Obviously, something had happened to the church at Ephesus (Revelation 2:4). They had several good things going for them for which Jesus commended them. Revelation 2:2 says: “I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil.”
1. They labored in good works. They were not behind, neglectful, or lazy regarding good works. Jesus Himself labored long hours in the ministry to meet the needs of the people. The Apostle Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 2:9 that he, along with the others who worked with him, labored night and day because they would not be chargeable to anyone.
2. They were patient. Patience is a good work. There are many times in life when we are called to wait and be patient with people and circumstances. How easy it is to face the test of patience.
3. They would not tolerate evil. To not bear those who are evil is also a good work. They refused to tolerate evil people. They obviously excommunicated themselves, perhaps because they exposed the evildoers and denounced them. There is far too much tolerating of evil in the church today.
4. They examined the church eldership that called themselves apostles, but they found to be liars. Jesus also commended this as a good work. By doing this they protected the church from those who call themselves apostles (who expected to preach in the pulpit and get offerings of money) but were false and spoke false doctrine.
They did all the above works for the Lord’s name sake and did not faint. This testimony of the Ephesians church was pretty amazing compared to church standards today.
But it was not good enough!
To be continued.
Be encouraged.
Colin Campbell