Revelation 3:14-22

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Revelation 3:14-22

We now come to the last and worst of all the seven Asian churches, the reverse of the church of Philadelphia; for, as there was nothing reproved in that, here is nothing commended in this, and yet this was one of the seven golden candlesticks, for a corrupt church may still be a church. Here we have, as before, I. The inscription, to whom, and from whom. 1. To whom: To the angel of the church of Laodicea. This was a once famous city near the river Lycus, had a wall of vast compass, and three... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Revelation 3:14-22

3:14-22 And to the angel of the Church in Laodicea, write: These things says the Amen, the witness on whom you can rely and who is true, the moving cause of the creation of God. I know your works; I know that you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot! So, because you are tepid and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of my mouth. Because you say, I am rich and I have acquired riches, and I need nothing, and are quite unaware that it is you who are the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 3:14

And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write ,.... Of the city of Laodicea; see Gill on Revelation 1:11 ; there was a church here in the times of the Apostle Paul; by whom it was founded is not known; mention is made of it in Colossians 2:1 , who was now the angel, or pastor of it, whether Epaphras, who is there named, or another, is not certain. According to the Apostolical Constitutions F20 L. 7. c. 46. , Archippus was ordained bishop of it by the apostles; see ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 3:15

I know thy works ,.... Which were far from being perfect, and not so good as those of the former church: that thou art neither cold nor hot ; she was not "cold", or without spiritual life, at least in many of her members, as all men by nature are, and carnal professors be; she was alive, but not lively: nor was she wholly without spiritual affections and love; to God, and Christ, to his people, ways, truths, and ordinances; she had love, but the fervency of it was abated: nor was she... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 3:16

So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot ,.... A lukewarm professor is one that serves God and mammon; that halts between two opinions, and knows not what religion is best, and cares little for any, yet keeps in a round of duty, though indifferent to it, and contents himself with it; and is un concerned about the life and power of godliness, and takes up with the external form of it; and has no thought about the glory of God, the interest of Christ and truth; and this was... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 3:17

Because thou sayest, I am rich ,.... In worldly goods, which occasioned her lukewarmness, as riches often do, and her vanity, pride, and arrogance, afterwards expressed. Laodicea was a very rich city, and so will be this church state, through the accession of kings and princes, and great men of the earth unto it, in the former period: riches seldom do any good to the churches of Christ, they did not in Constantine's time; and it seems that even at the close of the spiritual reign of Christ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 3:18

I counsel thee ,.... Christ is a Counsellor, and is every way fit to be one, for he is the all wise God, the Ancient of days, and the Father of his people, and, as Mediator, the Wisdom of God; and he was concerned in the council of peace from everlasting; and when he was here on earth he gave counsel in person, and now he gives it by his Spirit, and by his word and ministers; and the substance of it is, to come to him for grace, life, and salvation; for pardon, peace, and righteousness; for... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 3:19

As many as I love I rebuke and chasten ,.... The persons the objects of Christ's love here intended are not angels, but the sons of men; and these not all of them, yet many of them, even all who are his own by his Father's gift and his own purchase; and who are called his church, and sometimes represented as such who love him and obey his commands: the instances of his love to them are many; as his suretyship engagements for them, his assumption of their nature, dying in their room and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 3:20

Behold, I stand at the door and knock ,.... The phrase of standing at the door may be expressive of the near approach, or sudden coming of Christ to judgment, see James 5:9 ; and his knocking may signify the notice that will be given of it, by some of the immediate forerunners and signs of his coming; which yet will be observed but by a few, such a general sleepiness will have seized all professors of religion; and particularly may intend the midnight cry, which will, in its issue, rouse... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Revelation 3:21

To him that overcometh ,.... The lukewarmness, and self-confidence, and security of this state: will I grant to sit with me in my throne ; at the close of this church state, which will be the last of this kind, consisting of imperfect saints, Christ will descend from heaven with the souls of all the righteous, and raise their bodies and unite them to them; which, with the living saints, will make one general assembly and church of the firstborn, all perfect soul and body; among these he... read more

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