What does Revelation 2:2 mean?

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: Revelation 2:2

Explanation

Revelation 2:2 appears in the context of the message to the church in Ephesus, one of the seven churches addressed in the Book of Revelation. This verse forms part of the commendation that Jesus Christ gives to the church for their deeds.

The verse acknowledges the positive aspects of the Ephesian church’s character: their works, hard work, and patience, as well as their discernment regarding false apostles. The word “works” points to the Christian community’s deeds and actions; “labour” signifies arduous work and toil in the context of ministry; and “patience” suggests their perseverance in faith despite adversities. The latter part of the verse commends the church’s intolerance to evil and deception by mentioning that they tested those claiming to be apostles and exposed their falsehood. These words reflect their commitment to truth and their ability to uphold sound doctrine against heresy.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation was written in the late first century AD, traditionally by John the Apostle during the reign of Roman Emperor Domitian. The ancient city of Ephesus was a significant center of trade and religious practice in the Roman province of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). It housed the temple of the Greek goddess Artemis, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Christian communities, like the one in Ephesus, faced various challenges during this period, including persecution from Roman authorities and doctrinal disputes within. False apostles could refer to misleading teachers who were attempting to introduce heresies into the church. The Ephesian church is commended for their diligence and orthodoxy in this challenging religious landscape.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints may interpret this verse in various ways:

• Orthodox and traditional viewpoints might emphasize the importance of church discipline and the discernment of church leaders and members in identifying and rejecting heterodox teachings.
• Evangelical perspectives often stress personal and corporate integrity in the Christian life, pointing to the Ephesians’ example of testing and rejecting false teachers.
• Charismatic and Pentecostal interpretations might highlight the spiritual dimension of discernment, seeing the ability to identify false apostles as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s gift of discernment.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in daily life by:

• Encouraging individuals to remain steadfast in their work and endurance in the face of difficulties.
• Motivating communities to uphold truth and integrity while actively discerning and rejecting false and harmful teachings.
• Reminding Christians to be vigilant and wise in evaluating the claims of those who assert spiritual authority or special revelations.

Cross-References

• Matthew 7:15 – “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”
• 1 John 4:1 – “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
• 2 Timothy 4:3-4 – “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
• Acts 20:29-30 – “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.”

Language Study

The key words in Revelation 2:2 when looking at the original Greek include:

• “works” (ἔργα, erga): Referring to the deeds or actions of the Ephesian Christians.
• “labour” (κόπον, kopon): Implies the heavy toil or exhausting effort they endured.
• “patience” (ὑπομονήν, hypomonēn): conveys steadfast endurance or perseverance.
• “bear” (βαστάζειν, bastazein): To carry or endure, with a connotation of not tolerating or putting up with something.
• “tried” (ἐπείρασας, epeirasa): Meaning put to the test or examined.

Each term underscores the commendable virtues of the Ephesian church and their active discernment and condemnation of falsehood.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The emphasis on discernment and testing the validity of spiritual leaders has parallels in other religious traditions and ancient cultures. For example:

• In Judaism, the role of the prophets was similarly scrutinized, and their words were tested against the Torah.
• In Greek philosophy, discernment and testing of ideas were valued practices as seen through the works of philosophers like Socrates and Plato.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings on cognition and social behavior may provide insight into the psychological processes behind discernment and the human tendency to follow or reject leadership. Theories regarding cognitive bias, group dynamics, and sociopsychological factors could offer additional perspectives on how the early Christians might have approached the challenges of false apostles.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have offered their interpretations of Revelation 2:2:

• John Gill comments on the church’s diligence not only in performing good works but also in not bearing those that are evil and in discovering false teachers.
• Matthew Henry emphasizes the Church’s patience under trials and sufferings, noting the importance of not growing weary in well-doing.
• Albert Barnes focuses on the seriousness of the charge against those who claimed to be apostles but were not, pointing to the deception such individuals could propagate.
• William Barclay discusses the Ephesians’ commendable qualities but also notes that they have more to work on, as seen in the subsequent verses.