Here is an excerpt from my catena on Rev. 2:1
**St. Augustine correctly points out that this could not be the Heavenly angels: **This could not be said to the heavenly angels, who retain their love unchanged, as the only beings of their order that have departed and fallen from their love are the devil and his angels. [St. Augustine Letter 43 Verse 22] **354-430AD **
Nicolas points out that St. Timothy was the bishop that was addressed: Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus The preface ended, the treatise begins, and it is divided into 2 parts: first, the 7 churches are instructed specifically; second, the whole Church is instructed generally. The first divided into 7 parts with respect to 7 churches, which will become clear. In the first part the church of Ephesus is instructed, whose commendation is given in advance, so that the subsequent correction would be received better. Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus That is, its bishop, just as it was said and may be understood in what is to follow. By instructing the bishop who is the head of that church he also instructs the people who are under it, as will appear in the following. Moreover, the expositors commonly say it was Timothy, the disciple of Paul, who established the see of Ephesus, just as it was said before concerning 1Tim. 1. Nevertheless, St. Timothy was the apostle over all the bishops of Asia whose churches he founded and ruled, it is held in On the Lives of Illustrious Men; nevertheless, he generally remained in Ephesus. These things saith he, who holdeth the seven stars It is explained as above. [Nicolas of Lyra Commentary on Revelation] **1270-1349AD **
**Origen believed that a celestial angel is being addressed: **In many places, and especially in the Psalms, you will find speech addressed to the angels. Power has been given to man-at least to him who has the Holy Spirit- to speak even to angels, as found here in the Apocalypse. Clearly it is a man who writes to angels and enjoins something. [Origen Homilies on Luke 23.7] 185-254AD
St. Gregory believed that the guardian angel of the Ephesian church is being addressed: And to the presiding Angels, for I believe, as John teaches me in his Revelation, that each Church has its guardian. [St. Gregory Nazianzen Oration 42] 329-389AD
Oecumenius believed that ‘angel’ is a metaphor for the church in Ephesus: By the angel of the church of Ephesus he means metaphorically the church in Ephesus. For the divine angel was present and listening to what was being said. So then in the same way you are to understand that, wherever you find write these things to the angel of this church, he is referring not to the angel but to the church. he, who holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks: this is the same as saying, “These are the words of him who treats with care and holds fast and embraces both the holy angels in heaven”—for these are the seven stars- and human beings on earth. For these are the seven candlesticks, as was said earlier. He walks in the midst of those who worship him, and says through the prophet, “I shall dwell among them and I shall walk about among them. (Lev. 26:12)” [Oecumenius Commentary of Revelation] 6th Century
**St. Bede points out that they are worthy of praise and blame; St. Bede also interpreted Ephesus to mean ‘my will’ as does Apringius: **Ephesus. Part of this Church he blames, and part he praises, according to the character of the name. For Ephesus is said to be interpreted, “a great fall,” as well as “my will in it.” stars. That is, Who has you in His right hand, and seeks you by His power. walketh. Who goes about in the midst of you, and searches the hearts and the reins of all. [The Venerable Bede Commentary on Revelation] **672-735AD **
