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"1. Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write: These things saith he, who holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks:

2. I know thy work, and thy labour, and thy pa tience, and how thou canst not bear them that are evil, and thou hast tried them who say they are apostles, are not, and hast found them liars;

3. And thou hast patience, and hast endured for my name and hast not fainted.

4. But I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first charity.

5. Be mindful therefore from whence thou art fallen: and do penance, and do thy first works. Or else I will come to thee, and will move thy candlestick out of its place, except thou do penance.

6. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaites, which I also hate.

7. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, I will give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of my God."

1. The angels addressed by St. John are the bishops of the churches to which he writes. The Greek word αγγελος means "one sent," a "messenger." Bishops are ministers sent by Christ to rule His Church.

Ephesus was an important city on the western coast of Asia Minor. It was chiefly noted for the temple of