Revelation 2:1–7
was written to the church of Ephesus, the same church to which Paul had written
some 30–40 years earlier in the letter of Ephesians. Jesus commends this
church, noting that they have faithfully held to their purity and rejected
false teachers (Revelation 2:2–3). Specifically, Jesus says positively, “I know
your works.” However, He says that He is not happy with all of their works,
saying in Revelation 2:5, “do the works you did at first.” The Greek can be literally translated
as “first works” or “first deeds,” which the KJV does. Jesus’ point was to
return to their original works.
While those in the church of Ephesus were still
obedient in one sense, they had become deficient in their love (Revelation 2:4).
This passage does not give a clear indicator as to what specifically was deficient
in their love, with scholars suggesting a lack of love for the brethren, lack
of love for the lost, or a lack of love for Christ. Regardless, there was a creeping
coldness or formality in the Christian life in Ephesus, one that risked their removal as a place of a true church.
While we don’t
know exactly what they were losing, they would have understood. What this
does teach us is that it’s not enough to love and defend good doctrine if
we lose Christian love in the process.
It's surprisingly easy to become like the church in Ephesus. We can faithfully attend church every week, defend sound doctrine, serve in ministry, lead Bible studies, give generously, and avoid obvious sin, all while slowly losing the love that once made those things a joy. What once flowed naturally from gratitude for Christ can gradually become routine, mechanical, or even a source of pride. We begin measuring faithfulness by what we know or what we do instead of by our growing love for Christ and for others.
This is especially dangerous because outwardly everything may look healthy. The Ephesian church was commended for rejecting false teachers and persevering through hardship. Yet Jesus looked beyond their actions and saw a heart that had grown cold. He was not satisfied with correct doctrine alone; He wanted a people whose obedience flowed from genuine love. The same is true today. God is not merely interested in our theological accuracy or ministry activity; He desires our hearts.
Take an honest look at your own life. Do you still hunger and thirst for time with Christ or has your relationship with Him become another item on your to-do list? Are you quick to point out theological error but slow to show patience, kindness, and compassion? Do you know more about Jesus than you did years ago but love Him and His people less? Those are the kinds of questions Jesus' words invite us to ask.
The good news is that Jesus doesn't simply expose the problem. He provides the solution. He lovingly calls His people to remember, repent, and return. Repent of allowing familiarity, busyness, pride, or routine to replace genuine affection for Christ. Then return to those "first works," renewing the love that gave those works life in the first place.
Christian maturity is about growing in both truth and love. The deeper we understand the gospel, the more we should love Christ, His people, and those who do not yet know Him. May we never become people who are right about Jesus while drifting away from Him.
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