Revelation 3:7-22 Lesson 473

Revelation 3:7-22
Lesson 473

Read both the "King James Bible" and the "New Living Translation."

In this lesson:

Lessons 471 and 472 continue.

Letters six and seven.

Philadelphia, the compliant church (3-13).

Laodicea, the lukewarm church (3:14-22).

Look for Jesus' praise and promise to Philadelphia, and His rebuke and warning to Laodicea.

Every word in this passage is Jesus speaking.

Where was -

Philadelphia
The Roman city of Philadelphia was in Natolia on the old Cogamus River (in modern-day Turkey), about twenty-five miles southeast of Sardis.  Meaning "brotherly love," the city was founded in 190 BC by Attalus Philadelphus, the King of Pergamon (220-138 BC). The king built Philadelphia to block barbarians from migrating into the province. Although small, it became a wealthy business center. Despite the city's wealth, the church was humble and devout.  A large portion of Philadelphia were pagans and Jews who persecuted Christians.  The city has been destroyed by earthquakes and rebuilt numerous times over the centuries. It remained a Roman city until it fell to the Turks in 1392. Philadelphia (now called Alasehir, city of God) still exists and boasts a population of 105,000.


Laodicea
A wealthy city on the Lycus River seven miles northwest of Colosse (fifty miles east of Ephesus and south of Hierapolis) in the Roman province of Phrygia (the western part of modern-day Turkey). Initially called Diospolis and then Rhoas, King Antiochus II (286-246 BC) of Syria renamed the city for his wife, Laodice.  Laodicea was a center of trade and banking and was so wealthy it minted its own money.  The city was also famous throughout the Roman Empire for its manufacture of fine linens, cloth, wool, and carpets.  Laodicea was the richest of the "seven cities" and boasted an excellent medical school that produced a popular eye ointment. Temples and magnificent theaters filled the city. However, the town was plagued with a poor water supply and forced to bring in water via a manmade aqueduct. Laodicea was destroyed by an earthquake in AD 60 but rebuilt by its well-to-do citizens.  The city had a growing Gnostic population which threatened Christianity, and as documented in this passage, the church showed a weak commitment to Christ. This was an ongoing problem for Laodicea; Paul worried about their lukewarm twenty-five years earlier (Colossians 2:1). Still today, the word Laodicean refers to someone who lacks a strong religious or political commitment.

The way to salvation:

First, acknowledge that we are all sinners
and that the penalty for sin is eternal death.

Second, repent and believe that Jesus Christ
is the Son of God who was crucified for our sins.

Lastly, pray and make Jesus Christ a part of your life.

Forgiveness of sins and salvation comes through the Son of God.

The Revelation of Saint John the Divine

The King James Bible

Revelation 3:7-22
Two messages

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: hold 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.

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 knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

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.

Margin notes:

"The key of David." (3:7) - The key symbolizes Jesus' authority to unlock heaven's door to all who accept His sacrifice on the cross.

"No man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth." (3:7) - No one can shut heaven's door, and once shut, no one can open it. Paraphrased from Isaiah 22:22.

"I have set before thee an open door." (3:8) - The door to heaven is open to all who believe. Resist temptation and maintain your faith to walk through God's door (1 Corinthians 16:9).

"Thou hast a little strenght, and hast kept my word." (3:8) - "You have little strength, yet you have obeyed My word."

"I will make them to come and worship before thy feet." (3:9) - The Jews of Philadelphia who persecuted Christians will fall at believer's feet.

"Because thou hast kept the word of my patience." (3:10) - "Because you listened and patiently endured."

"I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation." (3:10) - "I will protect you on the day of tribulation." Most Christians believe that Jesus is promising to spare believers from the one-time horrible events of "tribulation." But some interpret this to mean that Jesus will protect His church during any and all tough times.

"Try them." (3:10) - "Test them."

"I come quickly." (3:11) - "I will come suddenly, unexpectedly."

"Hold that fast which thou hast." (3:11) - "Hold fast to what (faith) you have." Why? Read Revelation 22:7 and 22:12.

"Him that overcometh." (3:12) - This means all faithful Christians.

"I will write upon him the name of my God." (3:12) - To write God's name on someone shows they belong to God. See also Revelations 22:4.

"New Jerusalem." (3:12) - Most Bible scholars believe New Jerusalem is the forever spiritual home of Christians in the new world (Revelation 21:2-4; 21:10-27).  Others say it represents God's church on earth.

"These things saith the Amen." (3:14) - In the Old Testament, "Amen" referred to God the Father. Here, it is a name given to Jesus the Son.

"The faithful and true witness." (3:14) - This is a reference to Jesus, who is always "faithful and true," unlike the lukewarm church of Laodicea.

"The beginning of the creation of God." (3:14) - Jesus existed from the beginning of creation (Colossians 1:15-19).

"Thou art neither cold nor hot." (3:15) - "You don't believe or disbelieve."

"I would thou wert cold or hot." (3:15) - "I wish you were either hot or cold."

"Thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee our of my mouth." (3:16) - Jesus is making a point by comparing Laodicea's poor water quality (something Laodiceans could understand) to their indifferent faith. Just as warm water is unsatisfying to drink and might be spit out, lukewarm faith is unsatisfying to the spirit.

"Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing." (3:17) - "You say, because I am rich with many possessions, I have no need for anything else." Read the advice for this way of thinking in Psalm 62:10 and Zechariah 11:5.

"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." (3:18) - The Laodicean's had worldly riches and fine clothes. But Jesus advised them to buy the gold and garments that He offered. The "eyesalve" refers to the ointment sold through the medical school in Laodicea. Again, this was a reference the Laodiceans could understand. The eye salve Laodicea made was nice, but anointing your eyes with Jesus' truth is the surest way to see clearly.

"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten." (3:19) - "I point our errors and discipline those I love." Jesus disciplines, not to punish but to teach. As any loving parent would.

"Be zealous." (3:19) - "Be eager."

"If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him." (3:20) - Jesus never has and will never turn anyone away.

"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne." (3:21) - "Whoever is victorious, I will give them the right to sit with me on my throne." Jesus is inviting us to share His glory for all eternity. Jesus extended this same invitation in Matthew 19:28 and Luke 22:29-30.

New Living Translation

Revelation 3:7-22
The Message to the Church in Philadelphia

7 "Write this letter to the angel of the church in Philadelphia.

  This is the message from the one who is holy and true,
      the one who has the key of David.
   What he opens, no one can close;
      and what he closes, no one can open:

8 "I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.

9 Look, I will force those who belong to Satan's synagogue-those liars who say they are Jews but are not-to come and bow down at your feet. They will acknowledge that you are the ones I love.

10 "Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world.

11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown.

12 All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my God, and they will never have to leave it. And I will write on them the name of my God, and they will be citizens in the city of my God-the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from my God. And I will also write on them my new name.

13 "Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.

The Message to the Church in Laodicea

14 "Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen-the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's new creation:

15 "I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other!

16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!

17 You say, 'I am rich. I have everything I want. I don't need a thing!' And you don't realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.

18 So I advise you to buy gold from me-gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see.

19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.

20 "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.

21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.

22 "Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches."

This second Bible text from the "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not an accurate word for word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."

Today's question:

1. Jesus told the church in Smyrna that they would suffer (2:10) but promised to protect the church in Philadelphia (3:10). Why the difference?

Seven Ages of the Church

"Some people believe the seven letters not only describe seven first-century churches but also prophesy the history of the Church from John's time onward. This analysis does reflect a partisan view of history, but we offer it for you to evaluate.

1. Ephesus represents the apostolic Church, about 30-100 AD. It grew cooler in its love for the Lord as it grew stronger in doctrinal purity.

2. Smyrna represents the persecuted Church, a maligned minority between 100 and 313 AD.

3. Pergamum is the Church married to or compromising with the state. Emperor Constantine declared Christianity to be the state religion in 313 AD. From then on, the emperors had a strong say in what the Church did, and pagan practices were Christianized.

4. Thyatira is the Roman Catholic Church of the Middle Ages, where love, faith, service, and perseverance were growing, but where falsehood was tolerated. Some people began to exalt the Queen of Heaven (Mary) above the Son of God. Also, the Inquisition confiscated people's lands by charging them with heresy (compare Jezebel in 1 kings 21:1-16).

5. Sardis is the Reformation Church, which emphasized names (denominations) and doctrines but was spiritually dead, despite its reputation for vitality.

6. Philadelphia is the missionary Church of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

7. Laodicea is the rich, complacent Church of the western world in the twentieth century."

(From "Revelation" in "The Life Change Series" published by NavPress Books, Colorado Springs, Colorado; pages 49-50)

Answer: (Do you agree?)

1. God serves each person and church differently according to their needs. God knows what is best for us. One person/church may need more discipline than the other. Perhaps the church in Smyrna needed to learn patience. Suffering develops patience, and patience builds hope and character (Romans 5:3-4). Or maybe God was teaching Smyrna compassion. God comforts the afflicted, so they learn to comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Remember, having your faith tested creates devotion (James 1:2-4). But have no fear; God promised never to put more on our plate than we can handle (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Application thought for the day:

The church in Ephesus was short on love, while in Smyrna they suffered persecution. In Pergamos they were tolerant of sin. In Thyatira the church was willing to compromise its faith, but in Sardis their faith was already dead. Although the church in Laodicea still had faith, it was lukewarm (3:16). Each of these churches represent a different stage in the life of a Christian. At some point in their lives, most believers will suffer persecution, treat those around them in a loveless fashion, or compromise their faith when it is needed most. For some Christians, their faith may even become lukewarm for periods of time or die altogether.

Thanks to the writings and commentary of John Wesley and Adam Clarke. Also, "The Layman's Bible Study Notebook" by Irving Jensen published by Harvest House Publishing, Irvine, California; the "Life Change Series" published by NavPress books, Colorado Springs, Colorado; the "Life Application Study Bible" published by Tyndale House Publishing, Carol Stream, Illinois; the "Quest Study Bible" published by The Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "Robertson's New Testament Word Studies;" "The MacArthur Bible Commentary" by John MacArthur published by Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee; "Wisdom of the Bible" CD by Topics Entertainment, Inc., Renton, Washington for their inspiring pictures; "My utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio; The "Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge" by Reuben Archer Torrey; "Hope For Each Day" by Billy Graham published by J. Countryman, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee; "Easton's Bible Dictionary" by Matthew George Easton; "Unger's Bible Dictionary" by Merrill F. Unger, published by Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois; "Halley's Bible Handbook" by Henry H. Halley, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "The Everyday Bible" published by World Wide Publications, Minneapolis, Minnesota; "The Living New Testament" published by Tyndale house, Wheaten, Illinois; "The New Living Translation" published by Tyndale House, Wheaten, Illinois; "The New Testament" translated from the Latin Vulgate, published by Guild Press, New York, New York; BibleGateway.com for all their wonderful links; and of course, the "King James Bible." All were critical in putting these lessons together.
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