Revelation 2:1-7 – “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6 But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. 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.
““To the angel of the church in Ephesus write…” Jesus directed that the John write this letter to the angel of the church in Ephesus. So, here, it might lend weight to those who believe that the “seven stars are the angels of the seven churches” (Revelation 1:20) are not in fact angels (celestial beings) but are in fact, some actual person of the church, such as a pastor, elder or bishop. Also, if angelic being are being expressed, how is this correspondence to be delivered to them? However there are problems with this understanding, as there are with the varying viewpoints of the identity, or nature, of the angels of the churches. Glaringly, if the verse were referring to a pastor, elder, or bishop, why not just say that? Also, though this word can mean “human messenger,” it is most often used of heavenly beings. Apart from the first three chapters of Revelation, where some assume a human being is being referred to, clearly nowhere else does it mean a human being. In fact, it is mentioned sixty-seven times in this book and in review of these, a heavenly being is what is always being referred to. Thus, it seems that what is being described here are angelic heavenly beings whose duty it is to watch over the churches. Angels assigned to watch over God’s people are not foreign to the Word of God. The Archangel Michael is a messenger and guardian to Israel (Daniel 10:13, Jude 1:9, Revelation 12:7). Daniel 12:1 says that Michael stands up for, or has a charge (obligation) to Israel (From God’s direction). Even demons are assigned to protect their satanic interests as shown in Daniel 10:20. In Revelation 12:7-9 Daniel and his angels (yes there is an angelic hierarchy) fought against the devil and the devil was defeated. The point is that angels are not solely messengers who bring news from God, but are mighty and are sent to defend. In 2 Kings 6:15-17 we see that an army of angels was protecting Elisha and his servant. Angels are also protectors of Jesus (Psalm 91:11-12) as even the devil admitted was true (Luke 4:9-11) Though of course, the devil was twisting and misusing the verse). Jesus said that, if He asked Father God, legions of angels would be sent to protect Him (Matthew 26:52). Though it is understandable to interpret differently, these seven stars, these angels, do appear to be heavenly beings that are sent to the churches to protect them. There is deep and powerful spiritual warfare happening with Satan himself involved. In fact, the church of Pergamum is said to reside where Satan has his throne (Revelation 2:13).
These angels do not fight against and defeat the enemy by their own power but their power comes by the power and will of God (Jude 1:9). God assigns them and empowers them. Hasn’t God declared Himself our protector (Psalm 91)? Yes, He has assigned His angels to protect us and He empowers them. A great delight is to know that though the church at Pergamum lives on the devil’s front lawn they have not been defeated. Yes, the enemy has gotten in His blows, but the church is not dead. In fact, though admonished, the church is told to fight on, to be victorious, and they shall see the Lord who shall give them a white stone with a personal new name written on it (Revelation 2:17). A name that is personal and intimate and between the beloved of the Lord and the Lord. Family, we are loved and protected by God and He has assured our protection. We rest in the Lord’s protection. We have nothing to fear. Though the enemy encamps around us, we are relaxed and enjoy the love and blessings of God (Psalm 23:5-6). Praise God!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with Your God.