Not only Christians but they have authority in the church as well.

Repentance is important theme--> 2:16, 21, and 22. Keep an eye out for it in later letters and chapters as well.

Will our works give us certain rewards on heaven or on earth?

In the law courts, a white stone meant a ‘not guilty’ decision. Jesus died for all sin, and through believing in him believers can be declared "not guilty" by God.

A new name could be a reference to the renaming that happens for multiple characters in the Bible. This includes well known people like Abraham, Sarah, and Peter. Also lesser known verses like 2 Samuel 12:25 Solomon to be called Jedidiah (loved by the Lord) and others.

First, Letters of Pergamum is an awesome read based on this small verse. Second, By only listing one witness to die instead of an illusion to widespread persecutions, we can assume this is not empire wide but instead local. This would further make sense if its local in the fact that they are being pressured and shamed for not participating in religious costumes such as verse 14 discuses.

Not just a message for the Ephesus, its to all the churches and all of us.

Jeremiah 2:2 says "I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed me in the wilderness in a land not sown." This first love is that initial zeal and commitment of a relationship. The initial zeal in Ephesus is slowly decaying. So while yay they are recognizing false teachers, its meaningless if they are losing their love for God. Love is more important than good actions

Reference to Daniel! Daniel and his friends were chosen to live and be educated in Nebuchadnezzar's palace. Instead of partaking in the food and wine they were offered, they were "tested" for ten days by only eating vegetables and water. SIGNIFICANT: Not an issue of persecution but accommodations. Maybe that's what's happening here, not persecuted for faith but pressured to accommodate themselves to pagan practices.

= A reference to hope of the future. John will continue to mention the tree of life instead of paradise, though they have similar connotations. Interestingly, not only is this reference to Genesis but Ephesus was well known for their temple of Artemis, who also had her own sacred tree. This reference to God's tree of life and not Artemises is especially important historically.

2:9 They are referenced the same way. Could both by ethnic and physical issue.

Question