Revelation Chapters 2 and 3

Matthew Davis

Revelation Bible Study 2020-2021 • Sermon • Submitted 3 years ago

Revelation 2

Revelation 3

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Verses 1-7

Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast jborne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. 6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.[1]

Verse 1

Unto the angel of the church – The angels of the church, a phrase we will see repeated with each letter through chapter three, is symbolic of the pastor, the messenger, of the church.

Ephesus – Made the capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor by Augustus, this city is famous as the place where Paul stayed and taught for two years (Acts 19-8-10). It was the elders from this city that sought Paul on his last journey to Jerusalem. Located in the southwestern corner of modern day Turkey, it was the third largest city in the Roman empire with a population at it’s height of 250,000.

He that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks – Last chapter, the stars were the angels (the pastors) and the candlesticks were the churches. We will see throughout the letters that Christ will bear a name that we have already been introduced to is a common theme. The idea here is that God holds the completeness of His church and messengers in His hands.

Verse 2

I know thy works – Another phrase that will be repeated throughout each of the letters. Christ knows the works of each of His churches and of all people. We cannot hide our works or intentions of our hearts from Him.

Thy labor and thy patience – The church in Ephesus was hard working and patiently waiting on God. The word patient literally means, in the Greek, steadfast endurance.

How thou canst not bear them which are evil – Paul warned the Ephesians before he left (Acts 20:29-31) of savage wolves who would come in among them and not spare the flock. He warned them to guard against men who would rise up and speak perverse things and draw away Christs disciples. Christ commends them for obeying this warning and though hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars.

We today, as in the ancient times, must continue to test those who claim to be servants and teachers of God, that we too, be not led astray.

Verse 3

Hast labored, and hast not fainted – The church in Ephesus has worked diligently and steadfastly For my names sake, says Christ. And they have done so without growing weary of the spiritual battle they faced when doing so.

Verse 4

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee – Despite all the good Christ had to say about the church in Ephesus, He still had something against them. Another common theme we shall see in all but two of the churches is a rebuke and then a call to repentance.

Because thou hast left thy first love – Our first love is Jesus Christ. They have gotten so caught up into the works and the motions. Its Sunday, time for church. Its Wednesday, time for Bible Study. It’s become so commonplace to them that they have left their love.

There is a difference between left and lost. Where one could lose something by accident and don’t know where it is, leaving something is an act we must do. Often times, we may do it inadvertently, but we know right where we left it and can find it again.

Let us be careful as we work for God, that we don’t put so much into the “work” that we stop loving Christ, or begin to decline in putting time into our personal relationship with Him. Christ wants us to be active in His kingdom, but He also wants, and I would say this is more important, that we have a relationship with Him.

Verse 5

Remember – This is the call to repentance and the way of which we can correct this problem. We can Remember therefore from whence we are fallen. Remember where it is we came from, the despair, the sin, the old ways. Remember what God pulled us from.

Repent – After we remember, we shall repent, which means, to change our mind, about leaving our first love.

And do the first works – There is surely a lot of work to do in the kingdom, but we must continually do the first works that we do not get caught up in the motions. Give our lives to Jesus, Read daily, pray daily. Make time for Jesus that is time for you and Jesus, then go to work for the Kingdom.

Or else – We should not take this as a threat, but it is a warning of what should happen if they did not repent.

I will remove thy candlestick out of his place – Remember, the candlestick represents the church. A church which has lost it’s love for Christ is no church of Christ, regardless of the works it is performing. Such a church, that does not repent, would lose the Spirit of God from within it. As a side note, that does not change the status of the salvation of those people within the church.

Verse 6

But this thou hast – After the rebuke, Christ turns back to a praise, to lift up the church He originally praised, but then rebuked. This will not be a recurring theme in all the churches.

Thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate – Little is known about the Nicolaitans, but from scriptural references, specifically later in this chapter, we can gather they participate in pagan religious activity and immoral behavior. It is credited to them that they hate what God hates. Pay attention, however, to what it is that they hate. It states they hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, not the people. That is an important thing we must remember as we witness to people. We should hate their sinful deeds, but we should love the person that they see the light of Christ and convert to Him.

Verse 7

He that hath an ear – This is a call to whoever would listen. Let us pray and be willing that God would give us spiritual ears to hear what He says to the churches. If you’ve ever wondered why I often pray for ears and eyes when I start a sermon or Bible study, this is why.

To him that overcometh – To overcome is to build our foundation on that of Jesus Christ. We overcome by His blood and by abandoning the coldness of our hearts, that we love God.

Will I give to eat of the tree of life – That is, to the overcomer will Christ give eternal life, to live in the presence of God through the eternities.

Verses 8-11

8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; 9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of ythem which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.[2]

Verse 8

Smyrna – An ancient city on the west coast of Asia Minor, it was situated roughly forty miles north of Ephesus and its location is the modern day city of Izmir in Turkey. It is believed that Paul and his companions may have introduced Christianity to the city which is famous for its wealth, beauty, and fine wines. In the third decade of the first century, Smyrna, along with six other cities fought for the right to build the temple to the emperor, of which, Smyrna won that right. As with Ephesus, Smyrna was a major commerce center with one of the important sea ports of the region. It was known for it’s trade guilds, each of which, would be dedicated to a pagan god and participation in the trade guild would require sacrifice to the pagan deity.

The first and the last – Christ is the first, and the last. There was none before our God and there will be none after Him.

Which was dead, and is alive – This speaks to His death on the cross and His resurrection that followed. Though He died, He came back and shall remain alive eternally.

Verse 9

I know they tribulation, and poverty – The faithful Christians in Smyrna lived in conditions of poverty as they had less economic opportunities due to the trade guild requirements. They were often persecuted and discriminated against for their beliefs and practices.

But you are rich – The same is true of any Christian. Though we may be physically poor, in terms of earthly goods or money, we are truly rich which Christ as our Lord and friend. Better it be, to be physically poor, but spiritually rich.

I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not – The true Jew, as the true Christian, is the one who trusts in God and His ways. There were many Jews, historically, and recorded in the Bible, who became attached to the man made “fence-laws” and became Jew in outward appearance only. Rather, Christ says, they are of the synagogue of satan.

Verse 10

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer – Literally, stop being afraid. They were constantly being persecuted and had feared what shall happen. Those who trust in God need not fear, for the one whom we belong is sovereign and faithful. Christ foretells them that they shall suffer more tribulation, and foretells of what way they should be persecuted.

The devil shall cast some of you into prison – The nature of their tribulation would be imprisonment. Though they should be imprisoned, the scope is limited by God and what He would allow, in this case, tribulation ten days. It is debated among scholars if this is to be understood as a literal ten days or figurative to mean a short while. In any case, we should understand that the scope of satans ability against us are limited by God’s sovereign power.

That ye may be tried – Sometimes we find ourselves unable to simply rebuke satan and have him leave us alone. That may be, as in the case of these Christians, that God has purpose in those trials for us. The word tells us that God uses trials and tribulations to develop our trust and faith in Him, that we come to depend on Him for provision and that His strengths can be made perfect in our weakness.

Be faithful unto death – This means to become faithful until death. Develop your faith and be strong in the Lord until He calls you home.

I will give thee a crown of life – The Christians in Smyrna live in a place of beauty, a place of crowns, but they are denied. As the athletic victor receives a crown or medal, so Christs victors shall be given crowns of life.

There is something not said here, as well as in the church of Philadelphia that we should be mindful of. In these two churches alone, we find that Christ has no rebuke for them. The only thing Christ has here is a promise of a crown. Let us explore the way the Christians here lived and served God, that we too, have not a need to be rebuked by God.

Verse 11

He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death – He that is found in Christ Jesus should have everlasting life, and not taste of the lake of eternal fire and brimstone.

Verses 12-17

12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. 14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.[3]

Verse 12

Pergamos – The political capital of Asia the Less, it has, by this time, been the capital for more than three hundred years. The ciy was known for culture and education, having one of the worlds largest libraries of the time, consisting of more than two hundred thousand volumes. In addition to their education, they were very religious, with temples to Greek and roman gods Dionysus, athena, demeter, and Zeus.

He which hath the sharp sword with two edges – John described the word of God as sharper than a two-edged sword, and this sword will be shown to the Christians of Pergamos.

“12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.[4]” Hebrews 4:12

Verse 13

Where thou dwellest, even where satans seat is – Pergamos was, as some places are today, a seat of strong demonic influence and power. If the plethora of pagan temples gave no indication of that, there was much idolatry and immorality going about in the city.

And the holdest fast my name, not denied my faith – Despite living in a strong region of demonic influence, the Christians here stood in their belief of Jesus. The faith they had, which we should all ensure we have, is a faith that belonged to Him.

Even wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr – Antipas is an unknown in the Bible. Save here alone, there is nothing said or known of him. His name means “against all” and he lived up to his name well. Even living where satan dwelleth, Antipas overcame and was faithful unto the death.

Verse 14

But I have a few things against thee – Despite the fact that they remained faithful, Christ still had rebuke for them. It is important to understand that living in a rough area is not an excuse for immoral and wicked activity.

You hold the doctrine of Balaam – When Balaam counseled Balac, he put a stumbling block in the way of Israel by introducing idolatry, eating meat sacrificed to idols, and sexual immorality. The church in Pergamos held to these doctrines, showing they had tendencies both towards idolatry and immorality.

Verse 15

Thou also has them which hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which I hate – The first church, the church of Ephesus, hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans, whereas, the Christians in Pergamos hold fast to those doctrines.

Verse 16

Repent – Jesus then commands them to repent and turn away from these doctrines.

I will come unto the quickly and will fight with the word of my mouth – If they repent not, they will be confronted by Jesus, and when that happens, they will be confronted with His word.

Verse 17

Hidden manna – The overcomer will receive perfect provision from God, the bread of Heaven (John 6:41).

A white stone – In the ancient cultures, a white stone was the equivalent to todays ticket. Once could be given a stone for entry to a banquet, a sign of friendship or as evidence of having been counted. We may see several of these meanings present in Jesus words, but one thing is clear: he who overcomes will receive an invitation to the Kingdom of God.

A new name which no man knoweth saving he who receives it – People of God receiving a new name is not uncommon. Abram became Abraham. Jacob became Israel. Saul became Paul. The concept behind the believer receiving a new name shows the intimacy between that person and God.

That no man knoweth – It is here that the LDS churches doctrine of receiving a new name in the temple is contrary to the word of God. Yes, we shall receive a new name, however, that name is intimate and personal between you and God. No other man shall no the name. However, all people who enter the temple the same day, all receive the same name. That is not intimate nor is it personal. In addition, the naming system in the LDS temple contradicts the word, in such, no man shall know.

Verses 18-29

18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; 19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. 20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to ecommit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hhearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. 24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.[5]

Verse 18

Thyatira – The smallest of the churches, the city was the borderline between Pergamum and Syria. Thyatira was a city without natural defenses, subject to frequent invasions. Their strength was largely in the strategic location and the inhabitants, who were descendants of Macedonian soldiers and retained much their ancestors militancy.

Eyes like a flame – Christs eyes are searching and look with penetrating judgement.

Feed like fine brass – brass represents purity as it goes through a fine refining process. It is also the strongest known metal in the ancient world. Christ is pure and unmovable.

Verse 19

I know your works – I haven’t commentated on this since the first church, and do so now, with importance. God knows the works of even the smallest and insignificant of us. Great or small, rich or poor, bond or free, God knows the works of each individual and of each church organization.

Charity, service, faith, patience – All works and fruits of the spirit, they know how to love both the Lord and one another. They knew how to serve, and they had faith and patience that Christ felt worth complimenting.

The last to be more than the first – The qualities of the church in Thyatira were growing in increasing measure. We should all strive not only to posses these traits, but to grow continually in them.

Verse 20

Notwithstanding – Despite the good mentioned, there are still some issues against thee.

Because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel – This is likely symbolic and not a person in Thyatira who is named Jezebel. This is a reference to the women, Ahabs wife, in first and second Kings who brought into Israel the pagan gods Ba’al and Asherah. She brought along with her sexual immorality, idolatry, and human/child sacrifice.

Because thou sufferest means that they allow and continue to allow her to commit these sins.

Who calls herself a prophetess – This women, or religious system, presented herself as a prophetess of God. Unlike the church in Ephesus, who tested these people and found them liars, Thyatira accepted her under the presumption and allowed her to lead them astray.

To teach and seduce… to commit fornication, and eat things sacrificed unto idols – The specific sins she was committing is leading them to commit fornication, and having them commit spiritual adultery against God in that they worshipped, sacrificed to, and ate meat given to pagan idols.

Verse 21

I gave her time to repent and she repented not – This is the accusation against this Jezebel, that she would not allow the Spirit to work in her heart and has refused to repent.

Verse 22

I will cast her into a sick bed – In a different approach, Christ instead says what He will do before He gives a call to repentance. I like what David Guzik said of the sickbed:

“For this reason, the figure of a sickbed is fitting. They were guilty of adultery, both sexual and spiritual. It is as if Jesus said, “You love an unclean bed. Here, I will give you one, and cast you into a sickbed.”[6]”

Whether or not this is a little sickness or a symbol of affliction, Christ will come and bring judgement upon this Jezebel and those that commit adultery with her.

Except they repent – Though Jezebel shall receive of her judgement, there is a call to repentance to those who went to bed with her. Shall they repent, they would be spared this judgment.

Verse 23

I will kill her children with death – Though all men die, not all men die with death. Her children refers to her followers, and death most likely refers to pestilence.

That all the churches shall know – The purpose of this judgement is to make an example that all the churches would know that Christ is the one who Searcheth the reins and the hearts. That nothing escapes Christs attention and that he will give unto every one of you according to your works.

Verse 24

But unto you I say, and unto the rest – This is the extent of Christs ought with the church in Thyatira, that they have went to bed with Jezebel (I will put upon you none other burden). It is also known that there are those who have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak. Even in the church which has overwhelming allowed the doctrine of Jezebel to intrude, there were those who had remained faithful.

Notice that, Christ calls the doctrine of Jezebel the depths of satan.

Verse 25

To those who were among them that held not to the doctrine of Jezebel, but to the faith of Christ, he exhorts them, Hold fast till I come.

Verse 26

He that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end – Even in the midst of immorality and idolatry, the Christian can overcome with the help of Christ. To him who does overcome, Christ has promises of reward.

Him will I give power over the nations – We are promised a seat on the throne with Christ in the new heavens and the new earth.

Verse 27

And he shall rule them with a rod of iron – In the new heavens, there will be no more sin. For all sin, in the end of the earth, shall be as the vessels of the potter broken to shivers.

Verse 28

And I will give him the morning star – Better than the crowns, the seat on the throne or any other reward, we shall receive of Christ Himself.

Verse 29

In closing of this chapter, we see one more invitation to him who would hear, to listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.

Chapter 3 Verses 1-6

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 gart dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 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. 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. 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. 6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.[7]

Verse 1

Sardis – A city in Asia Minor, and a major trade center, Saris is located about sixty miles east of Smyrna and the same distance west of Laodicea. Known for gold and luxury, Sardis had a known reputation for immorality. Their combination of easy money and loose morals made them notoriously soft and had become their downfall on many occasions. Although in a idea location high up on a cliff, the city had fallen twice due to overconfidence and a failure to watch.

The seven spirits of God and the seven stars – He has the fullness of the Holy Spirit and the fulness of the church in His hand.

That thou has a name, that you live and are dead – Sardis had a name, a reputation for itself as alive. If you were to show up at a church in Sardis, you would have seen worship, and lively music, bible studies, people chatting. By all appearances, this church was thriving. But Christ knows thy works. Though appearances can deceive man, they cannot deceive Christ.

Instead, they were dead. There was no fight, no struggle, no persecution. They weren’t losing the battle, they have already lost the battle. They presented to threat to satans power. When people say to me, “I don’t know what your doing wrong, you are always going through something,” I say to them, “If your not always going through something you are likely not affecting the kingdom.”

Sardis was “A perfect model of inoffensive Christianity.” (Caird)[8]

Verse 2

Be watchful and strengthen – Though the church was dead, there were yet those who survived and are weakened. Be watchful Christ says, for now you know there is a problem. Strengthen your faith that you can stand until I come. Though the condition is bad, your bodies are still alive, it is not hopeless.

I have not found thy works perfect before God – Though there were works, it is imperative we understand works do not save. Works without faith cannot please God. Works without the born again heart merit nothing. There must be a particular intent, that of gratitude and a desire to glorify God in our works.

Verse 3

Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard – Christ wants them to remember when and how they first heard and received the word of God. After which, they are to return to that and hold fast. Repent by returning the authority of the gospel back over their lives.

If thou shalt not watch – Here is a warning, that we should be watchful, for if we are not,

I will come on thee as a thief – Those who are not watching will not be expecting Christ to come. He would be coming suddenly in the night. This particular reference is not of the second coming, but of judgement.

Verse 4

Thou has a few names… which have not defiled their garments – In Pergamos and Thyatira there were a few bad among the good, but in Sardis, there are only a few good among the bad. This may be remarkable given the fame Sardis has for their immorality, that even a few remained faithful to the Lord.

They shall walk with me – This is a picture of close friendship and intamcy. This is the best reward that can be given, that we would receive of Christ Himself. This type of close relationship is described with Enoch, who walked with the Lord as was not.

Verse 5

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment – All who are found in Christ shall be given a white robe, which symbolizes purity. The primary difference between the few in Sardis verses the dead in Sardis was purity. The dead had a sinful compromise, lived impure lives and had accepted that as ok.

I will not blot out his name from the book of life – In the Roman periods, they would blot out a criminals name from the city register. By this statement, Christians are assured of their heavenly citizenship.

Does this mean that one could lose their salvation? That their name could be removed from the book of life? No, the focus in this promise here is assurance of salvation. Those who are saved have had their names written in the book from the foundation of the world. Those who would have their names “blotted out” where never in the book to begin with.

I will confess his name before my Father – What a great gift – Jesus is worthy, and we should confess Him. But that He would confess us, filthy sinners, undeserving people before the Father is an amazing promise.

Verses 7-13

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; 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. 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. 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. 11 Behold, I come quickly: shold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 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. 13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.[9]

Verse 7

Philadelphia – The only of the seven cities which was not a major city in the province of Asia (at the time of writing), Philadelphia is mentioned only twice in the Bible, both in connection with Revelation. The name Philadelphia means “brotherly love,” and the city was founded to promote a certain unity of spirit, customs, and loyalty within the realm to hellensim.

This is also the second and last church to receive zero rebut from Christ.

He who is holy, He who is true – Only Jesus is holy and true. These do not simply describe tendencies of Jesus, but they are Jesus. They are His very being.

He who has the key of David, he that openeth and no man shutteth, shutteth and no man openeth – Likely a quote from Isaiah 22:22, Christ has shown Himself the keepr of keys. When Christ opens a door, He is the only who can close that door. And when Christ closes a door, no one save Him alone can open that door.

Verse 8

I have set before thee an open door – Christ has given the mission city of Philadelphia an open door. Though it is not stated, what the open door is, it is to be assumed Christ is referring to evangelistic opportunity.

No man can shut it – No enemy of God shall frustrate the open door that Christ gave to Philadelphia. Their only hinderance shall be their own willingness to enter the door. When Christ puts an open door in front of us, no one can close that door, but we must be willing to enter and take advantage of what God gives us.

For you have little strength – What seems like a bad thing is really a good thing. Being weak of ourselves but strong in God is true strength.

Hast kept my word – They have held steadfast to the Word of God and kept it on their hearts night and day.

Has not denied my name – They not only kept the word of God, but they lived the word of God. Their manner of living was a representation consistent with true Christian living.

Let us all strive to be as the church in Philadelphia.

Verse 9

I will make them of the synagogue of satan – Christ is going to now do something for the church. He will make those of the synagogue of satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, (ouch). These are the persecutors of the Christians. These are they who rejected Christ and the Word of God, but worshipped and judged according to the law of man. These are they who slayed the people of God.

Worship before thy feet – Notice it does not say they will worship the Christians. It says worship before thy feet. The idea is that their evangelical work would reap a harvest and the persecutors will worship Jesus besides the Christians.

To some scope, there will be those who perish and confess Jesus on judgement day, when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess.

And to know that I have loved thee – They will know those who they persecuted in the name of God were the true Israel (spiritual Israel) whom God loved.

Verse 10

I will keep you from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world – This refers to keeping the saints from the tribulation, which shall encompass the last seven years of earths history. Many anti-rapture or post-trib rapture people would claim this verse does not apply to keeping us from the tribulation, but fail to include the last portion of the sentence.

To try them that swell upon the hearth – This phrase in Revelation has always referred to the perishing. The Tribulation period is for the perishing, to give a final chance of repentance and to judge the evil and wicked of the world.

Verse 11

I come quickly – That is, He will come suddenly.

Hold fast which thou hast – The Christians of Philadelphia have done well so far, and now Christ encourages them to continue in patience doing what they have already been doing.

That no man take thy crown – The crown referenced here is not a crown of royalty, given of birth, but of victory. The idea is not that it would be stolen, but that it would be won by another. The idea is, you have played the first half well, now play the second half just as strong.

Verse 12

Pillar in the temple of my God – Pillars are the support for the entire structure, and the only thing they rest upon are the foundation. True Christians should be the support of the church, build solidly upon the foundation of Christ.

He shall go no more out – The overcome in Christ will have a permanent place of stability and home in the Kingdom of God.

I will write the name of my God – The Christian will receive many names. He will bear the name of God, the name of Christ, his new name, the name of the new Jerusalem. These are marks of intimacy and show that we have a personal relationship with Christ.

Verses 14-22

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; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 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: 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. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door, and uknock: 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. 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. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.[10]

Verse 14

Laodicea – Laodicea on the Lycus was located in Lycus Valley, north of Colossae and near present-day Denizli. The city was located between two small rivers: the Asopus on the west and the Caprus on the east. The rivers mixed giving the city a lukewarm water supply. The water in Laodicea was unappealing in contrast to the cold stream-fed water in Colossae and the hot springs in Hierapolis.

Unlike the other churches, Christ has no compliment for Laodicea.

The Amen – All the promises in Christ are yes and done. Christ is the so be it, and it is done and “The Amen” describes the personification and the affirmation of the truth of God. (Barclay).

The faithful and true witness – The laodiceans will be shown to be neither faithful nor true. Witness is the word Martyr, referring to Jesus Death on the cross.

The beginning of the creation of God – Christ is the source of the creation, not the first of the creation. All things were created and are sustained through Him.

Verse 15

Thou art neither cold nor hot – This is a picture of indifference. These are the fence sitters, the people pleasers, the compromisers. They will not play either ground. They are not all for Jesus, but they are not all against Jesus. These are often the hardest people to reach, because they feel the already have Jesus, or the already follow the Biblical Jesus, when they are in fact in need of Him still.

I wish you were cold or hot – Hot water is good for healing, whereas cool water is good for refreshing. Lukewarm water is good for nothing. It is as if Christ is saying that if they were either hot or cold, they could be of use, but there are neither.

Verse 16

I will vomit you out – Christ says he will spit the church out of His mouth. What a terrible thing to think about, to be expelled from Christ.

Verse 17

Thou sayest, I am rich…increased with goods… have need of nothing – The Laodiceans placed their trust and confidence in wealth and material possessions. They had textiles, Jewels, and outward luxury. They were too “rich” to accept help from anyone and missed their need for Christ.

And knowest not – They had so much faith in their possessions they became blind to their sad and actual reality.

Thou art wretched, miserable, poor, blind, naked – This truly represents the modern world we live today. People are so blind by the comforts and amenities of life. They are so blind by their “entitlements” that they have become blind to their wretched and miserable state. What Jesus saw in them was far more important and vastly different from what they saw in themselves. This is also a stark contrast to Smyrna, who thought they were poor when they were really rich.

Verse 18

I counsel thee to buy from me – To change, we must realize our spiritual needs. As long as we, or they, believe that we can supply our own needs, we would never be able to come to Christ. They are counseled to buy, not any gold, but Gold tried in the fire. Such gold would glorify God and make them truly rich. They are counseled to buy, not the block wool garments they traditionally bought, but white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed. The white garments of Christ are pure clothing.

Anoint thine eyes with eyesalve – There was a medical school located in Laodicea which offered a salve that would heal common eye problems. Christ counsels them to purchase eyesalve, not medicinal, but spiritual. If they could have their spiritual sight restored, they could see where they lacked.

Verse 19

As many as I love I rebuke – Though the message is harsh, it is done out of love. Those we love we warn of their ways and deeds. We try to correct and guide. Christ does the same. Because He loves us, He rebukes and corrects us when we have travelled down those side paths.

Therefore, repent – The message of Christ to Laodicea, and to all like them, is to repent and seek God.

Verse 20

Christ is waiting for us, and willing to enter if we would only allow Him. He paints the picture as standing at the door, and knocking. Christ is only waiting for you to let Him in. To all who would allow Him in, He will sup with him, and he with me.

Verse 21

Those who overcome are promised a place to sit at the throne with Christ. We shall share in the victory with Christ, though, the victory is His alone and we share by association. Christ’s promise to those in Him is that they would share in the reward.

Verse 22

In one final call in the letters, there is another plea for all who would listen, to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

[1] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Re 2:1–7). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

[2] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Re 2:8–11). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

[3] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Re 2:12–17). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

[4] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Heb 4:12). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

[5] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Re 2:18–29). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

[6] Guzik, D. (2013). Revelation (Re 2:22–25). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik.

[7] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Re 3:1–6). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

[8] Guzik, D. (2013). Revelation (Re 3:1d). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik.

[9] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Re 3:7–13). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

[10] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Re 3:14–22). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

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