Revelation 3:7 ESV

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 3:7

(7) Philadelphia.—The town of Philadelphia derived its name from Attalus Philadelphus, the king of Pergamos, who died B.C. 138. It was situated on the slopes of Mount Tmolus, in the midst of a district the soil of which was favourable to the cultivation of the vine. On the coins of the town are to be found the head of Bacchus. The town was built on high ground—upwards of 900 feet above the sea-level. The whole region, however, was volcanic, and few cities suffered more from earthquakes; the... 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

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Revelation 3:7

3:7 {6} 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 {e} key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;(6) The sixth passage is to the pastors of Philadelphia. The introduction is taken from Revelation 1:18 .(e) All power of rule in commanding and forbidding, in delivering and punishing. The house of David is the Church, and the continual promise of David’s kingdom belongs to... 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 3:7-13

(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;... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Revelation 3:7-13

To the Angel of the church of Philadelphia. There were several towns of this name; here is understood that which was near Sardis, in Lydia. Here is no more than an admonition to persevere, to hold that which thou hast. Christ takes the title of the Holy One, and True One, who hath the key of David; i.e. being the son of David, and the promised Messias, hath the supreme power in the Church: who opens the gate of salvation, and no one shuts it against his elect. (Witham) --- By the key in this... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Revelation 3:7-13

7-13 The same Lord Jesus has the key of government and authority in and over the church. He opens a door of opportunity to his churches; he opens a door of utterance to his ministers; he opens a door of entrance, opens the heart. He shuts the door of heaven against the foolish, who sleep away their day of grace; and against the workers of iniquity, how vain and confident soever they may be. The church in Philadelphia is commended; yet with a gentle reproof. Although Christ accepts a little... read more