What does Revelation 2:4 mean?

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Revelation 2:4

Explanation

Revelation 2:4 is part of a message to the church in Ephesus dictated by Jesus to John, the author of Revelation. In this verse, Jesus observes the good works and perseverance of the Ephesian church but confronts them with a serious flaw: they had abandoned the love they had at first. The term “first love” refers to the initial love and enthusiasm for God and the Gospel that Christians should have. This is not just a decline in emotional feeling but illustrates a departure from the fervor and dedication with which they originally lived their faith. It suggests a spiritual decline where doctrinal correctness or diligent service has replaced the depth and passion of their personal relationship with Christ.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation was likely written toward the end of the 1st century A.D. during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian. The city of Ephesus was an important cultural, political, and religious center. The church there was significant early Christian community, founded by the Apostle Paul. By the time Revelation was penned, the Ephesian church had been established for several decades. The critique in Revelation 2:4, therefore, reflects how a once-vibrant community of believers had cooled off or lost some of the love and passion that it had at the beginning of its foundation.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, the concern with losing the “first love” speaks to the importance of not just faith and works but the disposition of the heart in Christian life. Theologically, this love could be seen as both love for God and love for others, as shown in the Greatest Commandments in Matthew 22:37-39. The verse challenges the notion that orthodoxy or action alone is sufficient without a corresponding heart oriented toward love.

Some commentators interpret “first love” as the love that God showed first to the believers; thus the believers are called to remember and reciprocate that initial divine love. Others see it as a reference to the love believers had for one another when they first believed.

Practical Applications

For modern believers, this verse serves as a warning not to lose the passion and love that brought them to faith initially. It suggests that without maintaining a strong internal drive of love, even doing the right things can become empty. In practical application, Christians are encouraged to regularly rekindle their love for God and for others, finding ways to keep their faith alive and heartfelt, not merely habitual or perfunctory.

Cross-References

• Matthew 22:37-39: “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
• Galatians 5:6: “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.”
• 1 John 4:19: “We love him, because he first loved us.”

Language Study

The verse in its original Greek gives weight to the word “left” (ἀφῆκας – aphēkas), which means to send away, abandon, or forsake. It implies an action or choice to move away from the “first love” (πρώτην ἀγάπην – prōtēn agapēn), with “first” (πρώτην – prōtēn) underscoring priority or primacy and “love” (ἀγάπην – agapēn) referring to the profound, selfless love characteristic of early Christian values and Christ’s love for humanity.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader context of ancient religious practices, losing “first love” can be compared to the syncretism and religious complacency common in Hellenistic cultures, where fervent devotion was often melded and replaced with a variety of eclectic beliefs. This message from Revelation would stand in stark contrast to such an approach, calling believers back to a singular, whole-hearted devotion.

Scientific Perspectives

While the content of Revelation 2:4 is theological and pastoral in nature, modern psychology may provide insight into the natural cooling of initial enthusiasm in human behavior, which also applies to religious fervor. Studies on habituation might offer a partial explanation for the decline of “first love” in religious contexts, as repeated experiences often lead to diminishing responses. Recognizing and countering this psychological tendency could be one aspect of the call in this verse.

Commentaries

Commentators such as Matthew Henry and John Gill view this verse as a reminder of the importance of love in Christian doctrine and life. They agree that it points to a spiritual decline and admonishes the church for putting doctrine or works above their love for God and fellow man. Modern commentators like Craig S. Keener in “The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament” also elaborate on the cultural context and challenge of maintaining early Christian fervor in a complex and often hostile Roman society. While interpretations vary slightly, the consensus considers Rev 2:4 as a profound call to self-reflection and a return to the basics of the Christian faith – love for God and others.