Extinct Ephesus

Video Introduction

For the Cultural Background of Ephesus see LINK

 Exegesis of Revelation 2:1-7 to the City of Ephesus

The message to the Church in Ephesus, as recorded in Revelation 2:1-7, is a significant passage in the biblical book of Revelation. It is a letter addressed to the church in the ancient city of Ephesus, written by the apostle John, who received a revelation from Jesus Christ.

In this message, Jesus commends the church in Ephesus for their hard work, perseverance, and their refusal to tolerate evil. He acknowledges their discernment in identifying false apostles and their dedication to upholding the truth. The church in Ephesus is praised for their endurance and their commitment to the cause of Christ.

However, Jesus also addresses a concern. He admonishes the church for losing their first love. He urges them to remember the love they had for God and to repent and return to that fervent devotion. Jesus warns that if they do not repent, their lampstand, symbolizing their position as a church, will be removed.

The message to the Church in Ephesus serves as a reminder of the importance of love and devotion in the Christian faith. It emphasizes the need for believers to not only engage in good works and maintain doctrinal purity but also to cultivate a genuine and passionate love for God and others.

This passage in Revelation offers valuable insights and lessons for individuals and churches today, encouraging them to examine their own hearts and prioritize their love for God above all else.

MESSENGER PREAMBLE FORMULA—2:1 ..... p. 128

•     Description of the suzerain..... p. 129
•     The omnipotent suzerain holds the seven stars—2:1a .... p. 129
•         Fig. 39. Silver coin with the bust of Domitian with seven stars.
•     The suzerain walks among the churches—2:1b .... p. 130

HISTORICAL PROLOGUE—2:2–4 .... p. 130

•     The suzerain knows their works—2:2a .... p. 131
•     The suzerain knows they have tested false apostles—2:2b .... p. 132
•     The suzerain knows their patient endurance—2:3.... p. 134
•     The suzerain knows they have abandoned their first love—2:4 .... p. 134

ETHICAL STIPULATIONS—2:5A .... p. 135

•     First imperative: Remember—2:5a .... p. 136
•     Second imperative: Repent—2:5a .... p. 136
•     Third imperative: Repeat—2:5a .... p. 137

SANCTIONS: CURSE—2:5B,C .... p. 137

•     The curse of the suzerain’s visit—2:5b .... p. 137
•     The curse of a removed lampstand—2:5c .... p. 138
•         Fig. 40. Arch of Titus, Rome.
•         Fig. 41. Woman lighting an oil lamp on a lampstand.

HISTORICAL PROLOGUE II—2:6 .... p. 141

•     The suzerain knows they hate the works of the Nicolaitans—2:6 .... p. 141

PROCLAMATION WITNESS FORMULA—2:7A .... p. 143

•     Hearing formula 2:7a .... p. 143

SANCTIONS: BLESSING—2:7B,C .... p. 145

•     The blessing of eating of the tree of life—2:7b .... p. 146
•         Fig. 42. Ephesian coin struck under Archidamos with a bee, and stag.
•     The blessing of the paradise of god—2:7c .... p. 148

CONCLUSION .... p. 149

 

Bibliography

 

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Updated Dec. 1, 2023