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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
Two Centuries of Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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And thou hast patience, and hast endured for my name, and hast not fainted. As this is obvious, let us pass over it.
He says, and you have patience and have endured for my name's sake, and have not grown fatigued, and you have done well indeed; for it is said, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of God." (Gal. 6:2)
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Summary
Revelation 2:3 commends the Ephesian church for their steadfast endurance, patient perseverance, and diligent labor undertaken for the sake of Christ's name, highlighting their unwavering faithfulness despite challenges. This verse underscores the Lord's intimate knowledge of their struggles and His appreciation for their sustained commitment to His cause, setting a high standard for spiritual fortitude.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is part of the opening commendation in Jesus' letter to the church in Ephesus, the first of the seven churches addressed in the Book of Revelation. Following the initial greeting and self-description of Christ as the one who "holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands" (Revelation 2:1), the letter immediately pivots to praise. Before any rebuke or exhortation, Christ details their commendable works, including their "toil and patient endurance" (Revelation 2:2). Revelation 2:3 expands on this endurance, specifically mentioning their labor for His name and their refusal to faint. This strong commendation builds a foundation of affirmation before the crucial, yet gentle, rebuke regarding their "lost first love" in Revelation 2:4.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ephesus was a preeminent city in the Roman province of Asia, serving as a major port, commercial hub, and religious center. It was home to the massive Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and a focal point for emperor worship. The Ephesian church had a rich history, having been influenced by the ministries of Paul, Apollos, Timothy, and likely John himself. This vibrant spiritual environment, however, was not without its challenges. Believers faced the pervasive idolatry and pagan practices of the city, as well as potential economic and social pressures for not conforming to Roman cults. Internally, they contended with false apostles and deceitful doctrines, which they commendably exposed (Revelation 2:2). Their "borne," "patience," and "labour" mentioned in this verse speak to the very real and demanding spiritual warfare and societal resistance they experienced.
Key Themes
Revelation 2:3 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the letter to Ephesus and the broader book. The most prominent is perseverance and endurance (Greek: hypomonē), which is presented not as passive waiting but as active, steadfast continuance in the face of adversity. This theme is central to the Christian life, as seen in the call to "run with endurance the race that is set before us" in Hebrews 12:1. Another key theme is diligent labor and faithfulness in service ("hast laboured"), emphasizing that true faith is active and productive, not stagnant. This aligns with the New Testament's consistent call for believers to be "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58). Finally, the phrase "for my name's sake" highlights Christ-centered motivation, underscoring that all Christian effort and suffering should ultimately stem from devotion and loyalty to Jesus. This motivation is crucial for enduring persecution, as Jesus himself taught His disciples that they would be "hated by all for my name's sake" (Matthew 10:22).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb means to lift, carry, or endure. In this context, it signifies the act of carrying a burden or facing a difficulty, implying a sustained effort in bearing up under trials, responsibilities, or even persecution. It suggests an active capacity to shoulder spiritual burdens without collapse.
Derived from hypomenō (to remain under), this noun denotes cheerful or hopeful endurance, constancy, and steadfastness. It is not a passive resignation but an active, unwavering persistence in the face of opposition, suffering, or delay, rooted in hope and faith. It speaks to a quality of character forged through trials.
This verb means to feel fatigue, and by implication, to work hard or toil to the point of exhaustion. It describes intense, dedicated effort, often in the context of strenuous spiritual service or evangelism. It emphasizes the demanding nature of their work for Christ, suggesting significant exertion and commitment.
Verse Breakdown
"And hast borne,"
This clause acknowledges the Ephesian church's capacity to carry burdens and endure hardships. It implies they have faced significant pressure, opposition, or difficult circumstances, and have successfully sustained themselves through them without succumbing. This "bearing" points to their resilience in the face of external and internal challenges.
"and hast patience,"
Following "borne," this phrase specifies the manner of their endurance: with steadfast patience. It highlights their unwavering constancy and fortitude, indicating that their ability to bear burdens was accompanied by a hopeful and active perseverance, not a grudging or despairing one. This patience is a mark of spiritual maturity and commitment.
"and for my name's sake hast laboured,"
This crucial part reveals the motivation and intensity of their work. Their "labour" (strenuous effort, toil) was not for personal gain or human recognition, but "for my name's sake," meaning out of devotion, loyalty, and allegiance to Jesus Christ. This underscores the selfless, Christ-centered nature of their diligent service and spiritual exertions, implying they worked tirelessly to uphold His honor and spread His message.
"and hast not fainted."
This concluding affirmation emphasizes the sustained nature of their commitment. Despite the burdens borne, the patience required, and the arduous labor expended, they did not grow weary, lose heart, or give up. Their faithfulness remained unwavering, demonstrating remarkable spiritual stamina and an unyielding resolve in their service to Christ.
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs Commendation and Affirmation, as Jesus directly praises the Ephesian church for their commendable qualities. There is a strong sense of Parallelism through the repeated conjunction "and" ("And hast borne, and hast patience, and... hast laboured, and hast not fainted"), which creates a rhythmic flow and emphasizes the cumulative nature of their positive attributes. The phrase "for my name's sake" functions as a powerful Motif, highlighting the central, Christ-centered motivation behind all their actions. Furthermore, the final clause, "hast not fainted," acts as an Antithesis to the natural outcome of intense labor and burden-bearing, underscoring their exceptional resilience and unwavering commitment.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Revelation 2:3 offers profound theological insights into the nature of genuine discipleship and the divine recognition of faithful service. It teaches that true Christian witness is characterized not merely by initial fervor but by sustained endurance, patient perseverance, and diligent labor, all rooted in a selfless devotion to Christ's name. This verse affirms that God sees and values the often unseen struggles, the quiet fortitude, and the tireless efforts of His people, even when they feel weary. It underscores that the Christian life is a journey requiring active participation and unwavering commitment, where trials are not meant to break but to refine and prove the authenticity of faith. The commendation serves as a powerful reminder that perseverance through hardship, motivated by love for Christ, is a hallmark of a thriving church and a pleasing offering to the Lord.
Reflection and Application
Revelation 2:3 stands as a timeless commendation and a powerful call to contemporary believers. In a world that often values immediate results and comfort, this verse reminds us that Christ deeply values our sustained effort, our willingness to bear burdens, and our patient endurance, especially when these are undertaken out of love for Him. It challenges us to examine the motivation behind our service: are we laboring "for His name's sake," or for personal recognition, worldly success, or fleeting satisfaction? The Ephesian church's refusal to "faint" despite their toil is a powerful encouragement to draw strength from Christ when we feel weary, reminding us that our labor in the Lord is never in vain. This verse invites us to cultivate a spirit of resilience, to embrace the demanding aspects of discipleship, and to find our ultimate strength and purpose in Christ, knowing that our faithful perseverance is seen and celebrated by our Lord.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean to "bear" and "have patience" in the context of this verse?
To "bear" (Greek: bastázō) in this context means to carry burdens, endure hardships, or sustain responsibilities. It implies an active capacity to shoulder difficulties without collapsing. To "have patience" (Greek: hypomonḗ) signifies not mere passive waiting, but an active, steadfast endurance and constancy in the face of trials, opposition, or delay. It's a hopeful persistence that remains firm under pressure, a quality forged through adversity. Together, they describe a resilient and unwavering commitment to Christ despite challenging circumstances.
How does "for my name's sake" inform the motivation for Christian service?
The phrase "for my name's sake" (Greek: diá to ónoma mou) is crucial, as it defines the ultimate motivation for the Ephesian church's labor and endurance. It means their efforts were driven by devotion, loyalty, and allegiance to Jesus Christ, rather than for personal gain, human applause, or worldly reward. This highlights that genuine Christian service flows from a deep love and commitment to the Lord, seeking to honor His character and advance His kingdom. This Christ-centered motivation is essential for sustained faithfulness, especially when facing opposition or weariness, as seen in Jesus' teaching that His followers would be persecuted for His name's sake.
What is the significance of "hast not fainted"?
The phrase "hast not fainted" (Greek: ou kámnō) means "you have not grown weary" or "you have not tired out." It emphasizes the sustained energy and unwavering commitment of the Ephesian believers despite the arduous nature of their "labour" and the burdens they "borne." This signifies their remarkable spiritual stamina and resilience. It's a powerful affirmation that, unlike many who start strong but eventually give up, they maintained their resolve and dedication to Christ, echoing the biblical encouragement to not grow weary in doing good.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Revelation 2:3, while commending the Ephesian church's endurance, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. The Ephesian believers "bore" burdens and "labored" for His name, but Christ supremely "bore" the weight of the world's sin and the wrath of God on the cross, enduring unimaginable suffering for the joy that was set before him. His "patience" was demonstrated in His willingness to submit to the Father's will, even unto death, embodying the ultimate obedience to the point of death. He "labored" tirelessly in His earthly ministry, teaching, healing, and proclaiming the kingdom, ultimately culminating in the exhaustive work of redemption. Most profoundly, Jesus "did not faint" (or grow weary) in His mission; He resolutely set His face toward Jerusalem and the cross, declaring "It is finished!" (John 19:30), signifying the completion of His redemptive work without faltering. Thus, the Ephesian church's commendable qualities reflect a participation in Christ's own enduring faithfulness, and their strength to persevere comes from His indwelling Spirit and His perfect example of sustained, selfless labor for the Father's name. He is the true source and perfecter of the very endurance He commends.