Revelation 2:1
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
Study Note
Study Note
The address to Ephesus from 'him that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks' identifies the sender as the sovereign Lord of the churches, actively present among them rather than remote in heaven. The seven stars (angels/messengers of the churches) and seven lampstands (the churches themselves) echo Zechariah 4's vision of the seven-branched menorah, representing the Spirit-fuelled witness of the covenant community. Ephesus's commendation for labour, patience, and discernment of false apostles is immediately qualified by the devastating charge that it has left its first love — a reminder that orthodoxy without ardour is ecclesial death. The threatened removal of the lampstand (verse 5) shows that the church's continued existence is conditional on repentance and renewed devotion.
Other Translations
To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, he that walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks:
`To the messenger of the Ephesian assembly write: These things saith he who is holding the seven stars in his right hand, who is walking in the midst of the seven lamp-stands--the golden:
To the angel of the church in Ephesus say: These things says he who has the seven stars in his right hand, who is walking in the middle of the seven gold lights:
Cross References
Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and …
And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down …
And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and …
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven …
And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was …
And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with …
And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his …
And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of …
And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is …
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true …