The Church of Ephesus in Revelation
Quick Summary
The church in Ephesus was the first addressed by Christ in Revelation 2:1–7. Known for its endurance, doctrinal vigilance, and hard work, the Ephesian church was nevertheless rebuked for having abandoned its “first love.” This message is especially striking when set alongside the letter to the Ephesians, which emphasizes love, unity, and maturity in Christ. Together, Revelation and Ephesians give us a picture of a church that stood firm in many ways yet risked losing the very heart of the gospel.
The Setting of Ephesus
Ephesus was one of the greatest cities of the ancient world. Located in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), it was famous for its harbor, its theater, and especially the temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. As a commercial and religious hub, it was also a center of spiritual tension.
The church in Ephesus had been planted through Paul’s ministry (Acts 19), and the city became a key base for the spread of the gospel. Later, Paul wrote the Letter to the Ephesians, urging them to live in love, stand against spiritual powers, and walk in unity. By the end of the first century, this same church was still strong—but with serious warnings from Christ in Revelation.
Commendation: Hard Work and Doctrinal Faithfulness
In Revelation 2:2–3, Christ praises the Ephesians for their toil, endurance, and rejection of false apostles. They were not easily swayed by false teaching, much like Paul had urged in Ephesians 4:14–15: “We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro… but speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”
The Ephesians excelled at discernment and perseverance. They had faced hardship, resisted falsehood, and clung to truth. In many ways, they were a model church.
Rebuke: Losing the First Love
Yet in Revelation 2:4, Christ delivers a piercing rebuke: “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.”
This is deeply ironic when read alongside Paul’s emphasis on love in Ephesians. Paul prayed that they might be “rooted and grounded in love” and know “the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge” (Ephesians 3:17–19). He told them to “walk in love, as Christ loved us” (Ephesians 5:2). Love was meant to be the defining mark of their life together.
By the time of Revelation, however, their vigilance had come at the cost of affection. They were theologically sharp but spiritually cold. They guarded truth but neglected love.
Call to Repentance and Promise
Christ calls the church to “remember then from what you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first” (Revelation 2:5). The warning is sobering: if they do not repent, their lampstand will be removed. For all their strengths, without love their witness would vanish.
Yet the promise is equally striking: “To everyone who conquers, I will give permission to eat from the tree of life that is in the paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7; see also The Tree of Life in the Bible). For those who return to love and overcome, eternal life in God’s presence awaits.
Meaning for Today
The church of Ephesus warns us that orthodoxy without love can still lead to ruin. A church can be sound in doctrine, active in service, and enduring in hardship, yet if it loses love for Christ and neighbor, it risks becoming hollow.
For modern congregations, the challenge is balance: holding fast to truth while living out the love of Christ. The Ephesians remind us that love is not optional. It is the heart of our witness.
FAQ
What did Christ commend the church of Ephesus for?
For their hard work, perseverance, and discernment against false teachers (Revelation 2:2–3).
What did Christ rebuke them for?
For abandoning their first love (Revelation 2:4).
How does this relate to the Book of Ephesians?
Paul emphasized love as the foundation of the Christian life in Ephesians, showing that by John’s time the church had strayed from this emphasis.
What was the consequence if they failed to repent?
Christ warned he would remove their lampstand—symbolizing the end of their witness (Revelation 2:5).
What is the promise to those who overcome?
They will eat from the tree of life in the paradise of God (Revelation 2:7).
Related Content
Commentaries Referenced:
G. K. Beale, The Book of Revelation (New International Greek Testament Commentary)
Robert H. Mounce, The Book of Revelation (New International Commentary on the New Testament)
