who claim to be representatives of the Church. Though the angel has endured under the weight of Christ’s name, the sender of the letter charges the angel for abandoning “your first love.”
Christ – through John – exhorts the Ephesian angel to do the former deeds in order to gain heavenly paradise. [5-7] Christ calls for the angel to remember and repent and do the first works. Failure to do so will mean the removal of the Ephesian congregation from his authority. Christ cautions all Christians to listen to what the Spirit has to say to the seven congregations. The victorious Saints will receive authority to eat of the Tree of Life in God’s paradise.
John’s attention is now directed toward the second angel of Smyrna. [8-11] Christ describes himself as the first and the last, the dead person who came to life. He is aware of the angel’s persecutions and poverty. Jesus tells the angel now to fear what he is about to suffer including prison. Those faithful to death will receive the crown of life. The triumphant Christian will never be harmed by Second Death.
Next is the letter to the angel of Pergamum. [12, 13] Jesus describes himself as the one who has the sword. He applauds the angel for holding fast to his name. The Master’s rebuke of the angel is because he still is holding on to some false teachings. [14-17] Those who do not repent of such false teachings will face a different Christ – one ready to war against them with his sword. The triumphant Christian will receive ‘hidden manna’, a white pebble with a new name.
The next angel in Thyatira is one with increased works. [18, 19] Jesus says he is the Son of God, the one with eyes of fire who is aware of his “works.” Jesus applauds his love, faith, service, endurance and the fact that his most recent works are more than those at first. However, Christ finds fault because the angel tolerates “that woman Jezebel.” Christ is willing to allow time for repentance but warns that he will bring affliction and death on those who fail. The congregations must realize that the Risen Master searches hearts and will reward according to “works.”
Now Jesus addresses “the rest” in the congregation who are a steadfast minority. [24-29] Christ says he places no further burden on them. Hold fast for the triumphant Christian is the one who continues to observe the works of Christ. To such victorious Christians Christ will give authority over the nations that they may rule them with a rod of iron. He will also give to them “the morning star.”
Abba our Father bless those who listen.
[16 September 2002]
The second and third chapters differ from all the rest of Revelation in that they are letters dictated by the Lord to the Seven Churches which have been chosen to represent the entire church of God. The description of their varied conditions and the commendations, rebukes, promises and warnings given them, are a fitting introduction to a book which is designed to reveal the various phases of the church in history, its fortunes, its lapses, its tribulations, persecutions and final triumph. While these Seven Epistles differ in details they will be found to have the same general plan and to have the following features in common: 1. An order to write to the angel of the church. 2. A glorious title of Christ taken from the imagery or language of the visions of the first chapter. 3. A description of the condition of the church, whether good or bad, admonitions and exhortations. 4. A promise to those who persevere and triumph. 5. A closing injunction to “hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.” Four epistles are contained in the second chapter, and three in the third chapter. A close examination will show that there is a distinction. In the last four epistles the closing promise is placed after the injunction to “hear what the Spirit,” etc.; in the first three epistles the promise is before the injunction. The distinction makes two groups of epistles, one of three and the other of four, just as the seven seals, the seven trumpets and the seven bowls are divided into two groups each, of three and four.
