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Sardis
New American Standard Bible
Revelation 3:1
“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.
Revelation 3:2
Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God.
Revelation 3:3
So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you.
Revelation 3:4
But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
Revelation 3:5
He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
Revelation 3:6
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
Revelation 3:7
“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this:
Revelation 3:8
‘I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
Revelation 3:9
Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you.
Revelation 3:10
Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
Revelation 3:11
I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
Revelation 3:12
He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name.
Revelation 3:13
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
Revelation 3:14
“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this:
Revelation 3:15
‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot.
Revelation 3:16
So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.
Revelation 3:17
Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked,
Revelation 3:18
I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.
Revelation 3:19
Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.
Revelation 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.
Revelation 3:21
He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
Revelation 3:22
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
Cross References
Revelation 3:1: Revelation 1:11; Revelation 1:4; Revelation 1:16; Revelation 2:2; 3:8, 15; 1 Timothy 5:6; Revelation 3:3: Revelation 2:5; Revelation 2:5; Revelation 2:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 16:15; Matthew 24:43; Luke 12:39; Revelation 3:4: Revelation 11:13; Revelation 1:11; Jude 1:23; Ecclesiastes 9:8; Revelation 3:5, 18; 4:4; 6:11; 7:9, 13; 19:8, 14; Revelation 3:5: Revelation 2:7; Revelation 3:4; Exodus 32:32; Psalm 69:28; Luke 10:20; Revelation 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27; Matthew 10:32; Luke 12:8; Revelation 3:6: Revelation 2:7; Revelation 3:7: Revelation 1:11; Revelation 6:10; 1 John 5:20; Revelation 3:14; 19:11; Job 12:14; Isaiah 22:22; Matthew 16:19; Revelation 1:18; Revelation 3:8: Revelation 3:1; Acts 14:27; Revelation 2:13; Revelation 3:9: Revelation 2:9; Isaiah 45:14; 49:23; 60:14; Isaiah 43:4; John 17:23; Revelation 3:10: John 17:6; Revelation 3:8; Revelation 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:12; 2 Peter 2:9; Revelation 2:10; Matthew 24:14; Revelation 16:14; Revelation 6:10; 8:13; 11:10; 13:8, 14; 17:8; Revelation 3:11: Revelation 1:3; 22:7, 12, 20; Revelation 2:25; Revelation 2:10; Revelation 3:12: Revelation 3:5; 1 Kings 7:21; Jeremiah 1:18; Galatians 2:9; Revelation 14:1; 22:4; Ezekiel 48:35; Revelation 21:2; Galatians 4:26; Hebrews 13:14; Revelation 21:2, 10; Isaiah 62:2; Revelation 2:17; Revelation 3:13: Revelation 3:6; Revelation 3:14: Revelation 1:11; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Revelation 1:5; 3:7; Genesis 49:3; Deuteronomy 21:17; Proverbs 8:22; John 1:3; Colossians 1:18; Revelation 21:6; 22:13; Revelation 3:15: Revelation 3:1; Romans 12:11; Revelation 3:17: Hosea 12:8; Zechariah 11:5; Matthew 5:3; 1 Corinthians 4:8; Revelation 3:18: Is 55:1; Matthew 13:44; 1 Peter 1:7; Revelation 3:4; Revelation 16:15; Revelation 3:19: Proverbs 3:12; 1 Corinthians 11:32; Hebrews 12:6; Revelation 2:5; Revelation 3:20: Matthew 24:33; James 5:9; Luke 12:36; John 10:3; John 14:23; Revelation 3:21: Revelation 2:7; Matthew 19:28; 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 2:26; 20:4; John 16:33; Revelation 5:5; 6:2; 17:14; Revelation 3:22: Rev 2:7
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Amen
Hebrew word means firm, and hence also faithful. In the Authorized Version has the God of truth, which in Hebrew is the God of Amen.
It is frequently used by our Savior to give emphasis to his words, where it is translated verily. Sometimes, only, however, in John's Gospel, it is repeated, Verily, verily.
It is used as an epithet of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is found singly and sometimes doubly at the end of prayers, to confirm the words and invoke the fulfillment of them. It is used in token of being bound by an oath.
In the primitive churches it was common for the general audience to say Amen at the close of the prayer. The promises of God are Amen; they are all true and sure.
Banquet
Feast provided for the entertainment of a company of guests; such as was provided for our Lord by his friends in Bethany. These meals were in the days of Christ usually called suppers, after the custom of the Romans, and were partaken of toward the close of the day.
It was usual to send a second invitation to those who had been already invited. When the whole company was assembled, the master of the house shut the door with his own hands. The guests were first refreshed with water and fragrant oil.
A less frequent custom was that of supplying each guest with a robe to be worn during the feast. At private banquets the master of the house presided; but on public occasions a governor of the feast was chosen.
The guests were placed in order according to seniority, or according to the rank they held. As spoons and knives and forks are a modern invention, and were altogether unknown in the East, the hands alone were necessarily used, and were dipped in the dish, which was common to two of the guests.
In the days of our Lord the guests reclined at table; but the ancient Israelites sat around low tables, cross legged, like the modern Orientals.
Guests were specially honored when extra portions were set before them, and when their cup was filled with wine till it ran over.
The hands of the guests were usually cleaned by being rubbed on bread, the crumbs of which fell to the ground, and were the portion for dogs. At the time of the three annual festivals at Jerusalem family banquets were common.
To these the widow, and the fatherless, and the stranger were welcome. Sacrifices also included a banquet. Birthday banquets are mentioned.
They were sometimes protracted, and attended with revelry and excess. Portions were sometimes sent from the table to poorer friends.
Book
This word has a comprehensive meaning in Scripture. In the Old Testament it is the rendering of the Hebrew word, which properly means a writing, and then a volume or roll of a book. Books were originally written on skins, on linen or cotton cloth, and on Egyptian papyrus, whence our word paper.
The leaves of the book were generally written in columns, designated by a Hebrew word properly meaning doors and valves. Among the Hebrews books were generally rolled up like our maps, or if very long they were rolled from both ends, forming two rolls.
Thus they were arranged when the writing was on flexible materials; but if the writing was on tablets of wood or brass or lead, then the several tablets were bound together by rings through which a rod was passed. A sealed book is one whose contents are secret. To eat a book is to study its contents carefully.
The book of judgment refers to the method of human courts of justice as illustrating the proceedings which will take place at the day of God's final judgment.
The book of the wars of the Lord, the book of Jasher, and the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah and Israel, were probably ancient documents known to the Hebrews, but not forming a part of the canon.
The book of life suggests the idea that as the redeemed form a community or citizenship, a catalog of the citizens' names is preserved. Their names are registered in heaven. The book of the covenant, containing, is the first book actually mentioned as a part of the written word.
It contains a series of laws, civil, social, and religious, given to Moses at Sinai immediately after the delivery of the decalogue. These were written in this book.
Heaven
Definitions. The phrase heaven and earth is used to indicate the whole universe. According to the Jewish notion there were three heavens, The firmament, as fowls of the heaven, the eagles of heaven, The starry heavens.
The heaven of heavens, or the third heaven. Meaning of words in the original, The usual Hebrew word for heavens, a plural form meaning heights, elevations.
The Hebrew word is also used has equivalent to, high places, heights, literally a wheel, is rendered heaven, whirlwind, rendered sky, plural clouds, means probably the firmament, closely connected with, and is rendered firmament, whence our firmament, regarded as a solid expanse.
Metaphorical meaning of term; doors of heaven; heaven shut; opened. Spiritual meaning. The place of the everlasting blessedness of the righteous; the abode of departed spirits. Christ calls it his Father's house. It is called paradise. The heavenly Jerusalem. The kingdom of heaven.
The eternal kingdom. The eternal inheritance. The better country. The blessed are said to sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and to be in Abraham's bosom; to reign with Christ; and to enjoy rest.
In heaven the blessedness of the righteous consists in the possession of life everlasting, an eternal weight of glory, an exemption from all sufferings for ever, a deliverance from all evils and from the society of the wicked, bliss without termination, the fullness of joy for ever. The believer's heaven is not only a state of everlasting blessedness, but also a place, a place prepared for them.
Key
Frequently mentioned in Scripture. It is called in Hebrew, the opener, from its use in shutting. Figures of ancient Egyptian keys are frequently found on the monuments, also of Assyrian locks and keys of wood, and of a large size. The word is used figuratively of power or authority or office.
The key of knowledge is the means of attaining the knowledge regarding the kingdom of God. The power of the keys is a phrase in general use to denote the extent of ecclesiastical authority.
Knock
Though Orientals are very jealous of their privacy, they never knock when about to enter your room, but walk in without warning or ceremony. It is nearly impossible to teach an Arab servant to knock at your door. They give warning at the outer gate either by calling or knocking.
To stand and call is a very common and respectful mode. Thus Moses commanded the holder of a pledge to stand without and call to the owner to come forth. This was to avoid the violent intrusion of cruel creditors.
Peter stood knocking at the outer door, and the three men sent to Joppa by Cornelius made inquiry and stood before the gate. The idea is that the guard over your privacy is to be placed at the entrance." Knocking is used as a sign of importunity, and of the coming of Christ.
Laodicea
The city of this name mentioned in Scripture lay on the confines of Phrygia and Lydia, about 40 miles east of Ephesus, on the banks of the Lycus. It was originally called Diospolis and then Rhoas, but afterwards Laodicea, from Laodice, the wife of Antiochus II., king of Syria, who rebuilt it. It was one of the most important and flourishing cities of Asia Minor.
At a very early period it became one of the chief seats of Christianity. It is now a deserted place, called by the Turks Eski-hissar or "old castle.
Philadelphia
Brotherly love, a city of Lydia in Asia Minor, about 25 miles southeast of Sardis. It was the seat of one of the seven churches. It came into the possession of the Turks in 1392 AD.
It has several times been nearly destroyed by earthquakes. It is still a town of considerable size, called Allahshehr, the city of God.
Poor
The Mosaic legislation regarding the poor is specially important. They had the right of gleaning the fields. In the sabbatical year they were to have their share of the produce of the fields and the vineyards. In the year of jubilee they recovered their property.
Usury was forbidden, and the pledged raiment was to be returned before the sun went down. The rich were to be generous to the poor.
In the sabbatical and jubilee years the bond-servant was to go free. Certain portions from the tithes were assigned to the poor.
They shared in the feasts. Wages were to be paid at the close of each day. We have similar injunctions given with reference to the poor. Begging was not common under the Old Testament, while it was so in the New Testament times.
But begging in the case of those who are able to work is forbidden, and all such are enjoined to work with their own hands as a Christian duty. This word is used figuratively.
Sardis
Metropolis of Lydia in Asia Minor. It stood on the river Pactolus, at the foot of mount Tmolus. Here was one of the seven Asiatic churches. It is now a ruin called Sert-Kalessi.
War
The Israelites had to take possession of the Promised Land by conquest. They had to engage in a long and bloody war before the Canaanitish tribes were finally subdued.
Except in the case of Jericho and Ai, the war did not become aggressive till after the death of Joshua. Until then the attack was always first made by the Canaanites.
Now the measure of the iniquity of the Canaanites was full, and Israel was employed by God to sweep them away from off the face of the earth.
In entering on this new stage of the war, the tribe of Judah, according to divine direction, took the lead. In the days of Saul and David the people of Israel engaged in many wars with the nations around, and after the division of the kingdom into two they often warred with each other.
They had to defend themselves also against the inroads of the Egyptians, the Assyrians, and the Babylonians. The whole history of Israel from first to last presents but few periods of peace.
The Christian life is represented as a warfare, and the Christian graces are also represented under the figure of pieces of armor. The final blessedness of believers is attained as the fruit of victory.
White
Symbol of purity. Our Lord, at his transfiguration, appeared in raiment white as the light.
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
A pause between two great periods. The Lord Jesus is He that hath the Holy Spirit with all his powers, graces, and operations. Hypocrisy, and lamentable decay in religion, are sins charged upon Sardis, by One who knew that church well, and all her works.
Outward things appeared well to men, but there was only the form of godliness, not the power; a name to live, not a principle of life. There was great deadness in their souls, and in their services; numbers were wholly hypocrites, others were in a disordered and lifeless state.
Our Lord called upon them to be watchful against their enemies, and to be active and earnest in their duties; and to endeavor, in dependence on the grace of the Holy Spirit, to revive and strengthen the faith and spiritual affections of those yet alive to God, though in a declining state. Whenever we are off our watch, we lose ground.
Thy works are hollow and empty; prayers are not filled up with holy desires, alms-deeds not filled up with true charity, sabbaths not filled up with suitable devotion of soul to God.
There are not inward affections suitable to outward acts and expressions; when the spirit is wanting, the form cannot long remain. In seeking a revival in our own souls, or the souls of others, it is needful to compare what we profess with the manner in which we go on, that we may be humbled and quickened to hold fast that which remains.
Christ enforces his counsel with a dreadful threatening if it should be despised. Yet our blessed Lord does not leave this sinful people without some encouragement.
He makes honorable mention of the faithful remnant in Sardis, he makes a gracious promise to them. He that overcomes shall be clothed in white raiment; the purity of grace shall be rewarded with the perfect purity of glory.
Christ has his book of life, a register of all who shall inherit eternal life; the book of remembrance of all who live to God, and keep up the life and power of godliness in evil times. Christ will bring forward this book of life, and show the names of the faithful, before God, and all the angels, at the great day.
Epistles to the church at Sardis; Sensual men separate from Christ, and his church, and join themselves to the devil, the world, and the flesh, by ungodly and sinful practices.
That is infinitely worse than to separate from any branch of the visible church on account of opinions, or modes and circumstances of outward government or worship. Sensual men have not the spirit of holiness, which whoever has not, does not belong to Christ.
The grace of faith is most holy, as it works by love, purifies the heart, and overcomes the world, by which it is distinguished from a false and dead faith.
Our prayers are most likely to prevail, when we pray in the Holy Ghost, under his guidance and influence, according to the rule of his word, with faith, fervency, and earnestness; this is praying in the Holy Ghost.
And a believing expectation of eternal life will arm us against the snares of sin: lively faith in this blessed hope will help us to mortify our lusts. We must watch over one another; faithfully, yet prudently reprove each other, and set a good example to all about us.
This must be done with compassion, making a difference between the weak and the willful. Some we must treat with tenderness. Others save with fear; urging the terrors of the Lord.
All endeavors must be joined with decided abhorrence of crimes, and care be taken to avoid whatever led to, or was connected with fellowship with them, in works of darkness, keeping far from what is, or appears to be evil.
The peace, happiness, and safety of the saints, as signified by an angel's sealing 144,000. The same Lord Jesus has the key of government and authority in and over the church. He opens a door of opportunity to his churches; he opens a door of utterance to his ministers; he opens a door of entrance, opens the heart.
He shuts the door of heaven against the foolish, who sleep away their day of grace; and against the workers of iniquity, how vain and confident soever they may be. The church in Philadelphia is commended; yet with a gentle reproof.
Although Christ accepts a little strength, yet believers must not rest satisfied in a little, but strive to grow in grace, to be strong in faith, giving glory to God. Christ can discover this his favour to his people, so that their enemies shall be forced to acknowledge it.
This, by the grace of Christ, will soften their enemies, and make them desire to be admitted into communion with his people. Christ promises preserving grace in the most trying times, as the reward of past faithfulness; To him that hath shall be given.
Those who keep the gospel in a time of peace, shall be kept by Christ in an hour of temptation; and the same Divine grace that has made them fruitful in times of peace, will make them faithful in times of persecution.
Christ promises a glorious reward to the victorious believer. He shall be a monumental pillar in the temple of God; a monument of the free and powerful grace of God; a monument that shall never be defaced or removed.
On this pillar shall be written the new name of Christ; by this will appear, under whom the believer fought the good fight, and came off victorious.
At Philadelphia; God is able, and as willing as able, to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before the presence of his glory.
Not as those who never have been faulty, but as those who, but for God's mercy, and a Savior's sufferings and merits, might most justly have been condemned long ago.
All sincere believers were given him of the Father; and of all so given him he has lost none, nor will lose any one.
Now, our faults fill us with fears, doubts, and sorrows; but the Redeemer has undertaken for his people, that they shall be presented faultless.
Where there is no sin, there will be no sorrow; where there is the perfection of holiness, there will be the perfection of joy.
Let us more often look up to Him who is able to keep us from falling, to improve as well as maintain the work he has wrought in us, till we shall be presented blameless before the presence of his glory.
Then shall our hearts know a joy beyond what earth can afford; then shall God also rejoice over us, and the joy of our compassionate Savior be completed. To Him who has so wisely formed the scheme, and will faithfully and perfectly accomplish it, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen.
A song of praise. Laodicea was the last and worst of the seven churches of Asia. Here our Lord Jesus styles himself, to The Amen; to one steady and unchangeable in all his purposes and promises. If religion is worth anything, it is worth every thing. Christ expects men should be in earnest.
How many professors of gospel doctrine are neither hot nor cold; except as they are indifferent in needful matters, and hot and fiery in disputes about things of lesser moment! A severe punishment is threatened.
They would give a false opinion of Christianity, as if it were an unholy religion; while others would conclude it could afford no real satisfaction, otherwise its professors would not have been heartless in it, or so ready to seek pleasure or happiness from the world.
One cause of this indifference and inconsistency in religion is, self-conceit and self-delusion; to Because thou says. To What a difference between their thoughts of themselves, and the thoughts Christ had of them!
How careful should we be not to cheat our owns souls! There are many in hell, who once thought themselves far in the way to heaven.
Let us beg of God that we may not be left to flatter and deceive ourselves. Professors grow proud, as they become carnal and formal.
Their state was wretched in itself. They were poor; really poor, when they said and thought they were rich. They could not see their state, nor their way, nor their danger, yet they thought they saw it.
They had not the garment of justification, nor sanctification: they were exposed to sin and shame; their rags that would defile them. They were naked, without house or harbour, for they were without God, in whom alone the soul of man can find rest and safety.
Good counsel was given by Christ to this sinful people. Happy those who take his counsel, for all others must perish in their sins. Christ lets them know where they might have true riches, and how they might have them.
Some things must be parted with, but nothing valuable; and it is only to make room for receiving true riches. Part with sin and self-confidence, that you may be filled with his hidden treasure.
They must receive from Christ the white raiment he purchased and provided for them; his own imputed righteousness for justification, and the garments of holiness and sanctification. Let them give themselves up to his word and Spirit, and their eyes shall be opened to see their way and their end.
Let us examine ourselves by the rule of his word, and pray earnestly for the teaching of his Holy Spirit, to take away our pride, prejudices, and worldly lusts.
Sinners ought to take the rebukes of God's word and rod, as tokens of his love to their souls. Christ stood without; knocking, by the dealings of his providence, the warnings and teaching of his word, and the influences of his Spirit.
Christ still graciously, by his word and Spirit, comes to the door of the hearts of sinners. Those who open to him shall enjoy his presence.
If what he finds would make but a poor feast, what he brings will supply a rich one. He will give fresh supplies of graces and comforts. In the conclusion is a promise to the overcoming believer.
Christ himself had temptations and conflicts; he overcame them all, and was more than a conqueror. Those made like to Christ in his trials, shall be made like to him in glory.
All is closed with the general demand of attention. And these counsels, while suited to the churches to which they were addressed, are deeply interesting to all men.
To whom this letter is directed: To the angel of the church of Sardis, an ancient city of Lydia, on the banks of the mountain Tmolus, said to have been the chief city of Asia the Less, and the first city in that part of the world that was converted by the preaching of John; and, some say, the first that revolted from Christianity, and one of the first that was laid in its ruins, in which it still lies, without any church or ministry.
By whom this message was sent—the Lord Jesus, who here assumes the character of him that hath the seven spirits of God, and the seven stars; where the seven spirits are said to be before the throne.
He hath the seven spirits, that is, the Holy Spirit with his various powers, graces, and operations; for he is personally one, and may be said here to be seven, which is the number of the churches, and of the angels of the churches, to show that to every minister, and to every church, there is a dispensation and measure of the Spirit given for them to profit—a stock of spiritual influence for that minister and church to improve, both for enlargement and continuance, which measure of the Spirit is not ordinarily withdrawn from them.
Revelation 3:1
“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.
Revelation 3:2
Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God.
Revelation 3:3
So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you.
Revelation 3:4
But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
Revelation 3:5
He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
Revelation 3:6
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
Revelation 3:7
“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this:
Revelation 3:8
‘I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
Revelation 3:9
Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you.
Revelation 3:10
Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
Revelation 3:11
I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
Revelation 3:12
He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name.
Revelation 3:13
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
Revelation 3:14
“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this:
Revelation 3:15
‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot.
Revelation 3:16
So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.
Revelation 3:17
Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked,
Revelation 3:18
I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.
Revelation 3:19
Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.
Revelation 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.
Revelation 3:21
He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
Revelation 3:22
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
Cross References
Revelation 3:1: Revelation 1:11; Revelation 1:4; Revelation 1:16; Revelation 2:2; 3:8, 15; 1 Timothy 5:6; Revelation 3:3: Revelation 2:5; Revelation 2:5; Revelation 2:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 16:15; Matthew 24:43; Luke 12:39; Revelation 3:4: Revelation 11:13; Revelation 1:11; Jude 1:23; Ecclesiastes 9:8; Revelation 3:5, 18; 4:4; 6:11; 7:9, 13; 19:8, 14; Revelation 3:5: Revelation 2:7; Revelation 3:4; Exodus 32:32; Psalm 69:28; Luke 10:20; Revelation 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27; Matthew 10:32; Luke 12:8; Revelation 3:6: Revelation 2:7; Revelation 3:7: Revelation 1:11; Revelation 6:10; 1 John 5:20; Revelation 3:14; 19:11; Job 12:14; Isaiah 22:22; Matthew 16:19; Revelation 1:18; Revelation 3:8: Revelation 3:1; Acts 14:27; Revelation 2:13; Revelation 3:9: Revelation 2:9; Isaiah 45:14; 49:23; 60:14; Isaiah 43:4; John 17:23; Revelation 3:10: John 17:6; Revelation 3:8; Revelation 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:12; 2 Peter 2:9; Revelation 2:10; Matthew 24:14; Revelation 16:14; Revelation 6:10; 8:13; 11:10; 13:8, 14; 17:8; Revelation 3:11: Revelation 1:3; 22:7, 12, 20; Revelation 2:25; Revelation 2:10; Revelation 3:12: Revelation 3:5; 1 Kings 7:21; Jeremiah 1:18; Galatians 2:9; Revelation 14:1; 22:4; Ezekiel 48:35; Revelation 21:2; Galatians 4:26; Hebrews 13:14; Revelation 21:2, 10; Isaiah 62:2; Revelation 2:17; Revelation 3:13: Revelation 3:6; Revelation 3:14: Revelation 1:11; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Revelation 1:5; 3:7; Genesis 49:3; Deuteronomy 21:17; Proverbs 8:22; John 1:3; Colossians 1:18; Revelation 21:6; 22:13; Revelation 3:15: Revelation 3:1; Romans 12:11; Revelation 3:17: Hosea 12:8; Zechariah 11:5; Matthew 5:3; 1 Corinthians 4:8; Revelation 3:18: Is 55:1; Matthew 13:44; 1 Peter 1:7; Revelation 3:4; Revelation 16:15; Revelation 3:19: Proverbs 3:12; 1 Corinthians 11:32; Hebrews 12:6; Revelation 2:5; Revelation 3:20: Matthew 24:33; James 5:9; Luke 12:36; John 10:3; John 14:23; Revelation 3:21: Revelation 2:7; Matthew 19:28; 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 2:26; 20:4; John 16:33; Revelation 5:5; 6:2; 17:14; Revelation 3:22: Rev 2:7
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Amen
Hebrew word means firm, and hence also faithful. In the Authorized Version has the God of truth, which in Hebrew is the God of Amen.
It is frequently used by our Savior to give emphasis to his words, where it is translated verily. Sometimes, only, however, in John's Gospel, it is repeated, Verily, verily.
It is used as an epithet of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is found singly and sometimes doubly at the end of prayers, to confirm the words and invoke the fulfillment of them. It is used in token of being bound by an oath.
In the primitive churches it was common for the general audience to say Amen at the close of the prayer. The promises of God are Amen; they are all true and sure.
Banquet
Feast provided for the entertainment of a company of guests; such as was provided for our Lord by his friends in Bethany. These meals were in the days of Christ usually called suppers, after the custom of the Romans, and were partaken of toward the close of the day.
It was usual to send a second invitation to those who had been already invited. When the whole company was assembled, the master of the house shut the door with his own hands. The guests were first refreshed with water and fragrant oil.
A less frequent custom was that of supplying each guest with a robe to be worn during the feast. At private banquets the master of the house presided; but on public occasions a governor of the feast was chosen.
The guests were placed in order according to seniority, or according to the rank they held. As spoons and knives and forks are a modern invention, and were altogether unknown in the East, the hands alone were necessarily used, and were dipped in the dish, which was common to two of the guests.
In the days of our Lord the guests reclined at table; but the ancient Israelites sat around low tables, cross legged, like the modern Orientals.
Guests were specially honored when extra portions were set before them, and when their cup was filled with wine till it ran over.
The hands of the guests were usually cleaned by being rubbed on bread, the crumbs of which fell to the ground, and were the portion for dogs. At the time of the three annual festivals at Jerusalem family banquets were common.
To these the widow, and the fatherless, and the stranger were welcome. Sacrifices also included a banquet. Birthday banquets are mentioned.
They were sometimes protracted, and attended with revelry and excess. Portions were sometimes sent from the table to poorer friends.
Book
This word has a comprehensive meaning in Scripture. In the Old Testament it is the rendering of the Hebrew word, which properly means a writing, and then a volume or roll of a book. Books were originally written on skins, on linen or cotton cloth, and on Egyptian papyrus, whence our word paper.
The leaves of the book were generally written in columns, designated by a Hebrew word properly meaning doors and valves. Among the Hebrews books were generally rolled up like our maps, or if very long they were rolled from both ends, forming two rolls.
Thus they were arranged when the writing was on flexible materials; but if the writing was on tablets of wood or brass or lead, then the several tablets were bound together by rings through which a rod was passed. A sealed book is one whose contents are secret. To eat a book is to study its contents carefully.
The book of judgment refers to the method of human courts of justice as illustrating the proceedings which will take place at the day of God's final judgment.
The book of the wars of the Lord, the book of Jasher, and the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah and Israel, were probably ancient documents known to the Hebrews, but not forming a part of the canon.
The book of life suggests the idea that as the redeemed form a community or citizenship, a catalog of the citizens' names is preserved. Their names are registered in heaven. The book of the covenant, containing, is the first book actually mentioned as a part of the written word.
It contains a series of laws, civil, social, and religious, given to Moses at Sinai immediately after the delivery of the decalogue. These were written in this book.
Heaven
Definitions. The phrase heaven and earth is used to indicate the whole universe. According to the Jewish notion there were three heavens, The firmament, as fowls of the heaven, the eagles of heaven, The starry heavens.
The heaven of heavens, or the third heaven. Meaning of words in the original, The usual Hebrew word for heavens, a plural form meaning heights, elevations.
The Hebrew word is also used has equivalent to, high places, heights, literally a wheel, is rendered heaven, whirlwind, rendered sky, plural clouds, means probably the firmament, closely connected with, and is rendered firmament, whence our firmament, regarded as a solid expanse.
Metaphorical meaning of term; doors of heaven; heaven shut; opened. Spiritual meaning. The place of the everlasting blessedness of the righteous; the abode of departed spirits. Christ calls it his Father's house. It is called paradise. The heavenly Jerusalem. The kingdom of heaven.
The eternal kingdom. The eternal inheritance. The better country. The blessed are said to sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and to be in Abraham's bosom; to reign with Christ; and to enjoy rest.
In heaven the blessedness of the righteous consists in the possession of life everlasting, an eternal weight of glory, an exemption from all sufferings for ever, a deliverance from all evils and from the society of the wicked, bliss without termination, the fullness of joy for ever. The believer's heaven is not only a state of everlasting blessedness, but also a place, a place prepared for them.
Key
Frequently mentioned in Scripture. It is called in Hebrew, the opener, from its use in shutting. Figures of ancient Egyptian keys are frequently found on the monuments, also of Assyrian locks and keys of wood, and of a large size. The word is used figuratively of power or authority or office.
The key of knowledge is the means of attaining the knowledge regarding the kingdom of God. The power of the keys is a phrase in general use to denote the extent of ecclesiastical authority.
Knock
Though Orientals are very jealous of their privacy, they never knock when about to enter your room, but walk in without warning or ceremony. It is nearly impossible to teach an Arab servant to knock at your door. They give warning at the outer gate either by calling or knocking.
To stand and call is a very common and respectful mode. Thus Moses commanded the holder of a pledge to stand without and call to the owner to come forth. This was to avoid the violent intrusion of cruel creditors.
Peter stood knocking at the outer door, and the three men sent to Joppa by Cornelius made inquiry and stood before the gate. The idea is that the guard over your privacy is to be placed at the entrance." Knocking is used as a sign of importunity, and of the coming of Christ.
Laodicea
The city of this name mentioned in Scripture lay on the confines of Phrygia and Lydia, about 40 miles east of Ephesus, on the banks of the Lycus. It was originally called Diospolis and then Rhoas, but afterwards Laodicea, from Laodice, the wife of Antiochus II., king of Syria, who rebuilt it. It was one of the most important and flourishing cities of Asia Minor.
At a very early period it became one of the chief seats of Christianity. It is now a deserted place, called by the Turks Eski-hissar or "old castle.
Philadelphia
Brotherly love, a city of Lydia in Asia Minor, about 25 miles southeast of Sardis. It was the seat of one of the seven churches. It came into the possession of the Turks in 1392 AD.
It has several times been nearly destroyed by earthquakes. It is still a town of considerable size, called Allahshehr, the city of God.
Poor
The Mosaic legislation regarding the poor is specially important. They had the right of gleaning the fields. In the sabbatical year they were to have their share of the produce of the fields and the vineyards. In the year of jubilee they recovered their property.
Usury was forbidden, and the pledged raiment was to be returned before the sun went down. The rich were to be generous to the poor.
In the sabbatical and jubilee years the bond-servant was to go free. Certain portions from the tithes were assigned to the poor.
They shared in the feasts. Wages were to be paid at the close of each day. We have similar injunctions given with reference to the poor. Begging was not common under the Old Testament, while it was so in the New Testament times.
But begging in the case of those who are able to work is forbidden, and all such are enjoined to work with their own hands as a Christian duty. This word is used figuratively.
Sardis
Metropolis of Lydia in Asia Minor. It stood on the river Pactolus, at the foot of mount Tmolus. Here was one of the seven Asiatic churches. It is now a ruin called Sert-Kalessi.
War
The Israelites had to take possession of the Promised Land by conquest. They had to engage in a long and bloody war before the Canaanitish tribes were finally subdued.
Except in the case of Jericho and Ai, the war did not become aggressive till after the death of Joshua. Until then the attack was always first made by the Canaanites.
Now the measure of the iniquity of the Canaanites was full, and Israel was employed by God to sweep them away from off the face of the earth.
In entering on this new stage of the war, the tribe of Judah, according to divine direction, took the lead. In the days of Saul and David the people of Israel engaged in many wars with the nations around, and after the division of the kingdom into two they often warred with each other.
They had to defend themselves also against the inroads of the Egyptians, the Assyrians, and the Babylonians. The whole history of Israel from first to last presents but few periods of peace.
The Christian life is represented as a warfare, and the Christian graces are also represented under the figure of pieces of armor. The final blessedness of believers is attained as the fruit of victory.
White
Symbol of purity. Our Lord, at his transfiguration, appeared in raiment white as the light.
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
A pause between two great periods. The Lord Jesus is He that hath the Holy Spirit with all his powers, graces, and operations. Hypocrisy, and lamentable decay in religion, are sins charged upon Sardis, by One who knew that church well, and all her works.
Outward things appeared well to men, but there was only the form of godliness, not the power; a name to live, not a principle of life. There was great deadness in their souls, and in their services; numbers were wholly hypocrites, others were in a disordered and lifeless state.
Our Lord called upon them to be watchful against their enemies, and to be active and earnest in their duties; and to endeavor, in dependence on the grace of the Holy Spirit, to revive and strengthen the faith and spiritual affections of those yet alive to God, though in a declining state. Whenever we are off our watch, we lose ground.
Thy works are hollow and empty; prayers are not filled up with holy desires, alms-deeds not filled up with true charity, sabbaths not filled up with suitable devotion of soul to God.
There are not inward affections suitable to outward acts and expressions; when the spirit is wanting, the form cannot long remain. In seeking a revival in our own souls, or the souls of others, it is needful to compare what we profess with the manner in which we go on, that we may be humbled and quickened to hold fast that which remains.
Christ enforces his counsel with a dreadful threatening if it should be despised. Yet our blessed Lord does not leave this sinful people without some encouragement.
He makes honorable mention of the faithful remnant in Sardis, he makes a gracious promise to them. He that overcomes shall be clothed in white raiment; the purity of grace shall be rewarded with the perfect purity of glory.
Christ has his book of life, a register of all who shall inherit eternal life; the book of remembrance of all who live to God, and keep up the life and power of godliness in evil times. Christ will bring forward this book of life, and show the names of the faithful, before God, and all the angels, at the great day.
Epistles to the church at Sardis; Sensual men separate from Christ, and his church, and join themselves to the devil, the world, and the flesh, by ungodly and sinful practices.
That is infinitely worse than to separate from any branch of the visible church on account of opinions, or modes and circumstances of outward government or worship. Sensual men have not the spirit of holiness, which whoever has not, does not belong to Christ.
The grace of faith is most holy, as it works by love, purifies the heart, and overcomes the world, by which it is distinguished from a false and dead faith.
Our prayers are most likely to prevail, when we pray in the Holy Ghost, under his guidance and influence, according to the rule of his word, with faith, fervency, and earnestness; this is praying in the Holy Ghost.
And a believing expectation of eternal life will arm us against the snares of sin: lively faith in this blessed hope will help us to mortify our lusts. We must watch over one another; faithfully, yet prudently reprove each other, and set a good example to all about us.
This must be done with compassion, making a difference between the weak and the willful. Some we must treat with tenderness. Others save with fear; urging the terrors of the Lord.
All endeavors must be joined with decided abhorrence of crimes, and care be taken to avoid whatever led to, or was connected with fellowship with them, in works of darkness, keeping far from what is, or appears to be evil.
The peace, happiness, and safety of the saints, as signified by an angel's sealing 144,000. The same Lord Jesus has the key of government and authority in and over the church. He opens a door of opportunity to his churches; he opens a door of utterance to his ministers; he opens a door of entrance, opens the heart.
He shuts the door of heaven against the foolish, who sleep away their day of grace; and against the workers of iniquity, how vain and confident soever they may be. The church in Philadelphia is commended; yet with a gentle reproof.
Although Christ accepts a little strength, yet believers must not rest satisfied in a little, but strive to grow in grace, to be strong in faith, giving glory to God. Christ can discover this his favour to his people, so that their enemies shall be forced to acknowledge it.
This, by the grace of Christ, will soften their enemies, and make them desire to be admitted into communion with his people. Christ promises preserving grace in the most trying times, as the reward of past faithfulness; To him that hath shall be given.
Those who keep the gospel in a time of peace, shall be kept by Christ in an hour of temptation; and the same Divine grace that has made them fruitful in times of peace, will make them faithful in times of persecution.
Christ promises a glorious reward to the victorious believer. He shall be a monumental pillar in the temple of God; a monument of the free and powerful grace of God; a monument that shall never be defaced or removed.
On this pillar shall be written the new name of Christ; by this will appear, under whom the believer fought the good fight, and came off victorious.
At Philadelphia; God is able, and as willing as able, to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before the presence of his glory.
Not as those who never have been faulty, but as those who, but for God's mercy, and a Savior's sufferings and merits, might most justly have been condemned long ago.
All sincere believers were given him of the Father; and of all so given him he has lost none, nor will lose any one.
Now, our faults fill us with fears, doubts, and sorrows; but the Redeemer has undertaken for his people, that they shall be presented faultless.
Where there is no sin, there will be no sorrow; where there is the perfection of holiness, there will be the perfection of joy.
Let us more often look up to Him who is able to keep us from falling, to improve as well as maintain the work he has wrought in us, till we shall be presented blameless before the presence of his glory.
Then shall our hearts know a joy beyond what earth can afford; then shall God also rejoice over us, and the joy of our compassionate Savior be completed. To Him who has so wisely formed the scheme, and will faithfully and perfectly accomplish it, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen.
A song of praise. Laodicea was the last and worst of the seven churches of Asia. Here our Lord Jesus styles himself, to The Amen; to one steady and unchangeable in all his purposes and promises. If religion is worth anything, it is worth every thing. Christ expects men should be in earnest.
How many professors of gospel doctrine are neither hot nor cold; except as they are indifferent in needful matters, and hot and fiery in disputes about things of lesser moment! A severe punishment is threatened.
They would give a false opinion of Christianity, as if it were an unholy religion; while others would conclude it could afford no real satisfaction, otherwise its professors would not have been heartless in it, or so ready to seek pleasure or happiness from the world.
One cause of this indifference and inconsistency in religion is, self-conceit and self-delusion; to Because thou says. To What a difference between their thoughts of themselves, and the thoughts Christ had of them!
How careful should we be not to cheat our owns souls! There are many in hell, who once thought themselves far in the way to heaven.
Let us beg of God that we may not be left to flatter and deceive ourselves. Professors grow proud, as they become carnal and formal.
Their state was wretched in itself. They were poor; really poor, when they said and thought they were rich. They could not see their state, nor their way, nor their danger, yet they thought they saw it.
They had not the garment of justification, nor sanctification: they were exposed to sin and shame; their rags that would defile them. They were naked, without house or harbour, for they were without God, in whom alone the soul of man can find rest and safety.
Good counsel was given by Christ to this sinful people. Happy those who take his counsel, for all others must perish in their sins. Christ lets them know where they might have true riches, and how they might have them.
Some things must be parted with, but nothing valuable; and it is only to make room for receiving true riches. Part with sin and self-confidence, that you may be filled with his hidden treasure.
They must receive from Christ the white raiment he purchased and provided for them; his own imputed righteousness for justification, and the garments of holiness and sanctification. Let them give themselves up to his word and Spirit, and their eyes shall be opened to see their way and their end.
Let us examine ourselves by the rule of his word, and pray earnestly for the teaching of his Holy Spirit, to take away our pride, prejudices, and worldly lusts.
Sinners ought to take the rebukes of God's word and rod, as tokens of his love to their souls. Christ stood without; knocking, by the dealings of his providence, the warnings and teaching of his word, and the influences of his Spirit.
Christ still graciously, by his word and Spirit, comes to the door of the hearts of sinners. Those who open to him shall enjoy his presence.
If what he finds would make but a poor feast, what he brings will supply a rich one. He will give fresh supplies of graces and comforts. In the conclusion is a promise to the overcoming believer.
Christ himself had temptations and conflicts; he overcame them all, and was more than a conqueror. Those made like to Christ in his trials, shall be made like to him in glory.
All is closed with the general demand of attention. And these counsels, while suited to the churches to which they were addressed, are deeply interesting to all men.
To whom this letter is directed: To the angel of the church of Sardis, an ancient city of Lydia, on the banks of the mountain Tmolus, said to have been the chief city of Asia the Less, and the first city in that part of the world that was converted by the preaching of John; and, some say, the first that revolted from Christianity, and one of the first that was laid in its ruins, in which it still lies, without any church or ministry.
By whom this message was sent—the Lord Jesus, who here assumes the character of him that hath the seven spirits of God, and the seven stars; where the seven spirits are said to be before the throne.
He hath the seven spirits, that is, the Holy Spirit with his various powers, graces, and operations; for he is personally one, and may be said here to be seven, which is the number of the churches, and of the angels of the churches, to show that to every minister, and to every church, there is a dispensation and measure of the Spirit given for them to profit—a stock of spiritual influence for that minister and church to improve, both for enlargement and continuance, which measure of the Spirit is not ordinarily withdrawn from them.
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