Revelation 3:3-16 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 3:14-22

The words of Christ to the Church at Laodicea. "And unto the angel of the Church of the Laodiceans," etc. "Laodicea is in the south-west of Phrygia, on the river Lycus, not far from Colossae, lying between it and Philadelphia, destroyed by an earthquake A.D. 62, rebuilt by its wealthy citizens without the help of the state. This wealth (arising from the excellence of its wools) led to a self-satisfied, lukewarm state in spiritual things. In Colossians 4:16 it is mentioned. The Church in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 3:15

I know thy works; and because they are not what they should be ( Revelation 3:16 , Revelation 3:17 ), I give thee this admonition, which is nevertheless a warning and a token of my love ( Revelation 3:19 ). That thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. The lukewarmness of which the Epistle complains was produced by a fallacious sense of security, begotten of ease and prosperity. In truth those "secure," without care, had become the careless ones. Active opposition... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 3:16

So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. The distaste and nausea produced by lukewarm food, which the stomach naturally rejects with loathing, are used as a figure in which to express the abhorrence of Christ for those who lacked zeal in his service (cf. Le 18:28 and 20:22, "That the land spue not you out also"). But the sentence is not irrevocable; there is still hope of averting it: ΄έλλω σε ἐμέσαι , "I am about to spue thee," i.e. ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Revelation 3:3

Remember therefore how thou hast received - This may refer either to some uniqueness in the manner in which the gospel was conveyed to them - as, By the labors of the apostles, and by the remarkable effusions of the Holy Spirit; or to the ardor and love with which they embraced it; or to the greatness of the favors and privileges conferred on them; or to their own understanding of what the gospel required, when they were converted. It is not possible to determined in which sense the language is... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Revelation 3:4

Thou hast a few names even in Sardis - See the analysis of the chapter. The word “names” here is equivalent to “persons”; and the idea is, that even in a place so depraved, and where religion had so much declined, there were a few persons who had kept themselves free from the general contamination. In most cases, when error and sin prevail, there may be found a few who are worthy of the divine commendation; a few who show that true religion may exist even when the mass are evil. Compare the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Revelation 3:5

He that overcometh - See the notes on Revelation 2:7.The same shall be clothed in white raiment - Whosoever he may be that shall overcome sin and the temptations of this world, shall be admitted to this glorious reward. The promise is made not only to those in Sardis who should be victorious, but to all in every age and every land. The hope that is thus held out before us, is that of appearing with the Redeemer in his kingdom, clad in robes expressive of holiness and joy.And I will not blot out... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Revelation 3:6

He that hath an ear ... - See the notes on Revelation 2:7.The Epistle to the Church in PhiladelphiaThis epistle Revelation 3:7-13 comprises the following subjects:The usual address to the angel of the church, Revelation 3:7. (2)The reference to some attribute or characteristic of the speaker, Revelation 3:7. He here addresses the church as one who is holy and true; as he who has the key of David, and who can shut and no one can open, and open and no one can shut. The representation is that of... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Revelation 3:7

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia - See the notes on Revelation 1:20.These things saith he that is holy - This refers undoubtedly to the Lord Jesus. The appellation holy, or the holy one, is one that befits him, and is not infrequently given to him in the New Testament, Luke 1:35; Acts 2:27; Acts 3:14. It is not only an appellation appropriate to the Saviour, but well adapted to be employed when he is addressing the churches. Our impression of what is said to us will often depend... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Revelation 3:8

I know thy works - See the notes on Revelation 2:2.Behold, I have set before thee an open door - Referring to his authority as stated in Revelation 3:7. The “open door” here evidently refers to the enjoyment of some privilege or honor; and, so far as the language is concerned, it may refer to any one of the following things - either:(1)The ability to do good - represented as the “opening of the door.” Compare Acts 14:27; 1Co 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:3.(2)The privilege of access to... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Revelation 3:9

Behold, I will make - Greek, “I give” - δίδωμι didōmi; that is, I will arrange matters so that this shall occur. The word implies that he had power to do this, and consequently proves that he has power over the heart of man, and Call secure such a result as he chooses.Them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews - Who profess to be Jews, but are really of the synagogue of Satan. See the notes on Revelation 2:9. The meaning is, that, though they were of Jewish extraction, and... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 3:14-22

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 3:15

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 3:16

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Revelation 3:3

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Revelation 3:4

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Revelation 3:5

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Revelation 3:6

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Revelation 3:7

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Revelation 3:8

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Revelation 3:9

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