I chose the first letter in chapter 2 of Revelation, Ephesus. Like the other 6 letters, the letter to Ephesus begins with a statement about the condition of the church and is followed by “eschatological promises or threats” (pg. 2031 n. a). In this particular letter, is addressed to the capital of the province of Asia, though the other 6 letters are addressed to places in the same province (pg. 2031 n.b).
Jesus begins by calling himself “the one who hold the seven stars in his right hand and who lives among the golden lamp stands” (Rev 2:1). To me, the way he characterizes himself seems to emphasize two things: his power and his presence. He not only stresses his authority over the church and its people, but also stresses that he is present among them always.
As the letter continues and Jesus addresses the church’s condition (as he does in the other letters) he uses the phrase “I know” often, which stresses the fact that Christ has knowledge of the Church’s doings and once again seems to assert his authority, power, and presence.
When the letter begins to make threats, Jesus says “Think where you were before you fell; repent, and behave as you did at first, or else, if you will not repent, I shall come to you and take your lamp-stand from its place” (Rev 2:5). This threat calls for change in terms of “love” and threatens the loss of Ephesus as the religious capital (pg. 2031 n.e).
In the end of the letter, Jesus uses the same “formula” as his other letters and emphasizes the role of the spirit in the relations and communications between Christ and the Church (pg. 2031 n.f). He calls upon the people of the churches to evaluate themselves based on God’s truth and his communication of what they are to do.
However, despite the threats, the letter goes on to promise that Jesus will “feed from the tree of life set in God’s paradise” (Rev 2:7). This is very reminiscent of what we read about paradise in Genesis, and almost references the idea of a ruined paradise (like Adam and Eve caused). However, Jesus promises to restore this greatness if the proper actions are followed.
Emma Ackerley 
I found this particular letter to be interesting as Jesus acknowledges the hard work and faith of the people of Ephesus, yet also points out they’ve failed to maintain their love. At first, this confused me as it seemed odd that he was still willing to focus on their minimal failures, but your point about his supreme authority made me reconsider my thinking. As this figure of supreme authority, Jesus should hold us to this higher standard, calling for us to reform even what may seem like trivial failures. Great work!
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I like how you related this letter to Genesis. I did not at first notice the connection, but you explained it very well. I also appreciated how you explained the name for Jesus “the one who hold the seven stars in his right hand and who lives among the golden lamp stands” as demonstrating Jesus’s power and presence. I had never heard this name for Jesus, so this was enlightening!
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Your analysis for this particular letter was really interesting to read. I mostly agree with your main points, but I felt differently on that letter’s use of the phrase “I know”. It struck me as a more compassionate and understanding acknowledgement of the church’s intentions and efforts, but also an acknowledgement that they have work to do still. Great post, very neatly organized and thought-provoking!
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