Rev 2:1 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Rev 2:1-3:22: 2:1–3:22 The seven messages to the seven churches reflect the state of Christ’s church when Revelation was written, and it is similar today. God still calls Christians to faithfulness and integrity. Those who heed Christ’s message will reap God’s promised rewards; those who fail to do so will be judged. Summary for Rev 2:1-7: 2:1-7 The letter to the church in Ephesus addresses tradition-bound Christians who are faithful but have lost their early, zealous love for Christ and for each other (see 2:5 ). 2:1 Write ... to the angel: This repeated command that introduces each of the seven letters suggests the importance of the message. • Ephesus had become the main city of the Roman province of Asia. It contained the temple of Artemis (see Acts 19:23-35 ) and became the richest banking center in that part of the world. The people of Ephesus were very independent; they declined help from Alexander in rebuilding their temple after it was destroyed (300s BC ), arguing adroitly that one god should not stoop to build a temple to another god (see Strabo, Geography 14.1.22). The Ephesians’ protective pride also led to the uproar against Paul (Acts 19:23-41 ).

a2:1–3:22►

eActs 19:23-35►

fActs 19:23-41►

‏ Revelation of John 2:1

Summary for Rev 2:1-3:22: 2:1–3:22 ^a The seven messages to the seven churches reflect the state of Christ’s church when Revelation was written, and it is similar today. God still calls Christians to faithfulness and integrity. Those who heed Christ’s message will reap God’s promised rewards; those who fail to do so will be judged.
Summary for Rev 2:1-7: 2:1-7 ^b The letter to the church in Ephesus addresses tradition-bound Christians who are faithful but have lost their early, zealous love for Christ and for each other (see 2:5 ^c). 2:1 ^d Write ... to the angel: This repeated command that introduces each of the seven letters suggests the importance of the message.

• Ephesus had become the main city of the Roman province of Asia. It contained the temple of Artemis (see Acts 19:23-35 ^e) and became the richest banking center in that part of the world. The people of Ephesus were very independent; they declined help from Alexander in rebuilding their temple after it was destroyed (300s BC), arguing adroitly that one god should not stoop to build a temple to another god (see Strabo, Geography 14.1.22). The Ephesians’ protective pride also led to the uproar against Paul (Acts 19:23-41 ^f).