This chapter began the fifth epistle which Christ wrote and directed to the church at Sardis. In which observe, 1. The glorious description given of our Lord Jesus Christ, namely, that he HAS THE SEVEN SPIRITS OF GOD, AND THE SEVEN STARS; that is, according to some, he hath the Holy Spirit of God p... [ Continue Reading ]
Note here, That though the greater part in Sardis were dead or dying, that is, declining or decaying, yet there were some that kept their innocency, and preserved themselves from error and false worship, from erroneous principles and debauched practices. Note farther, That these few which keep them... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe, Christ doth not say, he that conflicteth, but he that vanquisheth; not he that conquereth once or twice in the spiritual combat, but he that overcomes at last the temptations and persecutions from without, the lusts and corruptions from within: he SHALL BE CLOTHED WITH WHITE RAIMENT, that i... [ Continue Reading ]
These words are the same exhortatory conclusion which we find added by Christ to all the foregoing epistles; and plainly signify thus much, that all persons should look upon themselves as concerned in these several messages which the Spirit of Christ sends unto the churches; hence it is so oft repea... [ Continue Reading ]
Here we have the sixth epistle indited by Christ, written and sent by St. John to the church of Philadelphia, which name signifies BROTHERLY LOVE, and we may reasonably suppose that grace of love, unity, and concord, was eminently found with and amongst the members of this church, and had. mighty in... [ Continue Reading ]
Still our blessed Saviour proceeds with promises and encouragements to this church, BECAUSE THOU HAST KEPT THE WORD OF MY PATIENCE. Here note, That the doctrine of the gospel is called the word of Christ's patience, partly because it teaches patience in persecuting times, and partly because it is.... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, notwithstanding this church's constancy, yet Christ exhorts her to steadfastness, HOLD FAST; the steadiest and most steadfast Christians have need to be often cautioned and counselled against backsliding. Observe also, The encouragements which Christ gives his church to hold fast his... [ Continue Reading ]
In this verse Christ promises. threefold reward to them that finally overcome all the temptations and trials of this life. 1. They shall be PILLARS in God's temple, that is, honourable and glorious members of the triumphant glorified church, and shall have. fixed happiness therein; possibly the Hol... [ Continue Reading ]
This is again the close and conclusion of this, as it was before of all the epistles, in which Christ calls upon all persons to hear and consider what he saith by his Spirit to this church, and to lay it deeply to heart for their instruction and admonition. The council which is given by Christ to on... [ Continue Reading ]
This epistle to the Laodiceans is the seventh and last epistle which Christ commanded St. John at this time to write; most of the churches were found faulty before, but none like this here. Formality and hypocrisy, coldness and indifferency, in religion, had so for prevailed in this church, that we... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. This church's partial opinion of herself, her vanity and vain-glorious ostentation, accompanied with self-esteem: SHE SAID SHE HAD NEED OF NOTHING. Observe, 2. That this boasting and vain-glorious ostentation did very probably spring from, and was occasioned by, this church's world... [ Continue Reading ]
Here Christ lets the Laodiceans understand, that although he had been sharp with them, in reproving them for their formality and lukewarmness, yet it was upon. merciful design towards them, it proceeded from. principle of love in him; for AS MANY AS. LOVE, says Christ, I REBUKE AND CHASTEN. Christ... [ Continue Reading ]
These words are very expressive of the tender love and gracious condescension of Christ towards poor sinners; full of heavenly rhetoric, to win and gain their hearts unto himself. Here observe, That man's heart is Christ's door, that this door of the heart is naturally shut, yea, locked and barred... [ Continue Reading ]
Here our Saviour concludes this epistle, as he did the former, with. promise to the persevering Christian, TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH, namely, all the trials and temptations of this life, and keeps his faith, love, and obedience, entire to the end, I WILL GRANT, not in. way of merit, but of free gift an... [ Continue Reading ]
Thus Christ shuts up this, as he did all the preceding epistles before, with. repeated exhortation to all Christians to the end of the world, to hear, read, attend unto, and observe, all the cautions and warnings, all the reproofs and counsels, all the promises and threatenings, contained in this an... [ Continue Reading ]