Bible Commentaries
Revelation 3

Verse 1

^{A MESSAGE TO SARDIS}

^{Note: see also Introduction Revelation}

^{1) "And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write," (kai to angelo tes en Sardesin ekkiesias grapson) "And to the messenger (pastor) of the church (congregation) in Sardis capital of Lydia, write;” record and pass it on, send it to the pastor of the church in Sardis, that he in turn may declare it to the members.}

^{2) "These things saith he that hath the seven spirits of God," (tade lege ho echon ta hepta pneumata tou theou) "These things says the one who holds the seven spirits of God;” establishing his identity with and to be the same person of Revelation 1:4; Revelation 1:16; Revelation 1:20; Isaiah 11:2.}

^{3) "And the seven stars," (kai tous hepta asteros) "And who (also) holds the seven stars;” The risen, living, coming Redeemer both walks among, fellowships with, and observes his churches, and the Royal King holds his pastor-servants in his hand, his right hand, with care, and concern for their well being, Revelation 1:20.}

^{4) "I know thy works," (oida sou ta erga) "I know, perceive, or recognize your works," as a church, tell it to them, O pastors, ministers of God, "preach the Word," as one who shall give account of the same at the judgment, 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Hebrews 13:17.}

^{5) “That thou hast a name that thou livest,” (hoti onoma echeis hoti zes) "That a name or reputation thou hast that thou livest," art really a sensationally live congregation, with flare, activity, and excitement, like Ahimaaz the runner without a message, 2 Samuel 18:22-32.}

^{6) "And art dead," (kai nekros ei) "And (the truth is)thou art dead," a spiritual corpse, unfruitful, barren, or unproductive, a religious farce, a sham of form and piosity, without spiritual power or fruit, like Phariseeism and Sadduceeism - And Hallelujah-Hooligans of this day, Matthew 5:20; Ephesians 5:14.}

Verse 2

^{1) "Be watchful," (ginou gregoron) "Be thou watching continually," watchful continually; awake to duty and service, be alert, as a sentry at guard duty; Matthew 26:41; Mark 13:35-37; 1 Corinthians 16:13; 1 Peter 4:7.}

^{2) "And strengthen the things that remain," (kai sterison ta loipa) "And establish or stabilize the things that remain;" those basic moral principles and apostolic doctrines, stand by them, uphold them and bear the story of Jesus Christ to the world, Acts 1:8.}

^{3) "That are ready to die," (ha emellon apothanein) "Which were about to die," about to decay through neglect or carelessness about spiritual values; one is cursed for doing the work of the Lord negligently or carelessly, Jeremiah 48:10.}

^{4) "For I have not found thy works perfect," (ou gar heureka sou erga pepleromena) "Because I have not found thy works mature or stable," lacking the element of standing and running, message-bearing faith, Matthew 5:48; Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 12:1-3.}

^{5) "Before God," (enopion tou theou mou) "before my God," or in the countenance of my God; note, this is an audit analysis of the character and works of the Sardis church members, as reported by Jesus Christ to John, who in turn wrote and conveyed the message to the church through the hand and mouthpiece of their messenger - or pastor.}

Verse 3

^{1) "Remember therefore," (mnemoneue oun) "You all therefore remember," call to memory, or recall, Deuteronomy 32:7; Too many "Hear the word," receive it with joy, have not root in themselves, endure but for a while, fall by the wayside, saved at the most, "as if by fire," Matthew 13:20-21; 1 Corinthians 3:15; Revelation 2:5; Numbers 15:39-40.}

^{2) "How thou hast received and heard," (pos eilephas kai ekousas) "How thou didst hear and hast received," As Israel heard, with joy and fear, and pledged to keep and obey the Law of the Lord, yet forgot and neglected to keep it, finding God’s displeasure therein; So is the tendency of the church today, Joshua 1:16; 1 Corinthians 10:1-11.}

^{3) "And hold fast, and repent," (kai terei kai metanoeson) "And repent and guard," guard the things of virtue that remain in you; To 1) Remember, 2) hold fast, and 3) repent, as drifting, members at the Sardis church, were three Divine charges, 1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Peter 3:9.}

^{4) "If therefore thou shalt not watch," (ean oun me gregoreses) "if therefore you all do not watch, as a church," and hold fast to truth, and repent, and turn from present indifference or negligence, Jeremiah 48:10; Luke 12:47-48.}

^{5) "I will come on thee as a thief," (hekso hos kleptes) "I will come of my own will or accord, as a thief," in the night, or in an unexpected moment, Matthew 24:43; 1 Thessalonians 5:2-5; Revelation 16:15.}

^{6) "And thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee," (kai ou me gnos poian horan hekso epi se) "And by no means thou knowest at what hour I will come upon thee;” Mark 13:32-37; Matthew 24:36; Luke 21:34-36.}

Verse 4

^{1) "Thou hast a few names even in Sardis," (alla echeis oliga onomata en Sardesin) "But thou hast a few names (of members) in Sardis;” the "faithful few members," at least "two or three," so that they had not lost their existence as a church "temple," dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 17:14; Matthew 18:19-20; 2 Timothy 4:9-11; James 1:27.}

^{2) "Which have not defiled their garment," (hoi ouk emolunan ta himatia outon) "Which did not defile (have not defiled) their garments," who have not walked in moral and ethical wrong, who kept their bodies of lust under subjection, Romans 12:12; 1 Corinthians 9:27; Colossians 3:1-10.}

^{3) "And they shall walk with me in white," (kai peripatesousin met’ emou en leukois) "And they shall walk with me in white," a symbol of fellowship, purity, and victory, Revelation 7:9; Revelation 19:8; Revelation 19:14. For how shall they walk together (in fellowship, bridal affinity) except they be agreed? or in harmony? Amos 3:3; Ephesians 5:14-17.}

^{4) "For they are worthy," (hoti aksioi eisin) "Because they are (exist as) worthy ones;” on the merit of their acceptance of the blood of the Lamb and their persevering faith and obedience under conflict, Galatians 6:14; Luke 21:36; Matthew 25:21; Revelation 6:11; Revelation 22:12.}

^{Note: To each of the churches there is: 1) a commendation of the good in them, 2) a diagnosis of the weaknesses, or errors, or sins, 3) a remedy, solution, or procedure prescribed for correcting the wrong, and 4) a blessing pronounced on the individual who overcame, lived obediently in spite of what the church did, 1 Corinthians 3:8.}

Verse 5

^{1) "He that overcometh," (ho nikon) "The one conquering," or overcoming, overcoming the world, the flesh, and the devil, Matthew 7:21; Romans 12:1-2; Revelation 12:11.}

^{2) "The same shall be clothed in white raiment," (houtos peribaleitai en himatiois leukois) "He shall be clothed thus (like this) in white garments," the conqueror’s robe of glittering, dazzling white, of brightness, symbolizing moral purity and honor in triumph for a noble cause, Ecclesiastes 9:8; Revelation 19:8.}

^{3) "And I will not blot out his name," (kai ou me eksaleipso to onoma autou) "And I will not by any means, under any circumstances blot out his name," remove his name, or identity or existence.}

^{4) "Out of the book of life," (ek tes biblou tes zoes) "Out of the scroll of life," of those living; He shall not be chastened to the point of death at all, so that his name will be removed from among the living citizens of the earth, 1 Corinthians 11:30-32; Hebrews 12:9.}

^{5) "But I will confess his name," (kai homologeso to onoma autou) "And I will confess (acknowledge) his name," vouch for his reputation, character, and conduct. I will stand up as a witness on his belief, when his name is called, Matthew 10:32-33.}

^{6) “Before my Father," (enopion tou patros mou) "in the face-presence of my Father;” before the throne at the judgment seat of the believer, Matthew 12:32; Revelation 22:11.}

^{7) "And before his angels," (kai enopion ton angelon autou) "And in the (very) presence of his angels," with ministering angelic servants looking on, Luke 12:8; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11; Luke 15:10.}

Verse 6

^{1) "He that hath an ear, let him hear," (ho echon ous akousato) "The one (anyone) who has an ear, let him hear," give heed or attention to; Proverbs 1:23; "turn at his reproof," Matthew 11:15; Matthew 13:9; Revelation 2:7. Anyone and everyone who has ability is required of God to give account for his own decisions and actions of life in spiritual matters, John 3:16; John 3:18; Romans 14:11-12.}

^{2) "What the Spirit saith unto the churches," (ti to pneuma legei tois ekklesias) "What the Spirit says to the churches, congregations, or assemblies;" The spirit of God speaks to individuals thru the Word, the church, and nature; and he speaks in a special way thru the churches, to whom the book of Revelation is addressed, Proverbs 1:23; John 16:8; John 16:13-15; Ephesians 3:21; Revelation 1:10-11; Revelation 22:16-17.}

^{Let it be clearly understood that the book of Revelation is a church letter, relative to all churches of Jesus Christ, and to each member of each church; No book of the Bible is more important than this one, in this generation.}

^{THE MESSAGE TO PHILADELPHIA}

Verse 7

^{1) "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write," (kai to angelo tes en Philadelphia ekklesias grapson) "And to the messenger (pastor) of the church (congregation) in Philadelphia, write;” a city of Lydia, on the banks of the Cogamus River, about 28 miles from Sardis. The term Philadelphia means "brotherly love."}

^{2) "These things saith he that is holy," (tade legei ho hagios) "These things says (or speaks) the Holy one," the one hating sin, Leviticus 20:26; Psalms 22:3; Luke 1:35; Acts 3:14.}

^{3) "He that is true, he that hath the key of David," (ho alethinos ho echonten klein David) "The true one, the one having (or holding) the key of David; the term true means one "genuine," not false, not an impostor, John 14:6; Luke 1:32; Revelation 19:11; Isaiah 22:22. The term "key" denotes administrative rights over a possession.}

^{4) “He that openeth, and no man shutteth,”(hoanoigon kai oudeis kleisei) "The one opening and no one shall shut," or close, Isaiah 22:22. Christ alone has the administrative rights in his kingdom work or to close out from it. Matthew 7:21-23.}

^{5) "And shutteth, and no man openeth," (kai kleion kai oudeis anoigei) "And the one shutting and no one ,opening," Matthew 25:10 indicates some shall knock and cry for entrance into the marriage of the Lamb, but the door will have already been shut, Matthew 25:11-13.}

Verse 8

^{1) "I know thy works," (oida sou ta erga) "I know or perceive the works of you," as a church or congregation. The Lord in the shadows always observes the work of his churches, Revelation 2:9.}

^{2) "Behold I have set before thee an open door," (idou dedoka enopion sou thuran eneogmene) "Behold, I have opened a door before you all;” set forth an opportunity, a challenge to service, to Christian testimony. Blessed are those who recognize and enter open doors of opportunity and service, 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:3.}

^{3) "And no man can shut it,"(hen oudeis dunatai kleisai auten) "Which no one is able to shut," or not anyone is able to shut it, Isaiah 22:22.}

^{4) "For thou hast a little strength," (hoti mikran echeis dunamin) "Because thou hast a little dynamics," enabling power, which by exercise may be increased, 2 Corinthians 12:9.}

^{5) "And hast kept my Word," (kai eteresas mou ton logon) "and you (as a church) did keep or guard my Word; Judges 1:3. They had kept in mind and obeyed his Word; kept the faith, the system or body of truth, even as Paul 2 Timothy 4:7.}

^{6) "And hast not denied my name," (kai ouk erneso to onoma mou) "And you did not deny my name;” whatever one does as a follower of Jesus, in word, or deed, must, be done in his name, Colossians 3:17. They had not denied his name, even in times of trial, as Peter had once done, Matthew 26:72; Matthew 26:74; Matthew 10:32-33; John 14:21.}

Verse 9

^{1) "Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan," (idou dido ek tes sunagoges tou satana) "Behold I will give of my own accord (some) out of the synagogue of Satan," to the assembly of Satan, those who bow down to do obedient service to Satan, to honor the Devil, the old Slanderer, to persecute the church, Revelation 12:9; Revelation 20:10. Satan still has chapels and churches today, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.}

^{2) "Which say they are Jews, and are not,” (ton legonton heautous loudaious einai kai ouk eisin) "Who claim themselves to be Jews and are not;” Faith in Christ, not the nationality of Abraham, constituted a true Jew; This is John’s affirmation, even as it was of Paul, Romans 2:28-29.}

^{3) "But do lie," (alla pseudontai) "But they lie about it; Because they were unsaved, of their Father, the Devil, John 8:44; Revelation 2:9.}

^{4) "Behold I will make them," (idou poieso autous) "Behold I will make them," influence or cause them, by reason of their deceit and rebellion, Romans 14:11-12; Philippians 2:10-11; Isaiah 49:23.}

^{5) "To come and worship before thy feet," (hina heksousin kai proskunesousin enopion ton opodon sou) "In order that they shall come and worship before your feet." the feet of the church; this is apparently an allusion to the Millennial age when the twelve apostles shall sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel, Luke 22:28-30.}

^{6) "And to know that I have loved thee," (kai gnosin hoti ego egapesa) "And they shall know (recognize) that I love you all," as a church, the church in Philadelphia, John 13:34-35. We love him "because he first (in priority) loved us," John 3:16, 1 John 4:10-11; 1 John 4:19.}

Verse 10

^{1) "Because thou hast kept the word of patience," (hoti eteresas ton logon tes hupomones) "Because you all have kept or guarded the word of my endurance," to which he called them; His word exhorts to patience, Luke 21:19; to get hold or patience: run, and wait in patience is godly, James 1:3; James 1:12; Hebrews 10:36; 2 Peter 1:6.}

^{2) "I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation," (kago se terseo ek tes horas tou peirasmou) "I will also keep or guard you out of the hour of trial or testing," from the evil or cruel results of the time of temptation. For deliverance from the particular hour of temptation our Lord desires that his children and his church pray, Matthew 6:13; Luke 22:31-32; Matthew 26:41; 2 Peter 2:9; Proverbs 2:8; 1 Corinthians 10:13.}

^{3) "Which shall come upon all the world," (tes mellouses erchesthoi epi tes oikoumenes holes) "Which is about to come upon all the inhabited earth," This appears to allude or refer to the period of trial and deception over all the world under the appearance of the antichrist, preceding our Lord’s return in the air, before the antichrist is made manifest, for who he is, in character, Daniel 9:26-27; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-13. Note 2 Thessalonians 2:13, that the church ye" is chosen to salvation (deliverance) from that hour thru sanctification of the spirit and belief of the truth, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.}

^{4) "To try them that dwell upon the earth," (peirasai tous katoikountas epi tes ges) "To try those dwelling upon the earth;” to make manifest their principles, character, and relation to God; This seems to refer to the testing (terrible evil judgments) that are to fall upon and over all the earth for a 42 month period, following our Lord’s coming in the air, for the resurrection of righteous and to catch away his bride, his church, and to pour out his wrath upon those remaining on the earth; John 5:43. Under the revealed antichrist, who requires self worship, as Nebuchadnezzar did, Daniel 3:1-18; Daniel 9:26-27; Daniel 7:21-28.}

Verse 11

^{1) "Behold, I come quickly," (erchomai tachu) "I am coming (of my own choice) quickly," at an unexpectant moment, to require an accounting, Acts 1:6-7; Revelation 22:7; Revelation 22:12; Revelation 22:20; The "quickly" term is used to emphasize the need of ones having his "ledger of life" in balance for a moment of immediate auditing or accounting to God, Matthew 24:44.}

^{2) "Hold that fast which thou hast," (kratei ho echeis) "Hold or guard (cautiously) what you (now) have or hold;" hold faithfully, with trustworthiness, or fidelity your calling to service, your position of stewardship, of accountable trust from the Lord, Mark 13:31-37; 1 Corinthians 4:2; prize highly your calling of God, and the talent-strength you have use well, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Hebrews 12:1-3; Revelation 2:25.}

^{3) "That no man take thy crown," (hina medeis labe ton stephanon soul "in order that no one takes your crown," or glory, that none snatch it away, divert your service to keep you from receiving it, that you be not as one "saved as if by fire;" The crown refers to rewards offered to children of God for true, faithful service, 2 John 1:8; 1 Corinthians 3:8; 1 Corinthians 3:14-15; 1 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; Revelation 2:10; Revelation 22:12.}

Verse 12

^{1) "Him that overcometh," (ho nikon) "The one who overcomes," by faith in Jesus Christ, and by following the system of his teachings in Christian service, is assured of 1) eternal redemption and 2) an honorable position in the New Jerusalem abode of the church in glory, 1 John 5:4; Revelation 2:17.}

^{2)"Will I make a pillar in the temple of my God," (poieso auton stulon ento nao tou theou mou) "I will make him (to be) a pillar (a support) Galatians 2:9 in the temple(shrine) of my God," the church; assurance of an official position in eternal glory in the church, as used Luke 22:28-30; Galatians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:15; Revelation 21:14.}

^{3) "And he shall go no more out," (kai ekso ou me ekseltheeti)"And he will no longer go out or go forth,” by any means, from which city no friends goes out or departs and no enemy enters - what a home! What a dwelling place! 1 Corinthians 3:9; Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Thessalonians 4:17.}

^{4) "And I will write upon him the name of my God," (kai grapso ep’ auton to onoma tou theou mou) “And I will inscribe on him the name of my God;” establishing his royal identity to whom he belongs, for "ye belong to Christ," Mark 9:41; 1 Corinthians 6:20.}

^{5) "And the name of the city of my God," (kai to onoma tes poleos tou theou mou) "And (on him) the name of the city of my God;” that eternal abode or dwelling place.}

^{6) "Which is new Jerusalem," (tes Kaines lerousalem) "The new Jerusalem;" the bride, the Lamb’s wife, the church, which is to have a central place in the new earth, Revelation 21:2; Revelation 21:10; Revelation 22:3-4; Hebrews 12:22.}

^{7) "Which cometh down out of heaven from my God;" (he katabainousa ek tou ouranou apo tou theou mou) "Which is descending (to descend) out of the heaven from my God," Revelation 21:2-3; Galatians 4:26.}

^{8) "And I will write upon him my new name," (kaito onoma mou to Kainon) "And my new name (I will write upon him)" identify as my own, Isaiah 62:2.}

Verse 13

^{1) "He that hath an ear, let him hear," (ho echon ous akousato) "The one having an ear (to hear) capable of hearing, let him hear," give attention, give heed to, or obey. This indicates personal accountability to God, to every man, no matter what others do, Revelation 3:22; Luke 14:35.}

^{2) "What the spirit saith unto the churches," (ti to pneuma legei tais ekklesiais) "What the Spirit says to the churches;” one that is clearly, factually stated, again and again to the churches, is that the Holy Spirit speaks to them, as surely as he empowers them. This he does in a special way and manner that he does not instruct and empower those without the churches, Revelation 3:6; Revelation 3:22; Revelation 22:16-17. It is clear in the scriptures that the Holy Spirit speaks to (addresses) both the unsaved and the saved thru the church, in this age Proverbs 1:22-30; 2 Corinthians 6:2; Hebrews 3:7; John 16:7-11; John 16:13.}

Verse 14

^{THE MESSAGE TO THE LAODICEANS}

^{1) "And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write," (kai to angelo tes en Laodikeia ekklesias grapson) "And to the messenger (or pastor) of the church in Laodicea write" a church had been in Laodicea at least from about 60 A.D. Colossians 4:1.}

^{2) "These things saith the Amen," (tade legei ho amen) "These things says the Amen," the "true one", Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, or the Ruler of Kings of the earth, Revelation 1:5. This true one guarantees the truth of all his statements and fulfillment of all his promises, 2 Corinthians 1:20.}

^{3) "The faithful and true witness," (ho martue hopistos kai alethinos) "The witness (who is) faithful and true;” who never exaggerates or suppresses truth and his veracity of trustworthiness extend not only to the contents of his testimony but also to his moral character, Revelation 3:20-21.}

^{4) "The beginning of the creation of God," (he archetes ktiseos tou theou) "The chief or the architect of the creation of God," or the architect of the trinity of the Godhead in creation said these things contained in this Laodiciean Letter, John 1:1-3; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Colossians 1:16-17.}

Verse 15

^{1) "I know thy works," (oida sou ta erga) "I know or recognize thy works," as a church. He who walks in the midst of the church does so because he cares for their well being, even today, Revelation 1:13; Matthew 28:20; 1 Corinthians 3:9.}

^{2) "That thou art neither cold nor hot," (hoti oute psuchros ei oute zestos) "That neither cold nor hot art thou," or neither is your state or condition hot or cold. Cold means "without active life," while hot indicates abounding, vital energy, expressed in the church. The church at Laodicea was neither. She had life, but it was in hibernation, inactive, unproductive asleep, had become almost totally barren. She had lost her zeal (fervency) she once had while the frost of indifference had fallen upon her Ephesians 5:14.}

^{3) "I would thou wert cold or hot," (ophelon psuchros hes e zestos) "I would wish thou wast cold or hot;" not merely in a daze, meandering about, spiritually unstable, but holding a positive defined position; Israel had become this way in Elijah’s day when he challenged "If the Lord be God, follow him; but if Baal follow him. And the people answered him not a word," 1 Kings 18:21; See our Lord’s direct challenge regarding this "neither nor" attitude of indifference, cowardice, or compromise, Matthew 6:24; Matthew 12:30.}

Verse 16

^{1) "So then because thou art lukewarm" (houtos hoti chilaros ei) "So because thou art lukewarm," satisfied with carelessness, indifference, existing in a nonproductive state, barren and unfruitful, Titus 3:14; 2 Peter 1:8-9.}

^{2) "And neither cold nor hot," (kai oute zestos oute psuchros) "And (exist) neither hot nor cold," neither without spiritual life (the indwelling of the Holy Spirit), cold or dead, nor hot, zealous on fire for God as they should be, Titus 2:14; 2 Corinthians 9:2.}

^{3) "I will spue thee out of my mouth," (mello se emesai ek tou stomatos mou) "I am about to vomit or regurgitate you (as a church) out of my mouth," about to revoke your ambassadorship, your witnessing power or dynamics, as a church of mine, withdraw my commission or invalidate your administrative right as a testator, because your indifference and carelessness disgusts me, the Lord warns. God can be provoked to jealousy and anger against his church, as he often was against Israel, Deuteronomy 32:15; Deuteronomy 32:21; Isaiah 17:10-11; Psalms 78:40-42. May these warnings keep us from carelessness in his churches as the Day of our Lord’s coming draws nigh, Hebrews 10:36-37.}

Verse 17

^{1) "Because thou sayest,"(hoti legeis) "Because thou sayest," make the claim, in boastful carnal pride, with a self-satisfied air, Galatians 6:14.}

^{2) "I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing," (plousios eimi kai peplouteka kai ouden chreian echo) I have become and am rich, of my own strength or accord, and I have or hold not a single need; They forgot to recognize that it was God who gave them "the power to get wealth," Deuteronomy 8:18; 1 Timothy 6:10.}

^{3) "And thou knowest not," (kai ouk oidas) "And thou dost not (even) perceive, realize, or recognize;" are blind or astigmatized to their spiritual plight before God; they knew not as they should have known, Ephesians 5:14-18.}

^{4) "That thou art," (hoti su ei ho) "That thou art the (one)," the congregation that is spiritually impotent powerless, without influence, John 5:13-16.}

^{a) "wretched," (talaiporos) "wretched," in a wretched state, Romans 7:24.}

^{b) "and miserable," (kai eleeinos) "And pitiable," an object of or to be pitied, needing pity, as a cripple, an invalid, Acts 3:2.}

^{c) "and poor," (kai ptochos) "And poor or impoverished in spiritual things and spiritual power, like Jonah under the gourd Jonah 4:4-11.}

^{d) "And blind," (kai tuphlos) "and blind," and if the blind lead the blind;” note their fall, Matthew 15:14.}

^{e) "And naked," (kai gumnos) "And naked," unclothed in a spiritual sense, lacking spiritual comfort, food, and clothing, Colossians 3:12-14.}

Verse 18

^{1) "I counsel thee," (sumbouleuosoi) "I counsel you, as a church," or congregation. The Son of God gives only good counsel or advice to erring churches, Acts 20:27.}

^{2) "To buy of me gold tried in the fire," (agorasai par’ emou chrusion pepiromenon ek puros) "To buy from me gold that has (already) been refined out of the fire," pure, true gold; this is an ironical reminder of their spiritual poverty, - to buy "from me" reminds them of their trust in themselves, though they were lacking in character, Proverbs 8:18; Proverbs 3:13-17; 1 Peter 1:3.}

^{3) "That thou mayest be rich," (hina plouteses) "In order that thou mayest be or exist as rich," truly rich, not having or holding a need. True wealth consists in what one is, as heir-and-joint heir with Christ; every true church laborer is rich, 1 Corinthians 2:9; Romans 8:17; Matthew 6:19-20.}

^{4) "And white raiment that thou mayest be clothed," (kai himatia leuka hina peribale) "And (buy of me) white garments in order that thou mayest be (appear) clothed; in moral purity virtue uprightness, as if the master might come at any hour, Philippians 3:9; 1 Peter 5:5.}

^{5) "And that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear," (kai me phanerothe he aischune tes gumnotetos sou) -And in order that the shame of your nakedness may not be manifested;" 2 Corinthians 5:3; Revelation 16:15.}

^{6) "And anoint thine eyes with eyesalve," (kai kollurion egchrisai tous ophthalmos sou) "And I counsel thee to buy eye salve to anoint your eyes;” the Divine remedy for sore-eyed visions, Proverbs 29:18.}

^{7) "That thou mayest see," (hina blepes) "in order that you may see," have a vision or visions, have spiritual sight or discernment. Behold the white, ripe fields, John 4:35-39.}

Verse 19

^{1) "As many as I love," (ego hosous ean philo) "As many as I love," in a filial or brotherly manner; and in church capacity, Ephesians 5:25.}

^{a) "I rebuke," (elegchon) "I rebuke;- This is the first and only one of the seven churches that he did not commend for anything, but struck with direct and immediate shocking threats as if to awake an overgrown lazy slumbering child, 1 Timothy 5:20; Titus 1:13; Titus 2:15.}

^{b) "And chasten," (kai paideuo) "And I chasten" or discipline as a child is disciplined by a loving mother or father, for their good always, Hebrews 12:6-8.}

^{2) "Be zealous therefore," (zeleue oun) "Be hot therefore," or be fervent, Titus 2:14; Galatians 4:18.}

^{3) "And repent," (kai metanoeson) "And turn or repent," as a church or congregation. This is a call to confession because of church sins tolerated or embraced by the church in Laodicea, especially sins of complacency, indifference, slothfulness, etc., 2 Corinthians 7:10; Acts 17:30; Luke 13:5.}

Verse 20

^{1) "Behold I stand at the door and knock," (idou hesteka epi ten thuran kai krouo) "Behold I stand and knock upon the door;” The latchstring is on the inside, to be raised voluntarily and responsively by the one inside the church, it is a lover standing wanting to enter, Song of Solomon 5:2-6; Romans 2:4-9.}

^{2) "If any man hear my voice," (ean tis akoue tes phones mou) "if (or when) anyone hears, heeds, or obeys my voice;” He not only knocks but also speaks; one may hear unless he is wilfully deaf, turns wilfully away, John 7:17; Romans 10:17; Ephesians 5:14.}

^{3) "And open the door," (kai anoikse ten thuran) "And if (or when) anyone opens the door;” welcomes the knocking guest to fellowship, commune, and walk with him, even as an individual, Luke 19:5-6; John 10:27.}

^{4) "I will come in to him," (eiseleusomai pros auton) "I will enter or approach him," of my own will or accord; this promise is from the condescending Savior, Joh 14;23.}

^{5) "And will sup with him," (kai deipneso met’ autou) "And I will dine with him," have Divine company, fellowship with him, in harmony, agreement, Revelation 19:7-9; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Amos 3:3.}

^{6) "And he with me," (kai autos met’ emou) "And he will dine with me," have companionship, company, or fellowship in close association with me. He furnishes the meal, Himself the Bread of heaven and water of life, John 6:35; John 6:51; Malachi 3:16-18.}

Verse 21

^{1) "To him that overcometh," (ho nikon) "The one conquering or overcoming," to the individual overcoming, even in a sinful church or congregation; Romans 14:11-12; Romans 12:21; 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:4; James 4:7-8; the beggar on earth, yet in the Lord will live in royalty as a king in glory, 2 Corinthians 8:9; Revelation 5:9-10.}

^{2) "Will I grant to sit with me in my throne," (doso auto kathisai met’ emou in to throno mou) "I will give or assign to him to sit with me in my throne;” throne-positions of reigning with Christ are contingent upon personal obedience and service to Jesus Christ in and thru the church, no matter what others do, 1 Corinthians 3:8; 1 Corinthians 13-15; 1 Corinthians 15:24-25; Ephesians 3:21.}

^{3) "Even as I also-overcame," (hos kago enikesa ) "Just as I overcame;” I who was dead and am alive forevermore, Revelation 1:18; He overcame his foes and ours, the last enemy, death; He is our pattern, here and hereafter, Matthew 26:64; Romans 8:11.}

^{4) "And am set down with my Father in his throne," (kai ekathisa meta tou patros mou en to throno autou) "And sat (down) with my Father in his throne;” Christ now sits with His father in heaven on his Father’s throne, but Christ will also one day sit upon another Throne, in Jerusalem, on earth, to fulfill definitively the following prophecies, Luke 1:32-33; Matthew 19:28; Acts 2:30; Acts 2:34-35; Acts 15:14-16; 1 Corinthians 15:24-25.}

Verse 22

^{1) "He that hath an ear," (ho echon ous) "the one (anyone) having an ear;” anyone capable of comprehension, accountable is called to give respectful attention to the voice of Jesus Christ, in salvation and service, Matthew 11:28-30; Isaiah 55:6-7; Acts 3:23; Romans 10:17.}

^{2) "Let him hear," (akousato) "Let him hear," give heed or attention to, let him obey, Isaiah 55:3; Luke 14:35; Luke 16:29.}

^{3) "What the spirit saith unto the churches," (ti to pneuma legei tois ekklesiais) "What the spirit says to the churches," congregations, or assemblies. Revelation 1:1 to Revelation 3:22 of this book are specifically addressed to and concerning first and in priority the seven churches of Asia and concerning "the churches" of Christ (the sum total of them) in that and succeeding ages, as each of the seven letters appeals to individuals to give heed to, obey, or respect what the spirit says to the churches; actually the entire book of Revelation is to be considered as a church letter, addressed both at the opening and conclusion to the churches, Revelation 1:4; Revelation 2:7; Revelation 22:16.}