Revelation 2:6,7 - I will give the right to eat from the tree of life

2:6

Having chastised them, the Lord does have something favourable to say about them. They hated the practices of the Nicolaitans. We actually know very little about the Nicolaitans, apart from what we have in Revelation Chapter 2. It is likely that they allowed, or even advocated, fornication. As well as noting the severe criticism that Jesus had for the church, we should also note the aspects that He praised them for, and in relation to the Nicolaitans Jesus also hated their practices. Today there is a terrible habit in the church to go soft on sexual sins, particularly sex before marriage, and homosexual practices. There are some who positively affirm these things. Such people and churches are sin-affirming, and should seriously consider that one day they will have to answer to Jesus for what they have encouraged. At the softer end of things, we should also consider our approach in the light of what Jesus thinks.

2:7

At the end of each of the letters we are urged to “hear what the Spirit says to the churches”. While the letters are directed at specific churches, there are general lessons and principles that are relevant for all churches at all times.

Along with the urge to listen, is a reward for the one who overcomes (or “the one who is victorious” (NIV)), with a specific reward for each church. For Ephesus the reward is the “right to eat from the tree of life, which is the paradise of God”.