A.T. Robertson Commentary Revelation 2

In Ephesus (εν Εφεσω). Near the sea on the river Cayster, the foremost city of Asia Minor, the temple-keeper of Artemis and her wonderful temple (Acts 19:35), the home of the magic arts (Ephesian letters, Acts 19:19) and of the mystery-cults, place of Paul's three years' stay (Acts 19:1–10; Acts 20:17–38), where Aquila and Priscilla and Apollos laboured (Acts 18:24–28), where Timothy wrought (I and II Tim.), where the Apostle John preached in his old age. Surely it was a place of great privilege, of great preaching. It was about sixty miles from Patmos and the messenger would reach Ephesus first. It is a free city, a seat of proconsular government (Acts 19:38), the end of the great road from the Euphrates. The port was a place of shifting sands, due to the silting up of the mouth of the Cayster. Ramsay (Letters to the Seven Churches, p. 210) calls it "the City of Change."

These things (ταδε). This demonstrative seven times here, once with the message to each church (2:1,8,12,18; 2:1,7,14), only once elsewhere in N.T. (Acts 21:11).

He that holdeth (ο κρατων). Present active articular participle of κρατεω, a stronger word than εχων in 1:16, to which it refers.

He that walketh (ο περιπατων). Present active articular participle of περιπατεω, an allusion to 1:13. These two epithets are drawn from the picture of Christ in 1:13-18, and appropriately to conditions in Ephesus describe Christ's power over the churches as he moves among them.

I know (οιδα). Rather than γινωσκω and so "emphasizes better the absolute clearness of mental vision which photographs all the facts of life as they pass" (Swete). So also in 2:9,13,19; 3:1,8,15. For the distinction see Joh 21:17, "where the universal knowledge passes into the field of special observation."

Works (εργα). The whole life and conduct as in Joh 6:29.

And thy toil and patience (κα τον κοπον κα την υπομονην σου). "Both thy toil and patience," in explanation of εργα, and see 1 Thessalonians 1:3, where all three words (εργον, κοποσ, υπομονη) occur together as here. See 14:13 for sharp distinction between εργα (activities) and κοπο (toils, with weariness). Endurance (υπομονη) in hard toil (κοπος).

And that (κα οτ). Further explanation of κοπος (hard toil).

Not able (ου δυνη). This Koine form for the Attic δυνασα (second person singular indicative middle) occurs also in Mr 9:22; Luke 16:2.

Bear (βαστασα). First aorist active infinitive of βασταζω, for which verb see Joh 10:31; 12:6; Galatians 6:2. These evil men were indeed a heavy burden.

And didst try (κα επειρασας). First aorist active indicative of πειραζω, to test, a reference to a recent crisis when these Nicolaitans (verse 6) were condemned. The present tenses (δυνηι, εχεις) indicate the continuance of this attitude. Cf. 1 John 4:1.

Which call themselves apostles (τους λεγοντας εαυτους αποστολους). Perhaps itinerant missionaries of these Nicolaitans who posed as equal to or even superior to the original apostles, like the Judaizers so described by Paul (2 Corinthians 11:5,13; 12:11). Paul had foretold such false teachers (Gnostics), grievous wolves, in Ac 20:29; in sheep's clothing, Jesus had said (Matthew 7:15).

And they are not (κα ουκ εισιν). A parenthesis in Johannine style (John 2:9; John 3:9; 1 John 3:1) for κα ουκ οντας to correspond to λεγοντας.

And didst find (κα ευρες). Second aorist active indicative of ευρισκω. Dropping back to the regular structure parallel with επειρασας.

False (ψευδεις). Predicate accusative plural of ψευδης, self-deceived deceivers as in 21:8.

Thou hast (εχεις). Continued possession of patience.

Didst bear (εβαστασας). First aorist indicative of βασταζω, repeated reference to the crisis in verse 2.

And hast not grown weary (κα ου κεκοπιακες). Perfect active indicative of κοπιαω, old verb, to grow weary (Matthew 6:28), play on the word κοπος, late form in -ες, for the regular -ας (λελυκας). like αφηκες (verse 4) and πεπτωκες (verse 5). "Tired in loyalty, not of it. The Ephesian church can bear anything except the presence of impostors in her membership" (Moffatt).

This against thee, that (κατα σου οτ). For the phrase "have against" see Mt 5:23. The οτ clause is the object of εχω.

Thou didst leave (αφηκες). First aorist active (kappa aorist, but with -ες instead of -ας) of αφιημ, a definite and sad departure.

Thy first love (την αγαπην σου την πρωτην). "Thy love the first." This early love, proof of the new life in Christ (1 John 3:13f.), had cooled off in spite of their doctrinal purity. They had remained orthodox, but had become unloving partly because of the controversies with the Nicolaitans.

Remember (μνημονευε). Present active imperative of μνημονευω, "continue mindful" (from μνημων).

Thou art fallen (πεπτωκες). Perfect active indicative of πιπτω, state of completion. Down in the valley, look up to the cliff where pure love is and whence thou hast fallen down.

And repent (κα μετανοησον). First aorist active imperative of μετανοεω, urgent appeal for instant change of attitude and conduct before it is too late.

And do (κα ποιησον). First aorist active imperative of ποιεω, "Do at once."

The first works (τα πρωτα εργα). Including the first love (Acts 19:20; Acts 20:37; Ephesians 1:3ff.) which has now grown cold (Matthew 24:12).

Or else (ε δε μη). Elliptical condition, the verb not expressed (μετανοεις), a common idiom, seen again in verse 16, the condition expressed in full by εαν μη in this verse and verse 22.

I come (ερχομα). Futuristic present middle (John 14:2f.).

To thee (σο). Dative, as in 2:16 also.

Will move (κινησω). Future active of κινεω. In Ignatius' Epistle to Ephesus it appears that the church heeded this warning.

Except thou repent (εαν μη μετανοησηις). Condition of third class with εαν μη instead of ε μη above, with the first aorist active subjunctive of μετανοεω.