The Healthy Dying Church

As Paul’s time in Ephesus was coming to an end, he urged the believers to remain steadfast against cultural pressures and false teachers (Acts 20:25—this was after three years of ministry, around A.D. 52–55). Timothy, who led the church in Ephesus, diligently followed Paul’s instructions to guard against all false doctrine. Fast forward several decades, and Christ’s reflection on their deeds is commended by Christ. He commends them for their works, labor, perseverance, and rejection of false teachings, especially their strong opposition to the practices of the Nicolaitans (v. 6). The church in Ephesus was an exemplary model—firm and unwavering in resisting cultural influences. However, despite their outward faithfulness—fighting doctrinal battles, exposing errors, and condemning ungodly conduct—something seems to be missing—4, ‘But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.