Revelation 2:1–11

Introduction

Revelation 2:1–11: In this chapter, we read letters that were written to the church communities in Ephesus and Smyrna. These messages include words of encouragement and admonition.

Today’s Key Verse: Revelation 2:7b GNT

“To those who win the victory, I will give the right to eat the fruit of the tree of life that grows in the Garden of God.”

Read

2 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:

“This is the message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and who walks among the seven gold lampstands. ² I know what you have done; I know how hard you have worked and how patient you have been. I know that you cannot tolerate evil people and that you have tested those who say they are apostles but are not, and have found out that they are liars. ³ You are patient, you have suffered for my sake, and you have not given up. ⁴ But this is what I have against you: you do not love me now as you did at first. ⁵ Think how far you have fallen! Turn from your sins and do what you did at first. If you don’t turn from your sins, I will come to you and take your lampstand from its place. ⁶ But this is what you have in your favor: you hate what the Nicolaitans do, as much as I do.

⁷ “If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches!

“To those who win the victory I will give the right to eat the fruit of the tree of life that grows in the Garden of God.

⁸ “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:

“This is the message from the one who is the first and the last, who died and lived again. ⁹ I know your troubles; I know that you are poor—but really you are rich! I know the evil things said against you by those who claim to be Jews but are not; they are a group that belongs to Satan! ¹⁰ Don’t be afraid of anything you are about to suffer. Listen! The Devil will put you to the test by having some of you thrown into prison, and your troubles will last ten days. Be faithful to me, even if it means death, and I will give you life as your prize of victory.

¹¹ “If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches!

“Those who win the victory will not be hurt by the second death.

Reflect

How is Jesus described to these two churches? What words of encouragement are given to the churches? Why were words of reproof given to the church in Ephesus? What is promised to “those who win the victory” (verses 7, 11)?

Pray

Lord Jesus, help me to listen for your voice today. Open my heart and mind to your word and keep me faithful. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Revelation 2:12–29: John’s message is for two more churches in Asia Minor.