But I have this against you
This phrase introduces a divine rebuke from Jesus to the church in Ephesus. The Greek word for "against" is "kata," which implies a strong opposition or grievance. Historically, Ephesus was a prominent city known for its dedication to the goddess Artemis, and the church there was commended for its perseverance and doctrinal purity. However, this phrase indicates a serious issue that overshadows their commendable qualities. It serves as a reminder that even a church with strong external practices can fall short in the eyes of Christ if internal devotion wanes.

You have abandoned
The Greek word "aphiēmi" is used here, meaning to leave, forsake, or let go. This term suggests a deliberate action or neglect, rather than a passive loss. The historical context of Ephesus, a bustling trade center, might have contributed to distractions that led the believers to gradually neglect their spiritual priorities. This abandonment is not merely a lapse but a conscious departure from something once held dear, highlighting the importance of vigilance in maintaining one's spiritual fervor.

your first love
The phrase "first love" refers to the initial fervor and devotion the Ephesian believers had for Christ when they first embraced the faith. The Greek word "prōtos" for "first" denotes not just chronological order but also primacy in importance. This love is foundational, akin to the passionate commitment seen in a new believer's life. Scripturally, love is the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-39), and its absence is a grave concern. The historical context of the early church, which faced persecution and societal pressures, underscores the challenge of maintaining this love amidst external and internal trials. This call to return to their "first love" is a call to rekindle the passion and priority of their relationship with Christ, which should be the driving force behind all their actions and beliefs.

(4) Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee.--Better, I have against thee that thou didst let go. This is the fault, and it is no trifle which is blamed, as the word "somewhat" (which is not to be found in the original) might be taken to imply; for the decay of love is the decay of that without which all other graces are as nothing (1Corinthians 13:1-3), since "all religion is summed up in one word, Love. God asks this; we cannot give more; He cannot take less" (Norman Macleod, Life, i., p. 324). Great as the fault is, it is the fault which Love alone would have detected. "Can any one more touchingly rebuke than by commencing, 'Thou no longer lovest me enough?'" It is the regretful cry of the heavenly Bridegroom, recalling the early days of His Bride's love, the kindness of her youth, the love of her espousals (Jeremiah 2:2. Comp. Hosea 2:15). It is impossible not to see some reference in this to the language of St. Paul (which must have been familiar to the Ephesian Christians) in Ephesians 5:23-33, where human love is made a type of the divine.

Verse 4. - But I have (this) against thee, that thou didst leave thy first love. The Authorized Version unwarrantably softens the censure by inserting "somewhat;" the Greek means rather, "I have (this grave thing) against thee." In "hath aught against thee" (Matthew 5:23) and "have aught against any" (Mark 11:25), the "aught" (τι) is expressed in the Greek; here nothing is expressed. "Thy first love" is expressed very emphatically with the article repeated; "thy love, thy first one." The meaning of it is much disputed. It cannot mean "thy former gentleness towards evil men and false apostles." It may mean "thy love of the brethren," so much insisted upon in St. John's First Epistle. More probably it means "thy first love for me." Christ is here speaking as the Bridegroom, and addresses the Church of Ephesus as his bride (comp. Jeremiah 2:2-13). This thought would be familiar to the Ephesians from St. Paul's teaching (Ephesians 5:23-33). It shows strange ignorance of human frailty and of history to argue that "a generation at least must have passed away, and the thirty years from Nero to Domitian must have elapsed, ere the change here noted could come to pass." Does this writer forget the Epistle to the Galatians? In a very few years the Churches of Galatia had left their first love. The frequent and rapid lapses of Israel into idolatry show the same thing from the time when Aaron made the calf down to the Captivity. This verse is certainly no obstacle to the theory that the Apocalypse was written about A.D. .

Parallel Commentaries ...


But
Ἀλλὰ (Alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

I have
ἔχω (echō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

this
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

against
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

you:
σοῦ (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

You have abandoned
ἀφῆκες (aphēkes)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 863: From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.

your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

first
πρώτην (prōtēn)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4413: First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost.

love.
ἀγάπην (agapēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 26: From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.


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NT Prophecy: Revelation 2:4 But I have this against you that (Rev. Re Apocalypse)