Revelation 3

1. Sardis.** The capital of ancient Lydia, noted in the apostle’s time for wealth and voluptuousness. It was south-east of Thyatira. On its ruins now stands a miserable village called Surt.

He that hath the seven Spirits. And is therefore the Giver of spiritual life to the “stars,” or the churches.

2. Be watchful.** Rather, “become watchful.” the things which remain. The remains of true religion which still lingered in the church.

that are ready. Rather, as R.V., “that were ready”—which were going to die if I had not come and spoken to thee.

perfect. Or, as R.V., “fulfilled” or “completed.”

3 as a thief. See 1 Thess. v. 2, and note.

what hour. Lit., “what kind of hour”: cp. Mark xiii. 35.

4 a few names. That is, a few persons (as in Acts i. 10). These few had kept themselves free from the prevailing worldliness.

5 white raiment. The bright robes of purity, joy, and royalty: see iv. 4; xix. 8; and note on Song of Songs v. 14.

I will not blot out his name, etc. See Exod. xxxii. 32; Isa. iv. 3.

7. Philadelphia.** Philadelphia was about 30 miles south-east of Sardis. Its name is derived from Attalus II. Philadelphus, d. 138 B.C. “It is remarkable that the city whose noble Christian career is intimated in the message, Rev. iii. 8-14, should have had the most glorious history of all the cities of Asia Minor in the long struggle against the Turks” (Sir W. Ramsay in Hastings’ Dict. of the Bible). It still exists under the Turkish name of Ala Sheher, the reddish city, and contains some churches.

the key of David. In allusion to Isa. xxii. 22; where see note. The Saviour declares that He has “all power in heaven and on earth” (Matt. xxviii. 18); controlling the whole course of events: see ver. 8.

8 an open door. Rather, “a door opened”; opportunities and facilities for spreading the gospel (as in 1 Cor. xvi. 9; 2 Cor. ii. 12; Col. iv. 3), as a reward for faithfulness.

thou hast a little strength, etc. Rather, “thou hast little strength, and [yet] hast kept my word.”

9 the synagogue of Satan, etc. See note on ii. 9.

10 the word of my patience. That is, the gospel, which sets before us Christ’s patient endurance.

the hour of temptation. Or, “trial”; R.V. “The great catastrophes which come upon the earth are testing-times to the world no less than to the Church” (Trench)

11. Behold, I come quickly. To give to the faithful a gracious reward (cp. xxii. 12), the crown of life (cp. 2 Tim. iv. 8, and Rev. ii. 10).

that no man take thy crown. That no one cause thee to lose it.

12 a pillar. Not merely a permanent part of the building (cp. 1 Pet. ii. 5), but one of its ornaments and supports (cp. Gal. ii. 9); marked by its inscriptions as belonging to God (see xiv. 1), to Christ (see ii. 17), and to the New Jerusalem (see xxi. 2); and therefore never to be removed.

14 the Laodiceans. Laodicea was a large and wealthy city about forty miles east of Ephesus and eleven miles from Colossæ. It was the capital of the Greater Phrygia, and the residence of a Roman governor. Ramsay (Hastings’ Dict. of the Bible) shows that the references to “gold tried in the fire,” and “white raiment,” have their appropriateness in reference to a place which was a great centre of banking and of the wool trade. It was subject to earthquakes, and is now deserted. Its site is covered with ruins of temples, theatres, an aqueduct, etc., and is called Eski-hissar (“Old Fortress”) by the Turks. The church in Laodicea is mentioned in Col. iv. 16, where see note.

the Amen. That is, the True or Faithful One (see note on Isa. lxv. 16); in whom also God’s promises are all Yea and Amen; see on 2 Cor. i. 20.

the beginning, etc. See notes on Eph. i. 23; Col. i. 15.

15 neither cold nor hot. This lukewarm state indicates a profession of religion without the vital heat of heartfelt piety. “Tepid water provokes nausea, and a tepid Christianity is nauseous to Christ” (Swete).

17. I am rich, etc. The language of spiritual pride and self-satisfaction.

thou art wretched, etc. (With all thy boasting) thou art wretched; “poor” in spiritual grace, “blind” to truth and to thy own real state, “naked” as to the righteousness of the saints.

18 tried in the fire. Rather, “refined by fire.” Cp. 1 Pet. i. 7.

white raiment. See ver. 5, and note.

19. As many as I love, etc. This is an allusion to Prov. iii. 11, 12. The Lord is still waiting to be gracious (20); and if you will but receive Him, He will make you happy in His friendship.

21. To him that overcometh, etc. Cp. ii. 26.