The Church at Ephesus, A Legalistic Church

Revelation 2-3 records Jesus’ message to the seven churches identified in Revelation 1:11. While some interpreters see these churches as predictive of the course of church history, it’s best to view these churches as historical first century churches from which all churches in all times can gain spiritual perspective. The first church Jesus addressed was the church in the city of Ephesus. At the time that John recorded Jesus’ words the church at Ephesus already had a long and strong heritage. But like many spiritual movements, it had lost its focus over time. It upheld the truth, but legalistically neglected love. Jesus pointed out this church’s flagging love for Him. The church at Ephesus serves as a warning for all Christians to fervently fire up their faith. We must carefully balance truth and love in order to shine for Jesus.