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“And to the angel of the congregation1 in Sardis2 write: This is a message from the One having the 7 pneumas of The God and the 7 stars.3 I am aware of your works4 – that you have the name you are alive,5 but you are dead.”6
| 1 | And to the angel of the congregation: For details see notes on Revelation 2:1. The angel is the presiding presbyter of the congregation and the Greek “you” is in the singular indicating this message is primarily to this elder though the principles can be extended to the congregation. |
| 2 | Sardis: An ancient and populous city with wealthy industry. In the 1st Century AD Josephus writes there was a sizeable community of Jews in Sardis. Likely this was the foundation of those who later formed a Christian congregation. [Jewish Antiquities, XIV, 259 x, 24] It is possible the first congregation was formed by Paul or one of his associates. |
| 3 | 7 pneumas of The God and the 7 stars: See notes above. |
| 4 | I am aware of your works: Or, deeds. We note that Christ states he is aware or knows of the angel’s “works” and not his faith. The Greek is the singular “you” – SOU – and thus the message is mainly directed to this presiding overseer. |
| 5 | You have the name you are alive: Or, TCN: men say that you are living; WEY: you are supposed to be alive; KNX: thou dost pass for a living man; TAY: I know your reputation as a live. Some Christians may give all the appearances of being an active disciple. Or, they may make such a claim and go through certain accepted motions and thus possess a reputation among others. On closer examination – say by Christ himself – this does not turn out to be deserved. |
| 6 | You are dead: Compare 1 Corinthians 11:30. How may a Christian, though appearing to be alive, actually be dead from Christ’s perspective? [Compare notes on James 2:14-22.] This is the walking dead – a congregation leader who looks pristine and spiritual but is no better than the Pharisees who had a similar appearance. [Matthew 23] |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose Revelation 3:1 as the theme verse of chapter three – Two Dead Angels and One Faithful Angel. The Risen Master now addresses the angel in Sardis. [1-3] This angel is one of the living dead. Though having the “name” of being alive, he is really dead. He is exhorted to remain awake and complete the necessary works, otherwise Christ will come suddenly with punishment. However, there is an undefiled minority in the congregation. [4-6] Because they have remained undefiled Christ promises they will walk with him in white garments. Such a victorious Christian will not be erased from the Book of Life and Christ will confess his name before his Father.
Christ now writes to the angel of Philadelphia. [7-11] This angel, and likely most of his congregation, is characterized by their town – Brotherly Love. Christ introduces himself as the one with the keys of David. He is aware of their works and promises to open a door to them and force certain Jews to bow before them. They will be protected from the hour of temptation because they have endured and observed the word of Christ. The triumphant Christian will no have his crown removed. Such a victorious Christian will become a permanent pillar in God’s Temple and will receive the name of God, New Jerusalem, and a “new name.” [12, 13]
Christ now writes to the angel in Laodicea. [14-18] Jesus describes himself as the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of God’s creation. Christ is aware of his works which are lukewarm. The Risen Master threatens to vomit him out of his mouth. It is because this angel claims to be rich and has no need of anything, not aware that Jesus judges him as spiritually poor and blind. He is urged to buy refined gold and become truly rich. The angel is reproved and promised a meal with the Master. [18-22] The triumphant Christian will gain a throne even as Christ did.
Abba our Father bless those who endure doing the works of Christ.
[17 September 2002]
Though nominally Christian and living the Christian life, they were really spiritually dead.
