Exploring The Revelation: Chapters 1–5 / Part 3

Series – April 2021 – Grace & Truth Magazine

Exploring The Revelation
Chapters 1–5: Part 3

The Mystery Of The Seven Stars
Revelation 1:20 declares the mystery of the seven stars and the seven golden lampstands. Such inspired explanations in this book provide keys by which the truth may be fully opened and understood. The seven lampstands speak of the seven churches or local assemblies – the vessels of public testimony intended for the glory of God, as represented by the gold. The stars are the angels of the seven churches to whom the messages were directly addressed in Revelation 2–3.

It is not said that a literal angel has charge of each local assembly, but the stars indicate a heavenly character, as do the angels. This points to the reality of faith and spiritual exercise seen in those who accept responsibility in the assembly, those of whom we read at the end of each address: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (2:7,11,17,29, 3:6,13,22 NKJV). Since he is the one who is to hear, it must follow that it is he who is addressed as “the angel” (2:1,8,12,18, 3:1,7,14). Let each of us be concerned to have such a character of heavenly-mindedness as to be deeply exercised by these things.

Although this book was signified by a literal angel to John, at the beginning John was directly given this great vision of the glory of the Lord, with the Lord speaking directly to him. An angel was used of God in what follows, but there is to be no doubt remaining that he is communicating the word of the Lord.

The Address To Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7)
Each local assembly was addressed on the basis of its responsibility as a testimony for God. These assemblies actually existed and were functioning in Asia Minor (present-day Turkey) at the time of John’s writing. Yet, the spiritual condition of each was strikingly representative of seven successive stages of the entire history of the Church on earth, from its beginning until the coming of the Lord (the rapture). This interpretation is supported by Acts 20:29-30, 2 Timothy 2–3 and many other passages. How great is the wisdom of God in overruling and using all these things in the way He does!

The assembly at Ephesus – a name meaning “one desire” – represents the first state of the Church in having been blessed “with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). It responded in fresh, ardent affection toward the name of the Lord Jesus. Coming first she, in a special way, represents all for the Lord spoke to her as He who holds all seven stars in His hand and walks in the midst of the seven lampstands.

The Lord usually commends what He can before reproving what needs reproof. “I know your works” (Rev. 2:2). He takes full account. Their labor – persistent hard work – was fully acknowledged, together with patient endurance, or perseverance, a characteristic we may all deeply desire. More than this, they had discernment and energy of faith to refuse the fellowship of evil people. Those who had falsely claimed to be apostles had been tried – examined by the truth of Scripture – and proven to be liars. The assembly at Corinth had not been so wise in this matter (2 Cor. 11:13-20).

Ephesus not only was firm in refusing evil, but they also manifested a forbearing patience. This was no doubt in reference to the many weaknesses, irritations and frustrations which attend a testimony for God. Earlier, Paul had told the Ephesians that such lowliness, meekness, longsuffering and forbearance were necessary in order to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:2-3). In these things they had remained well-balanced. It was added that they had labored not simply out of habit or of having been pressed by conscience, but it was for the sake of the name of the Lord. They had not allowed themselves to become discouraged.

Nevertheless, the Lord had to raise the serious issue that they had left their “first love” (Rev. 2:4), not simply “first” in point of time but in importance. This was not a small thing: their fresh fervor of affection for the Lord Jesus had dimmed. Such is the beginning of all departure. Thus, the least weakening of our love for Him is dangerous. We cannot be too watchful to guard against this in ourselves and to face it when we have begun to slip.

Simple honesty will stir us to remember the state we once enjoyed and from which we have fallen, and to respond to His admonition to “repent and do the first works” (v.5). Confession of our failure is most important here. The first works are those spontaneously produced by fresh warmth of love toward the Lord Jesus. He added the solemn warning that if there were no repentance, He would quickly remove the lampstand out of its place! He would remove the testimony of that assembly; she would no longer be a light-bearer for Him. Throughout the history of the Church, once large, active and godly assemblies have ceased to exist because they left their first love. This is a solemn consideration for every individual who expresses fellowship in a local gathering.

He commended the Ephesians, however, that their thoughts were consistent with His in hating the deeds – not the persons – of the Nicolaitans (v.6). This word means “conquerors of the laity,” or of the common people. Some individuals, like Diotrephes, loved to “have the preeminence” (3 Jn. 9). The Ephesians hated deeds of this kind.

Therefore, the doctrine of the clergy – of some individuals taking the place of being spiritually and positionally above the laity – found no foothold among them, for they knew all such distinctions were gone with the end of Judaism. All believers at present are recognized as priests (1 Pet. 2:5,9) and are expected to function in unity together with one another as “a holy priesthood” and “royal priesthood,” with Christ alone in authority.

The one who has an ear to hear is urged to hear. May we truly have listening ears! If so, the promise to the overcomer – one who is “born of God” (1 Jn. 5:4) – will be attractive to us. Such will eat of the Tree of Life in the paradise of God. This tree is Christ, the completely satisfying portion of those who love Him. The promise is of a heavenly paradise, of being in the presence of God. Wonderful prospect! It is a contrast to the garden of Eden, the earthly paradise, where the Tree of Life was in the midst but was never tasted (Gen. 2:9, 3:22-24).

By Leslie M. Grant

Look for Part 4 of this Series next month.

This Series has been adapted from “Exploring The Revelation,” a brief commentary on the whole book of Revelation. The entire book can be accessed online at Bible Centre or purchased from Believers Bookshelf USA or Believers Bookshelf Canada.

Ephesus was the church characterized by the greatest purity in doctrine and walk. Declension, or deterioration, began in the church not with less service, less suffering or anything else, but with decreasing heart-devotion to the person of our Lord. That is where all backsliding begins. He calls to repentance, a return to Himself. — Arno C. Gabelein (adapted)