Revelation to John Unsealed

Chapter Two

Message to Ephesus

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;

GOD is telling Yeshua to write to the angel of the church, (John is simply recording what he sees and hears), which means that there are angels tasked with overseeing the people in whom is found the characteristics mentioned within each church. It is important to understand the messages so that we may examine our ways against them, to receive convictions and the encouragements, to find the way and heed the warnings. The churches represent a body of people throughout the earth and are not localized to specific temple congregations as is religious custom. It is important to note that the angels of the churches are not a metaphor to represent human officials, who may or may not be authorized by GOD to deliver His messages into our individual lives. We will see throughout the book of Revelation the various works that the angels perform.

2: I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

The Chosen Apostles:  Revelation 21: And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

The Names of the Twelve Apostles:  Matthew 10:1 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these;

1. The first, Simon, who is called Peter,

2. and Andrew his brother;

3. James the son of Zebedee,

4. and John his brother;

5. Philip,

6. and Bartholomew;

7. Thomas,

8. and Matthew the publican;

9. James the son of Alphaeus,

10. and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;

11. Simon the Canaanite,

12. and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

Judas Iscariot is Replaced:  Acts 1:15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.