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The Text
“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lamp stands: I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostle and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lamp stand from its place—unless you repent. But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 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.'” (Rev. 2:1-7)
Jesus Commends (vv. 2-3, 6)
- Works, labor, and patience
- Cannot bear those who are evil
- Have tested false apostles and found them liars
- Have persevered, for My name’s sake, and not become weary
- Hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate
Jesus Condemns (vv. 4-5)
- Left your first love
- Repent and do the first works
- Or I will remove your lamp stand
Jesus Rewards (v. 7)
- To him who overcomes, I give the tree of life to eat, in Paradise