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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Revelation 2:1–7. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here,
I.The inscription, where observe,
1.To whom the first of these epistles is directed: To the church of Ephesus, a famous church planted by the apostle Paul (Acts 19), and afterwards watered and governed by John, who had his residence very much there. We can hardly think that Timothy was the angel, or sole pastor and bishop, of this church at this time, - that he who was of a very excellent spirit, and naturally cared for the good state of the souls of the people, should become so remiss as to deserve the rebukes given to the ministry of this church. Observe,
2.From whom this epistle to Ephesus was sent; and here we have one of those titles that were given to Christ in his appearance to John in the chapter foregoing: He that holds the seven stars in his right hand, and walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, Rev 1:13, Rev 1:16. This title consists of two parts: - (1.) He that holds the stars in his right hand. The ministers of Christ are under his special care and protection. It is the honour of God that he knows the number of the stars, calls them by their names, binds the sweet influences of Pleiades and looses the bands of Orion; and it is the honour of the Lord Jesus Christ that the ministers of the gospel, who are greater blessings to the church than the stars are to the world, are in his hand. He directs all their motions; he disposes of them into their several orbs; he fills them with light and influence; he supports them, or else they would soon be falling stars; they are instruments in his hand, and all the good they do is done by his hand with them. (2.) He walks in the midst of the golden candlesticks. This intimates his relation to his churches, as the other his relation to his ministers. Christ is in an intimate manner present and conversant with his churches; he knows and observes their state; he takes pleasure in them, as a man does to walk in his garden. Though Christ is in heaven, he walks in the midst of his churches on earth, observing what is amiss in them and what it is that they want. This is a great encouragement to those who have the care of the churches, that the Lord Jesus has graven them upon the palms of his hands.
II.The contents of the epistle, in which, as in most of those that follow, we have,
1.The commendation Christ gave this church, ministers and members, which he always brings in by declaring that he knows their works, and therefore both his commendation and reprehension are to be strictly regarded; for he does not in either speak at a venture: he knows what he says. Now the church of Ephesus is commended,
(1.)For their diligence in duty: I know thy works, and thy labour, Rev 2:2. This may more immediately relate to the ministry of this church, which had been laborious and diligent. Dignity calls for duty. Those that are stars in Christ's hand had need to be always in motion, dispensing light to all about them. For my name's sake thou hast laboured, and hast not fainted, Rev 2:3. Christ keeps an account of every day's work, and every hour's work, his servants do for him, and their labour shall not be in vain in the Lord.
(2.)For their patience in suffering: Thy labour and thy patience, Rev 2:2. It is not enough that we be diligent, but we must be patient, and endure hardness as good soldiers of Christ. Ministers must have and exercise great patience, and no Christian can be without it. There must be bearing patience, to endure the injuries of men and the rebukes of Providence; and there must be waiting patience, that, when they have done the will of God, they may receive the promise: Thou hast borne, and hast patience, Rev 2:3. We shall meet with such difficulties in our way and work as require patience to go on and finish well.
(3.)For their zeal against what was evil: Thou canst not bear those that are evil, Rev 2:2. It consists very well with Christian patience not to dispense with sin, much less allow it; though we must show all meekness to men, yet we must show a just zeal against their sins. This their zeal was the more to be commended because it was according to knowledge, a discreet zeal upon a previous trial made of the pretences, practices, and tenets of evil men: Thou hast tried those that say they are apostles and are not, and hast found them liars. True zeal proceeds with discretion; none should be cast off till they be tried. Some had risen up in this church that pretended to be not ordinary ministers, but apostles; and their pretensions had been examined but found to be vain and false. Those that impartially search after truth may come to the knowledge of it.
2.The rebuke given to this church: Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, Rev 2:4. Those that have much good in them may have something much amiss in them, and our Lord Jesus, as an impartial Master and Judge, takes notice of both; though he first observes what is good, and is most ready to mention this, yet he also observes what is amiss, and will faithfully reprove them for it. The sin that Christ charged this church with was their decay and declension in holy love and zeal: Thou hast left thy first love; not left and forsaken the object of it, but lost the fervent degree of it that at first appeared. Observe,
(1.)The first affections of men towards Christ, and holiness, and heaven, are usually lively and warm. God remembered the love of Israel's espousals, when she would follow him withersoever he went.
(2.)These lively affections will abate and cool if great care be not taken, and diligence used, to preserve them in constant exercise.
(3.)Christ is grieved and displeased with his people when he sees them grow remiss and cold towards him, and he will one way or other make them sensible that he does not take it well from them.
3.The advice and counsel given them from Christ: Remember therefore whence thou hast fallen, and repent, etc.
(1.)Those that have lost their first love must remember whence they have fallen; they must compare their present with their former state, and consider how much better it was with them then than now, how much peace, strength, purity, and pleasure they have lost, by leaving their first love, - how much more comfortably they could lie down and sleep at night, - how much more cheerfully they could awake in the morning, - how much better they could bear afflictions, and how much more becomingly they could enjoy the favours of Providence, - how much easier the thoughts of death were to them, and how much stronger their desires and hopes of heaven.
(2.)They must repent. They must be inwardly grieved and ashamed for their sinful declension; they must blame themselves, and shame themselves, for it, and humbly confess it in the sight of God, and judge and condemn themselves for it.
(3.)They must return and do their first works. They must as it were begin again, go back step by step, till they come to the place where they took the first false step; they must endeavour to revive and recover their first zeal, tenderness, and seriousness, and must pray as earnestly, and watch as diligently, as they did when they first set out in the ways of God.
4.This good advice is enforced and urged,
(1.)By a severe threatening, if it should be neglected: I will come unto thee quickly, and remove thy candlestick out of its place. If the presence of Christ's grace and Spirit be slighted, we may expect the presence of his displeasure. He will come in a way of judgment, and that suddenly and surprisingly, upon impenitent churches and sinners; he will unchurch them, take away his gospel, his ministers, and his ordinances from them, and what will the churches or the angels of the churches do when the gospel is removed?
(2.)By an encouraging mention that is made of what was yet good among them: This thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate, Rev 2:6. "Though thou hast declined in thy love to what is good, yet thou retainest thy hatred to what is evil, especially to what is grossly so." The Nicolaitans were a loose sect who sheltered themselves under the name of Christianity. They held hateful doctrines, and they were guilty of hateful deeds, hateful to Christ and to all true Christians; and it is mentioned to the praise of the church of Ephesus that they had a just zeal and abhorrence of those wicked doctrines and practices. An indifference of spirit between truth and error, good and evil, may be called charity and meekness, but it is not pleasing to Christ. Our Saviour subjoins this kind commendation to his severe threatening, to make the advice more effectual.
III.We have the conclusion of this epistle, in which, as in those that follow, we have,
1.A call to attention: He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Observe,
(1.)What is written in the scriptures is spoken by the Spirit of God.
(2.)What is said to one church concerns all the churches, in every place and age.
(3.)We can never employ our faculty of hearing better than in hearkening to the word of God: and we deserve to lose it if we do not employ it to this purpose. Those who will not hear the call of God now will wish at length they had never had a capacity of hearing any thing at all.
2.A promise of great mercy to those who overcome. The Christian life is a warfare against sin, Satan, the world, and the flesh. It is not enough that we engage in this warfare, but we must pursue it to the end, we must never yield to our spiritual enemies, but fight the good fight, till we gain the victory, as all persevering Christians shall do; and the warfare and victory shall have a glorious triumph and reward. That which is here promised to the victors is that they shall eat of the tree of life which is in the midst of the paradise of God. They shall have that perfection of holiness, and that confirmation therein, which Adam would have had if he had gone well through the course of his trial: he would then have eaten of the tree of life which was in the midst of paradise, and this would have been the sacrament of confirmation to him in his holy and happy state; so all who persevere in their Christian trial and warfare shall derive from Christ, as the tree of life, perfection and confirmation in holiness and happiness in the paradise of God; not in the earthly paradise, but the heavenly, Rev 22:1, Rev 22:2.
Historical interpretation
Seven Centuries of Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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"I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience." In the first epistle He speaks thus: I know that thou sufferest and workest, I see that thou art patient; think not that I am staying long from thee.
"And that thou canst not bear them that are evil, and who say that they are Jews and are not, and thou has found them liars, and thou hast patience for My name's sake." All these things tend to praise, and that no small praise; and it behoves such men, and such a class, and such elected persons, by all means to be admonished, that they may not be defrauded of such privileges granted to them of God. These few things He said that He had against them.
I know your works, and your labor, etc. I see you, he says, diligently performing good works and patiently enduring the intolerable wrongs of the wicked; examining carefully the words and deeds of false apostles, you have not in any way wished to yield to them.
And unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write: These things saith he, who holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks: I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience. In this place, blessed John, either in his own person or in that of preceding preachers, writes the Lord's words at the latter's bidding to the universal Church, which is represented by the angel. In this angel, sometimes the whole body of the elect, which consists of holy preachers and good listeners, is extolled by the proclamation of its merits, sometimes a part in particular is censured as wicked. So, what does it mean that the Redeemer Lord holds stars in his right hand, if not that he has predestined his elect to the blessedness of success? What does it mean that the same walks in the midst of the candlesticks, if not that he is present everywhere by bestowing the grace of gifts on every one of the saints through his inward discernment? If by the stars and candlesticks we understand the whole body of the Church, which consists of the elect and of the reprobates, by the right hand of Christ we should understand the power of his divinity, which no one can escape, for in his hand are all the ends of the earth; [Ps. 94:4] and he walks among the candlesticks, visiting the just and forsaking the unjust. The Lord says he knows the works, labor, and patience of the saints, which means that he approves them by the grace of choosing. But then the speech turns back to a specific weak part of the body when it is said after that, and how thou canst not bear them that are evil: for it is not a sign of merit, but of great weakness, that the angel cannot bear them that are evil. It is also to be noted that he says below to the same angel, Thou hast endured for my name: [Rev. 2:3] which is not incompatible with this passage, because in the one is indicated the weakness of some limbs, and in the other the strength of others. And thou hast tried them, who say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars. It is to be believed that false apostles had then spread in the Church of Ephesus, whom the same John calls Antichrists in his epistle, [1 John 2:18] and in whose persons is denoted the perfidy of all heretics. As for trying, it is sometimes done with a view to approbation, as in The Lord your God trieth you. [Deut. 13:3] So the Church tries the false ones when, through the preachers, it interrogates the heretics about faith, to see whether they are disciples of the truth or of falsehood.
He says, I know your works and your labor and your patience, "and nothing of the good things you do has escaped my notice." (Job 34:21) The one who formed the hearts of you all, who understands all your works (Ps. 32:15), and who says that you cannot bear evil men, has given you a spirit of perseverance.
The believers in Ephesus fulfilled the divine command: "not to trust every spirit, but to test the spirits to see whether they are from God." (1 Jn. 4:1) Therefore, they tested those who were preaching the Gospel among them and put them to the test; they found some false apostles who were delivering spurious doctrines, and he says that those around Cerinthus, who were contemporaries of the evangelist, were proclaimers of profane doctrines.
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Summary
Revelation 2:2 presents the Lord Jesus Christ's commendation of the Ephesian church, highlighting their diligent service, steadfast endurance, and unwavering commitment to moral purity. It specifically praises their discerning spirit in identifying and rejecting false apostles and those who propagated evil, demonstrating a vigilant safeguarding of doctrinal truth and ethical integrity within the community.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is the second in a series of seven distinct messages dictated by the resurrected Christ to the Apostle John for the churches in Asia Minor, as recorded in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. Each letter follows a similar pattern: an introduction of Christ using a descriptive title from Revelation 1, a commendation, a rebuke (if applicable), an exhortation, and a promise to the overcomer. Revelation 2:2 immediately follows Christ's self-identification to the Ephesian church as the one who "holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks" (Revelation 2:1), establishing His intimate knowledge and sovereign authority over their spiritual state before detailing their commendable qualities.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ephesus was a preeminent city in the Roman province of Asia, renowned for its strategic port, immense wealth, and the colossal Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which dominated its religious and economic life. The Ephesian church had a profound history, deeply shaped by the extensive ministry of the Apostle Paul during his third missionary journey (Acts 19:1-20), where the gospel made significant inroads against paganism. Later, figures like Timothy served there (1 Timothy 1:3), and tradition holds that the Apostle John himself resided in Ephesus in his later years. The church's environment was thus one of both spiritual vibrancy and constant pressure from idolatry, Gnosticism, and other emerging heresies, necessitating the vigilance praised in this verse.
Key Themes
Revelation 2:2 contributes significantly to several major themes within the book and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of divine omniscience and accountability, as Christ declares, "I know thy works," emphasizing His intimate awareness of His churches' deeds and character. Secondly, it highlights the importance of active faith and perseverance through "works, labour, and patience," echoing the New Testament emphasis that true faith is demonstrated through action and endurance (James 2:17). Thirdly, and most notably, the verse champions doctrinal purity and spiritual discernment, commending the Ephesians for their refusal to "bear them which are evil" and their rigorous testing of "them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars." This theme of vigilance against false teaching is crucial for the health and integrity of the church, a warning echoed throughout the New Testament epistles, such as in 2 Peter 2:1-3.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word, G1492, derived from a primary verb meaning "to see (literally or figuratively)," carries the implication of "to know" in its perfect tense usage here. It signifies not merely a superficial awareness but a deep, intimate, and comprehensive understanding. Christ's declaration, "I know thy works," conveys His perfect, all-seeing knowledge of their every action, effort, and internal disposition, establishing His authority and the accuracy of His assessment.
This term means "to lift," and by extension, "to carry, endure, sustain." In the context of "thou canst not bear them which are evil," it implies an inability to tolerate, put up with, or patiently endure the presence or influence of those who are morally corrupt or spiritually deceptive. It speaks to a strong, active rejection of evil rather than passive resignation.
This word means "to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline." It implies a thorough, rigorous examination, often with the purpose of proving genuineness or revealing falsehood. The Ephesian church did not merely dismiss claims but actively put them to the test, like assaying metal for purity, to determine the true nature of those claiming apostolic authority.
Verse Breakdown
"I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience,"
This opening clause establishes Christ's divine omniscience and His commendation of the Ephesian church's active and enduring commitment. "Works" (ἔργον, érgon) refers to their deeds and practical expressions of faith. "Labour" (κόπος, kópos) denotes strenuous effort, often to the point of weariness, indicating their tireless dedication to ministry and service. "Patience" (ὑπομονή, hypomonḗ) signifies steadfast endurance and perseverance, not passive resignation but active steadfastness under trials and opposition.
"and how thou canst not bear them which are evil:"
This phrase praises the church's intolerance for moral corruption and wickedness within their fellowship. They did not passively accept or condone sinful behavior or individuals who practiced evil, but actively resisted and rejected it, demonstrating a commitment to holiness and purity.
"and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:"
This is a significant commendation of the Ephesian church's spiritual discernment. In an era where many false teachers and self-proclaimed apostles sought to infiltrate and mislead the early church, the Ephesians rigorously "tried" (tested, examined) these individuals. Their thorough investigation revealed that these claimants were not genuine apostles but "liars" (ψευδής, pseudḗs), exposing their deceptive claims and protecting the church from doctrinal error and manipulative leadership.
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs Commendation, where Christ explicitly praises the church for their positive attributes and actions. This serves to affirm their faithfulness and provide an example for other churches. The phrase "thou canst not bear them which are evil" uses Litotes, a form of understatement where an affirmative is expressed by negating its opposite, to emphasize their strong, active rejection of wickedness. Furthermore, the description of testing those who "say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars" highlights Discernment as a crucial spiritual virtue. This act of "trying" implies a process akin to Assaying, where the genuineness of a claim is tested against a standard, revealing the true nature of the false apostles.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Revelation 2:2 underscores the profound theological truth that God is intimately aware of His people's actions and character. Christ's declaration "I know" is not merely observational but carries the weight of divine judgment and sovereign oversight, affirming that genuine faith is evidenced by diligent works, patient endurance, and a steadfast commitment to truth and righteousness. The Ephesian church's active rejection of evil and their rigorous discernment against false apostles serve as a timeless model for the church's responsibility to guard the purity of the gospel and the integrity of its community, recognizing that spiritual warfare often involves contending with deceptive teachings and individuals.
Reflection and Application
Revelation 2:2 offers a powerful mirror for contemporary believers and churches, challenging us to evaluate the authenticity and depth of our faith. It calls us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to a vibrant, active faith demonstrated through consistent "works" and tireless "labour" for the Kingdom. The "patience" commended here is not passive waiting but resolute endurance in the face of trials, opposition, and the weariness that often accompanies faithful service. Crucially, this verse reminds us of the imperative to maintain moral purity and to possess keen spiritual discernment. In a world saturated with diverse spiritual claims and often blurred ethical lines, the Ephesian church's example of rigorously testing those who claim spiritual authority and refusing to tolerate evil provides a vital blueprint. We are called to be vigilant guardians of the truth, prayerfully and diligently examining teachings and leaders against the infallible standard of God's Word, ensuring that our fellowship remains a beacon of holiness and sound doctrine.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean that the Ephesian church "tried them which say they are apostles, and are not"?
This commendation highlights the Ephesian church's crucial practice of spiritual discernment. In the early church, many individuals falsely claimed to be apostles or to possess divine authority, often spreading heretical doctrines or seeking to exploit believers. The Ephesian church did not simply accept these claims at face value. Instead, they "tried" (Greek: peirázō), meaning they rigorously tested, examined, and scrutinized the teachings, character, and spiritual fruit of these individuals. This process was akin to assaying precious metals to determine their purity. Through this careful examination, they were able to expose these false claimants as "liars," protecting their community from deception and maintaining the integrity of the gospel. This vigilance was essential for the health and survival of the early church, as warned about in passages like Matthew 7:15-20 and Acts 20:29-30.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Revelation 2:2, while commending the Ephesian church for their commendable qualities, implicitly points to Christ as the ultimate standard and source of all true works, labor, patience, and discernment. The ability of the Ephesians to "bear not them which are evil" and to expose "liars" who claimed to be apostles finds its perfect embodiment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly resisted evil and exposed falsehood. He is the one who "knew" the hearts of all men (John 2:24-25) and consistently unmasked the hypocrisy of the religious leaders of His day (Matthew 23:1-39). Furthermore, the "works," "labour," and "patience" of the Ephesian church are but a faint reflection of Christ's own tireless ministry, His enduring suffering on the cross (Hebrews 12:2), and His ultimate victory over evil and deception. Believers are called to imitate Christ's example, empowered by His Spirit, to live lives of active faith and discerning purity, knowing that He is the true Apostle and High Priest of our confession (Hebrews 3:1). The church's commendation here is ultimately a testament to the power of Christ working in His people, enabling them to stand firm in truth and righteousness until His glorious return.