Revelation 2:1-7

1. Ephesus.

Vs. 1-7. Ephesus, once a leading scene of Paul's ministry, became the home of John, and there tradition locates his sepulchre. He strikes a note of commendation by telling them that they have had their trials with those who said they were apostles and were not and found them liars. These were evidently the same class of Judaizers that opposed Paul, and if so, this is evidence of the early date of the book. They met this difficulty and survived, to their praise; but "thou hast left thy first love." They were in some measure, backsliders. This was their sin. It is a sin of this age as well; and Ephesus has its similarity to our own age as well as Laodicea. And if they are backsliders they will not stand the trial that is coming upon them; and accordingly the Revealer says: "Repent or else I will come unto thee quickly and will remove thy candlestick out if its place." Observe that here is a coming which is not the technical second coming; and every judgment is a coming.

The candlestick was removed and the church of Ephesus perished. I have no record how soon that happened, but we know that for centuries that once proud city has been a ruin. Backsliding will prove fatal to any church.

Ephesus speaks to us. The church cannot commit suicide and still live. Besides there are a score of agencies at the throat of the church ready to destroy her when she slips from the protection of the God who upholds her.