17 And nwhen I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But oHe laid His right hand on me, saying 9to me, “Do not be afraid; pI am the First and the Last. 18 qI am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, rI am alive forevermore. Amen. And sI have the keys of 1Hades and of Death. 19 2Write the things which you have tseen, uand the things which are, vand the things which will take place after this. 20 The 3mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are wthe 4angels of the seven churches, and xthe seven lampstands 5which you saw are the seven churches.

The Loveless Church

2 “To the 1angel of the church of Ephesus write,

‘These things says aHe who holds the seven stars in His right hand, bwho walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 c“I know your works, your labor, your 2patience, and that you cannot 3bear those who are evil. And dyou have tested those ewho say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have fnot become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.