Teks -- Revelation 3:1-3 (NET)

To the Church in Sardis

3:1 “To the angel of the church in Sardis write the following: “This is the solemn pronouncement of the one who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a reputation that you are alive, but in reality you are dead. 3:2 Wake up then, and strengthen what remains that was about to die, because I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. 3:3 Therefore, remember what you received and heard, and obey it, and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will never know at what hour I will come against you.

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per frasa)

Robertson: Rev 3:1 - In Sardis

In Sardis ( en Sardesin ).

Some thirty miles south-east of Thyatira, old capital of Lydia, wealthy and the home of Croesus, conquered by Cyrus and then by Alexander the Great, in b.c. 214 by Antiochus the Great, at the crossing of Roman roads, in a plain watered by the river Pactolus, according to Pliny the place where the dyeing of wool was discovered, seat of the licentious worship of Cybele and the ruins of the temple still there, called by Ramsay ( op. cit. , p. 354) "the city of Death,"city of softness and luxury, of apathy and immorality, "a contrast of past splendour and present unresting decline"(Charles). Along with Laodicea it was blamed most of all the seven churches.

Robertson: Rev 3:1 - That hath the seven Spirits of God

That hath the seven Spirits of God ( ho echōn ta hepta pneumata tou theou ).

For which picture of the Holy Spirit see Rev 1:4.

Robertson: Rev 3:1 - And the seven stars

And the seven stars ( kai tous hepta asteras ).

As in Rev 1:16, Rev 1:20.

Robertson: Rev 3:1 - A name that thou livest

A name that thou livest ( onoma hoti zēis ).

A name in contrast with reality. The hoti clause in apposition with onoma .

Robertson: Rev 3:1 - And thou art dead

And thou art dead ( kai nekros ei ).

"The paradox of death under the name of life"(Swete). Not complete (a nucleus of life) death (Rev 3:2), but rapidly dying. See the picture in Jam 2:17; 2Co 6:9; 2Ti 3:5.

Robertson: Rev 3:2 - Be thou watchful

Be thou watchful ( ginou grēgorōn ).

Periphrastic imperative with present middle of ginomai (keep on becoming) and present active participle of grēgoreō (late present from perfect egrēgora and that from egeirō , as in Mat 24:42) and see Rev 16:15 for grēgoreō also. He does not say "Arise from the dead"(Eph 5:14), for there are vestiges of life. Those still alive are addressed through the angel of the church.

Robertson: Rev 3:2 - Stablish the things that remain

Stablish the things that remain ( stērison ta loipa ).

First aorist active imperative of stērizō , to make stable. Those not actually dead, but in grave peril. See a like command to Titus in Crete (Tit 1:5). Every new pastor faces such a problem.

Robertson: Rev 3:2 - Which were ready to die

Which were ready to die ( ha emellon apothanein ).

Imperfect active plural because the individuals, though neuter plural, are regarded as living realities. The imperfect looking on the situation "with a delicate optimism"(Swete) as having passed the crisis, a sort of epistolary imperfect.

Robertson: Rev 3:2 - For I have found no works of thine

For I have found no works of thine ( ou gar heurēka sou erga ).

"For I have not found any works of thine."Perfect active indicative of heuriskō . The church as a whole represented by sou (thy).

Robertson: Rev 3:2 - Fulfilled

Fulfilled ( peplērōmena ).

Perfect passive predicate participle of plēroō . Their works have not measured up to God’ s standard (enōpion tou theou mou ).

Robertson: Rev 3:3 - Remember

Remember ( mnēmoneue ).

"Keep in mind,"as in Rev 2:5.

Robertson: Rev 3:3 - Therefore

Therefore ( oun ).

Resumptive and coordinating as in Rev 1:19; Rev 2:5.

Robertson: Rev 3:3 - Thou hast received

Thou hast received ( eilēphas ).

Perfect active indicative of lambanō , "as a permanent deposit"(Vincent).

Robertson: Rev 3:3 - Didst hear

Didst hear ( ēkousas ).

First aorist active indicative, the act of hearing at the time.

Robertson: Rev 3:3 - And keep it

And keep it ( kai tērei ).

Present active imperative of tēreō , "hold on to what thou hast."

Robertson: Rev 3:3 - And repent

And repent ( kai metanoēson ).

First aorist active imperative of metanoeō , "Turn at once."

Robertson: Rev 3:3 - If therefore thou shalt not watch

If therefore thou shalt not watch ( ean oun mē grēgorēsēis ).

Condition of third class with ean mē and the first aorist (ingressive) active subjunctive of grēgoreō , "if then thou do not wake up."

Robertson: Rev 3:3 - I will come

I will come ( hēxō ).

Certainly future active here, though probably aorist subjunctive in Rev 2:25.

Robertson: Rev 3:3 - As a thief

As a thief ( hōs kleptēs ).

As Jesus had already said (Mat 24:43; Luk 12:39), as Paul had said (1Th 5:2), as Peter had said (2Pe 3:10), as Jesus will say again (Rev 16:15).

Robertson: Rev 3:3 - Thou shalt not know

Thou shalt not know ( ou mē gnōis ).

Strong double negative ou mē with second aorist active subjunctive of ginōskō , though some MSS. have the future middle indicative gnōsēi .

Robertson: Rev 3:3 - What hour

What hour ( poian hōran ).

A rare classical idiom (accusative) surviving in the Koiné rather than the genitive of time, somewhat like Joh 4:52; Act 20:16 (Robertson, Grammar , p. 470f.). Indirect question with poian .

Vincent: Rev 3:1 - Sardis

Sardis

The capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia. It was situated in a plain watered by the river Pactolus. The city was of very ancient origin. Herodotus (i., 84) gives the account of its siege and capture by Cyrus, and of its previous fortification by an old king, Meles. It was ruled by a series of able princes, the last of whom was Croesus, celebrated for his wealth and his misfortunes. In the earlier part of his reign he extended his dominion over the whole of Asia Minor, with the exception of Lycia and Cilicia. The Lydian rule was terminated by the conquest of Cyrus. From the Persians it passed into the hands of Alexander the Great, after which, for the next three hundred years, its fortunes are obscure. In b.c. 214 it was taken and sacked by Antiochus the Great after a siege of two years. The kings of Pergamus next succeeded to the dominion, and from them it passed into the hands of the Romans.

In the time of Tiberius it was desolated by an earthquake, together with eleven or twelve other important cities of Asia, and the calamity was increased by a pestilence.

Sardis was in very early times an important commercial city. Pliny says that the art of dyeing wool was invented there, and it was the entrepôt of the dyed woolen manufactures, carpets, etc., the raw material for which was furnished by the flocks of Phrygia. It was also the place where the metal electrum was procured. Gold was found in the bed of the Pactolus. Silver and gold coins are said to have been first minted there, and it was at one time known as a slave-mart. The impure worship of the goddess Cybele was celebrated there, and the massive ruins of her temple are still to be seen. The city is now a heap of ruins. In 1850 no human being found a dwelling there.

Vincent: Rev 3:1 - The seven Spirits of God

The seven Spirits of God

See on Rev 1:4.

Vincent: Rev 3:2 - Be watchful

Be watchful ( γίνου γρηγορῶν )

Lit., become awake and on the watch . See on Mar 13:35; see on 1Pe 5:8. Become what thou art not.

Vincent: Rev 3:2 - Strengthen

Strengthen ( στήριξον )

See on 1Pe 5:10, and compare Luk 22:32; Rom 1:11; 2Th 3:3.

Vincent: Rev 3:2 - That are ready to die

That are ready to die ( ἃ μέλλει ἀποθανεῖν )

Read ἔμελλον were ready or about (to die).

Vincent: Rev 3:2 - I have not found thy works

I have not found thy works ( οὐ εὕρηκά σου τὰ ἔργα )

Some texts omit the article before works , in which case we should render, I have found no works of thine . So Rev.

Vincent: Rev 3:2 - Perfect

Perfect ( πεπληρωμένα )

Lit., fulfilled . So Rev.

Vincent: Rev 3:2 - God

God

The best texts insert μου , " my God."

Vincent: Rev 3:3 - Thou hast received and heard

Thou hast received and heard ( εἴληφας καὶ ἤκουσας )

The former of these verbs is in the perfect tense: thou hast received the truth as a permanent deposit. It remains with thee whether thou regardest it or not. The latter verb is ill the aorist tense, didst hear (so Rev.), denoting merely the act of hearing when it took place.

Vincent: Rev 3:3 - Watch

Watch

See on Rev 3:2.

Vincent: Rev 3:3 - On thee

On thee

Omit.

Vincent: Rev 3:3 - As a thief

As a thief ( ὡς κλέπτης )

Thief , as distinguished from hp λῃστής robber , a plunderer on a larger scale, who secures his booty not by stealth, but by violence. Hence the word is appropriate here to mark the unexpected and stealthy coming of the Lord. Compare 1Th 5:2, 1Th 5:4; 2Pe 3:10.

Vincent: Rev 3:3 - Thou shalt not know what hour l will come upon thee

Thou shalt not know what hour l will come upon thee

The Greek proverb says that the feet of the avenging deities are shod with wool. The sentiment is voiced in the two following fragments from Aeschylus:

" Whether one sleep or walk or sit at ease,

Unseen and voiceless Justice dogs his steps,

Striking athwart his path from right or left;

Nor what is foully done will night conceal:

Whate'er thou doest some God beholdeth thee."

" And dost thou deem that thou shalt e'er o'ercome

Wisdom divine? That retribution lies

Somewhere remote from mortals? Close at hand,

Unseen itself, it sees and knows full well

Whom it befits to smite. But thou know'st not

The hour when, swift and sudden, it shall come

And sweep away the wicked from the earth."

Wesley: Rev 3:1 - The seven spirits of God

The Holy Spirit, from whom alone all spiritual life and strength proceed.

Wesley: Rev 3:1 - And the seven stars

which are subordinate to him.

Wesley: Rev 3:1 - Thou hast a name that thou livest

A fair reputation, a goodly outside appearance. But that Spirit seeth through all things, and every empty appearance vanishes before him.

Wesley: Rev 3:2 - The things which remain

In thy soul; knowledge of the truth, good desires, and convictions.

Wesley: Rev 3:2 - Which were ready to die

Wherever pride, indolence, or levity revives, all the fruits of the Spirit are ready to die.

Wesley: Rev 3:3 - Remember how

Humbly, zealously, seriously. Thou didst receive the grace of God once, and hear - His word.

Wesley: Rev 3:3 - And hold fast

The grace thou hast received.

Wesley: Rev 3:3 - And repent

According to the word thou hast heard.

JFB: Rev 3:1 - Sardis

The ancient capital of Lydia, the kingdom of wealthy Croesus, on the river Pactolus. The address to this Church is full of rebuke. It does not seem to have been in vain; for MELITO, bishop of Sardis in the second century, was eminent for piety and learning. He visited Palestine to assure himself and his flock as to the Old Testament canon and wrote an epistle on the subject [EUSEBIUS Ecclesiastical History, 4.26]; he also wrote a commentary on the Apocalypse [EUSEBIUS, Ecclesiastical History, 4.26; JEROME, On Illustrious Men, 24].

JFB: Rev 3:1 - he that hath the seven Spirits of God

That is, He who hath all the fulness of the Spirit (Rev 1:4; Rev 4:5; Rev 5:6, with which compare Zec 3:9; Zec 4:10, proving His Godhead). This attribute implies His infinite power by the Spirit to convict of sin and of a hollow profession.

JFB: Rev 3:1 - and the seven stars

(Rev 1:16, Rev 1:20). His having the seven stars, or presiding ministers, flows, as a consequence, from His having the seven Spirits, or the fulness of the Holy Spirit. The human ministry is the fruit of Christ's sending down the gifts of the Spirit. Stars imply brilliancy and glory; the fulness of the Spirit, and the fulness of brilliant light in Him, form a designed contrast to the formality which He reproves.

JFB: Rev 3:1 - name . . . livest . . . dead

(1Ti 5:6; 2Ti 3:5; Tit 1:16; compare Eph 2:1, Eph 2:5; Eph 5:14). "A name," that is, a reputation. Sardis was famed among the churches for spiritual vitality; yet the Heart-searcher, who seeth not as man seeth, pronounces her dead; how great searchings of heart should her case create among even the best of us! Laodicea deceived herself as to her true state (Rev 3:17), but it is not written that she had a high name among the other churches, as Sardis had.

JFB: Rev 3:2 - Be

Greek. "Become," what thou art not, "watchful," or "wakeful," literally, "waking."

JFB: Rev 3:2 - the things which remain

Strengthen those thy remaining few graces, which, in thy spiritual deadly slumber, are not yet quite extinct [ALFORD]. "The things that remain" can hardly mean "the PERSONS that are not yet dead, but are ready to die"; for Rev 3:4 implies that the "few" faithful ones at Sardis were not "ready to die," but were full of life.

JFB: Rev 3:2 - are

The two oldest manuscripts read, "were ready," literally, "were about to die," namely, at the time when you "strengthen" them. This implies that "thou art dead," Rev 3:1, is to be taken with limitation; for those must have some life who are told to strengthen the things that remain.

JFB: Rev 3:2 - perfect

Literally, "filled up in full complement"; Translate, "complete." Weighed in the balance of Him who requires living faith as the motive of works, and found wanting.

JFB: Rev 3:2 - before God

Greek, "in the sight of God." The three oldest manuscripts, Vulgate, Syriac, and Coptic, read, "before (in the sight of) MY God"; Christ's judgment is God the Father's judgment. In the sight of men, Sardis had "a name of living": "so many and so great are the obligations of pastors, that he who would in reality fulfil even a third of them, would be esteemed holy by men, whereas, if content with that alone, he would be sure not to escape hell" [JUAN D'AVILA]. Note: in Sardis and Laodicea alone of the seven we read of no conflict with foes within or without the Church. Not that either had renounced the appearance of opposition to the world; but neither had the faithfulness to witness for God by word and example, so as to "torment them that dwelt on the earth" (Rev 11:10).

JFB: Rev 3:3 - how thou hast received

(Col 2:6; 1Th 4:1; 1Ti 6:20). What Sardis is to "remember" is, not how joyfully she had received originally the Gospel message, but how the precious deposit was committed to her originally, so that she could not say, she had not "received and heard" it. The Greek is not aorist (as in Rev 2:4, as to Ephesus, "Thou didst leave thy first love"), but "thou hast received" (perfect), and still hast the permanent deposit of doctrine committed to thee. The word "keep" (so the Greek is for English Version, "hold fast") which follows, accords with this sense. "Keep" or observe the commandment which thou hast received and didst hear.

JFB: Rev 3:3 - heard

Greek aorist, "didst hear," namely, when the Gospel doctrine was committed to thee. TRENCH explains "how," with what demonstration of the Spirit and power from Christ's ambassadors the truth came to you, and how heartily and zealously you at first received it. Similarly BENGEL, "Regard to her former character (how it once stood) ought to guard Sardis against the future hour, whatsoever it shall be, proving fatal to her." But it is not likely that the Spirit repeats the same exhortation virtually to Sardis as to Ephesus.

JFB: Rev 3:3 - If therefore

Seeing thou art so warned, if, nevertheless, &c.

JFB: Rev 3:3 - come on thee as a thief

In special judgment on thee as a Church, with the same stealthiness and as unexpectedly as shall be My visible second coming. As the thief gives no notice of his approach. Christ applies the language which in its fullest sense describes His second coming, to describe His coming in special judgments on churches and states (as Jerusalem, Mat. 24:4-28) these special judgments being anticipatory earnests of that great last coming. "The last day is hidden from us, that every day may be observed by us" [AUGUSTINE]. Twice Christ in the days of His flesh spake the same words (Mat 24:42-43; Luk 12:39-40); and so deeply had His words been engraven on the minds of the apostles that they are often repeated in their writings (Rev 16:15; 1Th 5:2, 1Th 5:4, 1Th 5:6; 2Pe 3:10). The Greek proverb was that "the feet of the avenging deities are shod with wool," expressing the noiseless approach of the divine judgments, and their possible nearness at the moment when they were supposed the farthest off [TRENCH].

Clarke: Rev 3:1 - The seven Spirits, of God

The seven Spirits, of God - See the note on Rev 1:4, Rev 1:16 (note), etc

Clarke: Rev 3:1 - Thou hast a name that thou livest

Thou hast a name that thou livest - Ye have the reputation of Christians, and consequently of being alive to God, through the quickening influence of the Divine Spirit; but ye are dead - ye have not the life of God in your souls, ye have not walked consistently and steadily before God, and his Spirit has been grieved with you, and he has withdrawn much of his light and power.

Clarke: Rev 3:2 - Be watchful

Be watchful - Ye have lost ground by carelessness and inattention. Awake, and keep awake

Clarke: Rev 3:2 - Strengthen the things which remain

Strengthen the things which remain - The convictions and good desires, with any measure of the fear of God and of a tender conscience, which, although still subsisting, are about to perish, because the Holy Spirit, who is the author of them, being repeatedly grieved, is about finally to depart

Clarke: Rev 3:2 - Thy works perfect

Thy works perfect - Πεπληρωμενα· Filled up. They performed duties of all kinds, but no duty completely. They were constantly beginning, but never brought any thing to a proper end. Their resolutions were languid, their strength feeble, and their light dim. They probably maintained their reputation before men, but their works were not perfect before God.

Clarke: Rev 3:3 - Remember

Remember - Enter into a serious consideration of your state

Clarke: Rev 3:3 - How thou hast received

How thou hast received - With what joy, zeal, and gladness ye heard the Gospel of Christ when first preached to you

Clarke: Rev 3:3 - Hold fast

Hold fast - Those good desires and heavenly influences which still remain

Clarke: Rev 3:3 - And repent

And repent - Be humbled before God, because ye have not been workers together with him, but have received much of his grace in vain

Clarke: Rev 3:3 - If therefore thou shalt not watch

If therefore thou shalt not watch - If you do not consider your ways, watching against sin, and for opportunities to receive and do good

Clarke: Rev 3:3 - I will come on thee as a thief

I will come on thee as a thief - As the thief comes when he is not expected, so will I come upon you if ye be not watchful, and cut you off from life and hope.

Defender: Rev 3:1 - Sardis

Sardis, once the capital of ancient Lydia, was a wealthy city about thirty miles southeast of Thyatira.

Defender: Rev 3:1 - name that thou livest

The church at Sardis had many members who were not truly born again, possibly second or third generation members who were only nominal Christians without the zeal or commitment of their forebears. This is typical of many churches today."

Defender: Rev 3:3 - as a thief

Every believer, in every age of church history, should be watching for the coming of the Lord (Mar 13:37), for "the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night" (1Th 5:2). Each of the last four of the seven epistles has a reference to the imminent return of Christ."

TSK: Rev 3:1 - unto // he that // and the // I know // and art

unto : Rev 1:11, Rev 1:20

he that : Rev 1:4, Rev 4:5, Rev 5:6; Joh 1:16, Joh 1:33, Joh 3:34, Joh 7:37-39, Joh 15:26, Joh 15:27, Joh 20:22; Act 2:33; 1Pe 1:11

and the : Rev 1:16, Rev 1:20, Rev 2:1

I know : Rev 2:2, Rev 2:9, Rev 2:13, Rev 2:19

and art : Luk 15:24, Luk 15:32; Eph 2:1, Eph 2:5; Col 2:13; 1Ti 5:6; Jam 2:26; Jud 1:12

TSK: Rev 3:2 - watchful // strengthen // thy works

watchful : Rev 16:15; Isa 56:10, Isa 62:6, Isa 62:7; Eze 34:8-10,Eze 34:16; Zec 11:16; Mat 24:42-51; Mat 25:13; Mar 13:33-37; Act 20:28-31; 2Ti 4:1-4; 1Pe 4:7, 1Pe 5:8

strengthen : Rev 2:4; Deu 3:28; Job 4:4-5, Job 16:5; Isa 35:3; Luk 22:31, Luk 22:32; Act 18:23

thy works : 1Ki 11:4, 1Ki 15:3; 2Ch 25:2; Isa 57:12; Dan 5:27; Mat 6:2-4, Mat 23:5, Mat 23:28-38

TSK: Rev 3:3 - Remember // and hold // repent // I will // know

Remember : Rev 2:5; Eze 16:61-63, Eze 20:43, Eze 36:31; Heb 2:1; 2Pe 1:13, 2Pe 3:1

and hold : Rev 3:11, Rev 2:25; 1Ti 6:20; 2Ti 1:13

repent : Rev 3:19, Rev 2:5, Rev 2:21, Rev 2:22

I will : Rev 16:15; Mat 24:42, Mat 24:43; Luk 12:39, Luk 12:40; 1Th 5:2, 1Th 5:4, 1Th 5:5, 1Th 5:6; 2Pe 3:10

know : Mat 25:13; Mar 13:33, Mar 13:36

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per Ayat)

Poole: Rev 3:1 - The angel of the church // Write // The seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars // I know thy works // That thou hast a name that thou livest // And art dead

Rev 2:1-6 What John was commanded to write in commendation or

reproof to the angels of the churches of Sardis,

Rev 2:7-13 Philadelphia,

Rev 2:14-22 and Laodicea.

The angel of the church: See Poole on "Rev 2:12".

Write: See Poole on "Rev 1:11".

The seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars: See Poole on "Rev 1:3", See Poole on "Rev 1:20" .

I know thy works: this phrase here (as appears from what follows) can signify nothing but Christ’ s comprehension of the works of this church in his understanding, not his approbation of them.

That thou hast a name that thou livest the ministry of this church had a name, that is, were reported as famous for their faith, diligence, and holiness; but their faith, without suitable works, was dead, and they were no better than hypocrites.

And art dead spiritually dead.

Poole: Rev 3:2 - Be watchful // And strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die // For I have not found thy works perfect before God

Be watchful against sin, and unto thy duty, to perform it in a better manner than formerly.

And strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die improve those gifts and good habits which are left thee as yet, but are faint and ready to die, if thou dost not look after the improvement and strengthening of them.

For I have not found thy works perfect before God for I have not found thy works before God (whether thy works in thy ministry, or in thy conversation) such as they ought to be; thou mightest have done me more service, and thou mightest have done what thou hast done with more uprightness and sincerity.

Poole: Rev 3:3 - 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

Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard to wit, from the apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ. All true reformation, either of doctrine or manners, lies in the reduction of it to the doctrine delivered, and the rules of life given by them.

And hold fast, and repent: wherein our judgment or practice is conformable to theirs, it is to be held fast; wherein it hath varied, it is to be repented of.

If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief if thou shalt not keep thyself free from gross sins or errors, and give diligence to do it, I will come to thee, not as a friend to comfort and refresh thee, but as a thief to rob and destroy thee, and that suddenly.

And thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee I will surprise thee with my judgments, and thou shalt not know when my judgments shall overtake thee.

PBC: Rev 3:1

Letter to the Church at Sardis {Re 3:1-6|}

Sardis was the chief city of Lydia and was situated under a fortified spur of Mount Tmolus in the Hermus valley. Her location was near the junction of the roads from central Asia Minor, Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamum. Sardis was the capital of Lydia under Croesus, and seat of the governor after the Persian conquest. Sardis was famous for arts and crafts, and was the first center to mint gold and silver coinage. The Lydian kings were so wealthy that Croesus became a legend for riches, and it was said that the sands of the Pactolus were golden. Croesus also became a legend for pride and presumptuous arrogance, when his attack on Persia led to the fall of Sardis and the eclipse of his kingdom. The surprise attack by Cyrus and his Persians in 549 B.C. led to the capture of the great citadel, and three centuries later by the Romans, may have provided the imagery for John’s warning. The great earthquake of A.D. 17 ruined Sardis physically and financially. The Romans contributed 10,000,000 sesterces in relief, an indication of the damage done, but the city never recovered. [1]

Due to many circumstances, some of which have already been mentioned above, the church at Sardis must have become overwhelmed by platitudes which gave them a false sense of spiritual security. While in this condition, it was very easy for them to substitute temporal things in their everyday lives. These may even have been morally correct. This would account for the statement " that thou hast a name that thou livest." Morality cannot replace Spirituality in the lives of God’s people. It can supplement Spirituality, but should never be allowed to take preference. The Law was holy, but it could not give life. So by the knowledge and authority of Him " that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars, " this church at Sardis was dead.— Eld. Charles Taylor

[1] Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary shows a picture of standing pillars of the ruins of the great temple of Artemis at Sardis, standing alongside a small Christian Church.

PBC: Rev 3:2

Some things pertaining to their beginning remained, but were ready to die. These things needed strengthening or total removal of the candlestick would take place.

Jesus gave some very important advice concerning being watchful while here on earth, " Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up." {Mt 24:42} Also, " For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch." {Mr 13:35-37} The apostle Paul admonished the churches not to sleep, but to watch and be sober. {1Th 5:6} When the church becomes filled with apathy, the enemy devours. In the midst of all the wealth which commerce and false gods gave, the church at Sardis was toppling toward extinction. He who holds the stars in His hand will not share His glory with another regardless of how much He loves His People. Rather, it is because of this great love that He chastens and rebukes and requires repentance and turning.— Eld. Charles Taylor

PBC: Rev 3:3

Sardis had a goodly foundation. Lydia, the woman who had so wondrously received the things of God from the preaching of Paul at Philippi must have conveyed to her friends at Sardis (her home) the wonderful experience which she received. They must have had other teaching also and had received that which they had heard. It was the same good tidings of God’s love for His people in giving them life. They had been called out of darkness into His marvelous light in the same way as others of God’s elect. Now the message is " Remember and hold fast, and repent." If not, at such a time as they think not He will come as a thief. Sudden destruction awaits God’s people who allow themselves to be overcome with the cares of this world. They will not know at what hour He will come upon them. Therefore, watch!— Eld. Charles Taylor

Haydock: Rev 3:1-6 - To the Angel of the church of Sardis // But thou hast a few names // They shall walk with me in white

To the Angel of the church of Sardis . He begins with a severe reprehension, thou hast the name of being alive, and thou art dead, which we may understand of the greatest part of them, and of being dead by the worst of deaths, which is that of sin. (Witham) ---

In the style of the sacred writers, to live, is to be in the state of grace, and to bring forth good works; as, to be dead, is to live in sin, and the neglect of Christian duties. (Calmet) ---

Here we see that the opinion of men is no advantage to us, when our internal dispositions are not correspondent to our external appearance. For what we are in thy sight, O Lord, so much we are, and no more, says St. Augustine. ---

The bishop is charged with this fault, that he did not watch and take care of his flock. He is admonished to repent, and to strengthen those that were not dead, but ready to die. [1] (Witham) ---

God does not seek to surprise us and lay snares for us. But when he tells us that he will come like a thief, it is only to admonish us not to slumber. Had he wished to take us unawares, he never would have admonished us beforehand. (Calmet) ---

But thou hast a few names, &c. That is, a few persons not yet defiled, neither as to their consciences, souls, nor bodies. ---

They shall walk with me in white apparel, &c. It is a new way of expressing the happiness of heaven. (Witham) ---

White is the color of joy, festivity, and triumph. The Angels always appear clothed in white. (Calmet)

Haydock: Rev 3:2

[BIBLIOGRAPHY]

Et ceteræ quæ moitura erant, Greek: ta loipa a mellei apothanein, meaning persons, not things.

Gill: Rev 3:1 - And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write // these things saith he that hath the seven spirits of God // and the seven stars // I know thy works // thou hast a name that thou livest // and art dead

And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write,.... Of the city of Sardis See Gill on Rev 1:11 when, and by whom this church was founded, and who was the present angel or pastor of it, is not now to be certainly known; however, here was a church in the "second" century, of which Melito was then pastor; and he is thought by some to be the angel here intended; this man wrote upon the book of the Revelation, and an apology for the Christians, sent to the Emperor Antoninus Verus, in whose time he lived ^c; and in the "third" century a church remained in this place; and also in the "fourth", as appears from the council of Nice, which makes mention of it; and likewise in the "fifth", as is evident from the acts of the synod at Chalcedon, in which age it was the metropolitan church of the Lydians; and in the "sixth" century there was a bishop of this church in the fifth synod at Constantinople; and in the "seventh" century, Marinus bishop of Sardis assisted at the sixth synod in the same place; and in the "eighth" century, Euthymius bishop of it was present in the Nicene synod; and even in the "ninth" century mention is made of an archbishop of Sardis ^d: but now there are but very few Christians to be found here, and who have not a place to worship in, nor any to minister to them ^e. This church represents the state of the church from the time of the Reformation by Luther and others, until a more glorious state of the church appears, or until the spiritual reign of Christ in the Philadelphian period; under the Sardian church state we now are: (this was published in 1747, Ed.) that this church is an emblem of the reformed churches from Popery, is evident not only from its following the Thyatirian state, which expresses the darkness of Popery, and the depths of Satan in it; but from its being clear of Balaam, and those that held his doctrine; and from the Nicolaitans and their tenets, and from Jezebel, and those that committed adultery with her; things which the two former churches are charged with; but from these the present church reformed. This city of Sardis was once a very flourishing and opulent city; it was the metropolis of Lydia, and the royal seat of the rich King Croesus, though now a very poor and mean village; and may denote the magnificence and splendour of this church state, at least in name and figure, it has appeared in, in the world; though now in a very low and mean condition, and may be worse before the spiritual reign of Christ begins in the next period: there may be some allusion in the name of this church to the precious stone "sarda", which, Pliny says ^f, was found about Sardis, and had its name from hence; the same with the Sardian stone in Rev 4:2. This stone, naturalists say ^g, drives away fear, gives boldness, cheerfulness, and sharpness of wit, and frees from witchcrafts and sorceries; which may be expressive of the boldness and courage of the first reformers; of the cheerfulness, joy, and pleasure, which appeared in their countenances, and which they spread in others by preaching the doctrines of the Gospel; and of those excellent gifts and talents both of nature, learning, and grace, by which they were fitted for their service; and of their being a means of delivering men from the witchcrafts of Jezebel, and the sorceries of the whore of Rome: and perhaps some allusion may be in this name, as is thought by Cocceius, to the Hebrew word שריד, "sarid", which signifies a "remnant", since in this church state there was a remnant according to the election of grace, a few names, whose garments were undefiled; or to the word שרד, "sered", which signifies a carpenter's rule or line; since the first reformers were endeavouring to bring every doctrine and practice to the rule and line of God's word:

these things saith he that hath the seven spirits of God; the fulness and perfection of the gifts and graces of the Spirit of God, as in Rev 1:4, which Christ, as Mediator, has without measure, and are at his dispose, and which he, having received for men, gives unto them; and at the time of the Reformation bestowed them on many eminent servants of his in a very plenteous manner; for which reason he assumes this character in writing to this church:

and the seven stars; the ministers of the Gospel; see Gill on Rev 1:16, Rev 2:1; these were filled by Christ at this time with evangelical light and knowledge; and were sent, and held forth by him as lights in the world; and were instruments in his hand for great good; and were wonderfully held, kept, and preserved by him, notwithstanding the greatness of their work, their weakness in themselves, and the power, rage, and fury of the antichristian party; Luther is a remarkable instance of this: Christ's making use of the same title here as in the epistle to the church at Ephesus, which represents the apostolic church, may show that this church state bore some degree of likeness to that, and that it was a sort of renewing of it:

I know thy works; good works chiefly; the nature and imperfection of them; and also bad works: that

thou hast a name that thou livest: the reformed churches have had a name for spiritual living, by faith on Christ's righteousness only for justification, that article being the great article of the Reformation: there was in them an appearance of liveliness, by their zeal for Gospel doctrine and worship, and a form of living according to godliness; they were esteemed, were celebrated, and famous for these things, especially for living by faith on Christ's righteousness:

and art dead; or "but art dead"; for, the most part, or greater part of the members of these churches, are dead in trespasses and sins; and as for the rest, they are very dead and lifeless in their frames, in the exercise of grace, and in the discharge of duties; and under great spiritual declensions and decays, just as it were ready to die; and but few really alive in a spiritual sense, and especially lively, or in the lively exercise of grace, and fervent discharge of duty; yea, dead as to those things in which they had a name to live: and this seems to be our case now, who, it is to be hoped, are at, or towards the close of this period,

Gill: Rev 3:2 - Be watchful // and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die // for I have not found thy works perfect before God

Be watchful,.... Which may respect both ministers and members: the ministers of the Gospel, whose business is to watch over themselves, their conversation and doctrine, and watch every opportunity to preach it, and the success of their ministry; and that they do not grow careless, or be drawn aside through frowns or flatteries; and over others, as shepherds do, to know the state of their flock; as watchmen of cities to give the time of night, and notice of approaching danger; and to see that the laws of Christ's house are put in execution: and this may also respect the members of these churches, who ought to be watchful, and constant attenders on the word and ordinances, and in the duty of prayer; and should watch over themselves, their hearts, thoughts, affections, words, and actions, and against sin, Satan, the world, and false teachers: or "be awake"; which shows that both ministers and churches are asleep, or much inclined to it; which is the present case of both in this period of time:

and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die; not good works; though these may be said to be ready to die when men grow weary of them, are lifeless in the performance of them, and want zeal for them; and may be said to be strengthened when men do their first works: nor the graces of the Spirit; for the whole work of grace remains, and though it is imperfect, yet no part is, or can be taken away from it; yea, there is an increase of it, though it may not be discerned; the work of grace cannot die, or be ready to die; there may be a decline as to the exercise of it, and a want of liveliness in it; and things may be ready to die in appearance, and in the apprehension of believers, but not in reality; and besides it is God's work, and not man's, to strengthen this: therefore they may intend the truths of the Gospel, which at the beginning of the Reformation were revived, and were preached with great life and liveliness; but towards the close of this state, as now, would be just ready to expire, to be almost lost, and dead, and buried, as they are; and which it becomes both ministers and members of churches to hold, and hold up, establish, and confirm: or else the rest of the members of this church may be meant, those of them that remained, that were not wholly sunk and apostatized; and yet were in a very faint and sickly state, scarce any life in them, ready to give up their religion and profession; which should be strengthened, by preaching the pure Gospel, by faithfully administering the ordinances of it, and by speaking comfortable and encouraging words to them. The Complutensian edition and some copies read, "which thou art about lose"; which seems a good reading; and the Arabic version, and some other copies, "which thou art going to reject":

for I have not found thy works perfect before God; meaning that the reformers, and reformed churches, stuck where they first began; and did not carry their works neither with respect to doctrine, and especially with respect to discipline and worship, to a greater perfection, as they ought to have done: and however perfect they might appear before men, they were not so in the sight of the omniscient God, nor found so by Christ, before whom all things are naked and open: the Arabic version reads, "before me"; and the Alexandrian copy, the Complutensian edition, the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions, read, "before my God". This church, though she has departed from the corrupt church of Rome, and from her evil doctrines and practices; yet did not go on to that perfection which might have been expected and desired, and which would have rendered her praiseworthy, whereas she is now discommended. It is an observation of a Jewish writer ^h, that "if one departs from an evil way, and does not do that which is good, he does not השלים מעשהו, "make his work perfect", and he is not pronounced blessed.

Gill: Rev 3:3 - 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

Remember, therefore, how thou hast received and heard,.... That is, hast received upon hearing; for hearing goes first, and then receiving: the design of the advice is to put this church in mind of the doctrines of grace she had heard at the beginning of the Reformation, from Luther and others; such as justification by the righteousness of Christ, pardon through his blood, and atonement by his sacrifice, doctrines now almost lost and buried in forgetfulness; wherefore Christ would have her remember these things; how that she heard them with attention, reverence, humility, and without prejudice; and with much affection, so as to approve and love them, believe them, feel the power of them, and taste the goodness in them; and how she received them with all meekness, readiness, and joy, when now they are greatly disliked and rejected by many; very few attend to the doctrines of the Reformation. This is exactly our case:

and hold fast; the above doctrines, though the majority is against them, and learned men despise them, and they are charged with enthusiasm and licentiousness. It looks as if there was danger, as there is, that they would be entirely wrested out of her hands:

and repent: of her deadness, coldness, and indifference to these truths; of her unwatchfulness over them, and imperfection in them; not carrying truth to its fulness and perfection, resting in her first light and knowledge, and even going back from that:

if therefore thou shalt not watch: and preserve truth, and hold fast the form of sound words, and keep to the order, as well as the faith of the Gospel, and constantly attend divine worship, and look for the coming and kingdom of Christ:

I will come on thee as a thief; in the night, and at unawares, unthought of, and unexpected; which must be understood of coming to her in a way of rebuke and chastisement, by bringing some affliction, or suffering some sore distress to fall upon her: the phrase, "on thee", is left out in the Alexandrian copy and in the Ethiopic version:

and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee: which, though applicable to the spiritual coming of Christ in the next church state, and to his second coming in his kingdom and glory, which will be both sudden and unexpected, yet these will be to the joy and comfort of the church; whereas what is here spoken is by way of threatening, and must relate to some severe dispensation on her; and which we might now justly expect, were we not in the unwatchful, unthoughtful, and ignorant situation here described.