Without growing wearyThis phrase highlights the commendable endurance of the believers. In the context of the early church, perseverance was crucial due to the intense persecution Christians faced from both Roman authorities and Jewish leaders. The call to not grow weary echoes
Galatians 6:9, where believers are encouraged to not become weary in doing good. It reflects the spiritual strength and resilience that comes from reliance on God's power, as seen in
Isaiah 40:31, where those who hope in the Lord renew their strength.
You have persevered
Perseverance is a recurring theme in the New Testament, often associated with faithfulness amidst trials. The church in Ephesus, to whom this message is addressed, was known for its labor and patience (Revelation 2:2). This perseverance is a testament to their commitment to Christ, reminiscent of the perseverance of Job, who remained faithful despite severe trials (James 5:11). The Ephesian church's perseverance is also a model for believers to remain steadfast in their faith journey.
And endured many things
The endurance of "many things" suggests a variety of trials and tribulations. Historically, the Ephesian church faced challenges such as false teachings, as indicated by Paul's warning inActs 20:29-30. The endurance of these trials is a reflection of the church's dedication to maintaining doctrinal purity and moral integrity. This endurance is akin to the trials faced by the early apostles, who suffered for the gospel (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).
For the sake of My name
The phrase "for the sake of My name" underscores the motivation behind the perseverance and endurance. It signifies that the believers' actions were driven by their allegiance to Jesus Christ. In biblical times, a name represented one's character and authority. Thus, enduring for Christ's name implies a deep commitment to His teachings and mission. This is similar to the apostles inActs 5:41, who rejoiced in suffering disgrace for the Name. It also reflects the call to take up one's cross and follow Christ (Matthew 16:24), emphasizing the sacrificial nature of true discipleship.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
John the ApostleThe author of the Book of Revelation, who received the vision while exiled on the island of Patmos.
2.
The Church in EphesusThe recipient of this message, one of the seven churches addressed in the Book of Revelation. Ephesus was a major city in Asia Minor, known for its significant Christian community.
3.
Jesus ChristThe speaker of the message, who commends the church for their perseverance and endurance.
4.
PersecutionThe context in which the Ephesian church is enduring, likely involving social, economic, and possibly physical trials for their faith.
5.
The Name of JesusThe reason for the church's endurance, highlighting their commitment to Christ and His teachings.
Teaching Points
Perseverance in FaithThe Ephesian church is commended for their perseverance. As believers, we are called to remain steadfast in our faith, even amidst trials and challenges.
Endurance for Christ's NameOur endurance should be motivated by our love and commitment to Jesus. This involves prioritizing His name and reputation above our comfort and convenience.
Avoiding WearinessSpiritual weariness can be a challenge, but we are encouraged to rely on God's strength to continue in our mission and calling without growing weary.
The Reward of EnduranceScripture consistently teaches that there is a reward for those who endure. This should motivate us to remain faithful, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Community SupportThe church in Ephesus likely supported one another in their trials. We should seek to build strong Christian communities that encourage and uphold each other in perseverance.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Revelation 2:3?
2.How can we emulate the perseverance mentioned in Revelation 2:3 in our lives?
3.What does Revelation 2:3 teach about enduring hardships for Christ's name?
4.How does Revelation 2:3 connect with James 1:12 on enduring trials?
5.Why is not growing weary important in our spiritual journey, per Revelation 2:3?
6.How can we apply the perseverance of Revelation 2:3 in daily challenges?
7.What does Revelation 2:3 reveal about perseverance in the face of adversity?
8.How does Revelation 2:3 challenge our understanding of endurance in faith?
9.Why is laboring without growing weary significant in Revelation 2:3?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Revelation 2?
11.What are the two churches mentioned in Revelation?
12.What defines the patience of the saints?
13.What does 'travail' mean in the Bible?
14.What defines the patience of the saints?What Does Revelation 2:3 Mean
You have persevered- Jesus, addressing the church in Ephesus, first celebrates their steady commitment. They kept going when it would have been easier to quit.
-James 1:12 affirms the blessing tied to this steadiness: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life…”
-Hebrews 10:36 echoes the same call: “You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.”
- The commendation reminds us that faithful endurance is never a side issue; it is central to authentic discipleship.
and endured many things- The phrase highlights real-world hardship—opposition, social loss, maybe even violence.
-2 Timothy 2:3 urges: “Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”
- Paul’s own resume of trials in2 Corinthians 6:4-5 includes “afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments…” The Ephesian believers shared that same pathway.
- Their endurance wasn’t theoretical; it had cost them, yet they stayed on course.
for the sake of My name- Motive matters. They didn’t persevere for reputation or comfort but “for My name.”
-Acts 5:41: “The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name.”
-John 15:21 warns that trouble comes “on account of My name,” signaling that loyalty to Jesus draws resistance.
-1 Peter 4:14 reassures: “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed…”
- Their endurance testified publicly that Jesus is worth any price.
without growing weary- The Lord notes not just survival but stamina—they kept their spiritual energy.
-Galatians 6:9 urges believers: “Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap if we do not give up.”
-Hebrews 12:3 points to Christ’s example “so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
-Isaiah 40:31 promises fresh strength to those who wait on the Lord. The Ephesian church had tapped into that promise, modeling resilience for every generation.
summaryRevelation 2:3 shows Jesus commending believers who stayed faithful under pressure. They kept pressing on, absorbed real hardship, did it all for His name, and refused to let fatigue steal their zeal. This verse invites every follower of Christ today to mirror that same unwavering, God-powered perseverance until He returns.
(3)
And hast borne.--This verse needs some change to bring it into harmony with the best MSS. It should stand,
And hast (or,
hadst)
patience, and didst bear for My name's sake, and didst not weary. In this last word there is a recurrence to the word (
kopos) translated labour or toil in
Revelation 2:2. They had toiled on to very weariness without wearying of their toil (
Galatians 6:9), just as they could not
bear the evil and yet had
borne reproaches for Christ's sake. "There is toil, and patience, and abhorrence of evil, and discernment, and again patience, and endurance, and unwearied exertion. What can be wanting here?" (Dr. Vaughan.)
Verse 3. - The text followed in the Authorized Version is here very corrupt; we must read with the Revised Version,
And thou hast patience (as in ver. 2),
and didst bear for my Name's sake, and hast not grown weary. The last verb (
κεκοπίακες) is closely akin to toil (
κόπος) in ver 2. The seeming contradiction between "I know thy toil" and "thou hast not toiled" has caused confusion in the text. Yet
οὐ κεκοπίακες does not mean "thou hast not toiled," but "thou hast not wearied of toil." It is all the more probable that this play of words is intentional, because "bear" (
βαστάζειν) is used in two different senses in ver. 2 and ver. 3: "canst not
tolerate evil men," and "didst
endure suffering" (comp.
John 16:12). "So is patience set over the things of God that one can obey no precept, fulfil no work well pleasing to the Lord, if estranged from it. The good of it even they who live outside it honour with the name of highest virtue... . Grand testimony this is to it, in that it incites even the vain schools of the world unto praise and glory! Or is it rather an injury,' 'in that a thing Divine is bandied about among worldly sciences (Tertullian, 'De Pat.,' 1.).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Withoutκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.growing weary,κεκοπίακες(kekopiakes)Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2872:From a derivative of kopos; to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard.you haveἔχεις(echeis)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.perseveredὑπομονὴν(hypomonēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5281:Endurance, steadfastness, patient waiting for. From hupomeno; cheerful endurance, constancy.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.endured many thingsἐβάστασας(ebastasas)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 941:Perhaps remotely derived from the base of basis; to lift, literally or figuratively.for the sake ofδιὰ(dia)Preposition
Strong's 1223:A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.Myμου(mou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.name.ὄνομά(onoma)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3686:Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.
Links
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NT Prophecy: Revelation 2:3 You have perseverance and have endured (Rev. Re Apocalypse)