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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

A REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST

CHAPTER THREE:
THREE ANGELS: DEAD, FAITHFUL, LUKEWARM

[“Two Dead Angels, One Faithful”]
Key Word: Hear
Theme Verse: 1

Revelation 3:1-3 – An Angel Who Is the Living Dead

RV3:1 “And to the angel of the congregation 106 in Sardis 107 write: This is a message from the One having the 7 pneumas of The God and the 7 stars. 108 I am aware of your works 109 – that you have the name you are alive, 110 but you are dead. 111

106	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.

107

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.

108	7 pneumas of The God and the 7 stars: See notes above.

109	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.

110

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.

111

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]

RV3:2 Continue to remain awake 112 and fix firmly whatever remains that was about to die, 113 for I have not found your works completed 114 in the sight of my God.

112

Continue to remain awake: Or, be watchful, wake up. Often the Master Jesus counsels watchfulness. [Matthew 4:43; Mark 13:33; Luke 21:36] And does not again in the Apocalypse. [Revelation 16:15] Paul also cautions the same, directly to elders [Acts 20:31] and to all. [Romans 13:11; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Ephesians 5:14; 6:18; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:6]

113

Fix firmly whatever remains that was about to die: Or, strengthen, rally. Such an elder still has some qualities and blessings that have a bit of life in them. These may be strengthened by meditative prayer and deep personal study. Also, by making a determined effort each day such an elder can demonstrate his love for the flock and set an example of conviction and spirituality. What often motivates this type of elder is his position and some of the honor and respect that goes with it. If he were to lose his position as an elder it is most likely he will drop dead spiritually and become completely inactive as far as Christ is concerned.

114

I have not found your works completed: Or, perfected, unfulfilled. The subject here is the “works” of the elder and not his faith, as though works were unimportant. See notes elsewhere on “works.” How may works be incomplete, unperfected, or unfulfilled? The right motive may be missing. [Compare Philippians 1:15-17.] The wrong works may occupy the elder – such as works of materialism and selfishness. Right works – as in those of charity and devotion to the congregation – may need a greater focus.

RV3:3 Therefore, continue to remember how you first received and heard 115 and continue to keep it and repent. If on the other hand you do not continue to remain awake I will return like a thief, and you will not know the time I will arrive upon you. 116

115

Remember how you first received and heard: Hearing includes a knowledge of the teachings of the Nazarene. To perfect his works, this elder must do two things: a] meditate on his first contact with Christianity and how faith and love welled up in him; and, b] meditate on what he first “heard”. Nothing can perfect works better than re-reading the teachings of the Nazarene and study how these apply to oneself. [On “heard” see notes on Ephesians 1:13 and Ephesians 4:21.]

116	You will not know the time I will arrive upon you: Though some would apply this to the Parousia, the singular “you” [SE] indicates a personal visit by Christ himself to remove the elder from his position.

Revelation 3:4-6 – An Undefiled Minority

RV3:4 “However, you do have a few names in Sardis 117 that have not defiled their outer garments. These will walk about with me dressed in white garments 118 because they are worthy. 119

117	You do have a few names in Sardis: In the congregation of this elder there are a few members who are not defiled. When one is in a congregation where the leadership is all show and no substance it becomes very difficult to not fall into the same hypocrisy.

118	Walk about with me dressed in white garments: This “walking about” will occur in the New Jerusalem during the Thousand Years. Then, dressed in the white garment of a righteousness and justice these will act as kings, judges and priests. [Revelation 20:4, 6]

119

They are worthy: Not all Christians are “worthy” just because of an original confession of faith. These disciples here are not like the presiding elder – with only a name as a living Christian though truly dead. These have remained as they first were and they continue to meditate on the teachings of the Nazarene. They are Christians through and through – not just in word, but also in deed.

RV3:5 The person who conquers will thus be clothed in white outer garments, and his name will not be erased from the Book of the Life. 120 [Psalm 69:28] I will confess his name in the sight of my Father 121 and in the sight of His angels.

120

His name will not be erased from the Book of the Life: The phrase is borrowed from Psalm 69:28. God has an ancient record of everyone who has ever lived, including every professing Christian. The names of those who become disciples of the Nazarene are entered in this record which promises Life. [Revelation 20:12, 13; 21:27] However, this entry is conditional on continued faith, love, and obedience. [Philippians 4:3] It is written in pencil as it were and can be wiped out or erased. Such erasure would spell disaster and would lead to everlasting extinction. [Matthew 7:21-23 and Matthew 25:46]

121

I will confess his name in the sight of my Father: Or, in the presence of. Jesus had said the same six decades before to his apostles. [Matthew 10:32; Mark 8:38; Luke 12:8] Every Christian must stand before the judgment seat of Christ and be judged on the basis on faithful works during his life. [2 Corinthians 5:10] There will be two responses and two outcomes. [1 John 2:28; Matthew 7:21-23; Daniel 12:2; John 5:29]

RV3:6 Let the person with ears listen to what the Pneuma is saying to the congregations.

Revelation 3:7-11 – An Angel of Brotherly Love

RV3:7 “And to the angel of the congregation 122 in Philadelphia 123 write: This is a message from the Saint 124 – the Real One 125 – the One possessing the key of David, 126 the One unlocking so that no one can close, and closing so that no one can unlock. [Isaiah 22:22]

122	The angel of the congregation: See notes above.

123	Philadelphia: An ancient city in western Asia Minor. The name means “brotherly love.” This elder is one of the two who were approved by Christ among the seven.

124	The Saint: Or, Holy One, holy. Compare the same designation at John 6:69. The head of the Church is The Saint and the Church contains many “saints.” Compare the Source of this sanctification at Hebrews 2:11.

125	The Real One: Or, truthful one, genuine one, the one who is true. Jesus calls himself “the Truth.” [John 14:6]

126

The One possessing the key of David: The description is taken from Isaiah 22:22. A key is either for unlocking something or locking something. Messiah possesses the key to Hades and Death to release those who are resurrected. He also has the “key of the Abyss” which he may lock so that none ever return. [Revelation 20:1-3, 12-15] Note the “open door” that follows.

RV3:8 I am aware of your works: 127 Look, within your view I have put an open door 128 which no one will be able to lock. You still have a little strength 129 and you have observed my word 130 [John 8:51] and have never denied my name. 131

127	I am aware of your works: Again the importance of works before Christ.

128	An open door: The metaphor may indicate a new privilege of service related to the Gospel. [1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Corinthians 2:12] The words are directed to the angelic presbyter and could refer to a new assignment or an enlarged privilege of service.

129

A little strength: Or, strength is small. It implies that the elder is weak physically or in some way limited. Despite this he has remained obedient. Often it is the weakest and sickliest of men who labor the hardest for the congregation. Paul was such an example. [2 Corinthians 11:30; 12:9; Galatians 4:15]

130

Observed my word: Or, kept, obeyed. The same phrase occurs at John 8:51, 52; 14:23; 15:26. [John 5:24; 8:31, 37] It means to obey and walk in the teachings of the Nazarene. This can only be done by first knowing these “commandments” of which there are about 60. For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 in Nazarene Commandments©.

131	Never denied my name: Or, proved false, renounced. Like Peter. During the Roman persecutions it was the test upon Christians to renounce their faith and thus be spared from torture, imprisonment, or execution.

RV3:9 Now, look, I will force those members of the synagogue of Satan 132 – those who claim to be Jews 133 though they are not – look, I will make them come and bow in prostration before your feet 134 [Isaiah 49:23; 60:14] so that they will know that I loved you. 135 [Isaiah 43:4]

132	Members of the synagogue of Satan: Likely Jews who opposed the local Christian congregation. See notes on Revelation 2:9.

133	Claim to be Jews: No longer before God is there such a thing as a fleshly Jew. The only true Jew is one who observes the faith of Abraham and follows the Nazarene. [Romans 2:28, 29; Galatians 3:27-29] Compare notes on Revelation 2:9.

134

I will make them come and bow in prostration before your feet: Or, worship, bow down. Jesus uses the language of Isaiah 49:23. The 49th chapter of Isaiah is referenced a number of times in Revelation. These ‘Jews’ of Satan’s Synagogue will be forced to show deep respect for this weak and poor elder. Possibly they finally acknowledge the truth of Christ and approach the local congregation. Or, Jesus may refer to that future moment in the Judgment.

135	I loved you: The language is borrowed from Isaiah 43:4 and refers to true Jews of the Israel of God. [Romans 2:28, 29; Galatians 6:15]

RV3:10 Because you observed the word of my own endurance I will also keep you from the hour of temptation 136 coming upon the entire inhabited earth.

136	The hour of temptation: Or, hour of trial, hour of test. Reread Isaiah 43:2-4. It is possible Jesus refers to a coming wave of persecution that will involve this elder and through he will escape.

RV3:11 I will arrive suddenly! 137 Continue to hold fast to what you have so that no one takes your crown! 138

137	I will arrive suddenly: The Greek TACHY may mean quickly or suddenly. See notes above on Revelation 2:16. Throughout the Gospel Age Christians must remain alert to the Return of Christ.

138	So that no one takes your crown: Similar to the name inscribed in the Book of Life above, the possession of the crown is conditioned on faithful obedience to the word of Christ. Compare notes on Revelation 2:10. [1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4]

Revelation 3:12-13 – Victory for Temple Pillars

RV3:12 “The person who conquers I will make a pillar in the Divine Habitat 139 of my God 140 and he will never leave it to go outside. 141 And I will write upon him 142 the Name of my God and the name of the city of my God, [Ezekiel 48:35] that New Jerusalem 143 [Isaiah 65:18] that descends out of heaven from my God, 144 and also that new name [Isaiah 62:2] of mine.

139

I will make a pillar in the Divine Habitat: Or, temple, sanctuary, shrine. Possibly there is an echo of 2 Chronicles 3:17. The Church on earth is compared to a Temple. [1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 2:21; 1 Peter 2:5] And some of its key members are considered “pillars.” [Galatians 2:9] But, likely here Jesus refers to a permanent place in the celestial Temple as a priest. [Revelation 20:4] The Greek for temple here is NAO [NAON, NAOS] and always refers to the Heavenly Temple of God. [Compare notes on Revelation 7:15; 11:1, 2, 19; 14:15, 17; 21:22] Another word is used in the Gospels for the whole temple compound with its many courtyards – HIERON.

140	My God: Several times in Revelation Jesus refers to his God. [Revelation 3:2, 12] Compare notes on Ephesians 1:3, 17. Jesus used the phrase in his message to Mary Magdalene. [John 20:17] Such address by the Messiah was foretold at Psalm 89:26.

141	He will never leave it to go outside: The heavenly, or celestial realm is the eternal home of the Saints. Compare notes on 2 Corinthians 5:1-5. [John 14:1-3]

142	And I will write upon him: Two inscriptions are mentioned: the name of the City of God, and, Christ’s new name. These stand in contrast to the name or number of the Beast mentioned later. [Revelation 13, 14]

143	New Jerusalem: The language is likely borrowed from the newly created Jerusalem associated with the “new heavens and new earth” at Isaiah 65:17, 18. Compare notes on 2 Peter 3:13.

144	Descends out of heaven from my God: The phrase is repeated at Revelation 21:3. The New Jerusalem descends to the earth after the Great Oppression and remains in contact with the earth until the end of the Thousand Years. For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Revelation 21:1-4.

RV3:13 Let the person with ears listen to what the Pneuma is saying to the congregations.

Revelation 3:14-18 – A Lukewarm Angel

RV3:14 “And to the angel of the congregation 145 in Laodicea 146 write: This message is from the Amen, 147 the faithful and true witness, 148 [Psalm 89:37] the beginning of the creation of The God. 149 [Proverbs 8:22]

145	To the angel of the congregation: See notes on Revelation 2:1.

146	Laodicea: A congregation about five decades old and mentioned in Colossians 4:16.

147	The Amen: Or, So Be It. The designation may be drawn from 2 Corinthians 1:20.

148	The faithful and true witness: Compare notes on Revelation 1:5.

149

The beginning of the creation of The God: There is considerable debate over how this phrase should be rendered due to Trinitarian bias. This reading is the most literal. Some Trinitarian versions insist on “the head of” or “the origin of.” The Greek is Hebrews [the] ARCHE [beginning] TES [of the] KTISEOS [creation] It is interesting that those who insist ARCHE here means Beginner or Originator render the same words in Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1 as “the beginning.” Paul has already called Christ PROTOTOKOS [firstborn] PASES [of all] KTISEOS [creation] at Colossians 1:15. [Compare notes on this verse.] The two words ARCHE [beginning] and KTISEOS [create] occur in two particular verses and in one of these verses a begotten son is suggested. This is Proverbs 8:22 in the 3rd Century BC Jewish Greek Septuagint which reads: KYRIOS [Lord] EKTISE [create me] ARCHEN [(the) beginning] HODON [ways] AUTOU [of his]. Proverbs 8:22-30 goes on to mention a begotten “Master Craftsman” [Hebrew Text] who was created in the beginning before heaven and earth existed. The language between Proverbs 8:22 and Revelation 3:14 is so similar to have caused some scholars to see a quotation or allusion at work here. Thus Rotherham’s literal translation italicizes “the beginning of the creation of God” and references Proverbs 8:22 as the source. Nestle-Aland’s Novum Testamentum Graece does the same in cross-referencing Proverbs 8:22. Though rendering Revelation 3:14 differently the New Jerusalem Bible does point to Proverbs 8:22 in a footnote, indicating Christ is that “wisdom” of the proverb. For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000© and the work Error of the Trinity under Revelation 3:14. [Also compare notes on 1 Corinthians 1:24.]

RV3:15 I am aware of your works 150 – you are neither cold nor hot. 151 I wished you were either cold or hot. 152

150	I am aware of your works: Christ is aware of the works of this angelic presbyter and such are clearly important to him. Research the word “works” [deeds] throughout Revelation.

151	You are neither cold nor hot: Most people do not wish to drink water or other fluids at a lukewarm temperature. They find hot drinks stimulating and cold drinks refreshing. The water in Laodicea was famous for being lukewarm and not of a good taste.

152	I wished you were either cold or hot: Or, either stimulatingly hot or refreshingly cold; one way or the other. Some elders are so indifferent and lackadaisical that they are never the source of simulation to zeal or refreshing in their encouragements.

RV3:16 But, because you are lukewarm, neither hot or cold, I am ready to vomit you out of my mouth! 153

153	I am ready to vomit you out of my mouth: This will seem severe language just because a person is lukewarm. The phrase tells us much about Christ’s character as well as how he views indifference.

RV3:17 The reason is this – you continue to say, ‘I have become rich 154 [Hosea 12:8] and do not need anything!’ 155 – and yet you do not realize you are really destitute 156 and pitiful and poor and blind and naked.

154

I have become rich: Some materialistic Christians convince themselves that their wealth is God-given instead of the product of indifferent spirituality. Other modern Prosperity Preachers persuade their flocks to do exactly the opposite of the teachings of the Nazarene. This angelic presbyter sets a poor role model in his congregation by his pursuit of materialism and likely he has tried to convince his flock that his wealth is proof of God’s blessing. The message is clear, Christ will vomit out any materialistic congregational leaders.

155	Do not need anything: This is the fundamental problem with materialistic riches – the more one has the less they feel the need of God.

156	You are really destitute: Or, wretched, miserable, pitiable. That is spiritually so.

RV3:18 I counsel you to buy 157 from me gold refined 158 [Proverbs 8:19] by fire so that you may truly become rich. And [buy] white outer garments 159 so that you become clothed and the shame of your nakedness not become manifest. 160 Also, [buy] eye salve to put in your eyes 161 so that you may see. 162

157

To buy: If the saying is true that “Time is money” then “money is time.” This elder is going to have to pay something to get this refined gold – time. Time spent in prayers, meditative study, fellowship, shepherding, disciple-making, and charity. All things that take time away from the source of his riches. Compare notes on 1 Timothy 6:17-19 where Paul commands the rich.

158

Gold refined: The phrase is likely from Proverbs where refined gold is compared to knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. Obviously this is of a spiritual and godly sort. The only way to achieve it is to spend time [money] in spiritual matters, particularly the study of God’s Word and the teachings of the Nazarene.

159	White outer garments: A life of righteous and holy service to God and neighbors, purified by the blood of the Lamb. [Revelation 7:9, 14]

160	Shame of your nakedness not become manifest: One may hide a true spiritual condition from others, but not from the One who walks among the congregational Lampstands. Compare 1 John 2:28 and Revelation 16:15.

161	Eye salve to put in your eyes: Laodicea had a famous medical school and clinic where among other things Phrygian powder was available for diseases of the eye.

162	So that you may see: Spiritual sight is one of the symptoms of Christian materialism – the focus is no longer on God and Christian service but on moneymaking and the things it can possess.

Revelation 3:19-22 – Reproved Eat and Conquer

RV3:19 “Everyone I have affection for I continue to reprove and discipline. 163 [Proverbs 3:12] Therefore, be zealous 164 and repent.

163

Discipline: Or, rebuke, correct. The words are from Proverbs 3:12. A similar paraphrase occurs at Hebrews 12:6. Those without such discipline are called “bastards.” [KJV] Compare Hebrews 12:5-11. How is this discipline applied? In part it may be a form of self-discipline associated with application of the Holy Writings. [2 Timothy 3:15-17] Discipline may also come from elders within the Christian Church. [1 Timothy 1:20; Ephesians 4:11-16]

164	Zealous: Such zeal is reflected in the “works” Christ has mentioned often in these letters.

RV3:20 Look, I stand at the door 165 and continue to knock. 166 Anyone who hears my voice 167 and opens the door, I will approach him and have supper 168 with him and he with me.

165	I stand at the door: The figure of speech can mean an imminent visit. The Nazarene Master makes himself available by taking positive action toward the believer.

166	Continue to knock: The Master does not just knock once but is persistent in his efforts to give the needed discipline and reproof.

167	Hears my voice: A similar phrase occurs in John 10:3, 16, 27. Christ’s voice is heard primarily in the Gospels and in the words of his inspired disciples. Hearing such a voice requires regular study and meditation on the Sayings of the Nazarene.

168	Supper: A figure of speech of the spiritual communion between the believer and the visiting Christ. The purpose of this meal is to spiritually strengthen the disciple through discipline and encouragement.

RV3:21 The person who conquers I will grant to sit down with me on my throne 169 just as I also conquered and sat down with 170 my Father on His Throne. 171 [Psalm 110:1]

169	My throne: Christ’s throne is in the Celestialum beside his Father in a “heavenly kingdom.” [2 Timothy 4:18] The Saints of the Gospel Age will reign with Christ from heaven. Revelation later describes such within the New Jerusalem.

170

Sat down with: The language is from Psalm 110:1. According to Paul Christ began to rule in heaven with his Father in the year 33 AD from then on waiting until all of his enemies are made a stool for his feet. [1 Corinthians 15:24; Hebrews 10:12, 13] Jesus indicates the Saints will reign with him in such a privileged position. [1 Corinthians 6:2; Revelation 20:4]

171	His Throne: That throne is in heaven. [Isaiah 66:1]

RV3:22 Let the person with ears listen to what the Pneuma is saying to the congregations.”

Review Questions on Chapter Three