From 2:1 – 3:22, Christ the Lord amongst His people and the Lord of His people commands John to write to each of the seven churches, representative of the condition of the whole church on earth. This long section on the seven churches is part of John’s first vision of the Lord of Church and History in 1:9-20. The church is characterized with compromises and as a result has become weak. She is in a poor spiritual state to cope with the coming tribulation and unable to recognize Christ the Lord. In relation to the Lord of the church, the church is warned against the coming judgment upon her sin, encouraged to continue the faithful witness, exhorted to repent, and persevere in the struggle and find comfort in His promises.

Each address to the church can be summarized with the following outline:
 Christ’s Portrayal
 Christ’s Commendation
 Christ’s Commendation
 Christ’s Counsel and Consequences
 Christ’s Exhortation and Comfort to the Church

To the church at Ephesus, Christ comes as the Light who knows everything that happens in the church (V.1). They are commended for upholding the light of truth in the midst of false teaching (Vv.2-3,6); condemned for losing their first love (V.4); Counseled to return to their “first” works or Christ will remove their witness (V.5); Comforted with the promise of eternal life for those who endure (v.7).