Early in the history of the church the mystery of iniquity foretold by the apostle Paul began its baleful work; and as the false teachers concerning whom Peter had warned the believers, urged their heresies, many were ensnared by false doctrines. Some faltered under trial and were tempted to give up the faith. At the time when John was given this revelation, many had lost their first love of gospel truth. But in His mercy God did not leave the church to continue in a backslidden state. In a message of infinite tenderness He revealed His love for them and His desire that they should make sure work for eternity. "Remember," He pleaded, "from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works." Verse 5.

Tidligt i menighedens historie begyndte lovløshedens hemmelighed sin skadelige virksomhed, som det var forudsagt af apostlen Paulus og når de falske lærere, som Peter havde advaret de troende imod, fremkom med deres vildfarelser, lod mange sig besnære af falske lærdomme. Nogle vaklede under prøvelserne og lod sig friste til at opgive troen. På den tid, hvor Johannes fik sin åbenbaring, havde mange mistet deres første kærlighed til evangeliets sandhed; men i sin nåde overlod Gud ikke menigheden til at fortsætte i sit frafald. Han åbenbarede dem sin kærlighed og sit ønske om, at de skulle bygge solidt for evigheden. "Kom derfor i hu," bad han, "hvorfra du er faldet og omvend dig og gør de samme gerninger som i den første tid." Åb. 2,5.