To the Church in Ephesus

2:1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus,1 write the following:2

“This is the solemn pronouncement of3 the one who has a firm grasp on4 the seven stars in his right hand5—the one who walks among the seven golden6 lampstands: 2:2 ‘I know your works as well as your7 labor and steadfast endurance, and that you cannot tolerate8 evil. You have even put to the test9 those who refer to themselves as apostles (but are not), and have discovered that they are false. 2:3 I am also aware10 that you have persisted steadfastly,11 endured much for the sake of my name, and have not grown weary. 2:4 But I have this against you: You have departed12 from your first love! 2:5 Therefore, remember from what high state13 you have fallen and repent! Do14 the deeds you did at the first;15 if not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place—that is, if you do not repent.16 2:6 But you do have this going for you:17 You hate what the Nicolaitans18 practice19—practices I also hate. 2:7 The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers,20 I will permit21 him to eat from the tree of life that is22 in the paradise of God.’23