“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20).

While Revelation 3:20 is excerpted from “The Revelation of Jesus Christ,” a fitting subtitle for this verse might be, “The Revelation of the Laodiceans.” And much like some other portions of the book of Revelation, this passage reveals something quite unsettling.

For instance, we might assume that Jesus served as the primary object of worship in the church of Laodicea. But if that was true, then why was He made to wait outside, as implied in the verse quoted above? Furthermore, why did He have to request entry into what was allegedly His church? The most plausible explanation is that this was the church of the Laodiceans, and not Jesus’ church in Laodicea. This likely meant that the church of Laodicea had very little in common with Jesus, except perhaps in name only.

This illustration also offers a broader application. For example, this “door” may serve as a symbolic representation of our innermost being in a spiritual and emotional sense. Since Jesus seeks to establish a sincere, loving relationship with us, He will respectfully decline to enter the lives of those who aren’t willing to open up to Him in faith. Figuratively speaking, He will stand at the threshold of our lives and enter by invitation.

Next, this reference to “dining together” is made easier when we consider the historical practices that typically defined a meal of that era. Then, as now, people usually structured daily mealtimes in three parts. This practice mirrored our contemporary equivalents of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The first meal often consisted of bread with a filling of fruit, cheese, or olives. We might think of this as a first-century version of a modern-day breakfast sandwich.

Lunch typically included more bread, cheese, seasonal fruits, and olives. Finally, there was an evening meal that was normally eaten near sundown. That menu often featured a stew made from lentils or vegetables along with portions of bread to dip into the stew. This meal was very important from a cultural standpoint, for it offered a time of fellowship and conversation for those who were present.

As everyone ate together, they all received nourishment from the same meal and thus enjoyed a common bond of shared experience. Thus, it was symbolic of two or more people joining together. Jesus used this illustration to help communicate the close, personal relationship that He desires to have with those who open the door of their lives to Him.

Image Attribution:  Spicer, William Ambrose, 1866-, No restrictions, via Wikimedia Commons

“I am the one who corrects and disciplines everyone I love. Be diligent and turn from your indifference” (Revelation 3:19 NLT).

Students, athletes, and musicians typically face many challenges in striving to be the best they can be. That’s because the path to excellence in those areas often requires a commitment to a series of far less glamorous activities like practice, hard work, study, correction, and self-discipline. Undisciplined individuals rarely excel in these fields and are likely to underperform on tests, in games, and during concerts as a result.

However, there is another important aspect to this idea. For instance, consider a scenario where a coach or teacher refused to offer any form of training, instruction, or correction to a student or athlete. Imagine the detrimental effect of that approach upon those who looked to such leaders for guidance. Under normal conditions, a negligent instructor who failed his or her students in that manner would likely face immediate dismissal.

On the other hand, an excellent teacher or coach will motivate, instruct, and correct students and athletes in order to enable them to perform at their highest level. Our text from Revelation 3:19 tells us that Jesus does much the same in our spiritual lives. Although it is rarely easy to face correction and discipline, those qualities enable us to secure the growth and development that God seeks for us.

The Biblical book of Hebrews references the Old Testament book of Proverbs in addressing this subject…

“And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? ‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.’

It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons” (Hebrews 12:5-8 ESV).

Hebrews 12:11 then continues by saying…

“No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (CSB).

These passages remind us that the presence of divine discipline indicates the presence of divine love. We can be confident that God has a purpose for those periods of spiritual discipline we experience, and will bring something positive and meaningful from them in our lives.

Image Attribution: Motivation by Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0Alpha Stock Images

“You say, ‘I’m rich. I’m wealthy. I don’t need anything.’ Yet, you do not realize that you are miserable, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17 GW).

Jesus’ assessment of the Laodicean church differed greatly from that church’s view of itself. That prompted Him to offer the following directive to the Christian community in that area…

Given the highly descriptive nature of these recommendations, it’s likely that Jesus chose these examples for a reason. For instance, Laodicea was said to have held a prominent role as a financial center in the ancient world. It also produced a distinctive black wool that was sourced from a special breed of sheep that was selectively bred for this purpose. Finally, Laodicea also produced a medicinal ointment that was useful in treating certain eye conditions.

That background information offers some insight into these advisories from Revelation 3:18. In light of their financial expertise, the Laodiceans could readily grasp Jesus’ counsel to purchase refined gold from Him. That recommendation encouraged them to relinquish their faith in material wealth and focus on the eternal riches He could provide.

Instead of the black wool the Laodiceans produced, Jesus offered to provide them with white garments, a cross-cultural symbol of purity and honor. As an alternative to the short-term relief offered by a topical eye medication, Jesus wrote them a prescription that would remove their blindness and enable them to truly see.

That first piece of advice prompts us to recall the words of 1 Peter 1:7, a passage that speaks of our “…faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” The second offers a ready association with Jesus’ message to the church at Sardis from earlier in this chapter: “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels” (Revelation 3:5).

Jesus’ third recommendation directs our attention to His messianic commission, a charge that included “…recovery of sight to the blind” (Luke 4:18). The good news for us is that Jesus is still ready to “sell” these things to anyone who is willing to receive them today.

“You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked” (Revelation 3:17 NIV).

It’s striking to witness the disparity between the Laodicean church’s view of itself and Jesus’ appraisal of their true condition. In fact, Jesus’ view of the Christian community in Laodicea was 180 degrees removed from the opinion they had of themselves. The members of the Laodicean church might have avoided that disconnect if they had sought a more accurate understanding of God’s Word. Instead, their positive self-assessment was erroneously based upon their financial status, despite repeated warnings from the Scriptures that caution us to avoid that metric.

This example highlights the ease with which we can deceive ourselves regarding our spiritual welfare. For instance, let’s consider those who believe that their participation in a past religious ceremony is sufficient to guarantee their spiritual well-being. Or perhaps they may rely on their charitable gifts or good works to assure themselves of a positive entry into the afterlife.

The issue is that God’s Word does not support those views. Those who seek to be accepted by God must approach Him through the mediator He has established. That mediator is Christ, for “...there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5). As Jesus Himself once said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Much like the church at Laodicea, we are sure to run into similar trouble if our beliefs regarding these essential doctrines fail to align with God’s Word.

So, how can we account for the Laodiceans’ distorted self-image? Well, Revelation 3:17 alludes to their wealth and self-sufficiency. These qualities are normally positive and desirable, but like most things in life, their value depends on how we use them. Unfortunately, the Laodiceans’ sense of autonomy apparently led them to disregard Jesus’ cautionary message from the Gospel of John: “…apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 NIV).

In certain respects, the Laodicean Christians functioned as a reverse image of the Christian community in Smyrna from Revelation chapter two. For example, Jesus told the Christians in Smyrna, “I know about your suffering and your poverty but you are rich!” (Revelation 2:9 NLT). However, the Laodicean Christians deluded themselves into believing the opposite; they thought they were rich when they were really “… wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”

Image Attribution: Photo by Judy Baxter – Pipe Organ Demonstration for VSU’s Learning In Retirement

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot!” (Revelation 3:15 NET).

So the Laodicean church attempted to take a noncommittal, “middle of the road” approach in their relationship with Christ. Of course, the issue facing anyone who stays to the middle of the road is that he or she is always in danger of being run over. In this instance, the Laodiceans’ apathy towards Jesus led Him to respond in the following manner…

“So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:16).

As mentioned earlier, the ancient city of Laodicea had no internal water supply of its own. This meant that the city’s daily water supply depended entirely on an aqueduct that channeled water from the adjacent town of Heiropolis. The water that Heiropolis provided for the city of Laodicea was typically hot upon its departure from the source due to the naturally occurring hot springs that existed in that region. However, that water eventually grew lukewarm by the time it finished its six mile (10 km) journey from Heiropolis to Laodicea.

In addition to the change in temperature, a variety of impurities and various other pollutants coalesced with that water while it was on the way to Laodicea. This meant that the water arriving from Heiropolis had little immediate value for drinking, cooking, or other uses by the time it reached the city. This image formed a remarkably accurate portrayal of the Laodicean’s relationship with Christ and prompted a startling rebuke from Him: “So, because you are lukewarm– neither hot nor cold– I am about to spit you out of my mouth” (NIV).

These contrasting elements of hot and cold serve to illustrate some important spiritual characteristics that should define our relationship with Christ. For instance, those who profess to follow Jesus should be warm and enthusiastic in their relationship with Him- that’s the hot part. In contrast, we should be cool and unresponsive to the fleeting pleasures and values of a world that dismisses its Creator. On the other hand, a lukewarm Christian who is neither hot or cold is surely heading for serious trouble.

Remember that the people who drank the tepid water of Laodicea without boiling it soon fell ill. We can find the spiritual equivalent of that condition here in Revelation 3:16 where Jesus essentially said that the lukewarm “Christianity” of the Laodiceans made Him want to vomit. That’s an example we surely must avoid.

Image Credit: “Middle of the Road” by Phil Roeder is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation'” (Revelation 3:14 ESV).

Jesus began His message to the church at Laodicea by saying, “Thus says the Amen, the faithful and true witness…” (CSB). These phrases serve to highlight Jesus’ unwavering fidelity, truthfulness, and authenticity. The word translated “witness” forms the root of our modern day word “martyr,” a term that identifies those who willingly give up their lives for what they believe. These things remind us that Jesus is someone who was willing to pay for His commitment to what is authentic, true, and genuine with His own life.

He then follows with another self-designation, one that has been subjected to various forms of misinterpretation: “…the beginning of God’s creation.” While some cultic organizations cite this reference to support their claim that Jesus is a created being, one Biblical scholar establishes the erroneous nature of that position…

REVELATION 3:14—Does this verse indicate that Jesus was a created being?

MISINTERPRETATION: Revelation 3:14 says, “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this” (NASB). Jehovah’s Witnesses say the logical conclusion is that the one spoken of in Revelation 3:14 “is a creation, the first of God’s creations, who had a beginning” (Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1989, 409).

CORRECTING THE MISINTERPRETATION: The Greek word archē, translated “beginning” in this verse, here carries the meaning of “one who begins,” “origin,” “source,” or “first cause.” The English word architect is derived from archē. This verse says that Jesus is the architect of all creation (see John 1:3; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2; cf. Isa. 44:24). Furthermore, the same term, beginning, is applied to God the Father in Revelation 21:4–6. It cannot mean a created being, or God the Father is also a creature, which Jehovah’s Witnesses reject. Hence, “beginning” should be understood in the absolute sense of Beginner or Source of all things.” ₍₁₎

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot” (Revelation 3:15).

In this context, “cold” refers to a state of indifference or insensitivity. The word “hot” conveys a sense of excitement, intensity, or enthusiasm. So it appears that the Christians in Laodicea weren’t dismissive of Jesus, but they weren’t zealous for Him either. They acknowledged Christ, but their devotion to Him was tepid and detached. Their profession of Christianity was the type that had little impact on their attitudes or conduct beyond the confines of their church.

Those characteristics will elicit a startling response from Jesus in the following verse.

Image Attribution: Marcus Quigmire from Florida, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

(1) Geisler, N. L., & Rhodes, R. (1997). When cultists ask: A Popular Handbook on Cultic Misinterpretations. [pg. 305]

“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, “These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God'” (Revelation 3:14).

The final stop on our journey though Revelation chapters two and three brings us to the last first-century church to receive a personal message from Jesus. That letter was written to the church that met in a city known as Laodicea.

Laodicea was located approximately forty miles (65 km) southeast of the ancient city of Philadelphia, the recipients of Jesus’ previous letter. At the time of this writing, Laodicea held a reputation as a city of affluence and prosperity. Three key elements played a significant role in defining the character of the city during that period. First, Laodicea reportedly held a position of prominence as a financial center in the latter portion of the first century. Next, Laodicea served as a leading economic force in the textile sector. It was especially renowned for the black wool it produced from specially bred sheep. Finally, Laodicea was known for a specialized ointment that was used in the treatment of certain eye conditions, along with some other medicinal remedies.

But despite these positive attributes, Laodicea also suffered from several critical vulnerabilities. One of those vulnerabilities related to the city’s geographic location. While other cities of that era were more readily defensible (like Sardis, for instance), Laodicea’s physical location offered far less security.

Another problem involved the fact that the city of Laodicea had no independent water supply of its own. All the water for the city’s daily needs had to be brought in on a six mile (10 km) long structure called an aqueduct from the neighboring town of Hierapolis.

This posed a significant problem for the inhabitants of Laodicea. As the water flowed through the aqueduct on its journey to the city, it collected various contaminants and harmful impurities along the way. By the time the water finally arrived in Laodicea, it was no longer safe to consume it directly from the source. While modern day technologies enable us to make water to suitable for drinking, no such option existed for the citizens of ancient Laodicea. This meant that the residents of the city had no choice but to boil their water before they could drink it in order to avoid becoming ill.

These details help provide the background information that will enhance our understanding of Jesus’ message to this church.

Image attribution:  Pearson Scott Foresman, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

“He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name” (Revelation 3:12).

Earlier in this section, we noted how the first-century city of Philadelphia had been struck by a serious earthquake and several additional aftershocks. This meant that the threat of a building collapse presented an ever-present danger for the citizens of that area. Because of this, the idea of an immovable “pillar in the temple of My God“ must have been highly attractive to the original recipients of this letter.

But beyond this, our text from Revelation 3:12 offers the future promise of a secure dwelling for all who are committed to following Christ. That home will be a place of eternal peace, one that is devoid of worry, fear, or anxiety. Jesus once described that dwelling to His disciples in the following manner…

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3).

In a world that is often characterized by fear and uncertainty, these portions of Scripture offer the assurance of an everlasting home that will be perfect and secure for all eternity. In addition, Jesus tells us that every man and woman of God will personally bear God’s name. That inscription, in whatever form it takes, signifies the enduring, personal bond we will share with the God who brought us into being. So these promises should encourage us to press forward whenever difficulties arise in our lives.

So Jesus concluded His letter to the church at Philadelphia in the same way He ended His previous letters to the seven churches of Revelation: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 3:13). As we close our look at Jesus’ letter to this church, it’s safe to say that every devoted follower of Christ seeks to receive the same type of encouraging message that Jesus shared with this church. If we wish to receive a similar affirmation, then we should prayerfully follow the good example set by the church in the ancient city of Philadelphia.

“Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth” (Revelation 3:10).

This lone sentence from a letter written two millennia ago carries a timely message for contemporary audiences. Notice that Jesus linked a positive result with the act of following His instructions: “Since you have kept my command… I will also keep you from the hour of trial” (NIV). This reminds us that we may escape future difficulties simply by adhering to the directives that Jesus gives us in the Scriptures. Those who follow Jesus’ teachings now may avoid trials and adversities later, just as we see here with the ancient church at Philadelphia.

“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown” (Revelation 3:11).

Some may read this verse and think, “This portion of Scripture was written two millennia ago and Jesus still hasn’t returned. How then can He say, ‘I am coming soon’? However, a look at the original language of this passage offers an answer to that question. You see, the word translated “soon” can mean “without delay.” However, this word also means “by surprise” or “suddenly” as well. ₍₁₎ So when Jesus says, “I am coming soon,” we might interpret this to mean that He will return unexpectedly.

Those four words thus encourage us to step back from the complexities and anxieties of life and remember that our earthly lives comprise a brief chapter in our eternal journey. Whether Jesus returns suddenly to initiate a new era in human history or simply returns for us at the end of our mortal lives, our task is to “hold on to what we have” so we will not be deprived of the victorious reward that accompanies a life of faithful service to Christ.

Therefore, this passage from Revelation 3:11 should prompt us to make the best use of our God-given opportunities in the time He has allotted us. We should also remember that the open doors of opportunity that Jesus alluded to earlier in His letter to the church at Philadelphia will close upon the conclusion of our earthly lives. These realities serve as a call to action that underscore the urgency of Jesus’ message from John 9:4…

“All of us must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent me, for there is little time left before the night falls and all work comes to an end” (TLB).

Image Attribution: Photo by Ziad Madkour

(1) G5035 – tachy – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (kjv). (n.d.). Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5035/kjv/tr/0-1/

“I know your works. Because you have limited strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name, look, I have placed before you an open door that no one is able to close” (Revelation 3:8 HCSB).

Even though the church at Philadelphia had limited strength, they excelled in two key areas. The first involved faithfulness, or as Jesus says, “…you have kept my word” (NIV). This indicates that the Christians in Philadelphia not only possessed a sound understanding of Jesus’ teachings, but were committed to living in accord with them. While others might have chosen to neglect or disregard Jesus’ teachings, this fellowship made a conscious effort to apply His word.

Next, Jesus told the Philadelphian Christians that they had “…not denied my name.” Whenever they faced pressure to deny Christ, they refused to do so. In light of this, their lives serve as testaments to their faith in Him, thus providing us with a compelling example to follow.

“Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie–indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you” (Revelation 3:9).

Judging from this portion of Jesus’ message, it appears there were some residents of that area who professed to be devout followers of God. But in reality, their true allegiance resided with the enemy of the One they purported to serve. Jesus saw through that veneer of spirituality, thus recalling a cautionary message He once shared with His disciples…

“Not all who sound religious are really godly people. They may refer to me as ‘Lord,’ but still won’t get to heaven. For the decisive question is whether they obey my Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21 TLB).

God’s judgment will ultimately expose those who truly seek to honor Him and those who don’t. While there may be many who openly mock or disparage Christ today, everyone will eventually acknowledge that following Jesus was the right choice. In the meantime, those who love, respect, and honor God can take comfort in the message of 1 Corinthians 8:3: “But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.”

Finally, some may hesitate to engage with the book of Revelation in light of its reputation as a book that is filled with terrifying prophecies of the future. But those who take the time to read this book for themselves will find that it contains many relevant applications for today. The next portion of Jesus’ message to the church at Philadelphia will highlight one of those applications.

“I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name” (Revelation 3:8 ESV).

A practical illustration can help shed light on Revelation 3:8 and its somewhat cryptic reference to an “open door, which no one is able to shut.”

Let’s imagine that you hold an airplane ticket for a journey from New York City in the United States to London, England. However, a plane ticket alone doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be on your scheduled flight when it departs. After all, it’s not uncommon for people to miss flights for a variety of reasons. The point is that a ticket merely ensures that you’ll have an opportunity to board the plane and be seated.

In a similar manner, we can view the phrase “I have placed before you an open door” (NIV) as a metaphor for an opportunity. An “open door of opportunity” that Jesus offers is much like a “ticket” that enables us participate in the work He seeks to accomplish. And much like the Biblical church at Philadelphia, Jesus continues to open doors of opportunity for His followers today.

Every human being is unique, and that distinction may open doors to exclusive opportunities that are not available to anyone else. Those opportunities are virtually limitless if we are willing to serve God in the work He has prepared for us. While God is not limited by our choices, each of His followers has the potential to play an important role in His service.

While an airplane ticket will typically become invalid if not used within a specified period, the opportunity presented to the church at Philadelphia was comparable to an unlimited pass: “…I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut” (NIV). In other words, the opportunity Jesus opened for them was beyond anyone’s ability to close.

But just because a door is open to us doesn’t mean God will compel us to enter it. While nothing can shut a door that Jesus has opened to us, it is possible to waste an opportunity by ignoring or disregarding it. It is also possible to become so preoccupied with other concerns that we fail to recognize an open door of opportunity that is before us. Therefore, we should seek to take advantage of those doors of opportunity that Jesus makes available to us while they remain open.

Image Credit: Alan Levine from Mortlach, Canada, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

“Write this letter to the angel of the church in Philadelphia. This is the message from the one who is holy and true, the one who has the key of David. What he opens, no one can close; and what he closes, no one can open” (Revelation 3:7 NLT).

Jesus holds the “key of David” according to Revelation 3:7, a reference to Israel’s king David. The Scriptures tell us that God entered a covenant with David that included the promise of a king from his lineage who would reign eternally (see 2 Samuel 7:12-13 and Acts 2:22-36). That king is Christ, and the “key of David” is a poetic expression that signifies Jesus’ authority to unlock the door to eternal life. In fact, Jesus not only holds the key to eternal life, He is the door itself (John 10:9).

The Scriptures also tell us that Jesus holds some other keys in addition to this key of David. For instance, Jesus said, “I hold the keys of death and Hades” (Revelation 1:18). He also told the Apostle Peter, “…I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven; whatever doors you lock on earth shall be locked in heaven; and whatever doors you open on earth shall be open in heaven!” (Matthew 16:19).

While it may be possible to bypass a lock or force open a conventional door, Revelation 3:7 speaks of something different. You see, this passage tells us, “What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open” (NIV). So what did this mean for the church at Philadelphia? The following verse offers an answer to that question…

“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name” (Revelation 3:8).

Before we continue, we should note that Jesus used a now-familiar phrase in addressing the church at Philadelphia: “I know your deeds” (NET). This represents the sixth time Jesus has employed this terminology in His messages to the churches of Revelation chapters two and three. The fact that Jesus has used this phrase repeatedly serves to remind us that He is aware of all we do, even if others are not.

The New Testament book of Hebrews provides us with some additional insight into this idea…

“He knows about everyone, everywhere. Everything about us is bare and wide open to the all-seeing eyes of our living God; nothing can be hidden from him to whom we must explain all that we have done. But Jesus the Son of God is our great High Priest who has gone to heaven itself to help us; therefore let us never stop trusting him” (Hebrews 4:13-14 TLB).

Image Credit: Photo by Stockcake

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”” (Revelation 3:7).

Revelation 3:7 marks a transition to the next message in a series of letters that Jesus sent to seven first-century churches in the book of Revelation. Our next letter was delivered to the church that met in the ancient city of Philadelphia.

In contrast to the cities of Ephesus, Smyrna, and Thyatira mentioned earlier, the economic landscape in the ancient city of Philadelphia was primarily agricultural. Philadelphia reportedly featured some exceptional vineyards that likely benefited from the fertile soil produced by that region’s volcanic history. While this offered some definite advantages, it also came with a significant drawback: Philadelphia was situated in an area that was susceptible to earthquakes.

Much like the city of Sardis, Philadelphia was also devastated by the earthquake that took place in A.D. 17. Although the city was later rebuilt and repopulated, Philadelphia is said to have suffered from regional aftershocks for several years following that quake. That unfortunate reality may shed light on certain elements of Jesus’ letter to this church.

Yet even in the face of those adversities, the Christian community in Philadelphia remained faithful in their relationship with Christ. Of the seven churches addressed by Jesus in the Book of Revelation, only two received praise from Him without any negative feedback. The first was located in the city of Smyrna and the second was located here in Philadelphia.

There are many positive takeaways from Jesus’ letter to this church, but the first has nothing to do with the church itself. Instead, our first application concerns this letter’s Author. You see, Jesus opened His letter to this church with two important self-designations: holy and true.

The word “holy’ conveys the idea of something that is “set apart.” It also embodies the concept of absolute moral purity. So “holiness” tells us that Jesus is ethically spotless and completely devoid of anything that may be wrong, dirty, or impure. Next comes the word “true.” This word denotes something that is genuine and authentic, in contrast to anything that may be false, hypocritical, or insincere.

While there were many so-called “gods” in first-century era (as there are today), none of those alleged gods could accurately make such claims. So, truth and holiness are not simply attributes of Jesus’ character; they are who He is.

Image Credit: Philadelphia by Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Pix4free

“He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels” (Revelation 3:5 NLT).

A cursory reading of this passage may leave us with the impression that Jesus sits before the Book of Life, eraser in hand, ready to omit the names of various individuals. However, the original recipients of this letter likely had a different view of this word-picture.

You see, first-century Roman cities typically utilized an official registry to document the names of those who lived within the city limits. Each of those inhabitants remained on the city register until they passed away or were found guilty of a criminal offense. Therefore, this verse offers great comfort and assurance, for it tells us that those who overcome will receive a permanent and secure place in the divine register of life.

Jesus offered a further explanation in the Gospel of Luke…

“Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill you. They can only kill the body; they cannot do any more to you. But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill people and then throw them into hell. What is the price of five sparrows? A couple of pennies? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.

So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows. And I assure you of this: If anyone acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I, the Son of Man, will openly acknowledge that person in the presence of God’s angels. But if anyone denies me here on earth, I will deny that person before God’s angels” (Luke 12:4-9 NLT).

Jesus then concluded His letter to the church at Sardis in the same way He ended His previous letters: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 3:6). So what can present-day audiences learn from Jesus’ message to this first-century church? First, this portion of Scripture encourages us to examine our spiritual lives to ensure that we live consistently with our external profession of faith. Next, we should recognize that there is hope for the spiritually lifeless, for Jesus specializes in reviving the dead.

Thus, we should carefully examine Jesus’ letters to the churches of Revelation chapters two and three and prayerfully assess any changes we may need to make in our lives.

“Therefore, remember what you received and heard, and obey it, and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will never know at what hour I will come against you” (Revelation 3:3 NET).

Historical accounts indicate that Sardis was invaded and conquered at least twice. One such invasion was spearheaded by a man named Cyrus, the leader of the Medio-Persian Empire. The second was led by Alexander the Great. Although Sardis was situated in a location that was difficult to invade, the city fell in both instances due to the negligence of those who were assigned to protect it.

Their lack of vigilance enabled the enemy to avoid detection and successfully infiltrate the city. A similar fate can befall those who neglect their relationship with God as well. Thus, Jesus’ letter to the church at Sardis presents us with a historical precedent to avoid.

“You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy” (Revelation 3:4).

Despite its reputation as a vibrant and active congregation, the church at Sardis was nearly devoid of spiritual life. This scenario was nearly the opposite of what we previously observed in churches like Pergamos and Thyatira. Those churches had some corrupt individuals in among the other members of their congregations. On the other hand, Sardis had a few honorable people among a majority of others who were spiritually dead.

So even though many within the church at Sardis were not what they appeared to be, that wasn’t true of everyone. That brings us to the color white that Jesus references in this passage. This color is widely recognized as a symbol of honor and purity, and here it serves to represent those who are spiritually pure and honorable.

However, it is important to note that Jesus drew a connection between the behavior of some in Sardis (those who “…soiled their clothes” [NIV]) and their resulting spiritual impurity. This underscores the impact of our choices on our spiritual well-being. When we engage in behaviors that are inconsistent with our profession of faith, we effectively stain our spiritual attire, much like a splatter of mud on a pristine white robe.

When faced with those situations, we can find spiritual cleansing by following the instructions outlined for us in 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Image Attribution: “Person On Mud During Daytime” PickPik

“Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you…” (Revelation 3:2-3).

This portion of Jesus’ message to the church at Sardis functions as a series of steps that lead us to an important destination. We can begin by considering Jesus’ counsel to “remember” in this passage. If Jesus told the ancient church at Sardis to “remember,” then it can only mean they had forgotten something. That leads us to a question that constitutes step two: what had they forgotten? Well, Jesus answered that question when He advised them to remember what they had “received and heard.”

So what had they received and heard? Well, this can only refer to Jesus and His teachings. You see, the church at Sardis outwardly appeared to be a thriving religious community. But inwardly, they were almost dead. That brings us to our destination: this church needed to re-establish a living relationship with Christ by getting to know Him again through His Word.

This also presents an object lesson for contemporary readers of this passage: it is important to remember what we have “received and heard” by spending time in God’s Word each day. This is a critical spiritual discipline, especially when we stop to consider that we live in a world that largely ignores its Creator and is filled with those who seek to live as if He didn’t exist. Because of this, Christians are always under pressure to adopt a similar perspective.

It is always easier to “go with the flow” of a world that dismisses God, and once we become untethered to the Biblical Scriptures, it is easy to drift off with the current of a world that is disinterested in Him. Nevertheless, the New Testament epistle of 1 John provides us with an important reminder in this regard: “…the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does God’s will remains forever” (1 John 2:17 HCSB).

If we fail to spend time in God’s Word each day, it will surely impact our internal relationship with Him. This may explain what happened to the church at Sardis. They possessed a good spiritual reputation, but they had forgotten what they had received and heard and eventually drifted away.

But staying close to God in this manner isn’t just a good idea; there’s a price to pay if we don’t. We’ll calculate that price next.

Image Attribution: Rickyukon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead” (Revelation 3:1 ESV).

Unlike Jesus’ other letters to the churches of Revelation chapters two and three, His message to the church at Sardis is noteworthy for what it doesn’t say.

In each of his previous letters, Jesus acknowledged at least one commendable activity in every church. For instance, Jesus praised the Ephesian church for it’s patience, labor, and perseverance. He commended the church at Smyrna for remaining strong in the midst of tribulation. Jesus recognized the church at Pergamum for it’s faithfulness, even when one of their members had been martyred. Finally, Jesus voiced His approval of the church at Thyatira in recognition of their love, faith, service, patience, and good works

But unlike those churches, Jesus had no message of approval for the Christian community in Sardis. Jesus’ opening remarks from Revelation 3:1 point to that unfortunate reality: “Everyone may think you are alive, but you are dead” (CEV). If the church at Sardis were active today, it would probably be known as an active, dynamic congregation with a schedule full of various activities. To use Jesus’ terminology, it would likely be the kind of church that maintained a “reputation of being alive” (NIV).

This portion of Scripture thus holds an important message for modern-day church fellowships. Jesus’ letter to church at Sardis tells us that a church may be engaged in a range of activities that appear to serve God, yet still be far from His desired path. In light of this, we should seek out church congregations where the leaders focus on fulfilling the commission given to us in Ephesians 4:12…

“Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ” (NLT).

A key attribute of a good church lies in its capacity to prepare its members to undertake the work God has called them to do. On the other hand, a church with a good reputation that fails to help its members understand and apply God’s Word will likely fail in it’s mission to help them fulfill God’s will in their lives.

Finally, this portion of Jesus’ message to the church at Sardis reminds us that Jesus saw these individuals for who they were, and not what they appeared to be. The same holds true of everyone today, especially those who self-identify as members of the Christian community.

Image Credit: Ryk Neethling Open Bible, CC BY 2.0

Our look at the second chapter of the book of Revelation encompassed four of the seven letters that Jesus addressed to various churches that were active during the latter part of the first century. Revelation 3:1 now begins the fifth of those messages, and one that marks a departure from the preceding letters in this series. Jesus directed this fifth letter to the church in Sardis, a city that was located approximately thirty miles (48 km) south of Thyatira, the site of the church community that received His previous message.

At one time, Sardis was reported to be one of the more prominent cities of the ancient world. The city was strategically positioned on an elevated ridge that was surrounded by mountainous cliffs that presented a formidable obstacle to any military force that might try to mount an invasion. Of course, “difficult to invade” is not the same as “impossible to invade,” but we’ll address that distinction in greater detail shortly.

Sardis had once been a city of wealth, affluence, and commercial activity. However, that all changed in a single night in the year A.D. 17 when a severe earthquake destroyed large portions of the city. The destructive force of that earthquake was so immense that one ancient writer later stated that it caused vast mountains to collapse and human beings to be swallowed up by the earth. ₍₁₎ Although the Roman government was said to have funded a substantial reconstruction effort, it appears that the city of Sardis never fully recovered from the devastating impact of that earthquake.

So what did that mean for the church in this city? Well, it meant that the members of the Christian community in Sardis were living in a place that had once been a thriving metropolitan area at the turn of the first century. But now with the dawn of the second century rapidly approaching, it was little more than a shadow of its former self.

This historical context adds meaning and significance to Jesus’ opening remarks in this letter…

“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: ‘I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead'” (Revelation 3:1).

One of the distinguishing features of Jesus’ message to the Christians at Sardis lies not in what He says, but in what He omits. We consider what Jesus left unsaid in His letter to the church at Sardis in our next study.

Image Credit: Sardis – Rev. III, 1 Internet Archive Book Images, No restrictions, via Wikimedia Commons

(1) The Annals of Tacitus. (n.d.). [2.47] https://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/annals.html

“The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father” (Revelation 2:26-27 ESV).

Acts 2:42 identifies four spiritual disciplines that characterized the ancient church at Jerusalem: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (NIV). With this in mind, we can highlight four key areas of focus in the early church: prayer, Bible study (the apostles’ teaching), communion (breaking of bread), and regular church attendance (the fellowship).

These four spiritual disciplines relate to our text from Revelation 2:26 in an important way. You see, these disciplines can help us overcome any spiritual obstacle and conquer the challenges that threaten to undermine our relationship with Christ. If we prayerfully seek God’s motivation in these four areas, we should be well equipped to avoid the spiritual trap that ensnared those who opted to follow a spiritual impostor in the church at Thyatira.

Jesus also ties His commands to a promise: “To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations…” (NIV). This portion of Scripture points to a future where Jesus will exercise direct, personal authority over all things. When that time arrives, He will also establish positions of authority for those who are serious about following Him now. The knowledge that Jesus will entrust His followers with these responsibilities in the future should influence the way we live for Him in the present.

Nevertheless, there is a better reward waiting ahead: “I will also give him the morning star” (Revelation 2:28 NIV). This reference holds great significance, for Jesus will later refer to Himself as the “morning star” In Revelation 22:16. So Jesus will not only offer the gift of responsibility and authority; He will also give us the gift of Himself.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 2:29 NIV).

These messages aren’t restricted to a few churches from the distant past; they are intended for anyone who is willing to listen and learn from them. For instance, we should not allow our love for God to grow cold like the church at Ephesus. We should not fear the reprisals of those who challenge us for our commitment to Christ, as we saw in Jesus’ letter to the church at Smyrna.

We must ensure that we do not permit false teachers to flourish within the church, as was the case with the church at Pergamum. Finally, we should not compromise and call it “tolerance” like the congregation at Thyatira. Instead, we should prayerfully consider Jesus’ messages to these churches and apply these lessons in our lives.

“But I also have a message for the rest of you in Thyatira who have not followed this false teaching (‘deeper truths,’ as they call them–depths of Satan, actually). I will ask nothing more of you except that you hold tightly to what you have until I come” (Revelation 2:24-25 NLT).

Some members of the church at Thyatira had apparently embarked on a quest for “deeper spiritual truths.” However, Jesus identified where that excavation for truth was actually being performed: “…‘deeper truths,’ as they call them—depths of Satan, really” (TLB). When our quest for spiritual truth seeks illumination from the “father of lies” (to use Jesus’ characterization from John 8:44), we can only expect darkness to follow.

On the other hand, God’s Word tells us that every Christian has God’s Holy Spirit living within them (see John 14:16-17, Romans 8:9 and 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19). Jesus also promised that the Holy Spirit would guide His followers into all truth. Since the Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-4), and God cannot lie (Numbers 23:19, Titus 1:2), it is impossible for Him to lead us into error like the misguided followers of Jezebel in the church of Thyatira.

In addition, God has some deeper truths of His own to share…

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”– but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10 NIV).

God has many good things to share with us; things we never could have imagined unless He revealed them to us. Thus, we should ask God to illuminate our study of His Word, for real spiritual truth comes from God in accordance with His Word, as guided by His Spirit.

Since the Christians at Thyatira were already increasing in love, faith, service, and perseverance, Jesus had no negative admonitions for them. The only remaining necessities involved the need to avoid the influence of this so-called “prophet” and to continue to persevere in the good things they were already doing.

“To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations– ‘He will rule them with an iron scepter; he will dash them to pieces like pottery’– just as I have received authority from my Father” (Revelation 2:26-27 NIV).

A recurring theme in Jesus’ letters to these seven churches involves a promise that is reserved for those who prevail, conquer, or “overcome.” We’ll consider some ways to do so in our concluding study of this chapter.

“I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds” (Revelation 2:23 NIV).

This reference to “her children” speaks of those in Thyatira who appeared to be church-going followers of Christ, but actually followed a morally compromised spiritual leader. That served to alienate those individuals from God’s family, for they were not His children, but her children. It also invited Jesus to exercise His prerogative to terminate their earthly lives as a result.

This presents an object lesson regarding those who seek to bring false teachings into Jesus’ church: “Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds” (NIV).

Now before we conclude our look at this passage, some may wonder what became of Jezebel’s Old Testament counterpart. Her demise is recorded in the Biblical books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings. But be forewarned- her downfall is exceedingly gruesome.

“Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets, I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you have until I come” (Revelation 2:24-25).

There are some secrets that are better left unknown. Consider this portion of Jesus’ message to the church at Thyatira, for example. Judging from what we read here in Revelation 2:24-25, it appears that some within the church were drawn by the attraction of “deeper spiritual truths” that had nothing to do with genuine Biblical truth. Then, as now, there are many who feel that the road to spiritual enlightenment involves a path that deviates from a study of God and His Word.

But those who seek to know Christ as He is revealed to us in the Biblical Scriptures have no need to pursue these “deeper truths.” The following excerpt from the New Testament book of 2 Peter brings an important perspective to this idea…

“God’s divine power has given us everything we need for life and for godliness. This power was given to us through knowledge of the one who called us by his own glory and integrity” (2 Peter 1:3 GW  emphasis added).

The epistle to the Colossians adds the following regarding Christ…

“Everything was created by him, everything in heaven and on earth, everything seen and unseen, including all forces and powers, and all rulers and authorities. All things were created by God’s Son, and everything was made for him” (Colossians 1:16 CEV).

This means that every human quest for truth will find its consummation in Christ. Apart from Him, any search for “deeper spiritual truths” will ultimately lead to a dead end.

Image Credit: Photo by Ben_White from Freerange Stock

“I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality” (Revelation 2:21 ESV).

When God demonstrates patience towards those who engage in various forms of immoral conduct (as we see in our text from Revelation 2:21), those individuals may believe they have successfully evaded the consequences of their actions. However, God may be providing them with a gracious opportunity to repent from those behaviors and change their ways.

The Biblical book of Romans expands on this concept with a heartfelt expression of concern…

“Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed” (Romans 2:4-5 NLT).

You see, no one ever completely “gets away” with sinful activity. In this instance, Jesus provided Jezebel of Thyatira with an opportunity to repent of her behavior, but she declined to accept it. That unfortunate decision will lead to serious consequences…

“Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds” (Revelation 2:22).

The idea is that this person will continue to spend time in bed, but there will be no further immoral activity taking place there. Instead, it would become a bed of illness and suffering. We should also note the broader impact of this statement. Much like a stone that produces a ripple effect upon the surface of the water, those repercussions would eventually reach anyone who was involved with her as well.

This underscores the need to identify and reject those who promote false doctrines today. Nevertheless, we should notice that Jesus also allowed for reconciliation, provided those individuals were willing to repent, or change their attitude and behavior. That brings us to the next portion of this letter, and a message that surely ranks among the most shocking things Jesus ever said…

“and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works” (Revelation 2:23 ESV).

When people align with those who promote immoral behaviors behind a façade of spirituality, that decision will inevitably lead to grave consequences. We’ll consider Jesus’ pledge to “strike her children dead” at greater length next.

“But I still have something against you because of that woman Jezebel. She calls herself a prophet, and you let her teach and mislead my servants to do immoral things and to eat food offered to idols” (Revelation 2:20 CEV).

Unlike the false teaching that was being peddled in Thyatira, a genuine message from God will never lead people away from the truth as found within the Biblical Scriptures. Of course, this requires us to know what the Bible teaches in order to distinguish between those who are promoting Biblical truth and those who are not. Therefore, we would do well to familiarize ourselves with God’s Word by reading a portion of it each day. This will enable us to measure the truth and accuracy of those ideas, beliefs, and opinions we encounter from others.

This passage also references the sin of idolatry. We can define an idol as anything that takes the place of God in someone’s life. Once something becomes more important than God in our lives, that thing (whatever it is) effectively becomes our “god.” For instance, the person for whom money is the most important thing in life is just as guilty of idolatry as the person who worshipped before a human-crafted statue in the Old Testament era.

Since idolatry violates God’s first commandment, those who spread such teachings in His name cannot be true prophets of God, no matter what they may assert for themselves. Taken together, these things lead us to conclude that the message promoted by Jezebel of Thyatira was wrong, for her “prophetic” doctrine conflicted with the established Word of God.

However, Jesus was now about to deal with this so-called prophet…

“And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent” (Revelation 2:21).

When God exercises patience with people who engage in Biblically inappropriate behaviors (such as we see here), those who are involved in such things may think, “There must be nothing wrong with my conduct. God must not be concerned with this area of my life because nothing bad has happened to me.” Others may believe that just because God hasn’t acted in a situation, it means that He is incapable of doing so.

Then there are those who freely indulge their sinful inclinations because they’ve convinced themselves that God doesn’t really exist. In fact, the Bible speaks about these attitudes when it says, “Because God does not punish sinners instantly, people feel it is safe to do wrong” (Ecclesiastes 8:11 TLB). That is a dangerous presumption, as we’ll learn next.

Image Credits: Free Clip Art, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, and the Providence Lithograph Company, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

“But I have this against you: You tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and teaches and deceives my servants to commit sexual immorality and to eat meat sacrificed to idols” (Revelation 2:20 CSB).

It’s interesting to note the construction of this portion of Jesus’ letter to the ancient church of Thyatira. Notice that Jesus refers to this woman as someone “who calls herself a prophetess.” This indicates that she wasn’t a true prophet, but chose to call herself one anyway. This provides us with an opportunity to discuss the ministry of a genuine prophet.

A “prophet” is loosely defined as someone who possesses the unerring ability to offer God’s direction, or convey divinely inspired information regarding a specific situation or future event. This is a legitimate spiritual office, as evidenced by the many prophets who appear within the Old Testament Scriptures (like Isaiah and Ezekiel) and those who appear within the New Testament as well.

In the words of one source, “The ability to prophesy may involve predicting future events, but its main purpose is to communicate God’s message to people, providing insight, warning, correction, and encouragement.” ₍₁₎ Today, we might best associate the use of a prophetic gift with the ability to bring a fresh application of Biblical truth as prompted by the Holy Spirit.

With these definitions in mind, we can say that Jezebel of Thyatira was not who she claimed to be. Since her teachings conflicted with the established Word of God, we know with certainty that she was not a genuine prophet. To illustrate this, let’s take the doctrines of this so-called “prophet” and test them to see how they measure up.

First, we’re told that this person misled others into the practice of immorality. This reference to “immorality” is derived from the ancient Greek word porneia. If “porneia” seems familiar, it may be due to the fact that it serves as the source word for our modern-day term “pornography.” This pertains to any type of physical relationship that occurs outside of a Biblically sanctioned marriage partnership. Since God’s Word repeatedly condemns immoral conduct, ₍₂₎ we know with certainty that anyone who advocates for such behavior cannot speak for God.

So, this “prophet” failed the test because her message did not align with the Biblical Scriptures. While there may be many who claim to have “messages from God” today, God’s Word encourages us to put those individuals to the test as well: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).

Image Credit: Roman Ziomka, A Bible Standing on a Wooden Floor

(1) Life Application Study Bible Copyright © 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1996, 2004 by Tyndale House Publishers Inc., all rights reserved. [1Corinthians 14:1]

(2) See Hebrews 13:4, Leviticus 18:20, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9, Ephesians 5:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, and Revelation 21:8 for some examples

“Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols ” (Revelation 2:20 ESV).

Whenever Jezebel is mentioned in the Bible, it usually means something bad is about to follow. Here is one example from the Old Testament book of 1 Kings…

“Naboth, a man from Jezreel, had a vineyard on the outskirts of the city near King Ahab’s palace. One day the king talked to him about selling him this land. ‘I want it for a garden,’ the king explained, ‘because it’s so convenient to the palace.’ He offered cash or, if Naboth preferred, a piece of better land in trade.  But Naboth replied, ‘Not on your life! That land has been in my family for generations.’

So Ahab went back to the palace angry and sullen. He refused to eat and went to bed with his face to the wall!” ‘ What in the world is the matter?’ his wife, Jezebel, asked him. ‘Why aren’t you eating? What has made you so upset and angry?’

‘I asked Naboth to sell me his vineyard or to trade it, and he refused’ Ahab told her. ‘Are you the king of Israel or not?’ Jezebel demanded. ‘Get up and eat and don’t worry about it. I’ll get you Naboth’s vineyard!’ So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, sealed them with his seal, and addressed them to the civic leaders of Jezreel, where Naboth lived.

In her letter she commanded: ‘Call the citizens together for fasting and prayer. Then summon Naboth, and find two scoundrels who will accuse him of cursing God and the king. Then take him out and execute him.’ The city fathers followed the queen’s instructions. They called the meeting and put Naboth on trial. Then two men who had no conscience accused him of cursing God and the king; and he was dragged outside the city and stoned to death.

The city officials then sent word to Jezebel that Naboth was dead. When Jezebel heard the news, she said to Ahab, ‘You know the vineyard Naboth wouldn’t sell you? Well, you can have it now! He’s dead!’ So Ahab went down to the vineyard to claim it” (1 Kings 21:1-16 TLB).

This incident undoubtedly ranks among the most ruthless and cold-blooded acts ever recorded in Scripture. This woman framed an innocent individual and then had him murdered- for a garden.

So here we have someone in the New Testament church at Thyatira who replicated the attitude of her Old Testament counterpart. She encouraged others to engage in acts of immorality and idolatry while claiming to be a spokesperson for God. But Jesus will deal with this so-called “prophet” as we’ll see in due course.

Image Credit: Harold Copping, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

“But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols” (Revelation 2:20 ESV).

In the passage quoted above, Jesus uses the word “tolerate” or “allow” (NKJV) to identify a situation that required correction in the ancient church at Thyatira. In the original language of this verse, those words convey the following idea: “to allow one to do as he wishes, not to restrain, to let alone.” ₍₁₎ With this in mind, we can say that the Christians in Thyatira were not misled by what was taking place within their fellowship. Instead, they knowingly permitted these inappropriate actions to continue within the church.

Before we continue with our look at this subject, we should first be clear that “tolerance” is very important when speaking of things like freedom from bigotry or the ability to be patient and fair with others. The Bible supports this concept of tolerance in verses such as Titus 3:2 where we are told that Christians “…must not speak evil of anyone, nor quarrel, but be gentle and truly courteous to all” (TLB). We also find support for this idea in the following passage from the New Testament book of Ephesians: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2 NIV).

The problem arises when we equate “tolerance” with a mandate to affirm or endorse any attitude, belief, or opinion that others may hold. That perspective fails to recognize the fact that genuine love necessitates an attitude of intolerance towards things that may bring harm to others. So even though the church in Thyatira had been commended for their love, that did not permit them to allow someone who claimed to speak for God to advocate for these unbiblical behaviors.

In this instance, it would have been far more appropriate to speak the truth with an attitude of love (Ephesians 4:15) by correcting the person who promoted these views instead of tolerating them and permitting them to continue.

At the core of this issue was an individual identified by Jesus as “Jezebel” in Revelation 2:20. That name may be familiar to readers of the Old Testament, for a dangerous woman bearing that name is referenced several times there. Whenever Jezebel is mentioned in the Scriptures, it seems that something bad inevitably follows- and we’ll look at one such example next.

Image Credit: Tolerance by Nick YoungsonCC BY-SA 3.0Pix4free.org

(1) G1439 – eao – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (kjv). (n.d.). Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1439/kjv/tr/0-1/

So far, we’ve looked at three of the seven letters that Jesus delivered to various first-century churches as recorded in the Biblical book of Revelation. The fourth of those letters was sent to the church that was located in the city of Thyatira. Although Thyatira was the smallest of these seven churches, their letter was the most extensive in terms of its length.

The city of Thyatira was located off a secondary road between the cities of Pergamum (whose church received the second letter from Jesus) and Sardis (whose letter appears in the following chapter). While there is evidence to show that there was some industrial and commercial activity in Thyatira at the time of this letter, it doesn’t seem as if Thyatira was a prominent city during that time.

Although Thyatira had it’s share of pagan religious worship and trade-guild activity like the city of Smyrna, it doesn’t appear that the Christians of that area received the same degree of religious persecution that the church at Smyrna experienced. But much like Jesus’ letters to the churches at Ephesus and Pergamum, His letter to the church at Thyatira reveals that it had a mixture of some good things and some not-so-good things…

“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, ‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first” (Revelation 2:18-19).

The church at Thyatira had four outstanding qualities that Jesus mentions here within this passage: love, faith, service, and perseverance (or patient, cheerful endurance). While Jesus praised the Christians at Pergamum for their faith, and gave His approval to the church at Ephesus for their perseverance, the Christians in Thyatira possessed both those qualities- and they were increasing in them.

Unlike some of the other churches that received letters from Jesus in the book of Revelation, it certainly appears that the Christians in Thyatira had the right motivation, the right attitude, the right conduct, and the right character. The members of the Christian community at Thyatira were not motivated by an artificial religious commitment; in fact, Thyatira is the only church among the seven that Jesus praises for it’s love.

Unfortunately, it appears that some of that love may have been expressed in an inappropriate manner as we’ll see next.

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“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it” (Revelation 2:17)

After the people of Old Testament Israel departed from the nation of Egypt, God miraculously fed them with something called “manna.” The word manna literally means, “what is it?” and we can find a description of it in Exodus chapter sixteen. God used this edible provision to feed the Israelites during their forty-year journey to the land of God’s promise.

This reference to the “hidden manna” here in Revelation 2:17 may relate to something Jesus once said as recorded in the Gospel of John…

“I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world” (John 6:48-51).

Since Jesus is the bread of life who provides eternal life for those who accept Him, He may be speaking of Himself in referencing this “hidden manna” that is reserved for those who overcome.

Jesus’ letter to the church at Pergamum then closes with the following promise: “And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it” (NLT). Some commentators view this stone in the context of an ancient legal defendant. At the end of a judicial proceeding, a person on trial reportedly received a white stone to indicate acquittal or a black stone to signify guilt. Other sources link this stone with a kind of athletic trophy or a symbol of acceptance.

Finally, this reference to “…a name that is known only to the person who receives it” (GW) is reminiscent of those nicknames that develop among athletes, co-workers, friends, family members, military personnel, or others who possess a mutual background of shared experience. These nicknames often highlight the friendship and camaraderie that exists among the members of these groups. It also evokes the image of an exclusive term of endearment that a loving couple might use with one another to reflect the intimacy of their relationship. But whatever the exact meaning of this reference, it clearly speaks of something good.

“Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate” (Revelation 2:15).

As we saw earlier in our look at Jesus’ letter to the church at Ephesus, there are two theories concerning the Nicolaitans mentioned here. According to one view, the Nicolaitans comprised a group of individuals who advocated for a self-indulgent lifestyle and encouraged others to engage in a range of immoral behaviors. Another perspective suggests that the Nicolaitans were composed of those who sought to lord over others in a manner reserved only for God.

In either case, the issue facing the church at Pergamum did not involve the mere presence of the Nicolaitans or individuals like Balaam. Those types of people are always likely to be present within our church communities or in other aspects of our lives. The problem stemmed from the church’s decision to tolerate those who held their views. That approach created a platform that enabled these individuals to spread their negative influence among others.

Evidently, no one in Pergamum seemed willing to step forward to confront the Nicolaitans and advise them to correct their attitudes and behaviors. This indicates that the church at Pergamum was on the verge of adopting some heretical doctrines. It also suggests that this congregation was engaging in an unhealthy form of compromise. We’ll discuss these concerns at greater length in our upcoming look at Jesus’ letter to the church at Thyatira.

That led Jesus to issue a somber warning…

“Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth” (Revelation 2:16).

It is difficult to underestimate the seriousness of this message. The sword mentioned here was designed to be worn over the shoulder for use in combat situations. This was the weapon of a warrior, and it was created to inflict serious damage. So the underlying idea behind this passage appears to be this: “Turn around and address these issues. If you fail to do so, I will intervene swiftly and take action.”

“Repent, or else…” is not the type of message we should seek to hear from Christ. Even though the church at Pergamum had a good example like Antipas within their fellowship, that did not permit them to compromise with others who promoted heretical beliefs.

We should also take note of an important detail within this portion of Jesus’ message: “I will come to you… and will fight against them.” A person who holds such views cannot hide within a “good” church. If he or she remains unrepentant, Jesus may elect to address such conduct at a time and place of His choosing.

“I know where you live — where Satan’s throne is. Yet you continue to cling to my name and you have not denied your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was killed in your city where Satan lives” (Revelation 2:13 NET).

Jesus took some time to mention a person named Antipas in this portion of His letter to the church at Pergamum, a man whom He described as “my faithful witness.” The name Antipas means “against all,” and it appears that he was someone who lived up to the meaning of his name. Antipas was willing to give up his life to stand for Christ in a culture where Satan felt right at home.

Unfortunately, we know nothing else about Antipas beyond this reference in the book of Revelation. Yet even though Antipas is someone who is unknown to us, he was obviously well known to Christ. If given the choice, we would be wise to seek the latter option as well.

So the Christians in Pergamum earned praise from Jesus for their faithfulness in the midst of a difficult environment. But that is not to say that there weren’t any issues within this church…

“But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality” (Revelation 2:14).

If we take some time to read through the Biblical Scriptures, we will quickly discover that many Biblical personalities displayed some prominent character issues. Balaam is an individual who serves as a particularly notable example. A detailed account of Balaam’s life appears in our study of 2 Peter chapter two and explains why Jesus used his life as an object lesson in His letter to the church at Pergamum.

In short, Balaam served as an example of a person who displays a veneer of spirituality but is “only in it for the money.” He was someone who maintained an external religious appearance that masked a hidden agenda. In Balaam, we also have someone who was willing to sell others out for the right financial price. Finally, Balaam merchandised a God-given spiritual gift for personal gain. In the words of 2 Peter 2:15, Balaam was someone “…who loved the wages of unrighteousness.”

Those who engage in similar practices should note Jesus’ clear displeasure with such conduct. As we’ll see, no one gets away with such behavior and Jesus’ message to the church at Pergamum should prompt us to remember the words of Romans 2:6: “[God] will render to each one according to his deeds.”

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword” (Revelation 2:12 ESV).

A sword is often used as a Biblical symbol for judgment, power, or enforcement (see Psalm 22:20 and Romans 13:3-4). Knowing this, we can make good sense of this passage if we associate Jesus’ words with the power of a sharp, double-edged sword. Hebrews 4:12 serves to clarify this idea when it tells us, “…the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (NIV).

Thus, we can say that Jesus impresses an important need upon His readers at the start of this letter: they must pay close attention to what He is about to say.

“I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells” (Revelation 2:13).

According to Jesus’ statement in this passage, the city of Pergamum served as Satan’s base of operations during this period. In fact, a look at the NIV translation of this verse (as well as the original language) reveals that Jesus actually says this twice: “I know where you live… where Satan has his throne… Antipas, my faithful witness… was put to death in your city- where Satan lives.”

In considering this reference, it’s important to remember the pagan religious practices that were prevalent in Pergamum during that period. Whenever a collective group of individuals worship anyone or anything other than the one true God, they engage in practices that are rooted in satanic influences. For instance, consider the following passages from the Old and New Testaments…

“They served their idols, Which became a snare to them. They even sacrificed their sons And their daughters to demons” (Psalm 106:36-37).

“Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons” (1 Corinthians 10:20).

The concentration of false religious worship in Pergamum may have been so high that satanic activity was at its very core. So, according to Jesus, the church in Pergamum coexisted in the same town where humanity’s greatest spiritual enemy had established a command post. That’s what the Christians in Pergamum were up against, and Jesus commended them for their loyalty to Him.