2. Ephesus: Orthodoxy Without Love

Introduction: Truth Without Love

The church at Ephesus would have impressed many modern believers. They were doctrinally discerning, hardworking, and vigilant against heresy. Yet Christ’s words pierce through the façade: “I have this against you, that you have left your first love” (Rev. 2:4 LSB). In Ephesus, truth had become detached from love. They had become guardians of orthodoxy but forgot the One they were guarding it for.

This letter is not a relic of history; it is a warning for every church that prizes theological correctness while neglecting spiritual affection. Christ shows us that a loveless orthodoxy is not enough; in fact, it is deadly.

Exposition

Commendation for Doctrinal Vigilance

Christ begins with encouragement: “I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance” (Rev. 2:2 LSB). The Ephesians worked hard in ministry and resisted evil. They tested false apostles and exposed them. In an age of rampant heresy, this was no small achievement. As Beale notes, “The Ephesians had a reputation for doctrinal discernment that guarded the church from external error.”¹

Condemnation for Forsaking Love

Yet Christ’s rebuke is devastating: “But I have this against you, that you have left your first love” (Rev. 2:4 LSB). This likely refers to both love for Christ and love for others, since the two are inseparable (Matt. 22:37-39). The Ephesian church had allowed their zeal for truth to cool their devotion to Christ Himself.

Hendriksen observes, “It is possible to be sound in doctrine and faithful in service, yet to lack the very love which gives life to all else.”² When truth becomes a weapon rather than an expression of love, the church is in danger.

The Call to Repentance

Christ commands them to “remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first” (Rev. 2:5 LSB). Repentance begins with remembering: recalling the early joy of salvation, the warmth of devotion, the eagerness to serve Christ. Then comes action: return to the works that flow from love, not just duty. If they refuse, Christ warns He will “remove your lampstand” (Rev. 2:5 LSB), the church will cease to exist as His witness.

Encouragement to the Overcomer

The letter closes with a promise: “To the one who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God” (Rev. 2:7 LSB). This recalls Eden lost through Adam’s sin and fulfilled in the new creation through Christ’s redemption (Gen. 2:9; Rev. 22:2). The reward for persevering in love is eternal fellowship with Christ.

Application

1. The Danger of Loveless Orthodoxy

Many churches today are like Ephesus: committed to sound teaching but cold in worship and witness. They pride themselves on guarding the truth but neglect intimacy with Christ. As Calvin warns, “Doctrine may be cold, if zeal for godliness does not accompany it.”³ Sound doctrine is vital, but it must kindle love for Christ.

2. Remember and Repent

Every believer must heed Christ’s call: remember, repent, and return. Recall the early joy of salvation. Repent of mechanical Christianity. Return to prayer, worship, and service motivated by love, not duty.

3. Christ’s Presence Among His Churches

Christ threatens to remove the lampstand, reminding us that a church may have a name and structure yet lose His presence. Churches do not die because of lack of programs or resources but because Christ departs when love is absent.

4. The Promise of Eternal Life

The reward is not abstract; it is the promise of the tree of life. Only in Christ do we find both truth and love perfectly united. Perseverance in love proves genuine faith.

Call to Persevere

Ephesus reminds us that Christ desires more than doctrinal precision—He desires hearts aflame with love. The church that forgets this may still appear busy but is in danger of judgment. Let us repent of cold orthodoxy and return to the warmth of devotion to Christ. He walks among His lampstands. He calls us to remember, repent, and return. To the one who conquers, the reward is life with Him forever.

Footnotes

1. G. K. Beale, The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text, NIGTC (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1999), 231.

2. William Hendriksen, More Than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1967), 74.

3. John Calvin, Commentaries on the Catholic Epistles, trans. John Owen (Edinburgh: Calvin Translation Society, 1855), 322.