Revelation 3:7-10 NIV

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

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Revelation 3:8

=============================== [BIBLIOGRAPHY] Virtutem, Greek: dunamin, strength. 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

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 3:7-13

The letter to the congregation at Philadelphia: v. 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: v. 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. v. 9. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of... read more

Johann Peter Lange

Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Critical, Doctrinal and Homiletical - Revelation 3:1-22

SPECIAL DOCTRINO-ETHICAL AND HOMILETICAL NOTES (ADDENDUM)Section ThirdEarth-picture of the Seven Churches. The Seven Epistles (Chs. 2, 3)General.—The seven Churches as real portraits and at the same time as typical pictures of the whole Church, as regards (1) local extension and (2) chronological development.—The seven Churches as the centre of the seven loosed Seals or unveiled worldly history; as the occasion for the seven penitential Trumpets for the world in the Church and the Church in the... read more

Alexander MacLaren

Alexander MacLaren's Expositions of Holy Scripture - Revelation 3:10

Revelation KEEPING AND KEPT Rev_3:10 . There are only two of the seven churches which receive no censure or rebuke from Jesus Christ; and of these two - viz., the churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia - the former receives but little praise though much sympathy. This church at Philadelphia stands alone in the abundance and unalloyed character of the eulogium which Christ passes upon it. He doles out His praise with a liberal hand, and nothing delights Him more than when He can commend even... read more