Revelation 3:3 NIV

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Revelation 3:1-22

The Epistles to the Seven Churches (concluded)1-6. To the Church in Sardis Christ speaks as He who gives the spirit and looks for spiritual life. There is no praise for this Church. Its life is without spiritual reality (Revelation 3:1). Yet, even now, awakening is within its power. But if it continue to sleep, Christ will come in sudden judgment (Revelation 3:2.). A few individuals have remained faithful. To them, and to all such, Christ promises gladness and life, and that He will acknowledge... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Revelation 3:3

(3) Remember therefore how (or, after what sort) thou hast received and heard (or, didst hear—the tense changes).—Remembering that the words are addressed primarily to the angel himself, the change of tense may have been designed to point him back to some particular period of his life, such as the time when he was set apart to his ministerial work. The further expectation is to hold fast, or keep—i.e., as an abiding habit. It has been noticed that this counsel is identical with that given to... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Revelation 3:1-22

Seven Revelation 3:1 I think, of all fearful passages in Holy Scripture, the Epistles to the Churches of Sardis and Laodicea are the most fearful. Sardis was looked on as a model Church, no doubt prided herself and was envied by others, for her spiritual endowments, gift of tongues and the like. Imagine then, how like a thunderbolt it must have fallen upon them, when they came together on the Sunday that followed the receipt of this epistle, and the Bishop read the words of Him that cannot be... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Revelation 3:1-22

CHAPTER 3 Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea 1. Sardis: The reformation period (Revelation 3:1-6 ) 2. Philadelphia: The faithful remnant (Revelation 3:7-13 ) 3. Laodicea: The indifferent and apostate Church (Revelation 3:14-22 ) Revelation 3:1-6 . We have traced briefly the decline during the 1450-1500 years of Church history. The climax is reached in Thyatira, prophetically the Roman abomination and apostasy. In Sardis we see the progress of evil stayed. Roman Catholicism, as already... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Revelation 3:1-22

The Assembly at Sardis (vv. 1-6) The message to the assembly at Sardis has a very different character, for instead of being a development from Thyatira, it is rather a revulsion from it. Sardis means "a remnant" and represents the Protestant movement that began with the reformation of Luther's time. Of course, the power and grace of God was behind that reformation and the truth of justification by faith was thankfully recovered. But rather than going back to the first truths of Christianity,... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Revelation 3:1-22

THE SEVEN CHURCHES This section might also be entitled “The things which are.” No agreement exists as to the application of “angel” in the address to each of these churches, but as the word means “messenger,” it may refer to those sent by the churches to interview the apostle at Patmos (see Philippians 4:18 ). Of course, the seven churches existed at this time in Asia, and yet the epistles have not only a local application to them, but apply representatively to the whole church everywhere at... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Revelation 3:1-6

(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, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. (2) Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. (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... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Revelation 3:1-6

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... read more

Frank Binford Hole

F. B. Hole's Old and New Testament Commentary - Revelation 3:1-99

Revelation 3 To SARDIS THE LORD presented Himself as the One who not only had the seven stars, as before mentioned, but also the seven Spirits of God. This is a fresh feature. In Rev_1:4 they were said to be “before His throne,” but now we learn they are in the possession of Christ. The fulness of spiritual power for the government of the earth, according to Isa_11:2 , is His. And not only power but vitality also; which was much to the point in dealing with this church which was dead, in spite... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - Revelation 3:1-6

Pastoral Letters to the Congregations at Sardis, at Philadelphia, and at Laodicea. The letter to the congregation at Sardis: v. 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, that thou hast a name that thou livest and art dead. v. 2. Be watchful and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die; for I have not found thy works perfect before God. v. 3. Remember, therefore,... read more