The term, "apostle" in verse 2, indicates the
Apostolic Period. "Thou hast tried them that
say they are apostles, and are not, and have
found them to be liars."

In 96 A.D. the Apostolic Age with its Holy
Ghost ministry and gifts of the Spirit, was
quickly ending because of its losing its "first
love".

He said, "Repent. . . .or else I will come
quickly and will remove thy candlestick out
of his place except thou repent".