Revelation 2:2-3; For My Name’s Sake Has Laboured

Revelation 2:2-3 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.

Our Lord Jesus gives commendation to the church in Ephesus for earnestly contending for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints (Jude3). They have refused to give in to the in-route of false doctrines and falsehoods but were steadfast in dealing with false teachers and in ensuring the purity of doctrine within the church.

They have searched the Scriptures and the fear of God and the knowledge of God’s Word has enabled them to depart from evil and maintain a righteous course. As Solomon taught in Proverbs 2:1-5, they have obeyed,  “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.”

The “patience” here speaks of steadfast endurance, perseverance in following through ensuring that falsehoods not allowed to linger to derail the faith of her members. The apostle John was probably the last the apostles of Jesus still alive. That generation of apostles that give her church the New Testament Scriptures is passing from the scene. It was commendable that they held on the truth of God’s Word, as Titus would have put in in Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. Amen.