As considered in my introduction to this series, I would like to look at each of the letters to the churches of Revelation from a different viewpoint than I have had much of my life.
Much could be written on each of the churches, but my intent is to give an overview of Old Testament motifs and pictures that John may have drew on from the Old Testament when he was penning the letters through the Holy Spirit
Our first letter is to the Church of the Ephesians.
John reaches back into the garden for this church. Lets read the passage to get our thoughts aligned.
Rev 2:1-7
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.
“‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.
I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary.
But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.
Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.
Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’
Consider the following
- Christ is announced as the Creator.
- Adam was granted privilege of labor in the garden, and this church has an emphasis on labor in its description
- Christ walked amongst the lampstands to judge the church, as God had walked amongst His original creation in judgement (Gen 3:8).
- The angel was commanded to guard the church, in similar fashion to Adam guarding the garden (Gen 2:15)
- Both Adam and the angel of the church had fallen, failing in their duties.
- Both Adam and the angel of the church left their first love
- Christ threatens to remove the lamp from the church, even as God removed the Tree of Life from Adam and Eve’s through restricting their access to the garden
- The Tree of Life was available to Adam, and now available to all who overcome.
Give me your thoughts. Do you see parallels I have missed? Let me know in the comments. I would love to hear from you
Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.
Considering the Bible 