EPHESUS - THE COMMENDATION

THE COMMENDATION

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 (Revelation 2:2)

Know (εἴδω eídō, Gk) - This refers to the sense of “to perceive, be aware of, and understand.”  It expresses the knowledge which comes from one’s state of being, intuitive knowledge, and refers to the absolute knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. He knows everything about the church, both good and bad.

Labor (κόπος kópos, Gk.) – It denotes labor to the point of sweat and exhaustion, physically, mentally, and emotionally. It was an all out effort that the person had to give. It was used to denote not so much the actual exertion which a man makes, but the weariness which he experiences from that exertion, and designates that which we as Christians ought to render to the Lord as labor in the Christian ministry - a “labor of love,” meaning work of beneficence. The Ephesians’ were diligent workers for Christ.

Patience (ὑπομονή hupomonḗ, Gk.) – This word means “A bearing up under, patience, endurance as to things or circumstances.” This is in contrast to makrothumía, long–suffering or endurance toward people. Hupomonḗ is associated with hope (1 Thessalonians 1:3) and refers to that quality of character which does not allow one to surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial. It refers to patience in trying circumstances, a courageous acceptance of hardship, suffering, and loss. Despite their difficult circumstances, the Ephesian believers remained faithful to the Lord. It is the precept of constancy toward God.

In 1 Thessalonians 1:3 Paul wrote “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father.” In 1 Corinthians 13:13 he writes “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” Faith, love, and hope should abide in a church, or it will eventually die, no matter how great its zeal.

Those who are evil – They held to a high, holy standard of behavior and were sensitive to sin (Matthew 18:15; Ephesians 4:27). Despite their difficult circumstances, the Ephesian believers remained faithful to the Lord.

Who say they are apostles – False teachers pose a constant danger to the church (Matthew 7:15; 2 John 7, 10; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

And you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary (Revelation 2:3).

For my name’s sake – they had not yielded to disappointment, ingratitude, or criticism. They remained faithful to the Lord, loyal to His word and to the work to which He had called them (Galatians 6:9).