Revelation 2 1

Revelation 2:1 kjv

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;

Revelation 2:1 nkjv

"To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, 'These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:

Revelation 2:1 niv

"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.

Revelation 2:1 esv

"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: 'The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.

Revelation 2:1 nlt

"Write this letter to the angel of the church in Ephesus. This is the message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, the one who walks among the seven gold lampstands:

Revelation 2 verses

Revelation 2 1 Meaning

Revelation 2:1 introduces the specific message of Jesus Christ to the church in Ephesus, the first of the seven churches addressed in Revelation. It begins by identifying the Divine Speaker using a description from the vision of Christ in Revelation chapter 1, emphasizing His supreme authority and intimate, continuous presence among His churches. The "seven stars" represent the spiritual leaders or angelic guardians of these churches, held securely in His power, while the "seven golden lampstands" symbolize the churches themselves, from which the light of Christ is to shine into the world.

Revelation 2 1 Context

Revelation chapter 2 marks the beginning of specific letters dictated by the glorified Christ to seven actual churches in the Roman province of Asia (modern-day Turkey). Each letter follows a similar pattern: an address to "the angel" of the church, a self-description of Christ drawing from Revelation 1, commendations (if any), criticisms (if any), a call to repentance (if needed), a warning or encouragement, and a promise to the "one who overcomes." These letters were sent to real churches facing specific local challenges, including persecution, false teachings, and spiritual decline, but they also serve as timeless messages for the Church throughout history. Ephesus, as the prominent economic and religious center of Asia Minor, receives the first and perhaps most comprehensive message, known for its initial fervor but ultimately its abandonment of first love.

Revelation 2 1 Word analysis

• To: Indicates the direct recipient of the message.
• the angel (τῷ ἀγγέλῳ, tō angelō): This Greek term means "messenger" and can refer to a divine heavenly being or a human representative. In this context, it is widely interpreted as the leading spiritual overseer or a symbolic angelic representative responsible for the spiritual well-being of the specific church. The message is for the church as a whole, delivered via its representative.
• of the church (τῆς ἐκκλησίας, tēs ekklēsias): The Greek term ekklesia means "assembly" or "those called out." It refers to the gathered community of believers, specifically the local Christian congregation in Ephesus.
• in Ephesus (ἐν Ἐφέσῳ, en Ephesō): Ephesus was a significant port city, a major commercial hub, and a center of pagan worship, especially dedicated to Artemis (Diana). It had a strong and influential Christian community, nurtured by apostles like Paul and Apollos.
• write (γράψον, grapson): An imperative command, indicating that John is merely transcribing the direct words of Christ. This underscores the divine origin and authority of the letters.
• These are the words (Τάδε λέγει, Tade legei): A prophetic formula common in the Old Testament ("Thus says the Lord"), signifying a divine utterance with absolute authority and truth. It immediately establishes Christ's authority over the message and the church.
• of him who holds (ὁ κρατῶν, ho kratōn): The Greek verb krateō means "to grasp firmly," "to hold power over," or "to possess." It signifies Christ's complete authority, control, and secure ownership. He is not merely observing but actively managing and holding in His grasp.
• the seven stars (τοὺς ἑπτὰ ἀστέρας, tous hepta asteras): As explicitly revealed in Rev 1:20, these stars are "the angels of the seven churches." This phrase, therefore, speaks of Christ's sovereignty and guardianship over the spiritual leaders or angelic overseers of the churches, implying His knowledge of their roles and responsibilities.
• in his right hand (ἐν τῇ δεξιᾷ αὐτοῦ, en tē dexia autou): The right hand traditionally symbolizes power, authority, strength, blessing, and protection. Christ holding the stars in His right hand conveys that these messengers are under His absolute control, protection, and commission, empowered by Him to carry out their divine assignment.
• and walks among (καὶ περιπατῶν, kai peripatōn): The Greek participle peripatōn indicates continuous, ongoing action. It depicts Christ's active, vigilant, and intimate presence within and among His churches. He is not distant but fully aware of their spiritual state, providing oversight, care, and even judgment.
• the seven golden lampstands (ἐν μέσῳ τῶν ἑπτὰ λυχνιῶν τῶν χρυσῶν, en mesō tōn hepta lychniōn tōn chrysōn): As interpreted in Rev 1:20, these are "the seven churches." The golden lampstands signify that the churches are called to be sources of divine light in the world, embodying purity (gold) and truth. Christ's presence among them ensures their ability to shine.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: This opening sets the address, revealing the hierarchical and direct communication from Christ through John to a specific church's representative. It underscores Christ's personal involvement with each congregation.
• These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand: This description immediately establishes the speaker's identity and power. It conveys Christ's ultimate authority over the church's spiritual leadership and their divine commission. They are secure in His powerful grasp.
• and walks among the seven golden lampstands: This phrase highlights Christ's immanent and active presence within His churches. He is constantly observing, sustaining, and judging, ensuring that they fulfill their purpose as bearers of His light in the world. It signifies His deep engagement and constant supervision.

Revelation 2 1 Bonus section

The number "seven" is profoundly significant in Revelation, often symbolizing completeness or perfection. Here, it denotes the full scope of the Church and Christ's comprehensive dominion over it. Ephesus, as a "mother church" in the region and the first addressed, carries particular weight; its message serves as a foundational call to vigilance and perseverance for all believers. The emphasis on "golden" lampstands speaks to the church's inherent value and preciousness in God's eyes, even when facing significant internal or external trials, affirming its divine origin and purpose.

Revelation 2 1 Commentary

Revelation 2:1 initiates Christ's direct address to the churches, revealing His personal oversight and authoritative involvement. The description of Jesus, derived from the powerful vision in chapter 1, is not a mere identification but a crucial aspect of the message that follows. By declaring Himself as the One who holds the church leaders (stars) in His powerful right hand, He asserts His absolute control and protection over their ministry. Their security and effectiveness derive solely from Him. Furthermore, His walking among the golden lampstands (churches) signifies His active, omnipresent engagement. He knows their condition intimately – their strengths, weaknesses, and challenges. This dual image of holding and walking communicates that Christ is sovereignly upholding the church while simultaneously being profoundly and actively immersed in its life and struggles, thereby underscoring both His transcendence and His immanence. This introduction serves as a powerful reminder to the Ephesian church, and indeed to all churches, that their existence and mission are entirely dependent on their Living Head, who is intimately involved in every detail of their witness.