Keraia
Revelation 2

Revelation 2:1

To the Church in Ephesus · Revelation 2:1–7
Read Revelation 2

Translations

Modern
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of Him who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.
Traditional
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
Literal
“ To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These things says the One holding the seven stars in His right hand, walking in the midst of the seven golden lampstands.
Latin
Angelo Ephesi ecclesiæ scribe: Hæc dicit, qui tenet septem stellas in dextera sua, qui ambulat in medio septem candelabrorum aureorum:

Original

Greek
English
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of Him who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.

Notes

Revelation 2:1

  • To the angel … write: This repeated command introducing each of the seven letters shows the message's importance.

  • Ephesus became the main city of the Roman province of Asia. It had the temple of Artemis (see Acts 19:23–35) and became the richest banking center in that region. The people of Ephesus were very independent. They refused help from Alexander to rebuild their temple after its destruction in the 300s BC. They argued that one god should not build a temple for another god (see Strabo, Geography 14.1.22). The pride of the Ephesians also led to the uproar against Paul (Acts 19:23–41).

Revelation 2:1–7

The letter to the church in Ephesus speaks to Christians who follow traditions. They are faithful but have lost their early, strong love for Christ and each other (see Revelation 2:5).

Revelation 2:1–3:22

The seven messages to the seven churches show the condition of Christ's church when Revelation was written, and it is similar today. God still calls Christians to be faithful and honest. Those who listen to Christ's message will receive God's promised rewards. Those who do not will face judgment.

Parallels

Acts 19:8–12 Ephesians 1:1–2

Places

Ephesus: Major city in Asia Minor; important center for early Christianity

Glossary

Ancient Letter Writing Angels of the Seven Churches Book of Revelation Menorah Tabernacle

Topics

Angel of the Churches: General Scriptures Concerning Christian Minister: Called: Angels of the Church Christian Minister: False and Corrupt Christian Minister: Serv Ants: Stars Church: Backslidden Church: Christ, Head of Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Ephesus Ephesus: Apocalyptic Message To The Stars of Ministers Titles and Names of Ministers: Angels of the Church Titles and Names of Ministers: Stars