1. "Here is what I command you to write to the church in Ephesus. Here are the words of the One who holds the seven stars in his right hand. He also walks among the seven golden lampstands. He says,
2. 'I know what you are doing. You work long and hard. I know you can't put up with those who are evil. You have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not. You have found out that they are liars.
3. You have been faithful and have put up with a lot of trouble because of me. You have not given up.
4. 'But here is something I hold against you. You don't have as much love as you had at first.
5. Remember how far you have fallen! Turn away from your sins. Do the things you did at first. If you don't, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
6. 'But you do have this in your favor. You hate the way the Nicolaitans act. I hate it too.
7. 'Those who have ears should listen to what the Holy Spirit says to the churches. I will allow those who overcome to eat from the tree of life in God's paradise.'