Revelation 3: Messages to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea
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.
Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
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.
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.
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.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
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;
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.
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.
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.
Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
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.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
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;
I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
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:
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.
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
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.
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.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Revelation 3 is a pivotal chapter, concluding the series of letters Jesus instructed the apostle John to write to seven churches in Asia Minor, a section of Revelation that describes the things that are (Revelation 1:19), meaning the realities of the Church in John's time. These messages, beginning in Revelation 2, offer both commendation and correction, providing timeless lessons for believers of all eras. This chapter focuses on the churches in Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, each facing unique spiritual challenges and opportunities.
To the Church in Sardis: Wake Up! (Revelation 3:1-6)
The church in Sardis had a reputation for being alive, a place where people might say, "They have great music and great preaching." On the surface, they appeared vibrant. However, Jesus sees beyond outward appearances, declaring, "I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead" (Revelation 3:1). This church was merely playing church. They were resting on past accomplishments, failing to maintain spiritual vitality. Jesus urges them to "Wake up!" (Revelation 3:2) and remember what they had received and heard, warning of impending judgment if they don't repent (Revelation 3:3).
The remedy includes remembering what you have received and heard. Jesus warned that he was coming in judgment. But as he does repeatedly with his people, he gave the church in Sardis an opportunity to repent first (Revelation 3:3).
Despite the overall spiritual apathy, Jesus acknowledges that some in Sardis had remained faithful (Revelation 3:4). These individuals are promised to be clothed in white garments, symbolizing purity and victory. For the one who conquers, white clothes represent the garments required for a special event, like a gown or tuxedo of today. The promise to never erase his name from the book of life is not a reference to eternal life, because every believer has a secure place in heaven. Instead, the names in this book are invitees to special fellowship with God, to an exclusive party, so to speak, for those who persist in spiritual vitality. The special clothes and invitation list are two parts of the same metaphor: a banquet with God for those who conquer. At that banquet, Jesus will brag on the conquerors before [his] Father and before his angels (Revelation 3:5). This highlights the importance of perseverance and genuine faith, even amidst a lukewarm environment.
To the Church in Philadelphia: Held Fast (Revelation 3:7-13)
In stark contrast to Sardis, the church in Philadelphia receives almost unreserved praise. Philadelphia was one of only two churches, out of seven mentioned, that is not given any particular rebuke from Jesus. Despite being small and viewed by the world as insignificant, they were spiritually serious and committed (Revelation 3:8). Jesus commends them for keeping His word and not denying His name, even in the face of opposition.
Jesus promises to open doors that no one can shut (Revelation 3:8), signifying opportunities for ministry and growth. He also assures them that He will make their enemies acknowledge His love for them (Revelation 3:9). Except for the church at Smyrna, this was the only church not to receive a rebuke from Jesus. Even though this church had little worldly power, Jesus promised to reward their faithfulness by overruling the satanic enemies that came against them. That act of divine defense, he said, would put wicked enemies on notice that I have loved you (Revelation 3:8-9).
A key promise is that they will be kept from "the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world" (Revelation 3:10). Within the premillennial view of eschatology, which this commentary adopts, there are at least four different views on the rapture—the return of Christ to remove his church from the world. Some premillennialists believe the rapture will occur prior to a seven-year period of tribulation; some believe it will occur in the middle of that tribulation; some say it will happen two-thirds of the way through; and some insist it will come at the end. This verse suggests a pre-tribulational rapture because it says, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is going to come on the whole earth. Jesus will not merely keep them from the test but from the period of the test—that is, the tribulation period.
Jesus urges them to "hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown" (Revelation 3:11). The believer’s crown is a symbol of his or her eternal reward. The admonition, Hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown, suggests eternal rewards can be lost (Revelation 3:11). He promises to make the one who conquers "a pillar in the temple of my God" (Revelation 3:12), a symbol of stability and permanence in God's presence. Christ’s promise to make the one who conquers a pillar in the temple of God is a promise of public recognition (Revelation 3:12). In the end, everyone will know the spiritually serious person is special to God because Jesus will publicly identify that person as set apart.
To the Church in Laodicea: Lukewarm and Wretched (Revelation 3:14-22)
The church in Laodicea receives the harshest rebuke of all. Laodicea has the unfortunate distinction of being the only church which receives no positive commentary, whatsoever. Sardis barely earned a hollow reference to a good reputation. Jesus denounces them for being "lukewarm—neither hot nor cold" (Revelation 3:15-16), a state He finds repulsive. The church in Laodicea can be labeled the carnal church (Revelation 3:14). The key sentence here is this: Because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth (Revelation 3:16). The Everyday English Tony Evans Translation puts it this way: “Y’all make me want to throw up!” Nobody orders a lukewarm drink. They want iced tea or hot coffee. In the spiritual realm, God finds tepidness unappealing as well.
Their self-sufficiency, based on material wealth, blinded them to their true spiritual condition: "wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked" (Revelation 3:17). Here Jesus debunks a prominent lie of prosperity theology: being materially successful means God has blessed you. Not so. The Laodiceans said, I’m rich; I have become wealthy and need nothing. But the external appearance of prosperity was not indicative of the condition of their hearts or their level of fellowship with God. They were spiritually uncommitted, carnal, and compromising. As Jesus put it, they were wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked spiritually.
Jesus offers them a path to restoration, urging them to buy from Him "gold refined in the fire," "white robes to wear," and "salve to put on your eyes" (Revelation 3:18). They needed to acquire from Jesus true wealth—those character traits, behaviors, and beliefs that have eternal value. Then they truly would be rich (Revelation 3:18). He calls them to be zealous and repent (Revelation 3:19). By stating, be zealous and repent, Christ gave this carnal church an opportunity to get right with God (Revelation 3:19).
Perhaps the most poignant image is Jesus standing at the door, knocking (Revelation 3:20). See! I stand at the door and knock was an invitation. Jesus will not force himself into a church. But if any member of a congregation will open the door by submitting to his will, he will come in and eat (Revelation 3:20)—that is, he will have intimate fellowship with believers who respond to his invitation. This is a powerful invitation to personal relationship and fellowship with Christ.
He promises that to the one who conquers, He will grant the right to sit with Him on His throne (Revelation 3:21). To the one who conquers, Christ offers a high position of rulership and an elevated level of personal experience with him (Revelation 3:21). He uses rewards here, as with the other six churches, as a motivation to conquer sin and slackness—not as a motivation to salvation.
Lessons for Today
The messages to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and Revelation 3 are not simply historical accounts. They are timeless lessons for believers and churches today. They challenge us to examine our own hearts, to assess our spiritual vitality, and to remain faithful in the face of challenges. They remind us that outward appearances can be deceiving, and that true faith requires genuine commitment and perseverance. Ultimately, they offer hope and encouragement, promising rewards for those who overcome and remain faithful to the end.
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.
Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
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.
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.
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.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
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;
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.
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.
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.
Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
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.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
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;
I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
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:
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.
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
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.
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.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Revelation 3 is a pivotal chapter, concluding the series of letters Jesus instructed the apostle John to write to seven churches in Asia Minor, a section of Revelation that describes the things that are (Revelation 1:19), meaning the realities of the Church in John's time. These messages, beginning in Revelation 2, offer both commendation and correction, providing timeless lessons for believers of all eras. This chapter focuses on the churches in Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, each facing unique spiritual challenges and opportunities.
To the Church in Sardis: Wake Up! (Revelation 3:1-6)
The church in Sardis had a reputation for being alive, a place where people might say, "They have great music and great preaching." On the surface, they appeared vibrant. However, Jesus sees beyond outward appearances, declaring, "I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead" (Revelation 3:1). This church was merely playing church. They were resting on past accomplishments, failing to maintain spiritual vitality. Jesus urges them to "Wake up!" (Revelation 3:2) and remember what they had received and heard, warning of impending judgment if they don't repent (Revelation 3:3).
The remedy includes remembering what you have received and heard. Jesus warned that he was coming in judgment. But as he does repeatedly with his people, he gave the church in Sardis an opportunity to repent first (Revelation 3:3).
Despite the overall spiritual apathy, Jesus acknowledges that some in Sardis had remained faithful (Revelation 3:4). These individuals are promised to be clothed in white garments, symbolizing purity and victory. For the one who conquers, white clothes represent the garments required for a special event, like a gown or tuxedo of today. The promise to never erase his name from the book of life is not a reference to eternal life, because every believer has a secure place in heaven. Instead, the names in this book are invitees to special fellowship with God, to an exclusive party, so to speak, for those who persist in spiritual vitality. The special clothes and invitation list are two parts of the same metaphor: a banquet with God for those who conquer. At that banquet, Jesus will brag on the conquerors before [his] Father and before his angels (Revelation 3:5). This highlights the importance of perseverance and genuine faith, even amidst a lukewarm environment.
To the Church in Philadelphia: Held Fast (Revelation 3:7-13)
In stark contrast to Sardis, the church in Philadelphia receives almost unreserved praise. Philadelphia was one of only two churches, out of seven mentioned, that is not given any particular rebuke from Jesus. Despite being small and viewed by the world as insignificant, they were spiritually serious and committed (Revelation 3:8). Jesus commends them for keeping His word and not denying His name, even in the face of opposition.
Jesus promises to open doors that no one can shut (Revelation 3:8), signifying opportunities for ministry and growth. He also assures them that He will make their enemies acknowledge His love for them (Revelation 3:9). Except for the church at Smyrna, this was the only church not to receive a rebuke from Jesus. Even though this church had little worldly power, Jesus promised to reward their faithfulness by overruling the satanic enemies that came against them. That act of divine defense, he said, would put wicked enemies on notice that I have loved you (Revelation 3:8-9).
A key promise is that they will be kept from "the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world" (Revelation 3:10). Within the premillennial view of eschatology, which this commentary adopts, there are at least four different views on the rapture—the return of Christ to remove his church from the world. Some premillennialists believe the rapture will occur prior to a seven-year period of tribulation; some believe it will occur in the middle of that tribulation; some say it will happen two-thirds of the way through; and some insist it will come at the end. This verse suggests a pre-tribulational rapture because it says, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is going to come on the whole earth. Jesus will not merely keep them from the test but from the period of the test—that is, the tribulation period.
Jesus urges them to "hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown" (Revelation 3:11). The believer’s crown is a symbol of his or her eternal reward. The admonition, Hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown, suggests eternal rewards can be lost (Revelation 3:11). He promises to make the one who conquers "a pillar in the temple of my God" (Revelation 3:12), a symbol of stability and permanence in God's presence. Christ’s promise to make the one who conquers a pillar in the temple of God is a promise of public recognition (Revelation 3:12). In the end, everyone will know the spiritually serious person is special to God because Jesus will publicly identify that person as set apart.
To the Church in Laodicea: Lukewarm and Wretched (Revelation 3:14-22)
The church in Laodicea receives the harshest rebuke of all. Laodicea has the unfortunate distinction of being the only church which receives no positive commentary, whatsoever. Sardis barely earned a hollow reference to a good reputation. Jesus denounces them for being "lukewarm—neither hot nor cold" (Revelation 3:15-16), a state He finds repulsive. The church in Laodicea can be labeled the carnal church (Revelation 3:14). The key sentence here is this: Because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth (Revelation 3:16). The Everyday English Tony Evans Translation puts it this way: “Y’all make me want to throw up!” Nobody orders a lukewarm drink. They want iced tea or hot coffee. In the spiritual realm, God finds tepidness unappealing as well.
Their self-sufficiency, based on material wealth, blinded them to their true spiritual condition: "wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked" (Revelation 3:17). Here Jesus debunks a prominent lie of prosperity theology: being materially successful means God has blessed you. Not so. The Laodiceans said, I’m rich; I have become wealthy and need nothing. But the external appearance of prosperity was not indicative of the condition of their hearts or their level of fellowship with God. They were spiritually uncommitted, carnal, and compromising. As Jesus put it, they were wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked spiritually.
Jesus offers them a path to restoration, urging them to buy from Him "gold refined in the fire," "white robes to wear," and "salve to put on your eyes" (Revelation 3:18). They needed to acquire from Jesus true wealth—those character traits, behaviors, and beliefs that have eternal value. Then they truly would be rich (Revelation 3:18). He calls them to be zealous and repent (Revelation 3:19). By stating, be zealous and repent, Christ gave this carnal church an opportunity to get right with God (Revelation 3:19).
Perhaps the most poignant image is Jesus standing at the door, knocking (Revelation 3:20). See! I stand at the door and knock was an invitation. Jesus will not force himself into a church. But if any member of a congregation will open the door by submitting to his will, he will come in and eat (Revelation 3:20)—that is, he will have intimate fellowship with believers who respond to his invitation. This is a powerful invitation to personal relationship and fellowship with Christ.
He promises that to the one who conquers, He will grant the right to sit with Him on His throne (Revelation 3:21). To the one who conquers, Christ offers a high position of rulership and an elevated level of personal experience with him (Revelation 3:21). He uses rewards here, as with the other six churches, as a motivation to conquer sin and slackness—not as a motivation to salvation.
Lessons for Today
The messages to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and Revelation 3 are not simply historical accounts. They are timeless lessons for believers and churches today. They challenge us to examine our own hearts, to assess our spiritual vitality, and to remain faithful in the face of challenges. They remind us that outward appearances can be deceiving, and that true faith requires genuine commitment and perseverance. Ultimately, they offer hope and encouragement, promising rewards for those who overcome and remain faithful to the end.