Revelation 2:2-3

“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil.  And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.

·        Jesus knew they were a hard working church.  Patience means perseverance. They were steady and faithful under pressure for decades.

·        They were zealous to establish a true biblical message and to maintain diligent outreach to others.

 

Psalm 1:6 For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

 

Revelation 2:1

“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, “These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:

·        He who holds the seven stars in His right hand – emphasizes His tender care and commitment to help the messengers (angels) or apostolic leaders over the church.

·        He who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands – Jesus is deeply involved with His churches in protecting those who walk holy before Him.

 

Deuteronomy 23:14  For the LORD your God walks in the midst of your camp, to deliver you and give your enemies over to you; therefore your camp shall be holy, that He may see no unclean thing among you, and turn away from you.

Revelation 1:19

“Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.

·         He states His will and pleasure:  to write and make known about Him

 

Psalm 68:20  Our God is the God of salvation; And to God the Lord belong escapes from death.

Hosea 13:14  I will ransom them from the power of the grave, I will redeem them from death.  O Death, I will be your plagues!  O Grave, I will be your destruction!  Pity is hidden from My eyes

Malachi 2:7  For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge, and people should seek the law from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

1:20

“The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands.  The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.

·         Psalm 68:20  Our God is the God of salvation; And to God the Lord belong escapes from death.

·         Hosea 13:14  I will ransom them from the power of the grave, I will redeem them from death.  O Death, I will be your plagues!  O Grave, I will be your destruction!  Pity is hidden from My eyes

·         Malachi 2:7  For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge, and people should seek the law from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.