What does Revelation 2:5 mean?

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. Revelation 2:5

Explanation

Revelation 2:5 is a verse from the Book of Revelation, traditionally attributed to John the Apostle, consisting of a message from Jesus to the church in Ephesus. This verse serves as a warning and a call to repentance. It suggests that the church in Ephesus has abandoned the fervent passion and deeds they once exhibited. The call to “remember therefore from whence thou art fallen” is an appeal for the church to reflect on its earlier state of commitment and faithfulness. The instruction to “repent” is an urgent command to change their ways and mindset, returning to their former dedication to Christian values and practices—referred to as “the first works.” The warning “or else I will come unto thee quickly” implies imminent divine judgment if the admonition is not heeded. The statement “and will remove thy candlestick out of his place” symbolizes the removal of the church’s influence or presence, with “candlestick” representing the church in the metaphor used throughout Revelation. Essentially, the verse urges a return to original faithfulness and warns of the consequences of failing to do so.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, was written during a time of intense persecution for early Christians, generally believed to be toward the end of the first century A.D. The specific context of Revelation 2:5 is part of a larger segment directed at seven churches located in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). The message to the church at Ephesus was tailored to their particular circumstances, acknowledging their positive characteristics while addressing areas of deficiency. Ephesus was an important trade center and held significant influence in the region, which extended to the church there. However, this verse reveals that, despite their strong start and hard work, the Ephesian church was in danger of losing its way.

Theological Insights

The message in Revelation 2:5 could be interpreted through different theological lenses:

• Evangelical: Many evangelical Christians see this verse as emphasizing the necessity of continual repentance and maintaining one’s initial zeal for the faith.
• Catholic: Catholic interpretation might focus on the ecclesiastical dimension, viewing the church’s candlestick as symbolic of its teaching authority, which requires adherence to apostolic tradition and doctrinal purity.
• Orthodox: An Orthodox perspective could center on the mystical aspect, viewing the removal of the candlestick as a loss of divine grace due to spiritual negligence.
• Liberal Christian Theology: Liberal theologians may interpret this verse as an ethical mandate, urging believers to reflect on their moral and social commitments and continually strive to embody the teachings of Jesus.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, Revelation 2:5 calls individuals and communities to self-examination and reformation:

1. Personal Reflection: Christians can take time to reflect on their spiritual journey, identifying areas where they may have strayed from their initial commitment.
2. Community Assessment: Churches can use this verse as a catalyst to evaluate their collective actions and priorities, ensuring they align with their foundational values.
3. Renewal of Effort: Believers might be inspired to renew their efforts in charity, worship, and other spiritual disciplines that they practiced more fervently in the past.
4. Repentance: It emphasizes the necessity for sincere repentance and turning away from complacency or negligence in one’s faith.

Cross-References

• Revelation 2:4: “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.”
• Matthew 5:14-16: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”
• Galatians 6:1: “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”
• Acts 3:19: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”

Language Study

The original language of Revelation is Koine Greek, and a few key words are worth examining:

• μνημόνευε (mnemoneue): often translated as “remember,” suggesting an active, ongoing remembrance rather than a passive recollection.
• πέσῃς (pesēs): translated as “thou art fallen,” denoting a moral lapse or decline.
• μετανόησον (metanoēson): imperative form of “repent,” calling for a complete change of mind and heart.
• ἔργα (erga): “works” or “deeds,” highlighting the actions that inherently demonstrate faith.
• ταχύ (tachu): “quickly,” conveying the sense of imminent action from the Lord.
• λυχνίας (lychnias): “candlestick,” used metaphorically for the church, denoting its role as a bearer of light.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The motif of falling from a lofty state and the need for repentance connects with other cultural and religious narratives, such as:

• The story of Icarus in Greek mythology, who fell from the sky due to his hubris, can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual fall warned against in this verse.
• Hinduism and Buddhism speak of the consequences of karma and the importance of right action and mindfulness as parallels to the Christian idea of righteous works and repentance.

Scientific Perspectives

While Revelation 2:5 is primarily of a spiritual and moral nature, modern-day counseling and psychology correspond with the biblical emphasis on reflection and behavioral transformation. Studies on human behavior highlight the importance of self-awareness and the willingness to make changes for personal growth, aligning with the call to “remember” and “repent.”

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer different views on this verse:

• John Stott: Emphasized the church’s need to repent for losing its initial fervor and the importance of realigning actions with their love for God.
• Matthew Henry: Pointed out that the graces and comforts of the Spirit are removed when the Gospel and its ministers are gone, which is paralleled in the removal of the candlestick.
• William Barclay: Suggested that this verse serves as a reminder to stay anchored to one’s first love, being a deed of love to God and neighbor, which the Ephesians had forgotten.