Introduction to this study
"Letters to the Congregations contained in the Book of Revelation"
Chapters 2-3 of the Book of Revelation contain the missionary letters to the 7 churches of Asia Minor at the time of the apostle John. However, the Bible is relevant at all times and those letters have had at least two different meanings in different eras. The Revelation of John is a prophetic/apocalyptic book and because of that, the letters also tell about the development stages of the Messianic Communities, in the past, in the present and even until the end of the 1000-year peace period that lies ahead of us.
When we look at the churches in John's time and after, and how the places are named, it all tells us that Elohim has planned everything.
The content of the letters corresponds to the conditions that existed in these seven churches during the time of the apostle John, as well as the stages of development, such as apostasy and returning to apostolic teachings, which have occurred throughout history in numerous revival movements that profess Messianic belief or Christianity and in their independent local Congregations.
Processing of the topic
Let's study Revelation chapter 2 and only the missionary letter mentioned at the beginning of it to the Congregation in Ephesus.
To the Congregation in Ephesus, verses 1-7:
1."To the angel of the Congregation of Ephesus write: 'Thus says he (A) who holds the seven stars in his right hand, he who walks among the seven golden lampstands:
2. I know your works and your toil and your patience, and that you cannot endure evil. You you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and you have found them to be liars.
3. You have patience, and much you have borne for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. 4. But I have this against you, that you have rejected your first love. 5. Remember therefore from whence thou hast fallen, and repent, and do those first works; but if you do not, then I will come (B) to you and push your lampstand out of its place unless you repent.
6. But what you have is that you hate actions that I also hate. 7. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit to the Congregations says. To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of (C) Elohim.'
(A) Translated by G. Lamsa. verse 1 reads: "... 'Thus says the Almighty One, ...'" (Omnipotent One).
(B) Translated by G. Lamsa. verse 5 in the middle reads: "...but if you do not, I will come to you very soon..."
(C) Translated by G. Lamsa. verse 7 at the end reads: "...which is in the midst of the paradise of Elohim."
Verses 1-3: To the Congregation Adonai Yeshua says that he holds in his hand the star or angel of each of the 7 Congregation's, Angelos (D) in his right hand and that he walks among the 7 golden lampstands or srk. In verse 2 He gives credit for the Congregation's angel's effort, patience, and vigilance against the false apostles. In verse 3 He gives credit to the Congregation's angel for his patience and bearing hardships for the sake of Yeshua-Name and that he is not weary.
Verses 4-6: 4 The only reproach concerns the rejection of first love. Without love, all the trash is useless! In verse 5, Yeshua calls the shepherd to demand repentance under the threat that otherwise he will come and push the Congregation away from the position it has in society, which is to be light and salt to those who walk in darkness.
In verse 6, He praises the srk's shepherd for hating the actions and heresies of the Nicolaitans! The Nicolaitans have been supposed to have formed a sect bearing the stamp of Gnosticism, according to the teachings of which Believers agreed to live a frivolous life, because grace is said to be enough to cover all that filth! According to one idea, the Nicolaitans also taught a theocratic hierarchy, i.e. priestly status, where normal Believers were inferior to them in front of Yeshua.
Verse 7: Yeshua exhorts all Congregation's Shepherds and members at all times to keep their ears open to the voice of the Holy Spirit, which is also evident in this mission letter! In addition, He gives a great and sure promise to eat from the tree of eternal life in Elohim's paradise (E), but only to those who overcome, i.e. are obedient to the Adonai of Congregation!
It is noteworthy that all of these letters addressed to all the 7 Congregation contain the same condition: Only the one who wins will be rewarded with the most valuable gifts!
(E) Let us remember that the first people: Adam and Eve, after their fall, were not allowed to eat the fruit of the Tree of Life, which gives eternal life to those who eat it, but were expelled from Paradise and YHWH Elohim appointed the great angel princes: cherubim to guard the way to the tree of life! Adonai Yeshua is that Way and precisely the only way!
Briefly about Congregation in Ephesus
Ephesus was a great city. (See the location on the attached map, which also shows the barren island or islet of Patmos in verse 1:9)
Time: AD 30-100 – Located on the west coast of what is now Turkey.
Also Paul and John worked as shepherds of that Congregation.
(§ = meaning, + = pluses, - = minuses)
§ Ephesus means: "Beauty, perfection"
§ Yeshua was the owner and guardian of that Congregation as well
§ Promise to the winners: The promise to eat the fruit of the Tree of Life
+ Deeds / + Patience / + Resisting Heresies
- Extinguished first love.
Introspection
Let's reflect on our own local Congregation and ourselves as individuals, to see if there are similar subjects of praise or reproach for it and for us as individuals. If we find similar or other reproaches, let us humble ourselves to repent as Congregations and individuals by praying for the will and strength to that from Adonai Yeshua!
Songs suitable for the topic
Sanctification
Watching Over Us (Psalm 121)
Shadow of Shaddai (Psalm 91)
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