BACKGROUND
As you read through the following background on the culture and faith family of Ephesus, consider the similarities to our context today. What is the same? What is different? How does that impact the way Jesus’ prophetic utterance applies to our time and place in history?
Ephesus was ‘The first and greatest metropolis of Asia,’[1] the highway to Rome and the gateway to and from Asia. Ephesus was, therefore, an important economic city for the Roman empire. Politically, it was a free city. Its wealth and influence allowed it to be self-governing; no Roman troops could garrison there. Judicially, it was a place where essential political and legislative cases were tried.
The prosperity of the city was matched by its ancient religiosity. It was the center of worship for Artemis and housed the famed temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. While the temple was gloriously crafted, Artemis herself was portrayed rather modestly as a squat, black, many-breasted figure, “so ancient that no one knew where it had come from.”[2] From this ancient root of religion sprung a city that was a “notorious center for superstition”[3] and the marketing of religious good and services to cure every ill and reverse every misfortune. Whatever you wanted spiritually or wanted from spirituality, you could find.
Add to this description that it was the postal entrance for the correspondence to each of the following six faith families referenced in the Revelation, and it's no wonder the words of Jesus start with his brothers and sisters here. We actually know quite a bit about the faith family in Ephesus.
Paul nearly turned the city upside down when faith in Jesus started to impact the economics of religion in the city (Acts 19). We know it was the city in which Paul stayed the longest (Acts 20), and the city which called Timothy its first overseer or elder (1 Tim 1:3). In Ephesus, we find the fruitful and faithful Aquilla, Priscilla, and Apollos (Acts 18). It was to the elders of Ephesus whom Paul so intimately and vulnerably address in his farewell remarks before his final imprisonment (Acts 20). The letter to Ephesus from Paul was the only one of his correspondence not written to address a specific issue in the faith family. John would later become the leading figure in the faith family of the city as he, legend has it, brought Mary the mother of Jesus there.
Ephesus bosted some of the most influential Jesus followers of the first century, and the Ephesian community proved to be solid, respectable, and faithful. However, Paul foresaw that their context would leave them ever on the defensive. Writing to the Ephesian elders one last time, Paul says,
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained by his own blood. I know after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore, be alert. (Acts 20:28-31a)
PREPARATION
IMPORTANT: Try to make sure you have at least 25 minutes of uninterrupted time for this practice. Be realistic and honest about how much space and stamina you have for the quiet components. Some of us will welcome stillness and silence, but most of us will likely struggle to get through even 3-5 minutes of silence—and that is okay! Arrange whatever time you think reasonable (suggested times are provided), and set a timer; it helps. Get into a comfortable position but not too comfortable, so you don’t fall asleep.
PRACTICE
READ Revelation 2:1-7 slowly. If possible, read it aloud.
Now that you are familiar with the context and words, close your eyes and take three deep breaths. As you breathe in, pray “Holy Spirit… and as you breathe out, pray, “…Give me ears to hear.” Ask God to give you an openness to hear whatever the Spirit wishes to bring to you today. If (when!) your thoughts wander in the stillness, breathe the centering prayer to quiet your mind. Focus on your breaths as you envision breathing in God’s presence.
Now, reread the passage slowly, envisioning Jesus as he described, holding the “spirits” of each and every church in his hand as protector and judge. Picture Jesus walking amid every church, his light being the light they reflect, and every church orbiting around Jesus, finding their gravitational stability in relation to him. Imagine this Jesus speaking to his friends, followers, and flock. As you read and imagine[4],
Listen for a word or phrase, encouragement, admonishment, promise, etc., that stands out. Don’t choose this yourself; let the Spirit bring it to your mind. Even if you don’t like it, try to welcome it with humility (it’s key!) and see what happens.
Consider how you relate to the people and place of Ephesus. How are their issues, your issue, or our faith family’s issue? How is their life of faith similar to yours and ours?
Give yourself 3-5 minutes to ponder the questions and listen quietly.
REFLECT Reread the letter to Ephesus slowly.
As you reflect the words of Jesus to this faith family, consider the following:
The word or phrase or detail that stood out to you. Why do you think these words resonated with you?
The promise. In what ways might this promise have encouraged them in patient endurance and unity amid experiencing daily tribulation and God’s kingdom at the same time? How might the promise encourage you or us to do the same?
Give yourself 2-3 minutes to ponder all this. Then, ask God, “How do you want me to ‘keep what is written?”
RESPOND Read Revelation 2:1-7 one last time.
Prepare yourself for what you want to say to God about what you think the Spirit might have spoken to you or what came to you as you found yourself in the letter from Jesus to the faith family of Ephesus.
Pray whatever you need to pray. You might thank God for something or confess to God something or ask God for something.
Give yourself 2-3 minutes to respond.
REST Do as you are led for the last 5 minutes.
You may wish to wait quietly on God—to simply be with Jesus, who speaks directly and pastorally to his sheep. You may want to pay attention to Jesus, pondering: what Jesus does in this particular prophetic utterance or what he describes his people doing, or what about Jesus makes you marvel, or least want to be with him? Sit in the companionship of God—who offers us to dine on the tree of life in perfect harmony with him and his creation.
CONCLUSION
Having fed on the word through this practice, give it time to digest. In a day or two, come back to your thoughts and observations about yourself, the church, and our church; praying these back to God and asking for clarity, encouragement, and courage to respond to Him. Consider sharing these with your Gospel Community, DNA, or another “sibling and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance which are in Jesus” (Rev. 1:9). Maybe even repeat the practice again.
[1] William Barclay, The Revelation of John, 65.
[2] Ibid. 66.
[3] Ibid. 67.
[4] Revelation requires us to exercise our imagination. If the use of imagination in faith and life with Jesus is new to you, take a minute to read pages 18-19 of this resource.