The Supremacy of Love
Bob Caldwell
We should greatly cherish that we have been given such an intimate look into how Jesus Christ personally sees His church. Here in chapter 2, we are given a glimpse of what Christ saw as valued and what He saw as worthy of rebuke in the churches at Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira.
The Ephesians had much that Jesus commended. They were a people known for their good works, patience, and a strong commitment to Biblical truth. Yet they were lacking one thing that had the power to cancel all that was commendable in their church. They had left behind their former love for Christ Jesus. They had forgotten that the greatest and most sought-after thing God desired of them was their love. Jesus calls it "first love." It is a love that finds joyful fulfillment in the discovery of Jesus' love for them, love that has no desire to share God's place within their hearts with any thing or any one else.
This loss of "first love" can happen to anyone. Rather than the good we do naturally flowing out of doing best for the One we love, the good begins to replace the best. God is set aside as we find our affection won over by the work we do, the people for whom we work, or those with whom we work.
But without love, the purpose of the cross and Heaven itself becomes lost. Christ's death on the cross was an act driven by God's love for humanity to buy back a bride for Himself. Heaven is only "Heaven" if it is filled with love. There, our faith, our knowledge, our works, and our titles, will no longer be needed. The only thing that we have today that we will bring to Heaven is love.
Without love in His church, Jesus declares He can do nothing but remove His presence. Yet the warning of leaving includes a call to return to Him, a call to repent and return to loving God as the soil from which all other things grow. He will walk among us and feed us from the "tree of life" in the midst of the "paradise of God." How we ever leave such great love is proof of how fallen and misguided we can still behave as believers.
In reading Christ's evaluation of the church in chapter 2, we can see how love is the answer to what each church struggles with. Smyrna faced severe tribulation, but the faithfulness of love can make them overcome it.
The believers in Pergamos and Thyatira faced the challenge to stand for what is true against those in their fellowship who held tightly to destructive beliefs that condoned idolatry and sexual immorality. Those who hold first love within their hearts will boldly stand for the One they love in the face of false teachings. Out of love for their Master, they will not let anyone defile the glory of their Lord by saying He condones destructive and sinful practices.
If we take the time to examine ourselves closer, we will discover that every sin and all lukewarmness in our Christian lives can be traced back to a loss of love for God.
Revelation 2:1-29 
1 "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 lampstands:
2 "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 apostles and are not, and have found them liars;
3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary.
4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.
5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. 6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
7 "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."'
The Persecuted Church
8 "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,
'These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life:
9 "I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
11 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death."'
The Compromising Church
12 "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write,
'These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:
13 "I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.
14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.
15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.
17 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it."'
The Corrupt Church
18 "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write,
'These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass:
19 "I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.
20 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.
21 And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.
22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.
23 I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.
24 "Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. 25 But hold fast what you have till I come.
26 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—
27 'He shall rule them with a rod of iron;
They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels'—
as I also have received from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star.
29 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."'
Revelation 2:1-29
v. 1 To the Angel – aggelos (Gk.) means simply "messenger." Therefore these letters were likely written to the pastors responsible over each church mentioned.
Ephesus – A very influential city in John's day, this city was also a place of great spiritual wickedness. The Temple of Diana was located there. This temple was one of the great wonders of the ancient world and brought much attention to the city. The Roman goddess Diana was considered the virgin goddess of the hunt. Many of the traveling merchants of the ancient world stored their savings in this temple believing that the goddess Diana (also known as Artemis) would protect their money. Ephesus was a powerful stronghold of Satan. The city was known to be a great source of books on sorcery and witchcraft of every kind. The church of Ephesus was a famous church in the ancient world. This church was privileged to have had many important Christians minister there. The Apostle Paul ministered there for three years (Acts 19:1, 20:31). Aquila and Pricilla ministered there together with Apollos (Acts 18:24-28). The Apostle Paul's disciple Timothy also ministered there (1 Tim. 1:3). And according to church history, the Apostle John ministered there.
Write – Twelve times in this book John is told by Jesus to "write" (Rev. 1:11, 19; 2:1, 8, 12, 18; 3:1, 7, 14; 14:13; 19:9; 21:5). The book of Revelation is clearly the "written Word of God."
He who Holds the Seven Stars…Seven Golden Lampstands – A description of Jesus Christ. (See 1:11-16 study notes.)
v. 2 Works – ergon (Gk.), which means an act, deed, thing done. The church of Ephesus was a "doing" church. Unlike so many churches that just teach, this church was a church of action.
Labor – kopos (Gk.), intense labor united with trouble and toil; can even be acquainted with grief and sorrow
Patience – hupomone (Gk.) steadfastness, constancy, endurance; an enduring, sustaining perseverance. The Church of Ephesus was steadfast and remained consistent through every hardship.
You Cannot Bear Those who are Evil – The Church of Ephesus was a pure church. Though Ephesus was a wicked city, this church remained doctrinally and morally pure.
You have Tested Those – The many false apostles and prophets of this day did not fool the church of Ephesus. The theology and discernment of this church was rock solid.
Apostles – apostolos (Gk.) a delegate, messenger, one sent forth by Christ with orders
v. 3 Persevered – bastazo (Gk.) to endure or bear a burden
for My Name's Sake – The motive for this church's hard work was for the Lord's glory and fame and not for themselves.
v. 4 "Nevertheless I have this Against You" – In spite of all the good qualities of this church, Jesus still had something against it. It is important that Christians realize that hard work and persevering labor are not the key issues of Christianity. Hard work is always commendable but never an unconditional requirement for God's favor. What was missing, however, was a characteristic that is a non-negotiable necessity for every Christian found in the next phrase.
First Love – "First" can signify both time and priority. "Love" is the word agape (Gk.) which is that self-sacrificing love of God. The love being described here is that love one experiences when one first comes to realize the great love of God and responds in an appropriate way of total adoration and surrender (1 John 4:19). It is a love of both passion and action. It is very possible to "go through the motions" of religious service yet lack the passion of a deep felt love for God. It seems that the Church of Ephesus had the motions without the emotions. This is a picture of religious ritual, habit, and dead orthodoxy.
Notice also that Jesus does not say that they "lost" their first love, but that they "left" it. There is a difference. To leave something means you have neglected it to the point that you have let it go. It is possible that the Church of Ephesus got so busy laboring in sound doctrine and in the work of the Lord that they actually let go of the passion and left their love for Jesus behind.
v. 5 Repent – metanoeo (Gk.) to change one's mind for better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one's past sins
First Works – The "first works" are those acts of love and devotion a person with a "first love" for Jesus might do. Examples of first works can be found in Acts 2:42: a steadfast devotion to Christian fellowship, Bible study, prayer and the breaking of bread (communion). Other examples might include sharing our faith with others (John 1:45-46, 4:29), worship (Acts 3:8), and acts of love and kindness to those in need (Luke 19:8).
Remove Your Lampstand from its Place – Because Jesus walks among the seven lampstands, this would indicate a removal of that lampstand from the presence of Jesus. And since a lampstand is also an appliance used to hold forth a lamp, this removal would also indicate a removal from the place of being a witness for Jesus in the world.
v. 6 You Hate the Deeds of the Nicolaitans – The Nicolaitans were the followers of a false teacher in the early church named Nicolas who taught believers that it was permissible to live a life of sexual immorality and fleshly indulgence. The word Nicolaitan is made up of two words Nikao-laos (Gk.) which means, "to conquer the people." Therefore, many believe that the Nicolaitans established a religious system in which a so-called religious elite would rule over those of lesser rank in that religious system.
Hate – miseo (Gk.) to pursue with hatred, detest.
v. 7 He Who Has an Ear, Let Him Hear What the Spirit Says to the Churches – This exact saying is repeated seven times to seven churches (Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22). Notice Jesus doesn't say let each church hear the specific message that only applies to their particular church. Every Christian of every time should hear and heed the exhortations Jesus gives to each of these churches.
To Him who Overcomes – To overcome in this case would of course specifically apply to those who overcome the previously described situation of leaving their first love. Even if the Church of Ephesus as a whole does not overcome, there may be an individual in that church who does. And "to him who overcomes" Jesus gives a series of promises.
Eat from the Tree of Life – This would imply a return to the perfect paradise of God to eat the fullness of God's blessing At the fall of man, Adam and Eve ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. God drove them out of the garden lest they eat from the tree of life and live forever in that condition of sinful separation from God (see Gen. 3:22-24). But once man is restored to the place of righteousness before God he can eat of the fruit of the tree of life and thus live forever in that condition of righteousness and perfect relationship of love and acceptance before God.
in the Midst of the Paradise of God – This is strong implication that God is promising the one who overcomes a return to God's original plan of enjoying His presence forever in paradise.
v. 8 Smyrna – Smyrna was quite an incredible city in its time. Smyrna was a large, rich city. It was a center of learning and culture, and was proud of its standing as a city. "Smyrna was an outstandingly beautiful city. It claimed to be the 'Glory of Asia.'" It had an especially rich trade in wines. Smyrna, like Ephesus, was a city of wealth and commercial greatness."
the First and the Last, Who was Dead, and Came to Life – Jesus claimed a title that rightfully belongs only to the One true God, Yahweh (Is. 41:4, 44:6, 48:12). But this time He also distinguishes Himself by declaring; "who was dead, and came to life." This single feature places Jesus far above all the other founders of world religions. The resurrection of Jesus Christ firmly establishes Jesus' authenticity and authority (Rom. 1:4).
v. 9 Works – ergon (Gk.) business, employment, that which any one is occupied. Jesus knew the activities of the church of Smyrna just as He knew the doings of the church of Ephesus. Jesus knew the works of every one of the seven churches. But He was only pleased with two of the seven. Works are decent and noteworthy. But works alone do not guarantee God's favor (1 Cor. 13:3).
Tribulation – thlipsis (Gk.) oppression, affliction, distress. Church history tells us that the church of Smyrna went through great tribulation because of their refusal to worship the false gods and emperors of Rome.
Poverty – ptocheia (Gk.) the condition of one destitute of riches and abundance. Though Smyrna was a very prosperous city, this church was poverty-stricken because of the persecution of all those who would refuse to worship Caesar (Heb. 10:32-35).
(But You are Rich) – God measures "wealth" differently than man does. To be wealthy in God's eyes is not related to financial status or material possessions. Money and possessions do not impress the One who created all things. Jesus was describing their spiritual condition. There is nothing inherently spiritual about being rich or poor. What really matters is the condition of the heart. The rich can be very spiritually minded. And the poor can be very materialistic. It is true however that riches and possessions can be a distraction to the Christian. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Luke 12:34).
Blasphemy – blasphemia (Gk.) slander, detraction, impious and reproachful speech injurious to divine majesty
Who Say They are Jews and are Not – Smyrna had the largest Jewish population of any Asian city. And the main adversaries of Christianity at this time were the Jews. According Paul, not everyone who calls himself a Jew is really a Jew (God's chosen people) in God's judgment (Rom. 2:28-29).
Synagogue of Satan – Some of the most atrocious acts of persecution and prejudice have come from some outwardly religious people and organizations. By using this term, "synagogue of Satan," Jesus is calling the religious Jews enemies of God.
v. 10 Do Not Fear…You are About to Suffer – Fear is a recurrent reality for the Christian under the threat of persecution. Christians under persecution are not told not to fear because the threat isn't real. They are to "not fear" because the Christian's suffering is both temporary and redemptive (Matt. 10:22, 28; Luke 12:4-5; 1 Pet. 3:14; Rev. 2:10).
Indeed, the Devil is About to – Some falsely believe that Christians cannot be harmed or harassed in any way by the devil. But Jesus' words here prove otherwise. The good news is that God uses Satan's actions for good.
Throw Some of You into Prison – The picture here is not that the devil is personally throwing Christians into prison, but that those who belong to the devil and are under his power are doing so. We have already seen that Jesus labeled false religion as the "synagogue of Satan." These people can exercise much harm to the saints.
that You may be Tested – What God's enemies intend for evil, God uses for good (Rom. 8:28, 1 Peter 4:12-14).
And You will have Tribulation Ten Days – History has not recorded any specific period of ten days of concentrated persecution that was endured by these Christians, though surviving records are very limited. It is possible that "ten days" is just a figure of speech meaning a relatively short span of time. Some believe that ten days is prophetic and symbolic language representing l0 years. Ten years was precisely the duration of the persecution of Diocletian, during which all the Asiatic Churches were grievously persecuted and afflicted.
The Crown of Life – One of the distinguishing marks of Smyrna was what resembled a "crown" of beautiful buildings around the top of Mount Pagos. Good citizens and victorious athletes also received crowns, which they could proudly wear. Crowns were also worn at weddings and special celebrations. These particulars would make Jesus' promise of a crown of life especially meaningful. Jesus is promising future glory to His saints.
v. 11 He who Overcomes – In the case of the church of Smyrna, this phrase would refer to one who remains faithful unto death and overcomes fear and the temptation to deny the faith.
The Second Death – This is the lake of fire (20:10-14, 21:8). The second death is a permanent state of everlasting punishment.
v. 12 Pergamos – Pergamos had been the political capital of the Roman province of Asia for over 300 years. Pergamos was the oldest city in Asia and contained the second largest library in the world containing over 200,000 scrolls. Pergamos was idolatrous and the first to erect temples to Caesar Augustus, Zeus, the serpent-god Asclepius (a god of mystical healing), and to many other Roman gods and goddesses. When the wicked Babylon fell, all of its occult and mythological headquarters moved to Pergamos. Therefore, many demonic, idolatrous practices prevailed in this city during this time. All of these facts made Pergamos a very powerful and influential city for the devil. Pergamos was a strategic stronghold for Satan. Pergamos is the only of the seven churches where Jesus specifically names a martyr (Antipas, v. 13).
He who has the Sharp Two-Edged Sword – We have already seen in 1:18 that this "two-edged sword" comes out of the mouth of Jesus. This is because the sword is a representation of the Word of God (Heb 4:12).
v. 13 I Know Your Works, and Where You Dwell – Jesus once more proclaims that He knows everything about this church. He knows what they are doing, He knows the wickedness of their surroundings, and He knows the deep challenges of their lives.
Where Satan's Throne is – "Satan's throne" here could be referring to any number of the incredibly idolatrous temples in this city. There was a great temple to the Roman Caesar as well as a magnificent temple to Zeus (Greek name) /Jupiter (Roman name) who was considered the god of the sky and father of all other gods.
You Hold Fast…and Did Not Deny My Faith – Jesus compliments the church of Pergamos that in spite of what they were up against they still proclaimed the name of the Savior and held to the true faith. Yet, there is a severe rebuke coming.
Antipas – Neither the secular history books nor the writings of church history tell us who Antipas was. But Jesus knows and remembers His own. This man Antipas must have stood up against all odds in this city overrun by idolatry. According to this verse he was put to death (martyred) for refusing to conform to the satanic pressures around him.
v. 14 But I Have a Few Things Against You – In His address to the seven churches, Jesus repeatedly says to His own, "You did well, but…". It is an unfortunate spiritual truth that Christ's church often finds itself in this condition. No Christian should ever be content to remain unchanged when Jesus says, "I have a few things against you…" As we will see in verse 16, it is a very serious matter when Jesus has even a few things against you.
Doctrine of Balaam – Balaam was a peculiar prophet (Num. 22-24, 31). He was hired by King Balak of Moab to curse the children of Israel. But every time Balaam opened his mouth to curse the children of Israel a blessing came out. Finally, Balaam revealed a plan by which King Balak could bring God's displeasure upon Israel. Balak sent out the women of Moab to seduce the men of Israel into committing acts of sexual immorality and joining them in their worship of false gods. Balaam is a type of all heretical teachers. With this history in mind it seems obvious that somehow there was a compromise in the church of Pergamos, which caused them to sin in idolatry and sexual immorality. The philosophy of ancient Rome was saturated with sexual immorality and lewdness.
Stumbling Block – A metaphorical way of describing any method, scheme, or doctrine that causes a Christian to trip and fall from their faith.
to Eat Things Sacrificed to Idols – To eat the meat of an animal sacrificed to a god is a symbolic way of proclaiming your union with that god (Acts 15:20, 29). Likewise, this is why Christians partake in communion to proclaim their unity with God through receiving the sacrifice of Christ.
Sexual Immorality – porneuo (Gk.) to indulge in unlawful lust or any sexual sin; spiritually; to permit one's self to be drawn away by another into idolatry through lust
v. 15 Doctrine of the Nicolaitans – The Nicolaitans were the followers of a false teacher in the early church named Nicolas who taught believers that it was permissible to live a life of sexual immorality and fleshly indulgence. The word Nicolaitan is made up of two Greek words Nikao-laos, which means, "to conquer the people." Therefore, many commentators believe that the Nicolaitans established a religious system in which a so-called religious elite would rule over those of lesser rank in that religious system.
Which Thing I Hate – Once more we see clear evidence that there are things that the God of love hates. Jesus declares that He also hates the deeds of the Nicolaitans.
v. 16 Repent – To repent means to have a change of mind resulting in a change of actions. Repentance is not an option. There are severe consequences to those who refuse to repent. Repentance is not just for the ungodly sinner. Five of the seven churches addressed in this letter are in need of repentance.
Else I Will Come to You Quickly – Jesus is addressing His church. And yet He boldly warns that if they don't repent He will, "come to you quickly…" These are not words of comfort. This coming is a coming of judgment. This coming would most certainly result in a purging and purifying process within the church.
Quickly – tachu (Gk.) shortly, without delay. It is important that church members not tolerate false doctrine or immorality in their midst. Judgment begins in the house of God (1 Peter 4:17-18).
Will Fight Against them – Jesus does not "fight against" His church, but only against "them" (the false teachers and heretics) who are introducing these false doctrines and heresies into the church.
With the Sword of My Mouthspanspanspanspan
