Revelation 2:5
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Remember - Consider the state of grace in which you once stood; the happiness, love, and joy which you felt when ye received remission of sins; the zeal ye had for God's glory and the salvation of mankind; your willing, obedient spirit, your cheerful self-denial, your fervor in private prayer, your detachment from the world, and your heavenly-mindedness. Remember - consider, all these. Whence thou art fallen - Fallen from all those blessed dispositions and gracious feelings already mentioned. Or, remember what a loss you have sustained; for so εκπιπτειν is frequently used by the best Greek writers. Repent - Be deeply humbled before God for having so carelessly guarded the Divine treasure. Do the first works - Resume your former zeal and diligence; watch, fast, pray, reprove sin, carefully attend all the ordinances of God, walk as in his sight, and rest not till you have recovered all your lost ground, and got back the evidence of your acceptance with your Maker. I will come unto thee quickly - In the way of judgment. And will remove thy candlestick - Take away my ordinances, remove your ministers, and send you a famine of the word. As there is here an allusion to the candlestick in the tabernacle and temple, which could not be removed without suspending the whole Levitical service, so the threatening here intimates that, if they did not repent, etc., he would unchurch them; they should no longer have a pastor, no longer have the word and sacraments, and no longer have the presence of the Lord Jesus.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
whence--from what a height. do the first works--the works which flowed from thy first love. Not merely "feel thy first feelings," but do works flowing from the same principle as formerly, "faith which worketh by love." I will come--Greek, "I am coming" in special judgment on thee. quickly--omitted in two oldest manuscripts, Vulgate and Coptic versions: supported by one oldest manuscript. remove thy candlestick out of his place--I will take away the Church from Ephesus and remove it elsewhere. "It is removal of the candlestick, not extinction of the candle, which is threatened here; judgment for some, but that very judgment the occasion of mercy for others. So it has been. The seat of the Church has been changed, but the Church itself survives. What the East has lost, the West has gained. One who lately visited Ephesus found only three Christians there, and these so ignorant as scarcely to have heard the names of St. Paul or St. John" [TRENCH].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen,.... Believers cannot totally and finally fall away from the grace which they have received; but they may fall into sin, and from a degree of grace, and the exercise of it, as these first and pure churches did, from some degree of their love to God, and Christ, and one another; and therefore are called upon to remember, mind, and observe from what degree of it they were fallen; in order to bring them under a conviction and acknowledgment of their evil, and a sense of their present state, and to quicken their desires after a restoration to their former one: and repent; of their coldness and lukewarmness, of the remissness of their love, and of those evils which brought it upon them: and do the first works; of faith and love, with the like zeal and fervour, which will show the repentance to be sincere and genuine; so the Arabic version reads, "and exercise the former works, to wit, charity" or "love". The Jews have a saying (b), "if a man repents, do not say to him, "remember" , "thy first works"; which they seem to understand of evil works; but former good works are to be remembered and done, to show the truth of repentance for evil ones, Or else I will come unto thee quickly; not in a spiritual way, to pay a love visit, nor in a judicial way, to take vengeance or inflict punishment, but in a providential way, to rebuke and chastise: and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent; or thee out of the candlestick, the pastor from the church, either by persecution or by death; or else the church, and church state itself, signified by a candlestick; See Gill on Rev 1:12; and may design a shaking and an unsettling of it, which is sometimes done by violent persecutions, and by false teachers and their doctrines, and by the divisions and contentions of saints among themselves; and by the former particularly was there a change made in the state of this apostolic church, when it passed into the Smyrnean one, which was a period of great persecution and distress; for this cannot be understood of the total removing of the church state itself quickly, no, not of Ephesus itself; for though there is not now indeed, nor has there been for many hundred years, a church of Christ in that place, yet there was one till the times of Constantine, when there was none in any of the other seven cities, and a long time after; See Gill on Act 20:17; which shows, that this was not a commination or threatening of divine vengence to that church literally, but to the state of the church, which that represented; nor does it intend the utter abolition of that church, for the apostolic church still continued, though it ceased to be in the circumstances it was before, (b) Misn. Bava Metzia, c. 4. sect. 10.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:5 Christ calls even those who keep the faith to turn back to him and repent of cold-heartedness. The warning, I will come and remove your lampstand, means that they would lose their status as a church; God would treat them as he did the apostates within Israel (see Rom 11).
Revelation 2:5
To the Church in Ephesus
4But I have this against you: You have abandoned your first love.5Therefore, keep in mind how far you have fallen. Repent and perform the deeds you did at first. But if you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Call to Repentance
By Vance Havner10K36:16RepentanceMAT 3:2MAT 4:17MRK 6:12ACT 2:38ACT 20:21ROM 13:14REV 2:5In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of a water wheel in an old-fashioned mill to illustrate the importance of removing hindrances and obstacles in order for the church to operate effectively. He emphasizes the need for repentance and the removal of sin in order for the church to be successful in evangelism. The speaker also highlights the danger of trying to do things in our own strength, rather than relying on the power of the Holy Spirit. He encourages listeners to let God work through them and to abide in Him, rather than striving in their own efforts.
The Redeemer Is Coming to Zion
By David Wilkerson9.9K51:53False TeachersISA 59:19AMO 6:1MAT 6:19MAT 7:21COL 3:2HEB 9:28REV 2:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of truly knowing Jesus and not just using His name. He warns against the deception of prosperity gospel and the focus on material wealth. The preacher urges the audience to turn away from sin and seek repentance, as forgiveness without repentance is a compromising message. He encourages the listeners to compare the teachings they hear with the true gospel of Jesus as found in the scriptures.
The Awakening of 1727 Onward
By J. Edwin Orr4.0K28:002CH 7:14PSA 85:6ISA 57:15JOL 2:28HAB 3:2MAT 9:37ACT 2:17ROM 12:2EPH 5:14REV 2:5This sermon delves into the historical context of the Evangelical Revival in Great Britain and the Great Awakening in America during the 18th century, highlighting the societal depravity, moral decay, and spiritual decline that necessitated these revivals. It explores the transformative impact of key figures like John Wesley and George Whitefield, the beginnings of the Methodist movement, and the widespread revival that reshaped the English-speaking world, leading people back to God.
Garland, Texas - Searching the Heart
By J. Edwin Orr3.7K51:42MAT 5:21REV 2:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance, confession, and addressing various sins in our lives to experience true revival. It highlights the need to search our hearts, repent of sins like anger, impurity, criticism, and wrongful possession, and return to our first love for God. The message stresses the significance of genuine obedience, humility, and seeking God's cleansing to truly live out our faith.
We Have Been Taught Not to Discern - Part 1
By Andrew Strom3.1K10:002CH 7:14PSA 85:6ISA 43:19JOL 2:12HAB 3:2MAT 5:13ACT 3:19EPH 5:14JAS 4:8REV 2:5The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing and seizing the opportunity for revival, drawing parallels between the historical revivals in Wales and America. It warns about the potential consequences of missing the wave of revival and highlights the need for spiritual awakening and restoration in the nation. The speaker shares insights on the cyclical nature of revivals and the critical role of prayer and seeking God's movement in bringing about spiritual renewal.
K-197 the Anatomy of Sin Part One
By Art Katz2.8K1:29:54Sin1SA 15:22PSA 19:13MAT 7:21ROM 8:71CO 5:121PE 4:17REV 2:5In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of removing a television from their home due to the negative influence it had on their children. They emphasize the importance of not being swayed by worldly values and instead focusing on the foundation of sin, judgment, and redemption. The speaker also discusses the audience's reaction to talks about the Holocaust, noting a reluctance to fully accept and embrace the judgments of God. They then mention the theologian Karl Barth and his profound insights on sin, judgment, and redemption, which are not widely known or appreciated in the evangelical community. The sermon concludes with a challenge to truly understand and confront the nature of sin.
(The Fire of God) the Baptism of Fire
By Zac Poonen2.8K58:53RepentanceSpiritual ResponsibilityFire Of GodMAL 4:5MAT 3:2LUK 1:17REV 2:5Zac Poonen emphasizes the critical message of repentance as preached by John the Baptist, urging the church to prepare for the second coming of Christ. He highlights the need for a genuine change of heart towards sin, warning against the dangers of a faith that lacks true repentance. Poonen stresses the responsibility of fathers to guide their children spiritually, asserting that the church cannot replace parental guidance in leading children to Christ. He calls for a baptism of fire, which signifies a deep, transformative experience with the Holy Spirit, essential for true discipleship. The sermon serves as a wake-up call for believers to take their spiritual lives seriously and to seek a genuine relationship with God.
Jesus of Nazareth Passeth By
By T. Austin-Sparks2.6K26:43JesusMAT 6:33LUK 18:35EPH 1:18REV 2:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not taking the presence of Jesus for granted. He mentions that even though the Sunday morning gathering of Christians may not be seen as a time to preach the gospel of salvation, there have been instances where people have been saved during these gatherings. The speaker also highlights the significance of every contact with Jesus, stating that there are momentous things bound up with it. He warns against missing out on opportunities and becoming tragedies like the churches in Asia and North Africa whose names and testimonies are now gone. The sermon emphasizes the transformative power of Jesus in bringing spiritual value to people's lives and encourages listeners to make the most of every opportunity with Jesus.
Repentance (High Quality)
By David Smithers2.4K33:07RepentanceISA 6:5MAT 3:2LUK 13:3ACT 2:38ACT 17:302CO 7:10REV 2:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of responding to the glory and majesty of King Jesus. They discuss how worship is a response to God's greatness and encourage the congregation to grow in their worship. The speaker then shifts the focus to repentance, using the example of Isaiah 6 and how Isaiah responded to God's holiness. They highlight the significance of repentance in turning away from our old identity and allowing God to redefine our self-image. The sermon concludes with a passage from Mark 1, where Jesus preaches repentance and calls Simon and Andrew to follow him, leaving behind their identity as fishermen.
God Bless the Small - Part 1
By Vance Havner2.0K23:50FaithPSA 119:126MAT 3:2MAT 4:17MRK 6:3ACT 2:38ACT 17:30REV 2:5The sermon transcript discusses the importance of having a sense of expectancy in the church. The preacher emphasizes the need to believe that God can and will work in people's lives. He also highlights the need for repentance and turning away from sin in order to experience true revival. The sermon challenges the status quo and calls for a deeper commitment to God and a cleansing of the church.
The Great Privilege of Being Part of the Great Commission
By Paul Washer1.8K36:16MAL 1:6MAL 1:10MAT 5:4REV 2:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of offering God our best and giving Him the honor and respect He deserves. He challenges the congregation to examine their lives and consider what they have truly sacrificed for their faith and for the mission of spreading the Gospel. The preacher uses the analogy of missions, stating that everyone is called to either go down into the well as a missionary or hold the rope for those who go down. He emphasizes that both roles should leave scars on our hands, symbolizing the cost and sacrifice involved. The sermon also references the book of Malachi, specifically chapter one, verse six, where God questions the priests who have despised His name and not shown Him the honor He deserves.
The Resurgence of 1830 Onward
By J. Edwin Orr1.7K27:352CH 7:14PSA 85:6ISA 57:15JOL 2:28HAB 3:2ACT 2:17ROM 12:11EPH 5:141TH 5:19REV 2:5This sermon delves into the historical significance of revivals and awakenings, emphasizing the impact of past movements of God's Spirit in various regions like Hawaii, Scotland, Tonga, and the United States. It highlights the transformative power of prayer, the spread of the gospel, and the challenges faced by believers in different denominations during times of revival. The sermon also addresses the importance of learning from history to avoid repeating past mistakes and to embrace the work of God's Spirit in bringing about spiritual renewal.
The Resurgence of 1882 Onward
By J. Edwin Orr1.6K25:542CH 7:14PSA 85:6ISA 57:15JOL 2:28HAB 3:2ZEC 1:3ACT 2:17ROM 12:11JAS 4:8REV 2:5This sermon reflects on historical revivals and movements of God, highlighting the impact of spiritual awakenings in the past, such as the prayer movement of 1858, the surge of lay activity, and the growth of missions. It emphasizes the distinction between general revival and the blessing of God upon faithful evangelists like D.L. Moody, Andrew Murray, and others, showcasing how these movements influenced regions like Germany, Sweden, and the United States. The sermon also touches on the decline of certain movements due to shifting priorities and the importance of praying for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
History of Revival (1740-1851), 1
By Ian Murray1.5K53:48JDG 2:81KI 19:12MIC 2:7MAT 6:33REV 2:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the common features observed in revivals. One of these features is a great hunger for the word of God, where people cannot hear it preached enough. As a result, churches often increase their services during revivals to accommodate the demand. Additionally, after the preaching of the word, some individuals may be so convicted and grieved that they stay behind, hoping for comfort or guidance from someone. The preacher also emphasizes the importance of not neglecting the history of the church and the works of God, as periods of spiritual declension are often associated with forgetfulness of God's dealings.
Evaluation of the Present Day Renewal
By Paris Reidhead1.5K31:25RenewalMAT 5:6MAT 23:13LUK 4:18JHN 7:37ACT 1:8ACT 2:14REV 2:5In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the awakening interest in the Holy Spirit among different denominational groups. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the day of God's visitation and the hour of His turning. The preacher encourages the congregation to be stirred from lethargy and apathy and to return to the first works of the faith. He also highlights the significance of the class meeting as an invention of God that saved the nation from destruction. Overall, the sermon calls for a return to the heritage, privileges, prophecies, and promises of the Christian and missionary alliance.
The Lord's Work Done the Lord's Way, Part One
By K.P. Yohannan1.5K25:59The Lord's WorkEXO 29:38ISA 29:13JHN 5:19JHN 8:38JHN 12:49JHN 14:10REV 2:5In this sermon, Brother K.P. Johannon discusses the problem of people doing things for themselves rather than for the Lord. He emphasizes the importance of seeking the Lord's direction and staying balanced in life. He shares the story of Jacob, who faced challenges and deception but ultimately trusted in God's plan. Brother K.P. highlights the difference between the old covenant, which focused on following rules, and the new covenant, which calls believers to be one with Christ and obey his commandments out of love and gratitude.
God Bless the Small - Part 2
By Vance Havner1.5K23:52FaithMAT 3:2MAT 4:17MRK 6:12ACT 2:21ACT 2:38REV 2:5REV 3:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sense of expectancy and belief in God's ability to bring about revival. He acknowledges that not everyone may agree with his propositions, but he believes that every sermon has multiple layers of interpretation. The preacher highlights the need for repentance, both individually and within the church, as he believes that many church members show no evidence of being born again. He criticizes the idea of revival being solely focused on increasing church membership, stating that the true challenge lies in genuine repentance among Christians.
Powerful Sermon Compilation - the Trumpet Solo
By James A. Stewart1.4K12:13NUM 14:18PSA 51:10PRO 28:13ACT 7:51EPH 4:30HEB 10:22JAS 4:81JN 4:20REV 2:5This sermon emphasizes the consequences of sin and the need for repentance, highlighting the judgment that follows sin and the importance of churches and congregations repenting. It also discusses the tragedy of the minority of overcomers among the seven churches in Asia, portraying God as hurt and withdrawing due to the grief caused by sin and lack of love.
Holy Spirit Awakening
By Paris Reidhead1.3K33:52Holy SpiritLUK 19:44ACT 2:4REV 2:5REV 3:20In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Acts 2 and the awakening interest in the Holy Spirit among different denominational groups. He emphasizes the importance of not missing out on God's visitation and turning away from lethargy and indifference. The preacher also mentions the significance of the Moravian and Wesleyan movements in the ministry and the outpouring of the Spirit of God during that time. He shares his personal journey of realizing that the belief that the supernatural ceased after the witness to Israel was not scriptural and the need for the fullness of Christ in one's life.
New Covenant- God's Final Goal - Church -Part 2
By Zac Poonen1.2K09:52MAT 16:18EPH 5:23EPH 6:12REV 2:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding that it is Jesus who builds His church, not man. It warns against the dangers of trying to build a church in our own strength, as only what Christ builds will withstand the attacks of the devil. The sermon highlights the need for churches to remain focused on Christ, engage in spiritual warfare, and not be swayed by earthly distractions or false teachings.
Loving Jesus
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.2K18:46Loving JesusMRK 12:30JHN 14:23ROM 8:71CO 16:22EPH 2:6EPH 3:8REV 2:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the love of Jesus Christ. He describes it as a love affair between God and humanity, where God proposes his love to us. The preacher highlights that this love is not based on human attachment or affection, but is a deep and transformative love that can turn a beggar into a prince. He emphasizes that this love comes from the Holy Spirit and is the first love that we should have for God. The preacher also contrasts this divine love with the worldly understanding of love, stating that true love is found in Jesus Christ and not in the shallow and self-centered love of the world.
Do Watchman Roar or Meow
By Scott Hynds1.1K34:33WatchmenDEU 6:17MAT 7:24MAT 24:42MAT 25:23LUK 18:131PE 4:17REV 2:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of proclaiming the word of God boldly and urgently. He uses the analogy of a tsunami approaching to illustrate the need for warning others about the impending judgment of God. The preacher highlights the role of the watchman, who is constantly vigilant and ready to sound the alarm. He references the biblical passage in Ezekiel where God appoints the prophet as a watchman to warn the people of Israel. The sermon emphasizes the responsibility of believers to proclaim the message of God's judgment and salvation to those around them.
God's Kindness and Severity
By Erlo Stegen1.1K1:09:54God's KindnessISA 40:4MAT 6:33MAT 7:21LUK 13:3ACT 5:1ROM 11:22REV 2:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the kindness and severity of God. He shares a personal story about an American preacher who asked whether people emphasize the love of God or His wrath. The preacher explains that both aspects exist and cites a biblical reference in Matthew 24 about an evil servant. He then reveals that the American preacher died a terrible death after it was discovered that he had been involved in immoral activities and had criticized other servants of God. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding the compassion and severity of God.
How Revival Comes: The Desperation of the Saints
By Ronald Glass1.0K1:03:19RevivalGEN 31:1PSA 85:6HAB 3:2REV 2:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the four steps to experiencing revival. The first step is acknowledging neglected priorities, as seen in the story of Jacob encountering the angels of God. Jacob's strategies are dismantled, forcing him to abandon his cherished plans. The second step is meeting God in a life and death struggle for control over one's life. Jacob wrestles with God and is changed forever. The third step is facing past deficiencies, including reconciling with those we have hurt and making restitution. The fourth step is accepting and embracing the need for revival.
The Future State
By Jim Cymbala1.0K36:48FutureMAT 6:33REV 2:5REV 3:19REV 7:9REV 22:18In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Revelation and the events that are happening on earth prior to the scene in heaven. The book of Revelation is described as a hard book to understand, with a lot of symbolism. The speaker mentions different interpretations of the book, but emphasizes the importance of not arguing or losing fellowship over differing views. The sermon also touches on the idea that life is a fight and that temptation is not sin until one consents to it.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Remember - Consider the state of grace in which you once stood; the happiness, love, and joy which you felt when ye received remission of sins; the zeal ye had for God's glory and the salvation of mankind; your willing, obedient spirit, your cheerful self-denial, your fervor in private prayer, your detachment from the world, and your heavenly-mindedness. Remember - consider, all these. Whence thou art fallen - Fallen from all those blessed dispositions and gracious feelings already mentioned. Or, remember what a loss you have sustained; for so εκπιπτειν is frequently used by the best Greek writers. Repent - Be deeply humbled before God for having so carelessly guarded the Divine treasure. Do the first works - Resume your former zeal and diligence; watch, fast, pray, reprove sin, carefully attend all the ordinances of God, walk as in his sight, and rest not till you have recovered all your lost ground, and got back the evidence of your acceptance with your Maker. I will come unto thee quickly - In the way of judgment. And will remove thy candlestick - Take away my ordinances, remove your ministers, and send you a famine of the word. As there is here an allusion to the candlestick in the tabernacle and temple, which could not be removed without suspending the whole Levitical service, so the threatening here intimates that, if they did not repent, etc., he would unchurch them; they should no longer have a pastor, no longer have the word and sacraments, and no longer have the presence of the Lord Jesus.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
whence--from what a height. do the first works--the works which flowed from thy first love. Not merely "feel thy first feelings," but do works flowing from the same principle as formerly, "faith which worketh by love." I will come--Greek, "I am coming" in special judgment on thee. quickly--omitted in two oldest manuscripts, Vulgate and Coptic versions: supported by one oldest manuscript. remove thy candlestick out of his place--I will take away the Church from Ephesus and remove it elsewhere. "It is removal of the candlestick, not extinction of the candle, which is threatened here; judgment for some, but that very judgment the occasion of mercy for others. So it has been. The seat of the Church has been changed, but the Church itself survives. What the East has lost, the West has gained. One who lately visited Ephesus found only three Christians there, and these so ignorant as scarcely to have heard the names of St. Paul or St. John" [TRENCH].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen,.... Believers cannot totally and finally fall away from the grace which they have received; but they may fall into sin, and from a degree of grace, and the exercise of it, as these first and pure churches did, from some degree of their love to God, and Christ, and one another; and therefore are called upon to remember, mind, and observe from what degree of it they were fallen; in order to bring them under a conviction and acknowledgment of their evil, and a sense of their present state, and to quicken their desires after a restoration to their former one: and repent; of their coldness and lukewarmness, of the remissness of their love, and of those evils which brought it upon them: and do the first works; of faith and love, with the like zeal and fervour, which will show the repentance to be sincere and genuine; so the Arabic version reads, "and exercise the former works, to wit, charity" or "love". The Jews have a saying (b), "if a man repents, do not say to him, "remember" , "thy first works"; which they seem to understand of evil works; but former good works are to be remembered and done, to show the truth of repentance for evil ones, Or else I will come unto thee quickly; not in a spiritual way, to pay a love visit, nor in a judicial way, to take vengeance or inflict punishment, but in a providential way, to rebuke and chastise: and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent; or thee out of the candlestick, the pastor from the church, either by persecution or by death; or else the church, and church state itself, signified by a candlestick; See Gill on Rev 1:12; and may design a shaking and an unsettling of it, which is sometimes done by violent persecutions, and by false teachers and their doctrines, and by the divisions and contentions of saints among themselves; and by the former particularly was there a change made in the state of this apostolic church, when it passed into the Smyrnean one, which was a period of great persecution and distress; for this cannot be understood of the total removing of the church state itself quickly, no, not of Ephesus itself; for though there is not now indeed, nor has there been for many hundred years, a church of Christ in that place, yet there was one till the times of Constantine, when there was none in any of the other seven cities, and a long time after; See Gill on Act 20:17; which shows, that this was not a commination or threatening of divine vengence to that church literally, but to the state of the church, which that represented; nor does it intend the utter abolition of that church, for the apostolic church still continued, though it ceased to be in the circumstances it was before, (b) Misn. Bava Metzia, c. 4. sect. 10.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:5 Christ calls even those who keep the faith to turn back to him and repent of cold-heartedness. The warning, I will come and remove your lampstand, means that they would lose their status as a church; God would treat them as he did the apostates within Israel (see Rom 11).