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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadBob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Revelation 2:1 - 2:1
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Rev_2:1
1"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this:
Rev_2:1 "the angel" The Hebrew and Greek term for angel can mean messenger. It could refer to
1. the pastor (cf. Mal_2:7)
2. the angel of the church (cf. Daniel 10)
3. the unique spirit or character of the individual congregations
This same phrase introduces every letter (cf. Rev_2:1; Rev_2:8; Rev_2:12; Rev_2:18; Rev_3:1; Rev_3:14).
▣ "church" This Greek compound term ekklesia is a combination of two Greek terms, "out of" and "to call." It was used in the Septuagint to translate the Hebrew term, qahal, or "assembly of Israel." The early Christians used it to designate themselves because
1. they saw themselves as the people of God, like Israel
2. they saw themselves as divinely called by God both for salvation and ministry
See Special Topic at Rev_1:4.
▣ "The One who holds the seven stars" This is a description of Jesus taken from Rev_1:16. These seven stars referred to the churches (cf. Rev_1:20). The term "holds" (present active participle) speaks of a firm, sure grasp (cf. Joh_10:28). Nothing and no one could separate these churches from Jesus (cf. Rom_8:31-39) except their own refusal to repent and follow Him! Only unbelief can separate.
▣ "in His right hand" This is an anthropomorphic (speaking of God in physical terms) metaphor for power and authority (cf. Rev_1:16-17; Rev_1:20; Rev_2:1; Rev_5:1; Rev_5:7).
▣ "walking among" This anthropomorphic metaphor is used in Gen_3:8 as a symbol of God's presence with mankind (cf. Lev_26:12).
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▣ "the golden lampstands" This does not refer to the Menorah of the Tabernacle, but is another symbol for the seven churches (cf. Rev_1:12-13).
▣ "says" Jesus' last words to His church are not Mat_28:18-20 or Act_1:7-11, but Revelation 2-3.