Praise and recommendation follow the addressing of the letter and
Christ’s self-designation. We read in Rev 2 verses 2 and 3, “I know thy
works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them
which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are
not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for
my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.”
Christ knows everything, and as the Good Shepherd, he begins
positively. The first praise is, “I know thy works.” Christ praises the
congregation of Ephesus for their life’s practices, deeds, actions, and daily
walk. Their works appear to be good. This is great praise out of the mouth
of the Savior. The second praise is, “I know thy labor.” He returns to their
labor at the end of verse 3, “And for my name’s sake hast laboured, and
hast not fainted.” Their hard work was a tireless effort without weakening.
But what kind of labor is Christ referring to? We read, “For His Name’s
sake.” In other words, they stood up for the sake of Christ’s Name. How
wonderful to hear! But there is a third recommendation. We read, “And thy
patience,” and again in verse 3, “And hast borne, and hast patience.” The
word “patience” can also be translated as “steadfast endurance.” They
withstood hardship and stress, remained faithful, and continued good works
and standing up for the Name and interest of Christ. The last and fourth
recommendation can be summarized as, “I know thy wisdom.” We read,
“And how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them
which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars.” Evil
people were kept out of the church. These bad people were people who
pretended to be apostles but were not. The church investigated, tried, and
tested them. The result was clear; their life practices and teachings showed
that they were liars. What a privilege it is to receive such fourfold praise
from the Lord of the church Himself. Grace alone.
Let us, as a congregation, but also personally reflect on these
praises. Can the LORD praise us for the same things? Is there perseverance
and tireless work in Christ’s Name and interest?