Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

What does Revelation Chapter 3 mean?

Revelation chapter 2 began a series of messages intended for specific churches in the region of Asia Minor. The first four, already discussed, were Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira. All four of these were commended for certain accomplishments, and all but Smyrna were criticized for certain shortcomings. This chapter completes the messages by speaking to the last three churches: Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.

The church at Sardis is given a positive comment, but that remark is really just a springboard to their criticism by Jesus. This church has a good reputation—this is a good thing—but that reputation doesn’t actually match their spiritual state. Jesus warns the church at Sardis to “wake up,” and stop resting on their laurels. This church was too proud of their prior accomplishments to diligently work for the good of the Kingdom of God. Still, there are those who have been faithful among the church at Sardis (Revelation 3:1–6).

Philadelphia is one of only two churches, out of seven mentioned, that is not given any particular rebuke from Jesus. Instead, they are praised for their perseverance in the face of dire persecution. Like the church of Smyrna, Philadelphia seems to have been attacked by a specific group of non-believing Jews, referred to as a “synagogue of Satan.” In response to this hardship, Jesus reassures them that His return will happen suddenly, and they will be rewarded for their faith (Revelation 3:7–13).

Laodicea has the unfortunate distinction of being the only church which receives no positive commentary, whatsoever. Sardis barely earned a hollow reference to a good reputation. Laodicea is charged with being spiritually inert: lukewarm, rather than either hot or cold. This evokes the disgusting sensation of room-temperature water in one’s mouth. Jesus heavily criticized this church for being arrogant and apathetic. Rather than being spiritually passionate, they are passive. Instead of being cold, meaning they are more likely to respond to the gospel, they are just familiar enough with God to brush Him off. Jesus still offers a chance for repentance—but He describes Himself as “outside”, knocking at the door and expecting them to answer (Revelation 3:14–22).

This concludes the messages intended for the seven churches in Revelation. The rest of this “revealing” will describe events which, at the time John wrote, were still in the future. These catastrophic moments are what modern people would consider the “end of the world.”

Chapter Context
This chapter concludes the letters Jesus instructed the apostle John to write to seven churches in Asia Minor. Those messages began in chapter 2. This passage ends the section of Revelation that describes the things that are (Revelation 1:19), meaning the things which existed in John’s lifetime. Chapter 1 describes what John had seen (Revelation 1:19), and chapter 4 begins John’s account of what was to take place in the future (Revelation 1:19).

Verse by Verse

Verse 1. “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.

The fifth of seven letters from Jesus is addressed to the church in Sardis. Sardis was located about 30 miles southeast of Thyatira and 50 miles east of Smyrna. The city commanded a prominent military position atop a 1,500-foot high hill and was accessible only by a steep path on its southern side. This limited access made it easy for only a few men to defend the city. However, Antiochus the Great, a Syrian king, conquered Sardis by sending a soldier through a crack in the city’s northern wall. The soldier successfully sneaked into Sardis and opened its gates to Antiochus and His army. In AD 17 an earthquake completely destroyed Sardis. Later, the Romans built a new town below the hill and left the original Sardis deserted.

Jesus identifies himself to the church in Sardis as having the seven spirits of God, likely a reference to His wisdom, and also having the seven stars, a reference to the messengers or pastors of the seven churches. As the all-wise Head of the Church, Jesus knew the church in Sardis had a reputation that didn’t match reality. Its reputation alleged it was alive, but really it was spiritually dead.

Since reputation is a good thing, this statement technically is considered a praise from Jesus. However, it’s clearly a hollow one. Sardis narrowly avoids joining Laodicea in receiving only words of criticism from Christ.

Context Summary
Revelation 3:1–6 comprises the letter Jesus dictated to John to send to the church in Sardis. The church’s reputation was a far cry from reality. It had a reputation of being a live church, but actually it was dead. While this reputation is—technically—a praise, it’s a hollow one. Jesus instructed this church to wake up and strengthen what remained. All was not lost, though. A few members of the church were true to the faith, and Jesus promised they would walk with Him in purity. He would also keep their names in the book of life and confess their names before His Father.

Verse 2. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.

In this verse Jesus commands the church at Sardis to wake up. It had fallen into a slumber in which it supposed everything was fine. It took for granted that it could go on indefinitely without changing its attitude. It assumed it could live on its reputation, but it was a false assumption, just as the city in years past had thought it was immune to attack but had a disastrous fall. Complacency was the church’s subtle enemy, so it was important for the church to be vigilant and strengthen the few good things that remained. Jesus described the church’s works as incomplete under God’s scrutiny. There was still work to be done for God.

Complacency is still a powerful enemy that may gain a stranglehold on a church. It lulls church members into a satisfaction with the way things are. If a church refuses to make necessary changes to failed attitudes and programs, it needs to heed Jesus’ command to wake up and strengthen what remains. A complacent church often speaks of its past successes instead of planning future victories, or seems to say “we used to…” more than other churches. A complacent church’s last words may well be, “We’ve never done it that way before.”

Verse 3. Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.

In this verse we find a challenge from Jesus and a warning about what will happen if the church at Sardis rejects the challenge. Jesus challenged the church to remember, recapture, and repent. It needed to recall the truth it had received when it first received it. The Lord had given the truth to the church as a permanent deposit that it was supposed to guard zealously.

Any church that is sliding away from the truth must remember its initial encounter with Christ. Jesus challenged the church at Sardis to repent—to change its mind. Instead of continuing its slumber, thinking its current condition was all right, it was to wake up. The original city of Sardis felt complacent, thinking no attack against it could prevail, but it was wrong. It had relaxed its sentry duty and experienced a sudden downfall, decades prior to this letter.

Similarly, the church at Sardis would fall if it failed to be watchful. The church cannot assume it has already “done enough” for God. If the church at Sardis did not wake up, Jesus would come like an unexpected and unwelcome thief. Christians who slumber in complacency do not live up to their high calling in Christ Jesus. When Jesus comes unexpectantly, those slumbering believers will forfeit their rewards at His Judgment Seat (1 Corinthians 3:13–15; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

Verse 4. All was not lost in the church at Sardis. In this verse Jesus explains that a few faithful believers in Sardis had kept themselves pure. They had avoided the corruption that permeated the culture. No stain of immorality and idolatry soiled their lives. Unlike their slumbering fellow Christians, this faithful minority had kept a watchful eye for anything and anyone that might cause them to stumble and fall into sin.

Decades prior to the writing of these words, the original city of Sardis had failed to maintain active sentry duty and paid a heavy price for its neglect. What was assumed to be an impenetrable fortress was overrun thanks to complacency and arrogance. Thankfully, the faithful Christians among the church of Sardis had not fallen into the same error.

Like the faithful minority at Sardis, believers today need to be watchful. The apostle Peter urged believers to be “sober-mindful; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Jesus promised the faithful believers at Sardis that they would walk with Him in white because they were worthy. The white garments are symbolic of righteousness (Revelation 3:18; 7:14).

Verse 5. The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.

In this verse Jesus extends three promises to every faithful believer at Sardis. First, He will grant Him white garments. Roman officials customarily wore white clothing at religious festivals as symbols of high honor. White clothing that is given to the faithful represents not only honor but also purity and righteousness. Isaiah wrote, “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation; He has covered me with the robe of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10).

Second, Jesus promises that He will not blot the faithful believer’s name out of the book of life. While some individuals think this statement implies that a believer may lose His salvation, it simply means the conqueror—the “overcomer”—can be secure knowing their name will never be erased. Every born-again person has eternal life that will be His divinely given possession forever (John 5:24; 6:35–37, 6:39; 10:28–29; Romans 8:1).

Third, Jesus assures the faithful believer that He will confess His name before His Father and the angels. In a public ceremony in heaven, Jesus will acknowledge that these overcoming, enduring, faithful “conquerors” belong to Him.

Verse 6. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

This verse calls upon everyone with ears to pay attention to Jesus’ inspired messages to the churches and obey the instructions they contain. A church’s top priority should be obedience to the Word of God. A beautiful building, a dazzling pastor, a plethora of age-related programs, a full pastoral staff, and overflowing offerings pale in comparison to a congregation that hears and obeys God’s Word.

In 2 Timothy the apostle Paul instructed Timothy, a young pastor, to preach the Word. He predicted a time when people would refuse to endure sound teaching. They would turn away from the truth and prefer preaching that would tickle their ears and cater to their personal desires (2 Timothy 4:2–4). People today, who attend church to hear feel-good preaching, or entertaining, non-threatening experiences, need Jesus’ exhortation to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. As James 1:22 instructs, we should “be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”

Verse 7. “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.

Philadelphia was located about 28 miles southeast of Sardis. Its name combines the Greek words for “love” and “brothers.” The city was known for its numerous vineyards. The abundant production of wine led the citizens into the worship of Dionysius, the god of wine. The city was also prone to earthquakes. The king of Pergamum founded the city in in 189 BC and named it Philadelphia because of His brother’s loyalty to him; his brother was the king of Lydia.

In His letter to the church at Philadelphia Jesus identifies himself as holy and true. The two characteristics are significant. Because Jesus is holy, He cannot lie. Therefore, He is both holy and true. Hebrews 7 tells how Jesus is a better priest than the priests of Israel. Verse 26 describes Him as “a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.” In John 14:6, Jesus identified Himself to His disciples as the truth. The church at Philadelphia could accept Jesus’ words as absolutely true.

Jesus also identifies himself in verse 7 as the one who has the key of David. The mention of David puts this verse in a messianic context. Someday Jesus will exercise His authority to allow saved individuals, both born-again Gentiles and saved Jews to enter His earthly kingdom. Also, He will use the key to lock out all unbelievers. Because Jesus is the son of David, He has the indisputable right to the royal line. As Israel’s promised king, He will rule the nations from the throne of Israel.

It is also true that Jesus holds the key to open and shut a door that no one can open. He was able to use the key to open the doors of opportunity for the church at Philadelphia to advance the gospel into Asia’s unevangelized regions. Further, He could use the key to lock out the church’s enemies.

Context Summary
Revelation 3:7–13 contains Jesus’ letter to the church at Philadelphia. Philadelphia, was a center for exporting the Greek language and culture into the interior of Asia Minor. Thus, it had a secular missionary calling. Just as the city had an open door to the interior, so the church had an open door to spread the gospel. Jesus commends the church in verse 10 and promises to keep it from the tribulation period. He also instructs the church to retain the truth and promises each conqueror special recognition in the New Jerusalem. Smyrna and Philadelphia are the only churches in Revelation not to receive any particular criticism. The church at Philadelphia’s characteristics are similar to those of the Church in the 19th and 20th centuries that was a period of frequent revivals and missionary activity.

Verse 8. “‘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.

As the embodiment of truth, Jesus offers an accurate, unbiased assessment of the Church at Philadelphia’s works. He had opened a door of opportunity before the church. No one possessed the strength to close it. He describes the church as having only a little power, but it has used that power to good effect. It had kept Jesus’ word, likely His commands that His apostles had passed down to believers, and it had remained loyal to Him.

Obeying the Word and staying loyal to Jesus ought to be significant features of any church. Opposition to Jesus and His word are fierce and insidious, but they cannot overcome a church that obeys Jesus and is loyal to Him. The apostle John cites love for God and obeying His commandments as evidence of belonging to God’s family (1 John 5:1–2). He encourages believers by assuring them that “He who is in you is greater than He who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

Verse 9. Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie — behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you.

This is the second time in the letters to the seven churches that the “synagogue of Satan” is mentioned, and the fourth time Satan is referenced (Revelation 2:9; 2:13; 2:24). Apparently, the Jews of Philadelphia, like those of Smyrna, made life hard for the believers in Philadelphia. This is not a blanket reference to all of Judaism, nor all of the Jewish people. Rather, Jesus is indicting a specific group in a specific area. In fact, Jesus said these offenders were Jews in name only. He called them liars. They actually belonged to Satan and served Him.

Perhaps the aggressors tried to force the Christians to be circumcised and to put themselves under the law of Moses, just as Judaizers tried to persuade the churches of Galatia to accept circumcision and submit to the law of Moses (Galatians 1:6–7; 3:1–6). But the Christians at Philadelphia resisted the Judaizers’ efforts.

Jesus promised to compel the false Jews to acknowledge the believers’ valid faith in Jesus and recognize that Jesus loves the believers. This is most likely a reference to the ultimate victory of good over evil: the day when all false teachers will have to bow to Jesus and confess that He is Lord (Philippians 2:19–11). Christians will witness that triumphant event (Revelation 20:12–15).

Verse 10. Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.

Jesus did not bring any accusation against the church at Philadelphia. Only Philadelphia and Smyrna have this distinction. Rather, Instead, He commends them for patient endurance. These believers did not give up or give in to the oppressors’ attempts to convert them to a false form of Judaism. Because the church showed such patience, Jesus promised to keep it “from the hour of trial.”

Jesus’ words make it clear that the church will not go through the hour of trial, a reference to the “tribulation,” a seven-year period of intense earthly distress and the subject of much of the book of Revelation. The Greek word translated “from” is ek, meaning “out of.” Unlike other forms of hardship, where God promises to be with us, or to keep us “through” or “in” those times of difficulty, the church will be kept out of the tribulation. If the church were destined to be kept through the tribulation, the Greek word dia, meaning “through,” could have been used.

Further, Jesus said the hour of trial is coming on the whole world, not on the church. The judgments unleashed in the tribulation will fall on “those who dwell on the earth”; that is, on those whose home is the world, not heaven. Jesus will take Christians out of the world before the tribulation begins, in an event known as the rapture.

Verse 11. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.

In this verse Jesus promises to “come soon,” which in this Greek context means something that will happen “quickly or suddenly,” not necessarily “a short time from now.” In the meantime, He urges the believers at Philadelphia to keep a firm grip on the truth and on their loyalty to Him. By doing so they would prohibit an enemy from grabbing their crown.

The Philadelphian believers would have been familiar with marathon races. To complete a marathon successfully, a runner had to adhere to strict discipline and abide by the rules governing the race. If he won the race, he would receive a crown as his reward. The apostle Paul understood that the Christian life is not a 100-yard dash but a marathon. Paul ran the race patiently, adhered to a strict disciplined and kept the rules. He ran to win and expected to receive an imperishable crown (see 1 Corinthians 9:24–26).

At the end of His life, Paul testified that he had finished the race and anticipated the crown of righteousness as a reward from the Lord, the righteous judge (2 Timothy 4:7–8). We, too, are running a marathon that requires discipline, diligence, and patient endurance. We must keep our eyes on Jesus and not be distracted. Upon completing the race successfully, we will receive the crown of righteousness.

Verse 12. The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and 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 from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.

In this verse Jesus promises to make “the conqueror” a pillar in God’s temple. The Greek word nikōn refers to someone who overcomes or obtains victory.

It’s interesting to note that the ancient city of Philadelphia was vulnerable to earthquakes that collapsed buildings. By contrast, God is suggesting that nothing could cause the conquering believers in Philadelphia to tremble and fall. They would stand tall like firm columns in God’s temple, a reference to heaven. When an earthquake struck Philadelphia, the residents left the city in search of a safe place, but the Christian overcomers would remain safe forever in heaven.

Jesus also promised to inscribe on these overcomers the name of His Father, the name of the New Jerusalem, and Jesus’ own name. The New Jerusalem will descend from heaven when Jesus establishes His royal residence on earth (Revelation 21:9–27). Hebrews 13:14 points out that believers do not have a permanent residence on earth, but we look forward to living in a permanent one. The permanent city is the New Jerusalem. Possessing the name of our heavenly Father, the name of the New Jerusalem, and the new name of Jesus suggests that believers will receive honors that abide eternally.

Verse 13. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

This verse challenges believers once again to heed what the Spirit says to the churches. The corrections, challenges, and promises given to the churches of Asia Minor are appropriate for believers in every period of history. We must not simply read them for our intellectual improvement. Rather, we must read them for our spiritual good.

While these warnings and promises are not, literally speaking, given for modern Christians, the messages contain valuable lessons we can take to heart and apply to our lives. The apostle Paul testified that “all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work (2Timothy 4:16–17). If we learn and obey the inspired Word of God, we will become the illustrated Word to the world. The apostle James encourages us to apply the Word to our lives. He wrote: “But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, He will be blessed in His doing” (James 1:25).

Verse 14. “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.

In this verse Jesus commands the apostle John to write to the church in Laodicea in care of “the angel of the church,” likely the pastor. In both Greek and Hebrew, the words translated as “angel” more literally mean “messenger.” Laodicea was known for its independence, having experienced a devastating earthquake in AD 17 but refusing financial aid from Rome. The city of Laodicea was located near Colossae and Hierapolis, about 40 miles southeast of Philadelphia. Antiochus II named the city after His wife Laodice. It was a wealthy trade-route city with an abundance of bankers and merchants. The church in Laodicea had characteristics that prefigured those of many churches in the modern and post-modern eras.

The letter to the church at Laodicea concludes the second section of Revelation, those things which were presently existing at the time John wrote these words (Revelation 1:19).

Jesus identifies himself as “the Amen, the faithful and true witness, and the beginning of God’s creation.” The name “Amen” indicates that He is God’s perfect and final revelation. The writer to the Hebrews affirmed that “long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son” (Hebrews 1:1–2). Jesus is also God’s reliable witness, who never swerves from the truth. The Laodiceans could take His word to them at face value. Furthermore, Jesus is the originator of God’s creation. In His gospel, John testifies: “All things were made through [Jesus], and without [Jesus] was not anything made that was made” (John 1:3). Because of Jesus’ superior, sovereign person and work, the Laodiceans had good reason to heed what He communicated in His letter to them.

Context Summary
Revelation 3:14–22 is Jesus’ final and most strident message, addressed to the church at Laodicea. We learn from this assessment that the Laodicean church was lukewarm, smug, and self-satisfied. It boasted about its wealth and need of nothing. But the church deceived itself. In terms of its spiritual condition, it was wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. Jesus urged the church to turn to Him, as He was positioned outside the church, inviting whoever heard His voice to open the door and welcome Him. Laodicea is the only church of seven which receives only criticism, and no positive remarks.

Verse 15. “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot!

Nothing escapes Jesus’ attention. He tells the Laodicean church in this verse that He knows its condition. He says it is neither cold nor hot, although He would prefer that it was one or the other. This condemnation of “lukewarm” faith carries dire consequences. In that era, room-temperature water was dangerous water. Cold water suggested a flowing spring or river, and hot water was something which had been cooked or cleaned. Anything in between was, naturally, suspicious and possibly worthless.

The church in Laodicea was neither fervent nor frigid. It was simply content to maintain a status quo position. It was neither emotionally excited about Christian matters nor coldhearted about them. Whereas Jesus offered the church at Philadelphia no reproof, He offered the Laodicean church no praise. Unlike the church at Sardis that had things that remained and needed to be strengthened, the church at Laodicea had nothing that simply needed to be strengthened. In some ways churches exist today that are neither hot nor cold. They simply continue to perform meaningless activities, offer visitors a limp handshake, go through the motions of a sterile liturgy, and keep their members in an indifferent mindset.

Another aspect of Jesus’ desire that the church be “either hot or cold” relates to how we respond to the gospel. Those who are “hot” in spiritual matters are deeply involved and committed to faith. Those who are cold, however, are at least in a position where they can be deeply impacted by faith—they can be changed. Those who are “lukewarm” have just enough knowledge of Christ that they’re not resistant, but lack enough real faith to be fully engaged. That condition, in truth, is harder to change than to convert a fully-cold non-believer!

Verse 16. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.

In this verse Jesus describes the church at Laodicea as lukewarm. It was customary for people in ancient times to drink hot or cold beverages at their feasts and in their religious sacrifices, but they never drank a lukewarm beverage. Such liquids are distasteful, and for good reason: they are more likely to harbor diseases. Today, on a hot day, people find a cold drink refreshing, and on a cold day they find a hot drink invigorating, but no one ever enjoys a lukewarm drink.

Laodicea did not have its own water source. It depended upon the nearby city of Hierapolis for its water. Hierapolis was constructed around numerous hot springs, so it enjoyed an abundant supply of hot water that it sent to Laodicea by way of an aqueduct. However, by the time the water reached Laodicea it had cooled to a lukewarm temperature. It would need to be cooled or re-heated prior to being fit for consumption. The lukewarm taste of the Laodiceans’ religious life made Jesus feel so sick He felt like vomiting the church out of His mouth.

This presents a useful analogy for evangelism, as well. Those who are spiritually “hot” are engaged in their faith. Those who are “cold” have an opportunity to be influenced in a powerful way by the gospel. But those who are “lukewarm” are actually in a worse condition that those who are “cold.” They know “just enough” about Jesus, so they’re not resistant, but they’re also somewhat calloused to His voice. From Jesus’ perspective, it’s actually better to be spiritually “cold,” since that means you’re more likely to notice the calling of God.

Verse 17. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.

In this verse we find a big contrast between the church at Laodicea’s view of itself and Jesus’ view of them. The Laodicean church saw itself as rich and prosperous, but Jesus saw it as poor. Undoubtedly, some wealthy bankers were members of the church and contributed generously to its offerings, but the church was spiritually bankrupt. The church felt it needed nothing, but actually it needed what only Jesus could give it. As the saying goes, money cannot buy happiness. With all its wealth, the church was “wretched,” meaning unhappy. Jesus also viewed the church as “pitiable,” meaning miserable. It is possible to possess money and material possessions but feel miserable.

Paul instructed Timothy to warn His church members that money-hungry Christians “fall into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction” (1 Timothy 6:9). Jesus also recognized that the spiritually impoverished Laodicean church was also blind and naked. It did not see any need to trust in the Lord or to evangelize the lost. It had no vision. It was “naked,” an ironic criticism, since the city exported abundant wool for clothing.

Verse 18. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.

In response to the Laodicean church’s smug self-assessment, Jesus advises it to buy pure gold from Him. He also offers the church white garments and eye ointment. Gold, garments, and eye salve were Laodicea’s chief exports. The apostle Peter described faith, approved by the test of fire, as much more valuable than gold (1 Peter 1:7). The Laodiceans boasted about their wealth, but they needed genuine faith that was far more valuable than material wealth.

The city was famous for its manufacturing of glossy wool, but Jesus offered the church members white garments that would cover their spiritual nakedness. The Laodicean church was blind to spiritual realities. Its focus was on earthly comforts and prosperity. Laodicea was well known throughout the region for its production of eye salve that was used to treat a number of eye diseases. Jesus offers salve that could cure spiritual blindness. Symbolically speaking, if the Laodiceans applied the eye salve Jesus offered, they would be able to see their lukewarm condition and subsequently repent.

Verse 19. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.

In this verse Jesus summons the Laodiceans to mend their ways, to be fervent about repenting. They need to turn from their lethargy and restore their relationship with God. In spite of their wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked condition, Jesus still loves them. He explains that He rebukes and disciplines those whom He loves.

Sometimes, God uses a hard trial or a physical affliction to discipline His erring children, but He exercises the discipline as a loving father. Hebrews 12:10 explains that fathers discipline their children for a short time as it seems best to them, but our heavenly Father disciplines us for our own good, that we may share His holiness. Further, although the discipline is painful, it doesn’t last forever, and it produces righteousness in us (Hebrews 12:11). When we undergo discipline, we should not think God has abandoned us. Indeed, He is investing time in our spiritual education. His purpose is not to make us bitter but to make us better.

Verse 20. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

This verse pictures Jesus standing outside the church at Laodicea and knocking at its door to be welcomed and admitted into the church. He does not force himself upon the church, but patiently waits to be invited in. Luke 24:28–32 relates that Jesus and two of His followers were walking to Emmaus, where the two lived. When they reached Emmaus that evening, Jesus acted as if He were going further, but the two followers of Jesus urged Him to stay with them. Having received their invitation, Jesus entered their home. If the church at Laodicea had invited Jesus to enter, undoubtedly He would have entered the church, but the church did not invite Him in. So Jesus looked for an invitation from any responsive individual. He promised to fellowship with whoever would hear His voice and open the door.

Although this verse is often used as an invitation to an unbeliever to receive Jesus as Savior, it applies directly to any church that is apathetic like the Laodicean church. Jesus is not unwilling to restore them to a better state, but they need to demonstrate their willingness to obey God.

Verse 21. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.

Jesus continues His promise to whoever responds to His call for a cordial welcome, thereby overcoming lukewarm faith. He promises to give that repentant overcomer the honor of sitting with Him on His throne. Jesus mentions that He sat down with His Father on His throne.

Hebrews 8:1 describes Jesus’ present position as that of sitting at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven. Someday, however, Jesus will leave the throne in heaven and occupy a throne on earth. The angel Gabriel told Mary that her child Jesus would “be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:32–33). Undoubtedly, the promise to the repentant overcomer at Laodicea anticipates the privilege of participating in Jesus’ kingdom administration.

Verse 22. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

Verse 22 extends Jesus’ final challenge to the seven churches of Asia Minor. The challenge extends to us, too. We should heed Jesus’ messages to the seven churches.

We can learn from His message to the church at Ephesus to keep our love for the Lord fresh and fervent. We can learn from His message to the church at Smyrna to be faithful unto death. From His message to the church at Pergamum we can learn to reject sexual immorality and the rule of others over the church. From what Jesus said to the church at Thyatira we can learn to hold fast to the faith until Jesus comes. From Jesus’ message to the church at Sardis we can learn to remember the truth and stay alert. Jesus’ words to the church at Philadelphia teach us to endure with patience the race that is set before us. And from the message to the Laodicean church we can learn to avoid smug complacency and to keep the door open for Jesus to enter every area of our life.

End of Chapter 3.

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