啓示錄 2:1-11章 Revelations 2:1-11
- 馬克牧師
- Jul 2
- 11 min read
Updated: Jul 31
今天我們要來聊聊《啟示錄》第二章，這章開始是耶穌透過約翰寫信給七間教會的內容。
從一開始我們就會注意到一個有趣的細節——耶穌在對每間教會說話的時候，自我介紹的方式都不太一樣。
像寫給以弗所教會的時候，他說自己是「右手拿著七星、在七個金燈台中行走的」。給士梅拿教會又會說他是「首先的、末後的，曾死過又活的」，寫給別迦摩的是 “那有兩刃利劍的”，推雅推喇的是「那眼目如火焰、腳像光明銅的神之子說」，撒狄教會是有“那有神的七靈和七星”的，非拉鐵非的是“那聖潔、真實、拿着大衛的鑰匙、開了就沒有人能關、關了就沒有人能開的”，給老底嘉的是“那為阿們的，為誠信真實見證的，在神創造萬物之上為元首的“。
這些描寫其實不是隨便用的喔，每一種都跟當地教會的狀況、他們的挑戰，有很深的關聯。耶穌是針對每個教會的需要，用不一樣的身分跟形象來出現。
那我們今天的重點就是第一間教會——以弗所教會。
以弗所這座城市，在當時是羅馬帝國亞細亞省的大都市，人口超過40萬。你想想，兩千多年前這個數字超級誇張，等於是現代的大都會級別。
它當時還是個超重要的海港城市。據說他們有錢到可以用大理石鋪了一條6公里長的道路，從港口一路連到市中心，專門讓貨物運輸更順利。來自亞洲、歐洲的商船都會在這裡停靠，是那個時代的貿易熱點。
而且，連保羅也曾經在這裡待了三年，一邊織帳篷，一邊傳福音，還行了很多神蹟，結果福音就在當地大爆發。
不過，以弗所不只是商業發達，它也是亞底米（也叫黛安娜）女神崇拜的重鎮。她的神廟是當時世界七大奇觀之一，非常氣派壯觀。很多手工藝人專門靠做女神像或銀製供品維生，是當地很賺錢的行業。
也因為這樣，當保羅傳福音、說那些偶像根本不是神的時候，這些靠宗教吃飯的人就炸鍋了。他們不是因為信仰被挑戰而生氣，是因為生意受影響。所以說，很多異教信仰看起來像是敬拜，其實真正重要的，是能不能賺錢。
以弗所這個城市也非常多元，住著來自希臘、雅典、猶太、羅馬各地的人。表面上是國際都市，實際上很多角落滿黑暗的。像亞底米神廟裡面，有幾百個所謂的「女祭司」，其實就是宗教背景下的妓女。可以想像這個城市在繁榮之下，也有著許多隱藏罪惡的黑暗角落。
首先我們來看耶穌對以弗所教會的介紹。他是「右手拿著七星、在七個金燈台中間行走的」。中文翻譯裡沒有特別提到，但如果你看英文 Amplified Version（放大版）的聖經，它在「拿著七星」這邊加了一個詞，叫做 firmly——也就是「牢牢地」掌握。
這個詞其實很有意思，因為它表達的不只是「拿著」，而是那種穩穩抓緊、不會鬆手的感覺。耶穌牢牢地掌握著那七星，也就是七個教會的使者，同時祂也行走在七個金燈台中，就是行走在教會之中。這是一幅很溫暖也很堅定的圖像——我們是在祂手中的，祂沒有放手，祂就在我們中間。
接著耶穌對以弗所教會的評價也很正面：祂說他們的行為、勞碌、忍耐，甚至不能容忍惡人；還能辨認那些假使徒，拒絕那些錯誤的教導。這個背景我們也不難想像，因為以弗所那時候異教信仰盛行，教會面對很多混亂的教導跟挑戰。他們能這樣持守真理，是很不容易的。
耶穌還說，他們「為我的名勞苦，並不乏倦」。聽起來真的很棒，對吧？但...然後祂話鋒一轉：「然而有一件事我要責備你，就是你把起初的愛心離棄了。」
這句話一出來真的蠻震撼的。你可以想像，這是一間信仰純正、守規矩、教導紮實的教會，但耶穌卻說，他們失去了起初的愛。這不是說他們信仰錯了，而是，他們的心慢慢冷淡了。
這其實讓人想到今天很多有歷史、有傳統的教會。像是路德會，已經有五百年歷史的宗派，教義很完整，信仰也很堅定，但卻面臨人數快速流失的問題。為什麼會這樣？可能就是因為，我們太專注在形式、在維護正確上，卻慢慢失去了當初那份單純的熱情、愛與關懷。
就像耶穌講的好撒瑪利亞人故事裡，那些祭司和利未人，為了遵守律法，繞開了受傷快死的人。結果反而是那個被他們看不起，甚至定為異端的撒瑪利亞人，願意停下腳步、伸出援手。對耶穌來說，這種出於愛的行動，比守規矩更重要。這不是說真理不重要，而是愛心不能被遺忘。
所以回到以弗所教會，他們做的事情沒有錯，但耶穌要他們把那份愛找回來。祂提醒他們：「你們恨惡尼哥拉一黨人」這是正確的，那是一個當時很有影響力的異端，但祂要他們不只守住信仰，還要重新點燃那份起初的愛。
最後，耶穌也給了一個很大的應許：「得勝的，我必將神樂園中生命樹的果子賜給他吃。」——這是一個又提醒又鼓勵的話語。
從《啟示錄》第二章第八節開始，我們看到第二封信是寫給士每拿教會的。
士每拿這座城市，其實就在以弗所北邊，大約80公里，是一個靠海的美麗城市，到今天依然是很美麗的一座城市，被稱為「亞細亞之花」。它位於今天土耳其的伊奧尼亞（Ionia）地區，甚至被譽為那一帶最漂亮的城市。
在這封信的開頭，耶穌的自我介紹是：「那首先的、末後的，死過又活的」。你會發現，這個形容不是隨便挑的。因為士每拿的信徒，正在面對極大的苦難與迫害。第九節說：「我知道你的患難、你的貧窮」，但括弧裡馬上補上一句：「其實你是富足的。」接著還提到：「你們中間有人要被關到監獄裡，要受試煉，要至死忠心。」
所以耶穌在這裡特別用「死過又活的」來介紹自己，是在對這群受苦的信徒說：「我知道痛苦，也勝過死亡；你們也可以勝過。」
這不是空談，因為早期教會就真的有血淋淋的見證。像著名的主教坡旅甲（Polycarp），他就是士每拿的主教，在一世紀中期殉道。他拒絕否認基督，最後被活活燒死。他的堅持，正是對耶穌這句「你們至死忠心，我就賜給你生命的冠冕」的回應。
第十一節也很有力量：「得勝的，必不受第二次死的害。」這是對那些可能面對死亡的信徒所說的話。第一次的死我們無法避免，但耶穌保證，第二次的死，也就是靈魂的滅亡，將不會臨到那些屬祂的人。
然後還有一個值得注意的背景，就是這些迫害，很多時候並不是羅馬人先發動的，而是猶太人挑起的。在《使徒行傳》裡我們看到很多例子：安提阿(徒 13:50)、以哥念(14:2-5)、路司得(14:19)、還有帖撒羅尼迦(17:5)，都是當地的猶太人激動群眾、串通羅馬政府來攻擊保羅和門徒。
這讓我們想到，其實連耶穌本身也不是死於羅馬人的刀下，而是被猶太人要求羅馬人釘上十字架的。所以士每拿教會所面對的那種來自「自己人」的敵意，耶穌是最懂的。這段寫給士每拿教會的信，對當時正在受苦的基督徒來說，是一個極大的鼓勵。
耶穌在這裡自稱是「那首先的、也是末後的」，意思就是——祂是起初也是終結，從我們生命的開始，一直到結束，祂都與我們同在。這不只是一個神學理論，而是一種非常實際的安慰：在我們人生的每一段路、每一個苦難裡，祂都沒有離開過。
而且耶穌還說，祂是「死過又活的」。這句話更有份量，因為祂不是站在旁邊鼓勵我們「加油」，他說的是「我在你的苦難中與你同在」而是自己也親自經歷過死亡的痛苦、被出賣的傷害，以及整個走向十字架的黑暗。但祂從死裡復活了，代表祂已經勝過死亡，勝過這一切苦難。
所以祂不是只是同情我們，而是說：「我懂，因為我也經歷過，而且我已經勝過了。」那這對正在受逼迫、被關進監獄，甚至可能要殉道的信徒來說，是非常大的盼望。也因此，耶穌接著說：「只要你們至死忠心，我就賜給你們生命的冠冕。」這句話真的很像是跑完全程後頒給得勝者的獎牌。
所以對士每拿教會來說，這封信不只是安慰，更是一種堅定的鼓舞。耶穌的意思是說：你們的痛苦不是白受的，只要持守信仰到底，就像我一樣勝過死亡，最後你們也會得著永恆的生命。
這是啟示錄第二章的上半段經文，我們下一講繼續分享啟示錄第二章的故事，感謝各位的聆聽，願上帝祝福各位。
Today, we’re going to talk about Revelation chapter 2. This chapter begins with Jesus speaking to the seven churches through the apostle John.
Right from the beginning, there’s something interesting to notice: the way Jesus introduces Himself to each church is different. For example, to the church in Ephesus, He says He is “the one who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.” To the church in Smyrna, He says He is “the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.” For Pergamum, it’s “Him who has the sharp double-edged sword.” To Thyatira: “The Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.” To Sardis: “He who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.” To Philadelphia: “He who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open.” And to Laodicea: “The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.”
These descriptions aren’t random at all. Each one connects deeply with the situation each church was facing. Jesus presents Himself differently depending on what each church needed most.
So today, we’ll focus on the first church mentioned: the church in Ephesus.
Ephesus was a major city in the Roman province of Asia, with a population of over 400,000. That’s an enormous number, especially considering this was more than 2,000 years ago—comparable to a modern megacity.
It was also a hugely important port city. In fact, the city was so wealthy that they built a six-kilometer marble-paved road from the harbor all the way to the city center, just to make trade easier. Ships from all over Asia and Europe would dock there. It was one of the biggest trade hubs of the ancient world.
Paul himself stayed in Ephesus for three years, making tents and preaching the gospel. He performed many miracles, and the gospel spread powerfully throughout the city.
But Ephesus wasn’t just known for business. It was also the center of Artemis—or Diana—worship. Her temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was massive and grand, and many local artisans made a living by crafting silver idols and offerings for the temple.
So when Paul started preaching that idols weren’t gods at all, it shook the economy—and the people who profited from religion were furious. Their anger wasn’t about theology; it was about lost income. That shows us something important: in many false religions, the real concern isn’t faith—it’s profit.
Ephesus was a multicultural city, home to Greeks, Romans, Jews, and people from all over. Outwardly it looked like a cosmopolitan paradise, but underneath, there were dark corners. For example, hundreds of so-called “priestesses” served in the temple of Artemis—many of them were essentially temple prostitutes. So behind all the prosperity, there was a lot of hidden immorality and spiritual darkness.
Now let’s look at how Jesus introduces Himself to the Ephesian church: “the One who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.” In the Chinese translation, this might sound pretty straightforward, but if you look at the Amplified Bible in English, you’ll see a small but powerful word added: firmly—He “firmly holds” the seven stars.
That one word makes a big difference. It doesn’t just mean “holding,” but “holding tightly, securely, not letting go.” Jesus is holding the seven stars—meaning the messengers of the churches—firmly in His hand, and He’s walking among the lampstands, which represent the churches. It’s a powerful and comforting image: Jesus is right here with us, holding us securely in His hand.
Jesus then praises the church in Ephesus for their deeds, hard work, perseverance, and discernment. They didn’t tolerate wicked people or false apostles. And given the cultural and spiritual mess in Ephesus, that wasn’t easy. They held onto truth when it would’ve been easier to compromise.
He even says, “You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.” That sounds great, right? But then Jesus drops a bombshell: “Yet I hold this against you—you have forsaken the love you had at first.”
That’s a heavy statement. This was a church that had the right theology, sound teaching, and a strong moral compass. But somewhere along the way, their hearts had grown cold.
And this reminds me of many long-established, traditional churches today. For instance, denominations like the Lutheran church, with a rich 500-year history, strong theology, and deep roots. Yet, many are struggling with declining attendance. Why? Perhaps we’ve become so focused on structure, doctrine, and getting things “right” that we’ve forgotten the passion, the warmth, the love we had at first.
It’s like the parable of the Good Samaritan. The priest and the Levite walked past the dying man on the road—probably to avoid becoming ceremonially unclean. But it was the Samaritan—the one seen as an outsider, maybe even a heretic—who stopped and showed compassion. Jesus said that is what love looks like. It’s not that truth doesn’t matter—it absolutely does—but love must never be forgotten.
So with the Ephesian church, Jesus isn’t saying their actions were wrong. He’s saying: remember your first love. He even says, “You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.” So yes, doctrinally they were correct. But what they needed was to reignite the fire of love they once had.
Jesus ends His message with a powerful promise: “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” A beautiful reminder that He’s not only correcting them—but inviting them back into deeper life with Him.
Starting in verse 8, we come to the second church: Smyrna.
Smyrna was about 80 kilometers north of Ephesus, a stunning coastal city—still beautiful today. Back then, it was called “the flower of Asia.” Located in what is now Turkey’s Ionia region, it was considered the most beautiful city in the area.
To the church in Smyrna, Jesus says: “These are the words of Him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.” Again, this is no random intro—it speaks directly to their situation.
In verse 9, Jesus says: “I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich!” He continues, “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer... you will be tested... be faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.”
So this church was enduring serious persecution, to the point of imprisonment and even death. That’s why Jesus reminds them: I am the one who died and came back to life. He’s saying: “I know pain. I’ve been betrayed. I’ve walked through death. And I’ve overcome it.”
This isn’t empty encouragement—it’s rooted in history. One of the early church’s most well-known martyrs, Bishop Polycarp, was the bishop of Smyrna. In the mid-first century, he was burned alive for refusing to deny Christ. His steadfastness was a living example of what Jesus meant when He said, “Be faithful, even to the point of death.”
And in verse 11, Jesus says: “The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.” We may not be able to avoid physical death—but Jesus promises spiritual life, eternal life, to those who belong to Him.
And one more thing worth mentioning—the persecution against Christians in Smyrna wasn’t primarily led by the Romans, at least not initially. It often began with the local Jewish population stirring up trouble. In the book of Acts, we see this repeatedly—in Antioch (Acts 13:50), Iconium (14:2–5), Lystra (14:19), and Thessalonica (17:5)—the Jewish communities would incite the Roman authorities to act against the apostles.
Even Jesus Himself wasn’t put to death solely by Romans. It was the Jewish leaders who handed Him over to be crucified. So when Jesus speaks to Smyrna about persecution, He knows exactly what kind of pain and betrayal they’re facing—especially when it comes from your own people.
This letter to Smyrna wasn’t just a word of comfort—it was a call to courage. Jesus is saying: I am with you in your suffering. I’ve been through death and come out the other side. Stay faithful to the end, and you’ll receive the crown of life.
That brings us to the end of the first half of Revelation chapter 2. We’ll continue with the rest of the churches in the next session. Thanks for listening, and may God bless you all.
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