Ephesus was the fourth largest city in the Roman Empire, known as the 'queen of the east' and home to the impressive temple of Diana. The Ephesian church, ministered to by Paul and Timothy, was hardworking but had lost its 'first love' and faced a warning of losing its lampstand due to this decline. The document emphasizes that love is essential for faithfulness, despite the church's correct doctrine and good works.

1. © 2009, www.lettersfromthelamb.com Ephesus

2. Ephesus Fourth largest city in the Roman empire Most important city in Asia “ Queen of the East” Had status of “first landing”

3. Diana’s temple covered more than two acres Now only a depression in a swampy plain Parts were used in cathedrals throughout Turkey

4. The emperor cult was prominent in Ephesus

5. The emperor cult was prominent Temple to Domitian especially impressive

6. The emperor cult was prominent Temple to Domitian especially impressive

7. Ephesus Paul worked longer in Ephesus than in any other city Timothy ministered in Ephesus Tradition says that John lived in Ephesus for many years At the end of the first century, the Ephesian church was probably larger than any other

8. Revelation 2:1-7

9. From the Risen Christ He who holds the stars and walks among the lampstands “ I know…” “ If you do not repent, I will come…”

10. The Hardworking Church The Ephesians have persevered through hardships for more than 40 years They have opposed false teachers and false doctrine Acts 20:28-31 Paul’s letters to Timothy

11. The Hardworking Church Acts 20:29-31 1 Timothy 1:3 1 Timothy 4:1 1 Timothy 6:3-5 1 Timothy 6:20-21 2 Timothy 2:14-17 2 Timothy 3:1-5 2 Timothy 3:12-13 2 Timothy 4:3-4

12. The Forgetful Church But they have forgotten their “first love” and the “deeds they did at first” They are about to lose their lampstand, lose their right to be called one of the Lord’s churches

13. Love, Not Lawlessness “ You hate the works of the Nicolaitans” Christians can (and should) hate the actions of those who advocate sinful behavior Even while teaching love, Christ does not teach today’s “tolerance”

14. He Who Conquers Each letter holds a promise for “him who conquers” Revelation 5 says that Jesus conquered on the cross Revelation 12:11 He who conquers shall eat from the tree of life in paradise

15. Good works and correct doctrine do not equal faithfulness There is no substitute for love