Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
Each of the seven commences with, "I know thy works." Each contains a promise, "To him that overcometh." Each ends with "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." The title of our Lord in each accords with the address, and is mainly taken from the imagery of the vision, Revelation 1:1-20. Each of the addresses has a threat or a promise, and most have both. Their order seems ecclesiastical, civil, and geographical: Ephesus first, as the Asiatic metropolis (termed 'the light' and the 'first city of Asia'), nearest to Patmos, where John received the letter to the seven churches; also being that church with which John was especially connected; then the churches on the west of Asia; then those in the interior. Smyrna and Philadelphia, the most afflicted, alone receive unmixed praise. Sardis and Laodicea, the most wealthy, receive almost solely censure. In Ephesus, Pergamos, and Thyatira, there are some things to praise, others to condemn-the latter preponderating in Ephesus, the former in Pergamos and Thyatira. The different states of different churches, in all times and places, are portrayed, and they are suitably encouraged or warned.
Ephesus - famed for the temple of Diana, one of the seven world-wonders. For three years Paul laboured there. He subsequently ordained Timothy superintending overseer or bishop: probably his charge was but temporary. The praise and blame accord with Timothy's character. The zeal against self-called apostles and the Nicolaitanes, the unwearied labour, and the declension from first love, are not inapplicable: the promise, Revelation 2:7, accords with 2 Timothy 2:4; 2 Timothy 2:6. Paul's death, and the charge in the pastoral letters to Timothy, may have changed his position from superintendent of many churches to Bishop of Ephesus. He was only 35 when the pastoral letters were addressed to him. Now he was advanced in years. But all this is conjecture. John, toward the close of life, took Ephesus as the center from which he superintended the province.
Holdeth, х kratoon (G2902)] - 'holdeth fast in His grasp,' as Revelation 2:25; Revelation 3:11: cf. John 10:28-29. Christ's title as 'holding fast the seven stars (Revelation 1:16: only, for having is substituted holding fast), and walking in the midst of the seven candlesticks,' accords with the introduction, Revelation 1:16; Revelation 1:20. Walking expresses His unwearied activity in the Church, guarding her from internal and external evils, as the high priest moved to and fro in the sanctuary.