The jewel of all of Asia, once proud Ephesus was dying. Her harbor was silting over, and soon, Smyrna would replace her as the chief city of the region. In fact, over 20 miles of reedy marshland separate the old harbor of Ephesus from the sea.
Even in Paul's day, he called for the Ephesian elders to meet him in the port town of Miletus ( Acts 20). Though still a great and wealthy city, it was waning.
The church at Ephesus had a lot of positives! She was loyal in practice: "...I know your works, your labor, your patience..." ( Ephesians 2:2). This was an active church. Her "works" indicated actual service rendered, while her "labor" indicated something deeper. "Labor" means effort that produces work at the cost of pain. These brethren were working under circumstances of great difficulty.
"Patience" is that attitude of persistence in that "labor" that produces "work." As used here, "patience" means "to remain under." They were staying with the task even when the. burden was heavy.
The Ephesian church was also loyal in doctrine: "...you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those that say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars" ( Revelation 2:2). Those gnostic teachers that denied Jesus came in the flesh did not get very far at Ephesus ( I John 4:3; II John 7). They were tested ( I John 4:1), found to be false, and rejected!
"Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love" ( Revelation 2:4, NKJV).
"...you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans which I also hate" ( Revelation 2:6). The "deeds" indicated disregard for the governance of the Bible, probably under the doctrine of dualism. This meant they claimed exemption from responsibility of their personal conduct due to the philosophy that their body was not responsible for the spirit, norihe spirit the body. No wonder John strongly warned them to know the true disciples by their obedience ( I John 2:3, 4).
No wonder the Ephesian church was so strong doctrinally! Think of the people who had taught there: Paul, Apollos, Aquila and Priscilla, Timothy, and John!
While this all sounds so great, the Lord warned: "Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place unless you repent"' ( Revelation 2:4-5).
Repent ... of what? This church was so strong doctrinally and in practice! But, their love for Christ had waned. Without love, service and even doctrine mean little ( 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; Mark 7:7)1 "Ephesianitis" is when the church departs from that fervor and love which first characterized her ( Colossians 2:8-9). Do we have "Ephesianitis?" Try this checklist:
1. Is worshipping the Lord a strong priority and passion, or merely a ritual and insurance policy?
2. Do we complain about five more minutes in worship, and yet think nothing of long parties or football games on Fridays and Saturdays?
3. Do we view worship more as a duty rather than a privilege? Do you have "Ephesianitis?" Read Mark 12:29-31.