by Karen Pusey

Created on: October 22, 2009

Revelation chapter 2:1-3:22

Rather a sober start to a book packed with apocalyptic imagery! Yet these seven churches need seven specific messages delivered in a structured form. A glance at the map of Asiatic Greece will show how these places follow a route from Ephesus northerly until it reaches Pergamum, then moves downwards again to Laodicea. It is obvious that the recipients must have Although the letters stand alone two things are likely a) the letters were not just meant for the named recipients, but for all the churches and b) that they had a copy of chapter 1 with John's vision, for each letter refers to it. Also, each letter gives us a cameo of the church in that place.

Chapter one has introduced the seven lamp stands and the seven stars. Each lamp stand is a church and each star appears to be a leader, or a prominent official. But who is "the angel" who appears at the beginning of each letter? Is this another name for the "star"? Some think it is, but perhaps it designates, "the prevailing spirit of the church"

Today, Ephesus is eight miles inland, with a swamp between it and the sea, but in 1st.c it was a bustling port. The centre of the city could be reached from the harbour by a 35' wide avenue.

V.1 refers back to the vision in chapter one v.16, although the grip that Christ has on the seven stars is intensified. He is not going to let them go! Here is a picture of a rock solid church, apparently impervious to attack from false teachers. And what a lot they had to contend with! Acts 19:23-41, shows that the Trades Unions were against these upstarts in the city of Artemis. There were also self-styled apostles, who needed to be tested. Yet their resistance has hardened them. They have ceased to apply that most Christian of virtues, love. Right doctrine is not enough, a right attitude must prevail. The need to do an about right turn, back to where they started, in the old days of Pricilla & Aquila and of course, St. Paul

V.6 mentions the Nicolaitans. They will appear again. However, they are obscure. Irenaeus who like to tidy things up, refers to Nicolaus the proselyte of Acts 6:5 and suggests he founded a movement. It is he who tells us that Ephesus was the home of the Apostle John and Mary, the mother of Jesus.

V.7 tells of what is prepared for those who do repent. The Story of the cosmos starts in a garden. Those who follow the story through will find its consummation in a garden. Ephesus seems to have taken the advice, for Ignatius, Bishop

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