Revelation Three
“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. 4 Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ 7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. 8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. 12 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, 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 from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ 14 “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. 15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 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 eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” (Revelation 3, ESV Bible)
“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. 4 Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy (Revelation 3:1-4, ESV Bible)
Background Knowledge of Sardis
The next community addressed by John is Sardis.
To the messenger at the assembly in Sardis write... (Rev 3:1)
Sardis was located about 17 kilometers (10 miles) south of the city of Thvatira at the crossroads of some of the most important roads in Asia. It lay at the foothills of Mount Tmolus in the Hermus River valley, a natural corridor that connects the Aegean and Anatolia.
The city's wealth and prosperity can be attributed to its location, ideal for trade and commerce, and to its abundant source of water and mineral resources - most notably the legendary gold-bearing sands.
Because of its location, Sardis was a center not only for the traffic of goods between Mesopotamia and the Greek Ionian settlements but also a crossroad of ideas.
According to Herodotus, coins were first minted in this great city around the third century BCE. Many Jews moved to Sardis because King Antiochus III (223-187 BCE) encouraged and supported them. Josephus Flavius wrote of a favorable decree from Lucius Antonius, a Roman politician (50-49 BCE).
"Lucius Antonius...to [the Sardian people], sends greetings. Those Jews, who are fellow citizens of Rome, came to me, and showed that they had an assembly of their own, according to their ancestral laws. [They had this assembly] from the beginning, as also a place of their own, wherein they determined their suits and controversies with one another. Therefore, upon their petition to me, so that these might be lawful for them, I ordered that their privileges be preserved, and they be permitted to do accordingly." (Josephus, Ant., 16.10, 17).
Josephus also noted that Caius Norbanus Flaccus, a Roman proconsul at the end of the first century BCE, upheld the rights of Sardis Jews to practice their own religion, including the right to donate to the Temple in Jerusalem - an extraordinary privilege (Josephus, Ant. 16.6, 6).
Another key detail about Sardis is noted by Roman historian Tacitus. He reports that an earthquake nearly destroyed the city in 17 CE:
"That same year, twelve famous cities of Asia fell by an earthquake in the night, so that the destruction was all the more unforeseen and fearful... The calamity fell most fatally on the inhabitants of Sardis, and it attracted to them the largest share of sympathy." (Tacitus, Annals 2.47)
Of all the cities in the region, they were hit the hardest by the earthquake. All of these tidbits of history can help paint a picture about the place we are reading. As with other cities, their history and character traits are often reflected by the culture and attitudes of the city's people. Knowing about the history and geography of these locales helps one to unravel the meaning of some words spoken to them through the letters.
Sardis was a prosperous, well-protected, and secure city. The message of Revelation often alludes to the history and unique character traits of each city, and in the case of Sardis, its complacency and trust in stability will be its downfall.
Each assembly in Revelation is intricately connected to the reputation of its city, and John draws parallels between the cities and their inhabitants.
Sardis protected its wealth in a citadel in an acropolis atop a fortified hill. Steep cliffs surrounded the fortress on three sides, and there was only one access point, a narrow stretch of land to the south; thus, the city was called "Sardis, the Impregnable."
In 547 BCE, Persians took Sardis by surprise. One Sardis soldier who guarded the citadel fell asleep and dropped his helmet. He snuck down via a secret path to pick up the helmet, but the Persians were watching. They sacked the city using that very passage.
Three hundred years later (214 BCE), Sardis was captured by Syrians. Attackers scaled the wall at the steepest point, which was arrogantly left unguarded. As Sardis defenders slept in imagined safety, conquering soldiers took over the city.
References
This lesson was adapted from Dr. Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg's teachings in Revelation in Its Jewish Context, Part 2, as presented on the Israel Bible Center website.
5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ (Revelation 3:5-6, ESV Bible)
Remaining Faithful in Sardis: The Promise of the Book of Life Amidst Cultural Pressures
The struggle at Sardis was similar to other assemblies. The temptation and social pressure to go along with the worship of city gods was constant. Those who will preserve at Sardis will receive spotless white garments.
It is difficult to live an undefiled life amidst a culture that constantly works against that. Thus Jesus declared that the names of those who do overcome would remain in the Book of Life (sefer chaim) in perpetuity.
According to Jewish tradition, somewhere in the heavenly realm, the book of life contains names of people worthy of reward, and records of people's deeds are kept as well.
"While I was watching, thrones were set up, and the Ancient of Days took his seat... Many thousands were ministering to him; many tens of thousands stood ready to serve him. The court convened and the books were opened." (Dan. 7:9-10)
A Psalmist asked the Lord, "May they be blotted out of the book of life and may they not be recorded with the righteous" (Ps. 69:28).
In instructing his disciples about their priorities, Yeshua taught:" ....do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names stand written in heaven" (Luke 10:20).
References
This lesson was adapted from Dr. Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg's teachings in Revelation in Its Jewish Context, Part 2, as presented on the Israel Bible Center website.
The Symbolism about Sardis
He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars savs this: 'I know your deeds, that you have a name, that you are alive, but you are dead. 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. (Rev 3:1-2)
One of the harshest criticisms in the letters to the assemblies are these words against Sardis. Messiah knows their deeds (ma'asim) - which most likely refers to their financial generosity towards others. It is not their faith, but their deeds that are being focused upon.
He knows their name (shem) - a Semitic idiom for "reputation." Yet their good and solid reputation does not correspond to the inner reality that Messiah sees. Like idols, they look alive, but in reality, they are dead. They must strengthen what good they have left.
In Revelation, Messiah is like a High Priest (kohein gadol) who examines the offerings people brought, looking to see if they were perfect and acceptable for worship. He rules the lives of the Sardis believers as lacking. The call is to wake up, repent and change.
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. Rev 3:3)
This warning of judgment and doom is reminiscent of a sudden earthquake or of the sudden conquests of Sardis, which caught people by surprise.
It is very likely that some at the Sardis assembly engaged in syncretism by honoring Roman deities alongside the God of Israel. They need to remember what they were taught. "Hear, O Israel! The Lord' is our God; the Lord is one" (Deut. 6:4) "You shall have no other gods before me." (Exod. 20:3; Deut. 5:7)
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. (Rev 3:4)
The Israelite concept of "purity" (tahorah) often surfaces in Revelation. This is the concept of “clean” versus “unclean.” A commitment to purity should be expected because it has been central to Jews since the days of Moses. If they are to walk with Jesus, in the same space, He is in the Holy Temple of heaven. This is a holy space and you cannot enter with soiled garments according to the purity laws. Let’s look at some verses that can open our minds to these ideas.
In summarizing his wisdom, King Solomon encourages the young men of Israel to make life count and to do the following:
"Go then, eat your bread in happiness and drink your wine with a cheerful heart; for God has already approved your works. Let your clothes be white all the time and let not oil be lacking on your head" (Eccl. 9:7-8).
Oil lacking on your head refers olive oil being used as a hygiene product like we use soap and shampoo today. It is a sign of grooming and taking care of yourself. White is hard to keep white, especially in the ancient world. Look good at all times because you are a representation of God.
In both the Israelite and Greco-Roman psyche, there was an association between the color white (lavan) and purity (tahorah). White clothes make the smallest stains easily visible, and they are hard to keep clean. The believers in Sardis wore white, and yet most have stained their clothing.
Most at Sardis could not walk where Yeshua walked (Rev. 3:2b). He stood next to the menorah, the lampstand located in the heavenly Tabernacle. The sacred setting requires purity, and their stained garments make that impossible. Few at Sardis managed to live faithfully, and their efforts will be rewarded.
Another text we can consider when thinking about white and purity is 4 Ezra. 4 Ezra is a Jewish apocalyptic book that was authored sometime after the book of Revelation. It underlines the imagery of receiving special white garments from God. "Those who have departed from the shadow of this age have received glorious garments from the Lord. Take again your full number, O Zion, and conclude the list of your people who are clothed in white, who have fulfilled the Torah of the Lord" (4 Ezra 2:39-41).
There is an idea that God is the one who gives the clean, white garments according to 4 Ezra. Note that the receiving of the garments in 4 Ezra is tied to Torah obedience.
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. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.' (Rev 3:5-6)
If you listening to this, then obey me, and do what I ask. In Judaism, it is believed that there are multiple books in heaven. One of the books is the book of life, and it contains the names of people who are meant for life.
References
This lesson was adapted from teachings in Revelation in Its Jewish Context, Part 2, as presented on the Israel Bible Center website.
7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. 8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. 12 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, 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 from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ (Revelation 3:7-13, ESV Bible)
Philadelphia stood on a low and yet easily defended hill at the foot of Mt. Tmolus, commanding the extensive and fertile territory of the Hermus River. The city was located 15 kilometers (about 9 miles) southeast of Sardis.
The city of Philadelphia was founded in 189 BCE with the expressed purpose of becoming an outpost of Hellenism (Greek culture and language) in Lydia and Phrygia. The city succeeded in its mission because, by 19 CE, the Lydians were fully conversant in Greek most had forgotten their ancestral language. Philadelphia was a Hellenistic success story.
In 17 CE, a powerful earthquake caused massive destruction to Philadelphia (Tacitus, Annals 2.47). For many years following the earthquake, the residents felt residual tremors and lived in fear. Roman historian Strabo wrote, "Philadelphia has no trustworthy walls, but daily in one direction or another they keep tottering and falling apart." He questioned the sanity of its citizens who continued to live there.
Daily living in the city of Philadelphia was filled with uncertainty. The tremors, shaking walls, and falling stones caused the majority of the population to live outside the established city. Philadelphians were afraid to walk the city streets due to the danger of falling stones.
"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... (Rev 3:7)
Christ is described as holy (kadosh), or as wholly other and true. A key (mafteach) is a symbol of authority, but what is the "key of David"?
In Isaiah 22:15, Sheba was in charge of the household of David, yet the Lord had planned to depose him (22:18-19). God said that instead of Shebna, Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah will have the key to the city. "Then I will give the key of the house of David upon his shoulder. And he will open, and no one will shut; and he will shut, and no one will open." (Isa. 22:21b-22) King Yeshua is compared to Eliakim and authority is now in his hands.
Jesus says to Philadelphia, "I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you a door, which when opened no one can shut. For you have a little power, and you have kept my word and not denied my name." (Rev. 3:8)
What does the royal key of David, the key to Jerusalem, has to do with a Roman city in Asia Minor? And what is this door that cannot be shut? Its God's plan for the nations!
12 All the people kept silent, and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul as they were relating all the signs and wonders that God had done through them among the Gentiles. 13 After they stopped speaking, James responded, saying, "Brothers, listen to me. 14 Simeon has described how God first concerned Himself about taking a people for His name from among the Gentiles. 15 The words of the Prophets agree with this, just as it is written: 16 'After these things I will return, And I will rebuild the fallen Tabernacle of David, And I will rebuild its ruins, And I will restore it, 17 So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, And all the Gentiles who are called by My name,' 18 Says the Lord, who makes these things known from long ago. (Acts 15:12-18 quoting Amos 9:11-12)
The inclusion of the nations is linked with the rebuilding of the Tabernacle/Tent of David (family of David). The rebuilding of the Davidic dynasty coincides with the inclusion of the Gentiles. Many do not read Revelation in light of the Apostle Paul’s writings, but they should, as they came first.
"Behold, I will cause those of the gathering of the adversary (synagogue of Satan), who lie and say that they are Jews when they are not - I will make them come and bow down at your feet; and they shall know that I have loved you." (Rev. 3:9)
Unfortunately, throughout history, this verse has been grossly misinterpreted as Jews (the Synagogue) persecuting the Christian Church of Philadelphia. Remember, the synagogue was not an exclusively Jewish institution at this time. Neither was the idea of a Sanhedrin. We are looking at converts to Judaism or partial converts to Judaism.
Smyrna and Philadelphia are the only two assemblies from the list of seven that receive praise and no criticism. In both cities, however, Jesus mentions the assembly of Satan (Rev. 2:9b; 3:9), those who say they are Jews but are not.
Almost nothing is known about the Jewish community of Philadelphia. And most synagogues in Asia Minor would have had a disproportionate number of Godfearers and new proselytes. In other words, if there is a large Jewish community, we do not see mention of synagogue of Satan. Where there is more of a large Gentile community, we see mention of the synagogue of Satan. These are small things, however, I think it makes a good argument that the synagogue of Satan had nothing to do with the Jewish people.
This "gathering of the adversary" was most likely a group of former pagans who had just embarked on the path of becoming Jews. The recently converted would be the most likely group to strongly object to the vision of non-Jews somehow joining Israel without proper conversion.
"I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown. I will make the one who overcomes into a pillar in the temple of my God. And he shall nevermore go out of it. And I will write the name of my God upon him, 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..." (Rev. 3:11-13)
Holding on to a crown (a wreath) is an athletic idiom that stands for retaining your victory title. The imagery of pillars with names inscribed on them is another common way to honor people's memory (as seen on the column of the Capernaum Synagogue). We can see evidence of names on pillars in ancient synagogues.
When the famous earthquake devastated the city, Emperor Tiberius was generous to both Sardis and Philadelphia. In gratitude, the city council changed its name to Neocaesarea (the new city of Caesar). Then in the days of Emperor Vespasian, Philadelphia changed its name yet again to Flavia to reflect the connection to a new imperial patron family (Flavius). With time, however, the city reverted back to its original name of Philadelphia.
In light of Philadelphia's shaky history, the promises of columns, inscriptions, the city being restored, heavenly new Jerusalem coming supernaturally all make sense. Even the new name associated with Messiah given to the city harkens to Philadelphia's multiple name changes. The faithful just need to hold on and persevere.
References
This lesson was adapted from teachings in Revelation in Its Jewish Context, Part 2, as presented on the Israel Bible Center website.
14 “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. 15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 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 eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” (Revelation 3:14-22, ESV Bible)
Laodicea was a wealthy city due to its strategic location. The road from Ephesus to the east of Syria was a major trade route in Asia Minor, and it went through Laodicea.
Laodicea was established around 250 BCE by king Antiochus of Syria, who named it after his wife, Laodice. It was originally built as a fortress, even though it had one major deficiency - its water supply had to come by underground aqueducts from springs located 3 kilometers (2 miles) away. If ever besieged, it could be easily disrupted. But in Roman times, the city prospered due to the long-lasting peace established and carefully maintained by the Roman Empire.
Laodicea was known for mass-produced affordable outer wool garments. A well-known medical school of that time was located in Laodicea. The city's physicians were famous for special medication for the eyes and ears.
Laodicea functioned as the banking and financial center of Asia Minor. According to Tacitus, the citizens of Laodicea financed the rebuilding of their city shortly after the famous earthquake without any outside help. Laodicea was truly rich and lacked nothing.
Laodicea had an uncharacteristically large Jewish population. In 62 BCE (a century before the Revelation letter) Flaccus, the province governor, became alarmed at the amount of money Jews were periodically sending to Jerusalem and even imposed an embargo (Cicero, Pro Flacco 28.68). About 7,000 Jews resided in the city in those days. Revelation does not mention the Synagogue of Satan in Laodicea.
Jesus' message to Laodicea is largely critical, "I know your deeds - that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot! So because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (Rev. 3:15- 16) Despite the city's wealth, the water quality was very poor in Laodicea. There were no freshwater sources in the vicinity to adequately support the population.
The city of Hierapolis, just a short distance to the north of Laodicea, boasted medicinal hot water springs. The city of Colossae, a short distance to the south, was fed by several refreshing mountain springs. But Laodicea brought its water from miles away via an aqueduct. And this water was warm, murky, and had an unpleasant taste. So when Jesus spoke of spitting out Laodicea, the allusion to the city's water is clear.
"...you say, "I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have no need of anything," and you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, (Rev 3:17) Messiah's words to Laodicea allude to other characteristics of the city, in particular, its wealth and self-reliance. Their famous eye medicines and prosperous clothing industry also amounted to nothing.
Apocalyptic texts often stress that things are not as they appear, and there is another unseen or hidden reality. "...buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to apply to your eyes so that you may see. (Rev 3:18)
In a way, the Laodicea letter is no different from the six other letters. The prosperity and comfort mentioned here could have only been achieved through some form of participation in pagan Roman society. Though this charge remains unvocalized, similarity with other letters suggests a lack of loyalty to one and only God at-Laodicea.
Idols and emperor worship permeated everything in Laodicea: commerce, politics, food, friendships, medicine, sports, promoting a religiously mixed lifestyle. Thus, Yeshua's harsh words are framed by his love and desire to see repentance. "Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline; therefore, be zealous and repent." (Rev 3:19)
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone should hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me." (Rev. 3:20)
This verse is often quoted out of context to indicate Jesus' symbolic knocking at the door of one's heart. In proper context, the king wishes to join his followers in table fellowship, in eating together.
Eating with one who is the first and last, who holds stars in his hand, a high priest who walks in the heavenly temple is not simple. The emphasis here is on holiness. Can one invite Yeshua to a polluted table? "Do not defile yourselves by any of these things; for by all these the nations which I am casting out before you have become defiled." (Lev. 18:24) The Nicolaitans of Pergamum and Ephesus engaged in idolatrous table fellowship with Roman gods. It is likely that Laodiceans were guilty of this too.
In other words, “knock, knock, I am coming and I want to come in your house, but I am not going to share a meal with you and these idolatrous things in your life.” Given the context of the book of Revelation, this interpretation of Revelation 3:20 makes the most sense. To use the verse symbolically as “inviting Jesus into your heart,” can only be done by extension.
"To the one who overcomes I will grant to sit with me on my throne, as I also overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies." (Rev. 3:21-22)
It is nothing extravagant to imagine Jesus sitting on the same throne as the Father. What is even more remarkable is the idea that the union of Jesus is so potent that we too can sit on the same throne with the Father. The honor of sitting on Messiah's throne is so high, it is hard to comprehend or even imagine. It is an incredible reward. The letter recognizes the struggles gentile followers of Jesus faced living in a pagan world, but it calls them to persevere for the sake of a far greater future and extraordinary promises of eternity.
References
This lesson was adapted from teachings in Revelation in Its Jewish Context, Part 2, as presented on the Israel Bible Center website.