Revelation 3:1-6

Sardis (Verses 1-6)

The City

Sardis was one of the richest cities of the ancient world. It had a 2,000 year history. Sardis was built on Mount Timolus. 600 years before Christ, Sardis was the capital of Lydia. Croesus, famous for his great wealth, ruled there. This is the first known existence of gold coins. By this time, late in the first century AD, the glory had faded. There had been several earthquakes, which had heavily damaged the city.

The Church

The New Testament does not tell of the planting or history of this church.

Things Commended

In all the other letters, Jesus first commends then condemns. Here the order is reversed. There is so much wrong that Jesus first condemns - then commends the few that remain faithful. A few have not defiled their garments. They took no part in the pagan worship and worldliness around them. They had remained faithful and would be judged on their individual faithfulness, not on the faithfulness of the church.

Things Condemned

They had a reputation in the city as being active, alive and spiritual. In fact, they were dead. There was lots of outward activity, but no inner spirituality. A visitor would be impressed with the activities mentioned in the announcements - youth trips, fellowships, adult parties, outings, and camping trips. As far as the visitor could tell, this was a church involved, busy, well organized and alive. The forms were all correct, but the faith, power and devotion to God were missing. (2 Timothy 3:5)

Someone has observed, “There are few things better organized than graveyards.” Everything is neat, well kept, and orderly, but no life. This is what Jesus saw. Appearances of being alive but they were really dead.

Sardis was urged to “establish the things that remain.” What little life was left needed to be put on life support or they would soon die.