Revelation 2:2

KJV

I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

KJV (with Strong's)

I know {G1492} thy {G4675} works {G2041}, and {G2532} thy {G4675} labour {G2873}, and {G2532} thy {G4675} patience {G5281}, and {G2532} how {G3754} thou canst {G1410} not {G3756} bear {G941} them which are evil {G2556}: and {G2532} thou hast tried {G3985} them which say {G5335} they are {G1511} apostles {G652}, and {G2532} are {G1526} not {G3756}, and {G2532} hast found {G2147} them {G846} liars {G5571}:

Complete Jewish Bible

“I know what you have been doing, how hard you have worked, how you have persevered, and how you can’t stand wicked people; so you tested those who call themselves emissaries but aren’t — and you found them to be liars.

Berean Standard Bible

I know your deeds, your labor, and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, and you have tested and exposed as liars those who falsely claim to be apostles.

American Standard Version

I know thy works, and thy toil and patience, and that thou canst not bear evil men, and didst try them that call themselves apostles, and they are not, and didst find them false;

Commentary

### 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](/revelation/2 "Revelation 2-3 - Messages to the Seven Churches"). Each letter follows a similar pattern: an introduction of Christ using a descriptive title from [Revelation 1](/revelation/1 "Revelation 1 - The Revelation of Jesus Christ"), 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](/revelation/2-1 "Revelation 2:1 - Christ's Authority Over the Churches")), 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](/acts/19-1-20 "Acts 19:1-20 - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus")), where the gospel made significant inroads against paganism. Later, figures like Timothy served there ([1 Timothy 1:3](/1_timothy/1-3 "1 Timothy 1:3 - Timothy's Charge in Ephesus")), 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](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works is Dead")). 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](/2_peter/2-1-3 "2 Peter 2:1-3 - Warnings Against False Teachers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** 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.
* **bear (Greek, _bastázō'_):** G941, 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.
* **tried (Greek, _peirázō'_):** G3985, 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.

* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")
* [2 Corinthians 11:13-15](/2_corinthians/11-13-15 "2 Corinthians 11:13-15 - False Apostles Disguised")
* [Philippians 1:9-10](/philippians/1-9-10 "Philippians 1:9-10 - Discernment and Purity")

### 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
* **In what specific "works" and "labour" is my faith currently being expressed, and am I demonstrating "patience" in these efforts?**
* **How does my life, and the life of my church community, reflect an active intolerance for evil, both within and outside its walls?**
* **What practices or disciplines can I cultivate to enhance my spiritual discernment, particularly in an age of abundant information and diverse spiritual claims?**
* **How can my church community better equip its members to "try them which say they are apostles, and are not," and to identify false teachings?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that the Ephesian church "tried them which say they are apostles, and are not"?**

Answer: 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](/matthew/7-15-20 "Matthew 7:15-20 - Beware of False Prophets") and [Acts 20:29-30](/acts/20-29-30 "Acts 20:29-30 - Paul's Warning to the Ephesian Elders").

### 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](/john/2-24-25 "John 2:24-25 - Jesus Knew All People")) and consistently unmasked the hypocrisy of the religious leaders of His day ([Matthew 23:1-39](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). 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](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")), 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](/hebrews/3-1 "Hebrews 3:1 - Christ, the Apostle and High Priest")). 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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 John 4:1

¶ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

2 Peter 2:1

¶ But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

2 Peter 2:3

¶ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

1 Thessalonians 5:21

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Revelation 3:8

I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

2 Corinthians 11:13

For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:15

Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.