It Starts Small

Jesus commends the church at Ephesus for its diligent work and patience in suffering.

When we looked at the historical and cultural background of Ephesus, we learned it was a large city with a melting pot of culture. Not only were there Greeks, but there were also other oriental cultures mixed in. The primary worship was of the pagan goddess Diana and there was a temple built that was considered one of the seven wonders of the world. There was also a deep rooted mix of occult, magical arts, and superstition within this city. In fact, they flourished. It is nor surprising that the church experienced persecution.

Despite all of this, they held their ground. They did not compromise the truth to be accepted in society. They also did not tolerate evildoers. Their love of the truth caused them to test those who were self-proclaimed apostles and to conclude they were false. False teachers were a huge threat to not only Ephesus, but Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira.

The next verse, Jesus continues HIs commendation of the church. He complements them on their steadfast endurance of hardships and persecution.

²⁴ The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient,

2 Timothy 2:24

PAul wrote to Timothy, who was the lead pastor (as we would say today) of the church and instructed him that the servant of the Lord must patiently endure evil.

It seems that Timothy practiced patient endurance and inspired the church to follow his example. For more than forty years, from its inception, the church had endured antagonistic treatment for Jesus’ sake, but it had not fainted.

In writing to the Galatian churches, Paul addressed this quality of faithfully serving the Lord without giving up. He wrote:

⁹ Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.

Galatians 6:9

The church at Ephesus was exemplary in regard to its perseverance, but it was not perfect, as we learn from the next verse.

Our pondering today:

Where have we placed our works and endurance?
Are we being patient and waiting on the Lord or are we going at life on our own in our own way?

Are we truly looking at all we are letting into our heart and striving to remove the world? Are we discerning through God’s Word what is holy and righteous? Or are we letting the false world in? Am I tolerating evil in my heart?

Are we persevering and enduring for the sake of the gospel and Jesus Christ?