Commentary by Ron Beckham
Verse 1. "To the angel of
the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this:
'I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are
dead.’"
Before His death, Jesus said, during the Feast of the
Passover, “I am the way, the truth, and the life;
No one comes to the Father, except through Me” (John 14:6). To not
know Jesus is to lose the way, to have no truth, and to not be alive in
the sight of God. This church (Sardis) had somehow lost its way; no
longer recognizing or acknowledging that Jesus is the Way to the Father.
This happens all too often: Some eloquent person who has the gift of
evangelism will bring Christ to a people. Many will turn to the Lord and
a church (a denomination) springs from those events.
Gradually, the denomination will turn to well-meant
programs and/or a belief system that takes the place of simple trust in
Christ, regard for His Word, and reliance on His Spirit. They may
continue, perhaps, to have a reputation that they are “Christian” (“alive”
with His life) for some time after the Church is “dead”
to Him. But the Lord utterly knows you, your church and everything about
you. He knows “your deeds” (your works),
and as He taught us in John 6:29, the necessary “work”
of God is to “BELIEVE in Him whom He sent.”
Sardis was the chief city of the area called “Lydia”,
and was famous for its arts and crafts. It also was the first city in that
region to mint gold and silver coins.
Verse 2. "Wake up, and
strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not
found your deeds completed in the sight of My God."
It’s time to take a prayerful look at your church,
especially at the source of your strength. Is CHRIST your foundation? A
system of rules and regulations can be beneficial to society, but by
themselves, they tend to gradually take you away from trusting in the
Lord, relying on His Word, and following His Spirit. A church that was
once alive with the life of God, will have some vestiges of life
remaining. Those who are alive in Christ need to pray constantly for His
LIFE to remain and grow within others around them.
Just like they say of a patient in a hospital, “While
there’s life there’s hope,” and we must pray for a dying church, just like
we pray for someone who is sick and in a hospital. Pray that your dying
church will turn to the Holy Scriptures and prayerfully be open to the
Word of God. The written Word will lead us to Christ, who gives us His
Spirit, that we may understand His Word and comfort one another in the
hope He gives to His own (see Romans 15:4).
Verse 3. "So remember what
you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do
not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour
I will come to you."
What is the event that started YOUR church? Look
back through the years, decades and centuries – you will typically find
holy men and women who trusted in Christ, prayed, studied His Word, and
were filled with His Spirit. What changes have occurred? It’s only later
that the Spirit is replaced by dry theology and human ideas. If you have
some life in Christ, hold fast to what you have and pray. REPENT, just as
Daniel did (Daniel 9:45 & context); not only for yourself, but also for
those in your church who so desperately need the Lord.
Remember that God sees you, not only as an
individual, but also in relation to your membership in certain groups.
You have responsibility for what happens in your country, church, family
and so on. Like Daniel, your job is to pray for and about others around
you. You could actually say, in that context, that to pray for your
leaders to repent is to pray for yourself. What they do affects you,
those you love, and all society. PRAY for them!
Verse 4. "But you have a few
people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white,
for they are worthy."
In Matthew 13:24-30, we find a recorded parable of
Jesus, in which He compares sinners and sins to “tares”
(weeds) that grow in a wheat field. Note that the best persons in your
church have attitudes that are not pleasing to God, for “all
have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Sin
is found among us collectively (in the church) as well as individually (in
you and me).
Even in a church on “fire” for the Lord, there are
“tares” among the “wheat” and the reverse is also true – God has His
people in the most surprising places, in what seems to be the poorest
soil. In the most “dead” church imaginable, you will find a remnant of
His people, who continue to love and trust in the Lord. They “have
not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they
are worthy.” Don’t be too quick to condemn those who have “labels”
you don’t like. The person you condemn may well be called by the Lord to
be where they are, to pray that life will come to those around them who
are dead.
Verse 5. "He who overcomes
will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from
the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before
His angels."
To “overcome” is to
trust in the Lord. “Clothed in white garments”
is simply a reference to the purity and righteousness imputed to those who
trust in Jesus Christ, as in Revelation 7:13-14, where an “elder” asked
John “Who are these in white robes?…” and
John responded, “Sir, you know.” The
“elder” then continued, “these are the ones who
come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them
white in the blood of the Lamb.” Our hope for righteousness is in
the Lord.
There was a custom in Hebrew, Greek and Roman
cultures, that the names of all living citizens were recorded within the community
of their ancestors. We see this in Luke Chapter 2, where it is told that
Caesar Augustus ordered that all in the Roman Empire return “everyone
to their own city” (Luke 2:3) for a census to be taken. In a
similar manner, every person alive is recorded within the heart and mind
of the Lord, who died for us all. We remove ourselves from His “Book
of Life” by refusing to trust in Him.
Note that your only standing with the Father is
through Christ, who will “confess” before
the Father that you have trusted in Him. And also note that the angels of
God are intensely interested in you. Those who trust in the Lord have
powerful friends.
Verse 6. "He who has an ear,
let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
It may not seem like it to you sometimes, but the
Spirit of God is continually speaking to your church and the people who
are in it. Do you attend a mosque or an ashram? I’m sorry to inform you
that the Spirit is NOT speaking to your organization. He IS, however,
speaking to you individually, with the intention that you will turn to the
Lord Jesus Christ and trust in Him. Will you pray with me right now?
Father, I have hungered for God and the things of God
for such a long time. In the church at Sardis, which has been discussed
and revealed in the past few verses, I have seen myself and others around
me – we desperately need You. I confess my sin, that I have sought human
solutions to problems that only You can solve. Please forgive me. I
trust in You now, Lord Jesus. Please fill me with Your Spirit, that I may
hear Your Spirit and understand Your Word. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Verse 7. "And to the angel
of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has
the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one
opens, says this:"
The City of Philadelphia was not the equal of Ephesus
or even Laodicia and was destroyed by an earthquake in 17 AD; and yet it
was rebuilt and has outlived most of the other cities mentioned in these
Chapters. It was a wine producing center, and the coins of the area
typically bore the heads of Bacchus (the Roman “god” of wine) on one
side. At the close of the fourteenth century, Philadelphia was the last
Byzantine (Eastern Orthodox Christian) city to surrender to the Ottoman
Turks (Muslims). The place has retained, by treaty, the privilege of free
Christian worship, processions, the use of bells for services, and until
recently, about a third of its inhabitants were Christians.
Note that the direct recipient of the Lord’s words
for the church in Philadelphia is the “angel” (messenger) who is really
the one with delegated power over the people in the church. The pastor,
the elders and others in authority, such as Board Members, are really the
human recipients of supernatural direction. There are angels in charge in
relation to all churches, and that is a good thing because people just
aren’t sufficient for the job. We only think we run our factories,
businesses, governments and churches.
None of the titles in this verse, including “holy”
and “true” along with the “key
of David” were used in the first Chapter where the Lord introduced
Himself, but they are all legitimately descriptive of Him. He is “Holy”
(set apart), He is True, and the authority in relation to King David
rightly belongs to Him. David is first to acknowledge the authority of
his Messiah, Lord, and King.
Verse 8. "I know your deeds.
Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because
you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My
name."
If you (individually and as a church) trust in the
Lord, you will be given a “little power.”
Jesus made it clear that our “power” is not
measured in human strength, but instead it is in relation to our faith in
the Lord. The “open door” in this verse is
equivalent to moving a “mountain” as seen
in Matthew 17:20. A “little power” is
actually a lot, because Jesus indicated that a tiny, genuine faith can get
us through a “mountain” of difficulty that
otherwise would be impossible to move. You do not move that mountain
directly, but instead it is God, responding with delight at your faith in
Him, who moves the difficulty out of your way.
No one can shut the door that the Lord opens before
us. Notice that the door is open to those who have kept HIS Word. It is
not our wishes that open the door, but instead our faith in His will is
the key, as expressed in 1 John 5:14 – “If we ask
anything according to His will, He hears us.” Verse 15 continues,
“And if we know that He hears us, whatever we
ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”
Trust in Him, read His Word, respond to His Spirit, and He will open a “door”
in your life “which NO ONE can shut.”
Verse 9. "Behold, I will
cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are
not, but lie--I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make
them know that I have loved you."
There were those in the Early Church who purported to
be Christians, but insisted that in order to belong to Christ, you must
become a Jew. Therefore, this may be a reference to the “Judaizers” who
criticized Paul (and John) on numerous occasions. The Early Church was
also maligned by non-Christian Jews; those who had not turned to Jesus in
any way. The Christian Church, not unlike today, had only one true
Friend, and His Name is Jesus Christ. The Church at Philadelphia was
surrounded by enemies, but ultimately, those in the Church would be
vindicated, because they trusted in the Lord.
There are counterfeits among us. At a recent
Pastor’s Conference we attended, the phrase “Joy-Suckers”
was used, referring to those among us who are offended by simple trust in
the Lord; stealing the joy of others through humanly-imposed ideas and
rules that no one can follow. Such counterfeits may wear labels such as
“Christian” or “Jew” or whatever, but you will know them by their lack of
love. As Paul said, “Note those who cause
divisions… and avoid them” (Romans
16:17).
Verse 10. "Because you have
kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of
testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test
those who dwell on the earth."
The “hour of testing” could refer to a local
persecution of the time, but the whole context of the Book of Revelation
much better fits the Great Tribulation that is to precede Christ’s return
to this earth. Those who gather together under the name “Christian” in
the manner of these people at Philadelphia, trusting in Him simply, but
with honest fervor, will be kept safe from the great trouble that is to
come upon all the world.
“Let no man in any way
deceive you,” as Paul said in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, “for
it” (the coming again of our Lord
Jesus Christ) “will not come unless the apostasy
comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of
destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or
object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God,
displaying himself as being God.”
That time will “test those
who dwell on the earth.” The Lord is looking for honest faith in
our churches; in you and me. Testing tends to reveal who we really are,
and there will come a day in which the world will experience a time of
testing like never before. Jesus will “keep you”
from that hour, which can mean you’ll be safe DURING the testing, or kept
safe by being taken FROM the earth when it occurs. Our real need is
greater than whether we go or stay. When we keep “the
word of (His) perseverance” (TRUST in the Lord Jesus Christ), we
will be safe in good times and in bad.
Verse 11. "I am coming
quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown."
Life seems to take a long time; so long, in fact,
that most continue throughout much of their lives in denial that death
will even occur. But suddenly, even though we were teenagers “yesterday,”
we become “old people” today, and we’re gone from this world faster than
we thought. It has been 2000 years since Jesus Christ walked the face of
this earth, and yet, He was not “kidding” about returning “quickly.”
God’s perspective is different than ours, as seen in Psalm 90:8, where
Moses observed that, to the Lord, 1000 years is like “a
day”, and Peter said much the same in 2 Peter 3:8.
As in the commentary on verse 10, it is not our
theology (our mental decisions about God) that ultimately matter. It is
FAITH in Him that we need. We are to “hold fast”
what we have, which the Church at Philadelphia was successfully doing at
that time. And what do we “hold fast”? –
Why, we hold HIM! We hold on to our trust that HE will bring us through.
That’s “faith” in a “nutshell” and any “crown”
we might have, is based on a simple trust that what we cannot do, the Lord
has already done. We cannot save ourselves, but the Lord has done it, and
He WILL bring us through.
Verse 12. "He who overcomes,
I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out
from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name
of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven
from My God, and My new name."
Have you ever wondered about all the pillars,
foundation stones, curtains, and so on, in the Temple at Jerusalem? The
Temple, whether it was the earliest one built by Solomon, the rebuilt
version put together by the returning captives, or the imposing structure
begun by Herod the Great, was not only a literal place, but it was also a
symbol of more. In this verse we find a strong hint that YOU (when you
trust in the Lord Jesus Christ) are a big part of what that Temple is all
about.
The Temple was a “picture” of God and His people; a
parable of what Jesus would do for you and me, along with a glimpse of
what we will do when we are with Him. You will not be on some cloud
strumming a harp, but instead you have a FUNCTION in eternity (you will be
like “a pillar”). Also, you also have
PERMANENCE there (you won’t “go out from it
anymore”). You are KEPT by Him and His power. And we see that
you’re SAFE in Him: In “The New Pulpit
Commentary,” edited by Spence and Exell, we find, “To
‘write’ ‘the
name’ upon anything was a common
figurative expression in Hebrew to denote taking absolute possession of,
and making completely one’s own.” Trust in Him and be safe through
Him – forever.
Verse 13. "He who has an
ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
The Church at Philadelphia HEARD the Lord. They
responded to Him and trusted in not only His character (that He is good),
but also that He loves us even to the point of dying for us all. They
understood that 1) He is CAPABLE of caring for you, no matter what the
circumstances or situation in your life, 2) He WANTS to provide what you
need, and finally 3) He LOVES you enough to do what is the very best for
you.
He has a special setting for your life. We tend to
look first at our limitations, and most people secretly or openly lament,
“How could God allow this?” You have to look at the goal itself, not only
at the means to His goal for you. You might long for legs that work.
During the five years I spent in wheel chairs, I longed for that goal.
But His goal is much higher. YES, everyone who trusts in Jesus Christ
will be “physically” perfect in eternity. But to get there, you must
TRUST in the Lord, and that is His goal for you right now. LISTEN to the
Lord and trust in Him.
Verse 14. “To the angel of
the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the
Beginning of the creation of God, says this:”
Laodicea was a wealthy city in the Roman Province of
Asia (now Turkey), founded by Antiochus II of Syria and named for his
wife, Laodice. The place was located on a major trade route and it
contained an affluent Jewish population. It was a rich banking center and
also was famous for the fine soft black wool which brought much revenue.
The place was known throughout the Empire for its medical school, a place
where Demosthenes, a famous and successful ophthalmologist, had studied.
Jesus identifies Himself as “The
Amen, the faithful and true Witness,” which expresses Him
perfectly, for He IS “the truth” (John
14:6) and is faithful in all His ways. “Amen”
is actually a Hebrew word taken into the Greek, which simply means “It
is true.” At the end of a prayer, it is a breath of faith,
indicating, “It will happen because He is true.”
Isaiah 45:16 states, “He who is blessed in the earth shall be blessed by the God of truth.”
“Truth” in that verse is actually the
Hebrew word, “amen.”
In the remainder of this verse, we see Jesus Christ
as “the Beginning of the creation of God”,
which is consistent with John 1:3 and many other Scriptures: “All
things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was
made.” In Hebrews 1:10, it is said of Him (a quote of Psalm
102:25-27), “You, Lord, in the beginning laid the
foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your Hands.”
That context continues, and in Hebrews 3:4, it is stated, “He
who built all things is God.” Jesus Christ is identifying Himself
in this verse as the true Son of God, through Whom all things were made.
Verse 15. "I know your
deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or
hot."
Laodicea was known for its volcanic activity. “In
the neighboring town of Carura, where there were many fountains of boiling
hot water, a brothel keeper and a large number of women were staying in
the inns of the village when an earthquake struck at night and he and all
of the women disappeared from sight” (Rogers – Linguistic &
Exegetical Key to the New Testament). The people of that region
understood hot and cold water. At Hierapolis, 6-miles away, hot springs
abounded, and at nearby Colossae, cold water flowed continually.
Cold water and hot water had value. You could sell
cold water to thirsty travelers, and hot water baths were a commodity in
the area. But, whether cold or hot, if water is taken away from its
source, it becomes warm and reduces in value. FAITH or the lack of it, is
what is being discussed here. If you are close to your Source (the Lord),
your faith is refreshing and others will want what you have. If the
Treasure of God’s Holy Spirit is within you, share what you have with
others. Tell someone about the Lord, and God will be pleased – with you!
Verse 16. "So because you
are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth."
The Laodiceans should have perfectly understood the
Lord’s words in these verses. The hot medicinal waters of Hierapolis and
the cold refreshing waters of Colossae, were transported to the larger,
wealthy manufacturing and banking center of Laodicea. The waters received
were drinkable and capable of sustaining life, but they were far from
their source and were no longer hot or cold. The characteristics which
had made them especially pleasing to those at Colossae and Hierapolis,
were gone – The waters received were lukewarm.
The Lord has the intention that your church (and you)
will be SPECIAL to this starving, needy, thirsty world. The philosophical
system, the theological ideas contained in your doctrinal system may
nourish, for a time, the curiosity of a passing visitor, but it will be of
no lasting value to them, unless it contains the “hot”
news of the salvation in Jesus Christ and the “cold”
refreshment of His grace. To “spit you out”
is the same as “remove your lampstand” in
Revelation 2:5. You will no longer be a “church” in His sight.
Verse 17. "Because you say,
'I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,' and you do
not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked,"
Riches can be dangerous. We all want to have enough,
but James warned, “Come now, you rich, weep and
howl, for your miseries which are coming upon you…” (James 5:1 &
forward). If you are financially well off, it is not enough to contribute
a portion of your money and think that’s all you need to do. There IS a
certain comfort and feeling of protection that money gives. You CAN buy
medical help that will not be available to others. You CAN pay for
protection that becomes yours if money is paid. But money is illusory,
temporary, and all too soon it will fail you.
Ultimately, though money may seem to delay it for
awhile, you will die. Jesus told the parable of a “certain
rich man” (Luke 12:16 & forward) who said to himself, “Soul,
you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat,
drink and be merry” (Luke 12:19). “But God
said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and
now who will own what you have prepared?’ So is the man who lays up
treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:20-21).
To be “rich toward God” is to TRUST in the
Lord. To NOT TRUST in Him is to be “wretched and
miserable and poor and blind and naked” and not recognize your real
need.
Verse 18. “I advise you to
buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white
garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your
nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that
you may see.”
In Laodicea (as in many parts of the world today),
many people were affluent to the point where they thought, “I’ve got all
that I need!” Many today who don’t think they have enough, actually do,
but are continually worried about what might go wrong. We need to worry
less and trust in the Lord more. They were self-satisfied in Laodicea and
trusted in their money, but Jesus, the Speaker in these verses, looked
through their superficial accomplishments to their real need. He saw they
had NOTHING of lasting value.
He encouraged them, as He encourages you – Look to
HIM, that you might find true riches and will no longer be naked, poor and
blind in the sight of God. Jesus Christ offers us true riches, unlike the
“gold” of this earth that has no value in eternity. “Lay
up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust
destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal” (Matthew
6:20). The “white garments” speak of the
imputed righteousness given to those who trust in Him. Your “blindness”
will be done away and you will see your need of the Lord.
Verse 19. "Those whom I
love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent."
Part of the work of psychology has been to relieve
men and women of guilt, but God’s work is to “reprove
and discipline” each one, so that we might see our guilt and turn
to Him. Corrie Ten Boom said, “You feel guilty
because you ARE guilty.” The Church at Laodicea contained many who
thought they were “rich” in philosophy, in
spiritual ideas; and were “mature” as Christians, and yet God’s
perspective is that they were “wretched and
miserable and poor and blind and naked" (verse 17). God is
disciplining us to reveal our need. Let your pride go and look to Him.
God disciplines us through the circumstances of this
life. Many cry, “Why is this happening to me?” and it is tragic when
trouble comes. But God’s purpose is NOT to destroy us, but rather that we
will abandon self-sufficiency and trust in Him! The complacency of the
Laodiceans will not only destroy a church, but also will harm those who
are in it! “Zealous” carried the meaning,
to be “hot”, and “repent” is to change
one’s mind. If you and your church have become complacent, it’s time to
become “hot” in your love for the Lord. You need Him – now!
Verse 20. "Behold, I stand
at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will
come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me."
Though this verse is often used at “revival” services
for non-Christians, note that it is aimed at the Church. The imagery that
Christ is outside, patiently knocking at the door of your church and mine,
is awful to contemplate. He loves you and is reaching out to the members,
to the pastor, the elders, the deacons and to all who are comfortable
within, and He is calling out to all who might hear. Do you notice a lack
of love inside your church? Inside YOU? Open the door! Right now! Let
Him in! for He loves you and me.
Note also that He wants you to come and “dine”
with Him. Jesus cried out in the Temple, “I am
the bread of life” (John 6:48). He is SUSTENANCE for you – Deep in
your spirit, where it counts! To you and your church, He is like the “manna”
that was outside the tents of Israel each morning (Exodus 16:15 &
context). He is always there and He is all you will ever need. He gives
“living water” (John 4:10) to those who
thirst, and He will satisfy you – forever!
Verse 21. "He who overcomes,
I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame
and sat down with My Father on His throne."
The word translated “overcomes”
in this verse, is also seen in 1 John 5:4, where John said, “Whatever
is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has
overcome the world – our faith!” To “overcome”
is to trust in Him who died for you and me. 1 John 5:5 continues, “Who
is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the
Son of God?” To “overcome” is to
put aside your unbelief and have faith in His victory: He victoriously
died in your place, so that you might live.
The reward for “our” faith (His gift to you and me),
is actually amazing to think about. The original apostles were promised
that they would sit on twelve thrones to judge the tribes of Israel
(Matthew 19:28). In this verse, it is revealed that those who have faith
in Him will sit on HIS throne, placing us into a relationship with Him
that is closer and more wonderful than we imagined or thought. He truly
LOVES you and me, and wants to give us – everything!
Verse 22. "He who has an
ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
Listen. Listen to God. Open His Word. Pray that
you might understand. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine
yourselves to see if you are in the faith,” - Let the Holy Spirit
teach you. And if you are not in the faith, confess your sins and trust
in Him now. It’s the only way you will receive the “ear”
that enables you to “hear what the Spirit says to
the churches.” To live, to really be alive, is to trust in the
Lord and receive His Word. Listen – He’s speaking to YOU right now.
There is no other way. Jesus Christ is the only One
who completely loves you, just as you are. He believes in you – It’s time
for you to believe in Him. There is an old Christian song which starts
out, “Just as I am…” And that’s the way
He wants you. Without pretense; just the way you really are. He WILL
receive all who honestly come to Him, for He loves you and me. You will
be given the DIRECTION you need, in life and for all eternity: You will “hear”
the Spirit of God (and know the JOY of the Lord).
Ron Beckham, Pastor
Friday Study Ministries
P.O. Box 92131
Long Beach, CA
90809-2131 USA
www.fridaystudy.org
Ron@fridaystudy.org
