REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 3:1 The church in _Sardis_ has a few
who remain faithful, but their faith does not result in good works.
Most of the impressive Roman-era remains now visible at Sardis were
constructed by the emperor Tiberius after the tragic earthquake of
A.D. 17. The emperor Tiberius... [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 3:2 The church in Sardis is near
death, but not beyond Christ’s ability to WAKE them UP. Twice in its
history Sardis had been conquered when its watchmen failed to see the
enemy climbing its cliffs and walls, so the people knew the importance
of alertness. LIKE A THIEF.... [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 3:4 There is hope for A FEW NAMES,
alert and faithful believers. Christ promises them the conqueror’s
reward. They will have communion with him (WALK WITH ME) and the WHITE
clothing of victory (see note on 6:9–11). Their NAME is secure in
his BOOK OF LIFE (Revelation 20... [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 3:7 _Philadelphia_ is praised for
enduring in faith. In recognition for the aid after an earthquake in
A.D. 17, the city was briefly renamed Neocaesarea (“Caesar’s New
City”). Jesus promises his suffering church an infinitely greater
name, “the city of my God, the new J... [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 3:8 AN OPEN DOOR. Paul used the phrase
“open doors” to describe opportunities for ministry (see 1
Corinthians 16:9). That sense is possible here. More likely, Jesus is
offering them an open door into God’s heavenly sanctuary (see
Revelation 3:12; Revelation 4:1). LITTLE... [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 3:9 Members of THE SYNAGOGUE OF SATAN
(compare Revelation 2:9) SAY THAT THEY ARE JEWS but they serve God’s
enemy, for they persecute Christians.
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REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 3:10 HOUR OF TRIAL. This trial is
COMING ON THE WHOLE WORLD. It will happen before the day of judgment.
Revelation envisions a brief future period of intense persecution for
the church (see Revelation 19:19; Revelation 20:7). This time will
include ever more intense man... [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 3:14 _Laodicea_ is criticized for its
spiritual immaturity. The city was a commercial center. It had
thriving medical and textile industries. It was so wealthy that it
declined imperial disaster relief after an earthquake in A.D. 60. The
city did not see itself as “poor... [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 3:15 The church’s LUKEWARM
indifference was disgusting to Jesus. COLD and HOT water both
represent something positive, for cold water refreshes in the heat and
hot water gives warmth in the cold.
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REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 3:17 The Laodiceans were spiritually
blind, bankrupt, and naked. They had no resources to BUY from Jesus
GOLD or GARMENTS or SALVE for their eyes. They could “purchase”
these necessities only by his grace (see Isaiah 55:1).
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REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 3:19 Like a loving father, Christ will
REPROVE those whom he loves (compare Proverbs 3:12). I STAND AT THE
DOOR AND KNOCK. Jesus is the master of the house. He expects alert
servants to respond immediately to his signal and welcome his entrance
(Luke 12:35). EAT WITH HI... [ Continue Reading ]
REVELATION—NOTE ON REVELATION 3:21 I WILL GRANT HIM TO SIT WITH ME
ON MY THRONE implies that Christ will give some of his ruling
authority to his people (compare Revelation 20:4; Revelation 22:6;
Luke 19:17; 1 Corinthians 6:3; 2 Timothy 2:12).... [ Continue Reading ]