To the Church in Ephesus, the orthodox but unloving church.

This is the first of seven churches in Asia Minor to receive this message. Jesus is "speaking"; John is the scribe.

Ephesus is the largest city in Asia Minor. Paul spent three years here on his missionary journey, about 40 years before the writing of this Revelation.

Jesus commends the Christians at Ephesus for their deeds and perseverence, but He rebukes them for leaving their first love. Unless they repent, He will remove their lampstand.