It Starts Small

Jesus ends His message to the church at Ephesus with an invitation and a promise. Jesus invited the individuals and us to hear what the Holy Spirit says to the churches. These letters were inspired by the Holy Spirit and communicated by Jesus through John.

Whoever heeds these word by Jesus is a conqueror.

The word conqueror was the Greek word nikōnti, and literally means one who overcomes. The conquerors in the church at Ephesus were those who would do what Jesus instructed. The would endure persecution and hardship along the way. They would remember their original love for the Lord and repent. They would perform the works they did originally. This was Jesus’ invitation to them and all of us: Remember, repent, return, and do good works.

Jesus’ promise is to allow every conqueror the privilege of partaking of the tree of life in God’s Paradise. The tree of life first appears in the garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9. 3:22-24). It is then mentioned again in Revelation 22. Paradise is used here as a synonym for heaven (Luke 23:43, 2 Corinthians 12:3).

The promise of paradise encourages the conquerors to obey Jesus’ instructions.