Introduction
The third chapter of the Book of Revelation continues the series of letters dictated by Jesus Christ to the Apostle John, directed to the seven churches of Asia Minor. This chapter contains the final three letters, addressed to the churches in Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Each letter reveals Christ’s intimate knowledge of the spiritual condition of these congregations, offering both commendation and rebuke, exhortation and promise.
To Sardis, Christ issues a stark warning to a church that has a reputation for being alive but is, in reality, spiritually dead. To Philadelphia, He offers words of encouragement and reassurance, commending their faithfulness and promising protection and honour. Finally, to Laodicea, He delivers a severe critique of their lukewarm faith, urging them to repent and seek true spiritual wealth.
Through these letters, Jesus not only addresses the specific circumstances of these ancient churches but also provides timeless insights and admonitions applicable to believers throughout the ages. The messages we read challenge all Christians to reflect on their own spiritual state, to remain vigilant and faithful, and to hold fast to the promises of Christ.
Revelation 3:1-6: The Message to the Church in Sardis
Verse 1: “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” (KJV)
The church in Sardis is addressed by Christ, who is described as having the seven Spirits of God (a representation of the Holy Spirit in its fullness) and the seven stars (angels of the seven churches). This introduction emphasises Christ’s omniscience and authority. Despite their reputation for being alive, the church is spiritually dead, indicating a form of godliness without its power.
Verse 2: “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.”
The church is exhorted to be vigilant and to strengthen what remains of their spiritual life before it completely dies. Their works are found lacking in the sight of God, implying a need for genuine faith and obedience.
Verse 3: “Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.”
The believers are urged to remember their initial reception of the gospel, hold firmly to it, and repent. The warning of Christ’s coming as a thief highlights the sudden and unexpected nature of His judgement if they do not remain vigilant.
Verse 4: “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.”
Despite the overall spiritual deadness, a faithful remnant remains in Sardis, who have not soiled their spiritual garments. These faithful ones are promised fellowship with Christ, symbolised by walking in white, representing purity and victory.
Verse 5: “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.”
The promise to the overcomers includes white garments, symbolising purity and triumph, assurance of eternal life, and Christ’s acknowledgment before God and the heavenly host, signifying acceptance and honour.
Verse 6: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”
This call to heed the Spirit’s message is a recurring exhortation in Revelation, stressing the importance of spiritual discernment and responsiveness to God’s word.
Revelation 3:7-13: The Message to the Church in Philadelphia
Verse 7: “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;”
Christ identifies Himself as holy and true, possessing the key of David, signifying His sovereign authority to open and close doors, representing opportunities and access to God’s kingdom.
Verse 8: “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.”
Despite their limited strength, the church in Philadelphia is commended for their faithfulness and obedience. The open door represents an opportunity for mission and service that no one can hinder.
Verse 9: “Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.”
Those who falsely claim to be God’s people but are not, will be humbled and will recognise the love Christ has for the true believers. This promise indicates vindication and divine favour.
Verse 10: “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.”
The church’s perseverance is rewarded with protection from a future time of trial, suggesting divine safeguarding during tribulation.
Verse 11: “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”
Christ’s imminent return is a motivator for the believers to remain steadfast so that they do not lose their reward (crown).
Verse 12: “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.”
Overcomers are promised a permanent place in God’s presence (pillar in the temple) and are identified with God and His city, New Jerusalem, indicating eternal security and honour.
Verse 13: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”
Again, the exhortation to heed the Spirit’s message underscores the importance of attentive and obedient listening to God’s word.
Revelation 3:14-22: The Message to the Church in Laodicea
Verse 14: “And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;”
Christ describes Himself as the Amen (affirmation of God’s promises), the faithful and true witness, and the source of creation, emphasising His reliability and authority.
Verse 15: “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.”
The Laodicean church is criticised for their spiritual lukewarmness, a state of complacency and indifference, which is more displeasing than being entirely cold or fervently hot.
Verse 16: “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”
Their tepid spiritual state is intolerable to Christ, leading to a severe warning of rejection unless they repent.
Verse 17: “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:”
Their material wealth has led to spiritual complacency and self-sufficiency, blinding them to their true spiritual poverty and need.
Verse 18: “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.”
Christ advises them to seek true spiritual riches, purity, and discernment from Him, which contrasts with their misguided self-reliance.
Verse 19: “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”
His rebuke comes from love, aiming to correct and restore. The call to zeal and repentance is a call to return to fervent faith and devotion.
Verse 20: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”
Christ’s desire for fellowship with His people is expressed through the metaphor of standing at the door and knocking. Openness to Him leads to intimate communion.
Verse 21: “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.”
The promise to overcomers includes sharing in Christ’s victorious reign, a position of honour and authority.
Verse 22: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”
The chapter concludes with the familiar exhortation to listen and heed the Spirit’s message, emphasising the need for spiritual attentiveness and responsiveness.
Summary
The third chapter of Revelation presents a significant call to spiritual vigilance, repentance, and faithfulness. The messages to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea highlight various spiritual states and the corresponding divine counsel. Each church is called to examine their deeds, heed Christ’s warnings, and embrace His promises. For modern believers, these messages underscore the importance of spiritual vitality, steadfastness, and a deep, genuine relationship with Christ. As we listen to what the Spirit says to the churches, may we be found faithful and fervent in our walk with the Lord.
