Some people believe the “angel” mentioned in the letters refers to the pastor or human leader of the church. However, this is unlikely because in the New Testament, leadership is always shared among elders and pastors. The idea of a single leader is a change that happened much later in church history Overview of Jesus’ Message to the Church in Ephesus.
Dr. H. A. Ironside, a well-known preacher, once shared a funny story about his time preaching at a church in Oakland. Every Monday morning, someone from the church would write him a letter. If he had pleased this person, the letter would begin, “To the angel of the church at Oakland, greetings.” But if the person disagreed with what he said, the letter would start with, “To Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among us,” a phrase from Third John 1:9, referring to a man who wanted to be the most important.
But in the Bible, the “angel” isn’t referring to a human leader. The letter is addressed to a heavenly being, or angel, who helps guide the church’s leaders and helps them understand God’s will Private Tour Ephesus.
Angels and Their Role in the Church
In the book of Hebrews, it says that angels are “ministering spirits, sent forth to serve the heirs of salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). This means that angels serve Christians, guiding and helping them. So, it’s very likely that there are angels assigned to each church to help the leaders and the congregation know what God wants for them. These angels help the church understand what is on God’s heart.
The Church of Ephesus Jesus’ Words to Them
Now, let’s look at what Jesus says to the church at Ephesus in the first part of Chapter 2:
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands: I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.” (Revelation 2:1-3 NIV)
Here, Jesus acknowledges the hard work and faithfulness of the church in Ephesus. He praises them for their dedication and for standing up against false teachings.
