(1) "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, `These things says He who has the seven
Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive,
but you are dead. (2) "Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to
die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. (3) "Remember therefore how you have
received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you
as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. (4) "You have a few names
even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for
they are worthy. (5) "He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot
out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His
angels. (6) "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."' Revelation
3:1-6
Outline of the Letter to the church at Sardis
A. Address to the angel of the church. - vrs 1a.
B. Introduction of the Speaker. - vrs 1b.
1. He who has the Seven Spirits of God.
2. And the seven stars.
C. The Commendation. - vrs 1c., 4.
1. "I know thy works."
2. You have a few names who have not defiled their garments.
3. These shall walk with Him in white for they are worthy.
D. The Condemnation. - vrs 1d., 2b.
1. You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.
2. I have not found your works perfect before God.
E. The Threat and Counsel. - vrs 2-3.
1. Be watchful, strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die.
2. Remember how you have received and heard.
3. Hold fast and repent.
4. If you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief in the night.
5. You will not know the hour I will come upon you.
F. The Admonition, Encouragement and Promised Reward. - vrs 5
1. Those who overcome shall be clothed in white garments.
2. Their names will not be blotted out from the Book of Life.
3. Christ will confess their names before the Father and the angels.
G. The plea to hear. - vrs 6.
1. Those who have an ear.
2. Heed the things that the Spirit says to the churches.
Analysis of the Letter to the church at Sardis:
Introduction:
A. Sardis was one of the oldest cities in Asia Minor and lay thirty miles southeast of Thyatira.
1. In AD. 17 a great earthquake destroyed the city of Sardis and Emperor Tiberius assisted in its rebuilding on the valley floor.
a. Money from the state treasury was used as well as a cessation of taxes for five years to aid in the rebuilding of the city.
2. Basically it can be stated that the city of Sardis was a city with a valued past but with very little if no future.
3. The city was little more than a name but literally it was dead.
B. It was an extremely wealthy trading center on the routes between the Aegean Sea and the interior of Asia Minor.
1. Sardis was a great commercial center.
2. It was a great center of the woolen industry.
C. Sardis had been the ancient capital city of the Kingdom of Lydia.
D. Sardis was the place were our modern monetary system was born.
1. "Under King Croesus (c. 560-547/6 B.C.) gold and silver coinage came into use." (1)
E. Sardis was built on a mountain top (approx. 1500 feet above the plain), and from its position it was regarded as well-nigh impregnable.
1. It was a position which seemed to defy assault.
2. The Pactolus River lay on its eastern side flowing into the Hermus River.
3. The broad ridge of Mt. Tmolus dominates the Hermus valley and deep spurs jut out into the
plain, offering the impregnable strongholds.
F. Cyrus, the King of Persia, captured Sardis in 546 B.C.
1. King Cyrus arranged for a reward for the one who:
a. Worked out a method whereby the unsalable cliff could be scaled.
2. The city of Sardis was captured by a soldier in the Persian army noting one of the Lydian armies men drop his helmet down the steep cliff.
a. He watched this soldier pick his way down the steep cliff to recover his helmet and them climbed back to his position of defense.
b. That night with the path marked in his mind, the Persian soldier led a picked band of troops up the cliffs and into the city of Sardis.
3. In 334 B.C the city surrendered to Alexander the Great.
4. It is noted that in 218 B.C. the city was captured in the same way that Cyrus the Great had
captured the city by Antiochus the Great.
G. The key word in this letter is "WATCH".
1. These people could know from history that disaster comes many times when we think we are secure.
2. Certainly from its history the people would clearly understand the phrase "a thief in the night"
since it had fallen victim to this type of attack twice.
H. Sardis was not the center of Caesar worship.
1. Notoriously the people of Sardis were loose-livers.
a. The people had grown flabby and had sunk into easy loose living.
b. Ramsey notes that the city of Sardis, "was more of a robber's stronghold than an abode of civilized men." (2)
2. "Its most prominent temple was dedicated to the mother-goddess Cybele (a nature goddess), and her worship, with its eunuch priesthood and its orgiastic rites, was one which tended, as much as that of Dionysus and Aphrodite, to sins of foul and dark impurity." (3)
3. Hailey notes that there were other altars and shrines to other deities worshiped by the people.
a. Howard C. Butler of Princeton worked to excavate Sardis during the years 1910-1914 in which his efforts were chiefly centered of the great Temple of Artemis (300 by 160 feet) to the west of the acropolis.
b. "Extensive excavations in recent years have identified many Roman public buildings: a
theater, a temple of Artemis, a gymnasium, and an impressive late Jewish synagogue, suggesting
that it became an important center for the Jewish Diaspora." (4)
I. The fate of the church in Sardis was the same.
1. The church at Sardis was at peace, but it was the peace of the dead.
a. It must be noted that "only this church and the one in Laodicea seem not to have had outward or inward foes to combat, but they both had internal conditions to overcome." (5)
b. The church here was not plagued by emperor worship, nor was it disturbed by the Jews or the Nicolaitans.
2. As to the exact establishment of the church there is no record given.
Body:
I. THE ADDRESS: 3:1a.
A. Once again the letter opens with an address to the angel of the Church at Sardis. As to
commentary on the subject of what or who this angel of the church is, please see comments on
1:20.
II. THE DESCRIPTION OF THE SPEAKER: 3:1b.
A. "Hath the seven Spirits of God."
1. The "seven Spirits of God" are listed in 1:4 as being before the throne of God.
a. Here the "seven Spirits" are at the disposal of Christ and are ready to act as He might direct them.
2. One needs to remember that "seven" is here used in a symbolic way. As we study other scripture we can note that Christ and the Apostles only spoke of One Spirit - cf. Eph. 4:4-6.
a. Thus "the seven Spirits" must represent as Hailey notes: "the sevenfold perfection, completeness, and universality of the Spirit's working." (6)
b. It is highly improbable that john here has reference to Isaiah's description of the Spirit which was to be upon the Messiah - cf. Isa.11:2.
1) Note that Isaiah uses 3 couplets in his description having a total of six and not that of seven.
3. Christ possessed the Spirit without measure - cf. John 3:34.
B. "Hath the seven stars."
1. The stars are the angels - cf. Rev. 1:20.
a. Hailey notes: "If, as suggested, the stars represent the spirit or inner life of the churches, the Holy Spirit, the energizing, life-imparting, directing power of God has the ability to revive this 'dead' church IF {emp.JC} it be willing." (7)
b. For further comments on this study 1:20 on page 43.
2. They are under His authority.
III. A CHURCH WITH A REPUTATION: 3:1c.
A. "Thou has a name that thou livest."
1. The "name" indicates that the church has a reputation.
a. We learn from this that what men think of a church is not necessarily what the Lord thinks of it.
b. The reputation of the church is that it "looks alive" in the sight of men but in the sight of God the congregation is "dead."
c. We also learn from this that congregations like men have reputations.
2. Like the church in Ephesus this congregation possibly had a beginning that burnt with zeal
and enthusiasm for Christ and the Truth. However, over time it is evident that it was dying
from internal deterioration. Lenski refers to this as "dry rot."
B. Let us note some things which probably gave Sardis this outward reputation of being alive.
1. A large membership.
2. Material wealth.
3. Prominent people in its membership.
4. Sound Doctrine.
C. Yet all this is for naught if like the widow of I Tim. 5:6 it is "dead while it is still alive."
IV. SARDIS WAS A DEAD CHURCH IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD: 3:1d.
A. There are several causes of spiritual death.
1. A church is dead when it worships its own past, when it lives on its memories instead off finding a challenge in its hopes for the future.
2. A church is dead when it is more concerned with material things than with spiritual things.
3. A church is dead when love for one another is gone.
4. An a church is dead when its works are not perfect - cf. 3:2.
a. They never finished a single thing.
b. To perfect from {pleroo} meaning to "bring into completion, finish something already begun."
c. Strong's defines it as "to make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or
(figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy,execute (an office), finish (a period
or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.: -accomplish, X after, (be) complete, end,
expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply."
V. ADMONITION TO SARDIS: 3:2-3.
A. "Be watchful"
1. We have noted the history of the city of Sardis at this point.
a. Both times Sardis was captured it was done "as a thief in the night."
2. There are two points at which every man must watch.
a. We must be watchful at our weak points.
b. But we must also be watchful at our strongest points.
3. To every Christian this admonition to be "watchful" should ring a responsive chord.
a. The Lord Himself pleads for us to be watchful - cf Matt. 24:42f.; Luke 12:39f.
b. From the Greek [gregoreuo {gray-gor-yoo'-o}]; from 1453; to keep awake, i.e. watch (literally or figuratively): -be vigilant, wake, (be) watch(-ful).
B. "Strengthen the things which remain that are ready to die."
1. Some were weak and very sick and ready to die - cf. I Cor. 11:30.
2. The strong members have a responsibility to the weaker members - Gal. 6:1.
3. Here is a warning but also a ray of hope.
a. All is not yet lost, there are still some things that distinguish them as being part of the body of Christ.
b. It is this that the Christians here are pleaded with to strengthen.
4. Paul urged the church at Ephesus in a similar way - cf. Eph. 5:14.
C. "Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard."
1. Remember your past state and get back to it.
a. The very fact that the Lord wants them to remember their beginning indicates that the
congregation started in a special or glorious manner.
D. "Hold fast."
1. This is a condition of success in every field.
E. "Repent" --- cf. Luke 13:3.
1. Here the church needs to repent of the lethargic and deathlike condition that it had fallen into.
VI. SARDIS THE CHURCH WITH A REMNANT: 3:4.
A. "A few names even in Sardis which have not defiled (from the Greek word "molumein" - to besmeer and not from "mianein" - to stain) their garments."
1. "Few," this is true in many places and congregations.
2. The faithful few keep the church going.
3. Only the few had been able to keep themselves unspotted - cf. James 1:27.
4. Defilement is a "failure to keep oneself unspotted from the world" and a failure to "hate" even the garment spotted by the flesh - cf. Jude 23.
a) Does not mean that one is "sinless" for such would violate other Scriptural teachings found in
the N.T. cf. James 3:2 ; I John 1:8,10.
B. "They shall walk with Me in white." - cf. 3:4-5; cf. Matt. 13:43.
1. Note that only the living walk. - cf. Zech. 3:7.
2. This walking represents the fellowship that we shall have with Christ.
a. cf. Amos 3:3; II Cor. 3:14.
3. "White" represents the purity and holiness of our walk.
a. Note that only the pure and holy enter into heaven - cf. Rev.21:27.
4. The evaluation of Christ on these few as summed up in the words, "they are worthy".
C. "I will not blot out - (Note from Greek word "exaleipho" - also used in Rev. 7:17 ; 21:4 - "To wipe away") his name in the Book of Life." - cf. 3:5; 20:15 names added when one becomes a child of God - cf. Lk. 10:20; Phil. 4:3; Heb. 12:23.
1. Big part of this congregation is walking the road to damnation.
2. The term "book of Life" occurs seven times in the N.T.
a. Phil. 4:3
b. Six times in Revelation: 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27.
3. By every indication the Jews kept a register of their citizens, which was a book of the living - cf. Isa. 4:3; Ezek. 13:9; Neh. 12:22f. From this register the name was removed at death.
4. The very implication of this statement is that those who are spiritually dead will not be found
in the "book of Life" at the day of judgment. - cf. Rev. 20:15.
D. "I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels."
1. cf. Matt. 10:32f.; Luke 12:8f.
2. Those whose names are not found by the Lord will be denied by the Lord before the Father -
cf. Matt. 7:23; Luke 13:27.
VII. THE THREAT AND WARNING TO HEED THE SAYINGS: 3:6
Note the Table below is taken from Merrill C. Tenney, and is a summarization of the letter to the church at Sardis.
| Salutation | Christ's Self
-Designation |
Commendation
of God |
Condemnation
of Evil |
Counsel:
Warning & Exhortation |
Promise of
Reward To Him That Overcometh |
Invitation To
Hear |
| Rev. 3:1a.
"And to the angel of the church in Sardis write," |
Rev. 3:1b.
`These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars:' |
Rev 3:1,4
"I know your
works,"
"You have a
few names
even in Sardis
who have not
defiled their
garments; and
they shall
walk with Me
in white, for
they are
worthy."
|
Rev. 3:1-2
"that you have
a name that
you are alive,
but you are
dead."
"for I have not found your works perfect before God."
|
Rev. 3:2-3
"Be watchful,
and
strengthen the
things which
remain, that
are ready to
die,"
"Remember
therefore how
you have
received and
heard; hold
fast and
repent."
"Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you." |
Rev. 3:5
"He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels."
|
Rev. 3:6
"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."' |
(7) "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, `These things says He who is holy, He
who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no
one opens": (8) "I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can
shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. (9)
"Indeed I will make {those} of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but
lie - indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved
you. (10) "Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour
of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. (11)
"Behold, I come quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. (12) "He
who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more.
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 {I will write on him} My new
name. (13) "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."' (Revelation
3:7-13)
Outline of the Letter to the church at Philadelphia
A. Address to the angel of the church. - vrs
B. Introduction of the Speaker - Description - vrs 7b.
1. He who is "Holy"
2. He who has the Key of David.
3. He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens.
C. The Commendation - vrs 8-10
1. "I know your works"
2. "Have set before you an open door"
3. "You have little strength/power"
4. "Have kept my Word and not defiled My name"
D. The exhortation - vrs 11
1. "Behold I come quickly".
2. "Hold Fast"
3. "That no one takes your crown"
E. The Promise of the Reward - vrs 12
F. The plea to hear - vrs 13.
NOTE: As with the church in Smyrna there is no segment of condemnation of evil in the church
at Philadelphia. Instead what we find here is a congregation of the Lord's people who are more
richly praised than any of the other seven churches in Asia.
Analysis of the Letter to the church at Philadelphia:
Introduction:
A. Unlike the other cities in the province of Asia, Philadelphia was not an ancient city, but rather a relatively new city in this part of the world.
1. The city was founded in 140 B.C. by Attalus the second - (159-138 B.C.) King of Pergamon.
2. The city became the possession of the Roman Government in the year 133 B.C. thru A.D. 1379 when it fell after persistent resistence into the hands of the Turks.
3. The city derived its name from the title (Philadelphus) that was given Attalus II because of his great affection and loyalty to his brother Eumenes II, King of Lydia and predecessor.
a. "Philadelphia" is a Greek word which means - "Brotherly love" or "Brother lover". - cf. II Peter 1:7
b. The cities modern name is AlaSheher/Allah-Shehr - (City of God). (Hastings p. 721; William
Smith p.509).
B. The city is located twenty-eight miles southeast of Sardis and 105 miles from Smyrna.
1. The city stood on the little river called "Cogamus" which was a tributary of the Hermus River.
2. It is also located at the foot of Mt. Tmolus - (elevation 952 feet above the sea), and stood at the place where the borders of three countries met - Mysia, Lydia, and Phrygia.
a. Because of it's position here, Philadelphia is located on a main trade route between west and east. Due to this importance Philadelphia became a wealthy trade center.
b. It is said of this highway that it linked one continent to another, and Philadelphia stood as the
gateway to the east.
C. Philadelphia lay on the edge of a great volcanic area.
1. In one way this proved to have brought prosperity to the area.
a. The great plain was one of the most fertile areas in the then known world.
b. It leant itself to a great grape growing region.
1) Philadelphia was known for its fine wines.
c. The area was rich in hot springs.
1) This was an area in which the infirm would come to bathe in the waters.
2. In another way, the very fact that brought prosperity to the region, also brought with it great danger.
a. Philadelphia was subject to earthquakes.
1) The same earthquake that destroyed eleven cities in Asia in A.D. 17 also claimed Philadelphia as its victim.
2) As with the city of Sardis, the city of Philadelphia was rebuilt with the aid given it by Tiberius Caesar. Funds were given it from the national Roman treasury.
a) In a show of appreciation the city was renamed "Neocaesarea" - (New Caesar). The city received a third name "Flavia" during the reign of Vespatian.
b. The people of this city lived in constant fear of these quakes and would flee to open country
when they came, but always returned to the city after - cf. Rev. 3:12.
D. Philadelphia was a famous center of heathen worship; it had so many pagan temples to the various deities that the city became known as "Little Athens".
1. Since the region was good for growing grapes, and the making of wine, one might expect to find the cult of Dionysis/Baachus in the city.
a. This cult was so powerful that it is the chief cult of the city.
b. Not only was this cult the chief cult, but the coinage of the city of Philadelpia carried the image of Baachus the god of wine on it.
2. Though many temples are found in Philadelphia, the main opposition to the church did not come from the pagan and heathen cults, but from the wealthy Jews of the city.
a. It must be noted that the Jews flourished here and had a beautiful synagogue.
3. Philadelphia had a custom that was directly related to the heathen temples.
a. When a man had served the state well, a pillar was erected in one of the temples with his name upon it.
b. Today amidst the ruins of this city, there are four marble pillars which bear the names of men
who served the state well.
E. As to the establishment of the church in Philadelphia we are left with no record, however, it
may have been started by some of the members from Ephesus who were taught by Paul or by or
by Paul himself during his stay in Ephesus - cf. Acts 19:10.
F. The Key thought for this letter is the "Open Door".
Body:
I. THE ADDRESS: 3:7a.
A. Once again the letter opens with an address to the angel of the Church at Philadelphia. As to
commentary on this subject of what or who this angel represents, please see comments on 1:20.
II. THE INTRODUCTION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE SPEAKER: 3:7b.
A. "He that is Holy".
1. The definition of "holy" {hagios} is - that which is separated from all evil, with perfect hatred of evil.
a. However, in this sense the Greek {ho hagios} - "The Holy One" is an affirmation of the deity of Jesus Christ.
b. Christ here refers to Himself in the same language that the prophets of Old wrote concerning Him - Dan. 9:24.
2. "The Holy One" - this is a name which belongs to God exclusively. In this sense Christ is either Deity or He is guilty of Blasphemy, since He refers to Himself with a title that belongs alone to God.
a. In the sense that it is here used Christ identifies Himself with the absolute holiness of God, which is repeatedly stated that He is THE HOLY ONE, and all that is pertaining to Him is Holy.
b. This is in direct contrast to the situation that is found in this city of Philadelphia - cf. vrs 9.
3. Richard trench wrote: "The hagios is separate from evil, with the perfect hatred of the evil.
But holiness in this absolute sense belongs only to God ... Jesus claims to be the 'The Holy One,'
- a name which Jehovah claims for Himself, - implicitly claims to be God; takes to Himself a
title which is God's alone, which would be blasphemy for any others to appropriate, and, unless
we allow the alternative that He is guilty of this, can only be accepted as Himself God."
B. "He that is true".
1. The Greek work for "true" here is "alethinos", meaning - genuine or real.
a. This is s favorite word of the Apostle John and is found only twenty seven times in the New Testament.
b. Twenty-two times it is used by the Apostle John - for more information on this see chart on page 9 of this commentary.
1) It is used of Christ as the "true light" - John 1:9.
2) The "true bread" - John 6:32.
3) The "true vine" - John 15:1
4) The "true God" - I John 5:20.
5) The faithful and "true witness" - Rev. 3:14.
2. Here once again Christ stands as the genuine and true One in opposition to the false gods and claims of those in the city of Philadelphia.
a. In opposition to the Jewish claims, Jesus is the true and real Messiah in whom is realized the consummation of God's Eternal plan to reconcile man back to Him. Of this fact the prophets of Old spoke.
3. This term also distinguishes from all those who only partially realize the characteristics of
God - cf. John 5:35; Psa. 80:8; 105:40
C. Described as having the "Key of David"
1. This is a fulfillment of prophecy concerning the Messiah - cf. Isa. 9:6.
a. The key of the house of David was kept by the steward of the house.
b. It was this stewards responsibility to grant or deny access to the King.
c. Original reference here is to Isa. 22:22.
1) Shebna is removed as the steward of the House of David and Eliakim is put in his place.
2) Eliakim is an anti-type of Christ.
d. The power of certain governmental powers were entrusted to Eliakim, however, with Christ it is His right - cf. Isa. 9:6-7; Luke 1:32f.; Matt 28:18; I Peter 3:22; Eph. 1:20-22; Rev. 1:5; 1:18.
2. "Key" denotes power and authority.
a. In the sense that it is here used it denotes the authority or power to open or close the door.
1) One must bear in mind that no one comes to the Father but thru Jesus Christ - John 14:6; Acts 4:12,cf 10.
b. Christ has all power NOW! - Matt. 28:18.
c. Christ is also NOW Reigning on David's Throne - cf. I Cor. 15:23-25; Acts 2:29-35.
1) This passage of scripture strikes at the very core of the premillennial theories that speculate that Christ will return to reign on the earth for a literal 1000 years.
d. The Jews may have laid claim to the fact that they held the keys to bar any who confessed the
name of Christ from the worship in the synagogue's, however, the true {alethinos} authority to
open and shut the door rests in the hands of Jesus Christ.
D. "He that opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens":
1. This power and authority belongs exclusively to Christ and is shared with NO individual or organization on this earth.
a. It is God who adds to the body of the saved - cf. Acts 2:47, man has no part in the admission of any obedient person being added to the congregation of believers.
b. "Any man who takes it upon himself to determine the eternal destiny of another, presumptuously assumes a prerogative that belongs only to Christ - cf. James 4:11-12." {James M Tolle, p. 65}
2. Christians must recognize His authority alone - cf. Eph. 1:22-23.
III. THE COMMENDATION - vrs. 8-10
A. This segment of our study can be divided into four groups:
1. "I know thy works" - vrs 8.
a. As with the other churches, Christ is the only one who is worthy to pass judgement and execution on the churches since He is all knowing, all seeing and every where - ie. Christ is the one who stands in the midst of the churches - cf. 1:13.
b. This phrase "I know thy works" shows that the message that Christ will give to the church is not based on hear say, on limited knowledge but rather on the bases of complete and perfect knowledge of the churches activities/geographical location etc.
c. For further notes on this please refer to 2:1-2.
2. "See, I have set before you an open door,"
a. It my understanding that this "open door" is symbolic of the opportunity that the church has in Philadelphia to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost in that city.
1) The Greek word {thura} meaning a literal door is only used in the book of Acts.
a) In all other cases it is used in a figurative or metaphorical manner as is indicated here by Strong's dictionary. "thura {thoo'-rah}; apparently a primary word [compare "door"]; a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively): -door, gate."
b) Hailey notes that the metaphorical statements of the usage of the word "door" often "indicates an opportunity, an opening through which a goal could be achieved." {Hailey. p. 150}
2) Paul in his writings and reports to the churches, many times uses a similar expression to show the opportunities that are available in the world for the spread of the gospel - cf. I Cor. 16:9; Acts 14:27; II Cor. 2:12; Col 4:3.
3) NOTE: that in each of the cases it is always the Lord that has opened the door, as is here indicated by our section of study.
4) As the city of Philadelphia had been establish to open door of the Greek civilization to the eastern world, having been set on the borders of Mysia, Lydia and Phrygia, so too has a door been opened to the church.
b. Before this congregation was a door of usefulness in the Kingdom of Christ.
1) What is this door of opportunity?
a) It could refer to the door of self-improvement - Bible study, attendance ect Heb. 10:25; II Tim. 2:15.
b) The door of opportunity to convert others Matt. 9:37-38; II Tim. 2:2.
c) The door of prayer. - cf. James 5:16; Eph. 3:20-21.
d) The door to use our money to the glory of the Lord's Work. - Phil. 1:4; 4:17.
e) An opportunity to be hospitable - I Peter 4:8-9; Heb. 13:1-2; Acts 16:15.
f) An opportunity to minister to the needy - Rom. 12:13; Acts 9:36,39.
2) "Abilities used, increase; abilities unused are taken away." - cf. John 15:1-8. {Robert Harkrider p. 35}
c. The congregation must see the opportunities and not the hardships or the obstacles only.
1) Our faith and trust needs to be in the power of the Gospel and the power of Christ to
overcome all things - cf. Phil 4:13.
3. "For you have little strength/power"
a. Whatever this "little strength" has reference to it must be noted that even with this little power, it was sufficient to achieve the purpose that Christ has given to every church.
1) This little power can be a reference to the smallness of their numbers/ or to their smallness in their resources not being from the wealthier and more powerful organizations that where in the city itself/ it could also have reference to their social standings cf. I Cor. 1:26.
b. Though they might have been small in the sight of the men of the community and city, they are great in the sight of God - cf. II Cor. 12:9; cf. Isa. 40:29.
c. One must recognize that in many cases God's power was not displayed with large quantities, but rather in small eg. Feeding of the 5,000 etc.
1) Note some passages that show God can perform wonders with small things.
a) I Cor. 1:25-29
b) I Sam. 17:49 - David's sling and stone.
c) Gospel spread through out the then known world.
d. The lesson here to learn is the fact that the "battle is the Lord's" - I Sam. 17:47 --- "Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle {is} the Lord's, and He will give you into our hands."
4. The church with Heaven's commendation - "Have kept My word and have not denied My name.
a. You have kept "My word". - cf. John 14:23-24; 14:15; 15:10.
1) They patiently endured during the opposition and persecution cf. vrs 10.
b. This observation is based upon the fact that both the words "kept" and "deny" in the Greek are in the aorist tense.
1) Alluding to some particular occasion in the past, when the church had been put to the test and proved itself faithful to the Lord.
2) The strength of this congregation is not in the fact that they have confessed the name of Christ but by their stand in the face of Great danger and in many times death, to hold to the name and faith of Christ Jesus. - cf. Romans 10:9-10.
c. They had not denied the "name of Christ" - cf. Matt. 10:32-33.
1) Since salvation is only found in Christ, when one denies the power by which he is to be saved,
he burns the very bridge that he must cross over. - cf. Hebrews 6:6.
5. In verse 9 we see here that Christ promises to expose the enemies of the church and they will be punished.
a. Once again Jesus, as He did in the letter to the church at Smyrna, refers to the persecuting Jews as being from the "synagogue of Satan - cf. 2:9; John 8:39-40 for comments on what this refers to. - cf. Romans 2:28-29; Acts 17:5-9; I Thess 2:14-16.
1) Hailey notes that the true Jew was one who: (a) Had been circumcised in Heart - Rom. 2:28; (b) One who worshiped by the Spirit of God and gloried in Christ and had no confidence in flesh - Phil 3:3 p. 151.
2) The true test of a Christian is not what he says but what he does and whether his conviction is inward or his profession outward.
b. Note that the promises to these two churches differ in the fact that one (Philadelphia) would go beyond just prevailing.
1) "To Smyrna the promise was that the Jews should not prevail against the faithful in it cf. 2:9-10; however, to the church here in Philadelphia the promise is that it shall not only prevail against the Jews but also that some of its Jewish adversaries would worship before its feet cf. 3:9." (8)
c. The Jews would bow down before the feet of the Saints in Christ.
1) This in no way means that they will be worshiped since only God is worthy of Worship - cf. Heb. 1:6.
2) Commentators do not agree as to what this means.
a) Some teach that these Jews would become Christians - {Lenski p. 142-143; William Hendriksen p.75}.
b) Others teach that it means that the Jews would finally be moved to acknowledge that God was with the Christians.
3) According to my personal study it seems to me that the latter is the better interpretation, though some Jews might have come to Christ, the promise of Christ here seems to indicate all would be bowing.
a) Note the American Standard Footnote - "The Greek Word denotes an act of reverence, whether paid to the creature or the Creator."
d. Note the Jews hated, but they would know that Christ loved them - This made them
victorious.
6. Verse 10 denotes the Divine protection which is promised to those who hold the name of Christ.
a. Note how the verbs match in verse ten - "Thou didst keep" - "I, too, will keep,"
1) Note here that the term is used in the sense - to guard, to hold, to keep, and to preserve against loss or damage.
2) "Have kept" in 10a. states the fact more fully that the church had held to the faith during a time of trial and tribulation - cf. vrs 8.
b. It is interesting to note that though we are actively involved in many works, they are worthless unless we first "keep the Word of the Lord."
1) The Christians fidelity is always rewarded by the Lord's fidelity.
2) This might be referred to as the fundamental work of all servants of Christ - cf. II Tim. 4:1-4.
c. Note here the "Word of My endurance \ Word of my patience (KJV)" as compared with "My Word" in verse eight.
1) Moffatt translates this - "that patience which belongs to me."
2) This rendering makes it clearer to understand, that the endurance is not that of the church, but rather that of Jesus Christ.
a) The life of Jesus Christ shows us through the written word how that Christ suffered and endured the tribulations, dis-appointments and hardships that were brought against Him.
b) It is to this Word of Endurance of Jesus Christ that is here being referred to.
3) Note the word "MY" - this is the patience that the Lord demands of all His followers, a part of the pathway of footprints that we should walk in - I Peter 2:21-24.
7. The Lord promises the church in Philadelphia to "keep - (tereo - to protect) them from the hour of trial."
a. The first thing to note here is the fact that the Lord does not promise to exempt them from the persecutions and tribulations that would come upon the whole world.
1) The reasons Christ will not keep His children from persecutions and tribulations is found in scriptures such as - James 1:2-4; I Tim. 4:5; II Tim. 3:12.
2) For the Lord to remove all obstacles that cause us to become stronger in the faith is not to help His children but to cause them to go backward.
b. "It does mean that the Lord would keep them from the hour of trial in the sense that he would sustain them, giving them the grace and power to bear under whatever difficulties they would face." (9)
1) Note the promise of the spiritual resources to endure these hardships - II Tim. 4:18; II Cor. 12:9; Heb. 4:16.
c. "Hour" is here used of a season, or period of time.
8. The hour of trial would come upon the whole world.
a. The word earth\world (ge {ghay}; contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application): -country, earth(-ly), ground, land, world.) (10), occurs eighty one times in the book of Revelation.
1) It is used to denote many various ideas.
2) Note, in some cases it refers to the unregenerated men of the world, in other cases it might refer to the physical earth etc.
b. "Here, perhaps, all that is implied is, that the trial would be very extensive or general - so much so as to embrace the whole world - as the word was understood by those to whom the epistle was addressed." (11)
c. It must thus be noted that the trial that Christ here refers to will affect both the saint and the sinner alike.
1) The difference between these is the fact that the Christian has the help and assurance of Christ's hand to guide them through and to overcome, whereas the sinner has nothing to hold on to. cf. vrs 11; Matt.6:13.
a) This sounds more like fortification for pressure rather than assurance of complete exemption.- cf. Ezek. 9:1-8; 21:3-4.
d. As to what this hour of trial is, speculation must be noted as the only evidence one might be able to give.
1) Whether this refers to some form of persecution, or to some great calamity the speaker does not say.
2) "Tacitus mentions an earthquake that sank twelve cities in Asia Minor, in one night, by which among others, Philadelphia was deeply affected." (12)
3) "Christians came under the terrible pressure of Rome for about two and a half centuries until the edict of Toleration under Galerius. The Jews to had their troubles with Rome, for it was Hadrian who urged the cessation of circumcision and aimed at building a shrine to Jupiter on the site of Jerusalem. This rebellion of the Jews in 132 under Bar Kosheba was perhaps the bloodiest of the Jewish battles with the Romans. Dio Cassius reports that over 580,000 died, of the Jews, in the war." (13)
(14) "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, `These things says the Amen,
the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: (15) "I know your
works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. (16) "So then,
because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth. (17)
"Because you say, `I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing' - and do not
know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked - (18) "I counsel you to buy
from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be
clothed, {that} the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with
eye salve, that you may see. (19) "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be
zealous and repent. (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 dine with him, and he with Me. (21) "To him
who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with
My Father on His throne. (22) "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the
churches."'" (Revelation 3:14-22)
Outline of the Letter to the church of Laodicea:
It must be noted that of all the letters written to the churches of Asia, this is the only one that
does not have any commendation. The letter is a harsh condemnation for a church that has
become lukewarm in all its actions.
A. Address to the Angel of the church at Laodicea. - vrs 14a.
B. Introduction and Description of the Speaker. - vrs 14b.
1. The Amen.
2. The Faithful & True Witness.
3. The Beginning of the Creation of God.
C. The Condemnation of Evil. - vrs 15-17
1. Neither cold not hot, but lukewarm.
2. Wretched.
3. Miserable.
4. Poor.
5. Blind.
6. Naked.
D. The Counsel: vrs 18-19
1. Warning.
2. Exhortation.
E. The Promise of Reward. - vrs 20-21
1. Will grant to sit with me in my Throne even as I am set down with with my Father in His Throne.
F. The Invitation to Hear. - vrs 22
Analysis of the Letter to the church at Laodicea:
INTRODUCTION:
A. "Of the several cities names Laodicea in Syria and Asia Minor, only one is mentioned in Scriptures, namely, the one situated in the confines of Phrygia and Lydia, on the banks of the Lycus." (14)
1. This city of Laodicea was the largest of the three cities {Laodicea; Colosse; Hierapolis} found in the broad valley area {Lycus valley} on the borders of Phrygia.
a) Approx. 90 miles East of Ephesus, and between forty and fifty miles southeast of Philadelphia.
b) The city was situated approx. eleven miles west of Colosse and six miles south of Hierapolis. cf. Col. 4:13,16.
2. The city lay at the meeting of the Lycus Valley and the Maeander.
3. The city was called Diosopolis and Rhoas until it finally was named in honor of Laodike\ Laodice, the wife of Antiochus II (261-246 B.C.), who rebuilt the city.
a) Laodike\Laodice poisoned Antiochus II the Seleucid King.
4. Destroyed in A.D. 60 by and earthquake, but refused help in the rebuilding of itself.
a) Tacitus writes that the Roman Senate at that time gave large sums to devastated Asian cities, but records with surprise that Laodicea refused such aid. "It rose again, with no help from us." (15) This attitude is found in the church - cf. 3:17.
b) "Rebuilt by Marcus Aurelius." (16)
5. The city was completely destroyed by the "Mohammedan invaders, and is now the scene of utter desolation." (17)
6. City is now known by the Turk's as "Eski-hissar" or "Old Castle".
B. In 190 B.C. Laodicea became the center of Hellenic culture, reaching its peak at this time when it was made a Roman Province.
1. The city was famous for its great wealth and for its banking abilities.
a) "Cicero traveled that way in 51 B.C. on his way to the provincial governorship of Cilicia, and the fact that he cashed drafts in Laodicea shows that the city had outgrown neighboring Colossae and was already a place of financial importance & wealth." (18)
b) The city was well known for its producing black wool.
1) This wool was the basis of the Textile industry centered in both Colossea and Laodicea.
2) This trade was in existence well up into the 19th. Century.
c) Various garments from Laodicea are listed in Diocletian's price fixing edit of A.D. 300.
2. Another important fact about Laodicea is that of its eye ointment.
a) Approx. 13 miles from the cities boundaries, a school of medicine was found.
1) The names of the physicians appeared on coins as early as the principate of Augustus.
b) It is stated that it was possibly the medical school of Laodicae that developed the eye powder known as "Phrygian". cf. 3:18
1) It is guessed that this power was probably made up from dried mud of the Hierapolis thermal
springs. Which when mixed with water it formed a Kaolin poultice, which was an effective
remedy for inflamation.
C. The population of this city was comprised of a great number of Jews.
1. This great Jewish population is said to have its roots in the transferring of Jewish families by Antiocus II (223-187 B.C) to the territories of Lydia and Phrygia.
a) Two years after the earthquake the governor of Asia refused to allow the contribution to go to the Temple fund in Jerusalem.
2) Jews were useful citizens who brought money and trade to every city in which they settled.
D. A great stadium was built in A.D. 79 and dedicated to Titus, who became emperor in that year.
1) It must be noted that an inscription found reads as follows, "Nicostratus, paid the cost out of
his own resources."
E. The language of Rev. 3:16 might have shocked the audience to whom it was addressed,
however, some feel that this has reference to the mingling of the cold streams and the hot
thermal springs which were chemically-impregnated causing a lukewarm mixture which was
nauseating.
F. From the letter written to the Colossian brethren, it seems to indicate that their is a church in existence already in Laodicea - approx. A.D. 60.
1) Col 2:1 we are not sure whether Paul here is saying that he had never been to Laodicea.
2) However, in 4:15 it indicates that Paul knew the brethren their personally.
3) An Epistle to the Laodicians is mentioned in 4:16 however, it has long been lost or as according to Ussher it is the same letter that was written to the Ephesian brethren.
a) The apocryphal "Epistola ad Laodicenses" is a late and clumsy forgery.
4) Once gain it is assumed from Luke's statement in Acts 19:10 that the church had its beginnings during the stay of Paul in Ephesus.
a) Epaphras might have been the first to preach there since he was from the nearby city of Colosse - cf. Col 1:7; 4:12.
2.
As Quoted by Homer Hailey in this book Revelation an Introduction and Commentary p.1433.
As Quoted by James.M. Tolle in his book The Seven churches of Asia4.
Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible vol. 2 p.19065.
Revelation an Introduction and Commentary p. 1446.
Revelation an Introduction and Commentary p. 99.7.
ibid., p. 1448.
James M. Tolle. The Seven Churches of Asia p. 669.
ibid. p. 6810.
Strong's Concordance11.
Barnes' Notes Vol. 14 p. 9512.
ibid. p. 9513.
Revelation by Jim McGuiggan p.6614.
The New Unger's Bible Dictionary By Merrill F. Unger p.75615.
Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Vol. 2 p.130816.
New Unger's Bible Dictionary p. 75617.
Bible Dictionary by William Smith p.34318.
Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Vol 2. p.1308