1. “To the angel of the church in Ephesus, write this:“‘The one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks in the midst of the seven gold lampstands says this:
2. “I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate the wicked; you have tested those who call themselves apostles but are not, and discovered that they are impostors.
3. Moreover, you have endurance and have suffered for my name, and you have not grown weary.
4. Yet I hold this against you: you have lost the love you had at first.
5. Realize how far you have fallen. Repent, and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.
6. But you have this in your favor: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
7. “‘“Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the victor I will give the right to eat from the tree of life that is in the garden of God.”’
8. “To the angel of the church in Smyrna, write this:“‘The first and the last, who once died but came to life, says this:
9. “I know your tribulation and poverty, but you are rich. I know the slander of those who claim to be Jews and are not, but rather are members of the assembly of Satan.
10. Do not be afraid of anything that you are going to suffer. Indeed, the devil will throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will face an ordeal for ten days. Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
11. “‘“Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The victor shall not be harmed by the second death.”’