The seven letters in chapters 2 & 3, though addressed to seven specific ecclesias, are directed to any who will listen attentively to the messages. They promise us a glorious future so we should examine our own selves in the light of the description of the disciples in these seven churches and respond favourably to the warnings and exhortations of Jesus. In particular, we should learn and remain faithful to God’s Truth revealed in his word, keep separate from those who deny the faith, even if they claim to be Christians, and do righteousness by determinedly obeying the commandments of Christ.
Only a few in Sardis remained faithful, the majority having a name to live but were dead vs.1-2,Waiting for response for Revelation 3:1-2 and these few were exhorted to be watchful because Christ could return at any time v.3.Waiting for response for Revelation 3:3 The saints are depicted clothed in fine linen, clean and white, for the fine linen is their righteousness (Revelation 19:8).Waiting for response for Revelation 19:8 Therefore Jesus exhorts his disciples to keep their garments clean, in the sense of being holy, so that they can be counted worthy to walk with him in white in the future v.4.Waiting for response for Revelation 3:4 Those who attain to this honour have their names in the book of life. Names are written therein at baptism and, while they can be removed because of disobedience, if our names are in the book at Christ’s return we will be given life and Jesus will honour us before his Father and his angels v.5Waiting for response for Revelation 3:5 (Matthew 10:32;Waiting for response for Matthew 10:32 Luke 12:8).Waiting for response for Luke 12:8
Jesus has the key of David v.7Waiting for response for Revelation 3:7 (Isaiah 22:22)Waiting for response for Isaiah 22:22 and he will sit on the throne of David in Jerusalem and reign over Israel when he will have great power, including that over death and the grave. He will be able to open the grave and bring anyone out, never to return to it. Jesus presented another kind of door to his disciples in Philadelphia, the door of opportunity v.8,Waiting for response for Revelation 3:8 and if they kept his word and confessed his name they would be greatly honoured in the future. False Christians, who through the centuries have persecuted the true disciples, will then be made to acknowledge the faithful v.9.Waiting for response for Revelation 3:9 A time of severe trial was about to come upon the world v.10Waiting for response for Revelation 3:10 but the disciples were encouraged and exhorted to hold fast to the truth, taking care that no-one took their crown or diverted them from the one true faith v.11.Waiting for response for Revelation 3:11 The faithful will, at the return of Christ, become permanent and eternal members of God’s house and family v.12.Waiting for response for Revelation 3:12
Jesus is the beginning of the new creation of God v.14,Waiting for response for Revelation 3:14 being the first begotten from the dead. He rebuked the disciples in Laodicea for being lukewarm towards the truth v.15Waiting for response for Revelation 3:15 and warned them he would, as it were, spue them out of his mouth v.16.Waiting for response for Revelation 3:16 This church, like many others, became opulent, self-satisfied and self-righteous, when in reality and in the eyes of Jesus, they were spiritually wretched, poor, blind and naked. The antidote to this state was that which could be bought without money (Isaiah 55), the word of God providing a golden faith, spiritual enlightenment, and holiness v.18.Waiting for response for Revelation 3:18 The message is to all who will listen to the Spirit’s word in the scriptures v.22Waiting for response for Revelation 3:22 and we are wise if we knock on the door of opportunity that Christ has set before us. If we respond correctly, and live faithful and righteous lives, Jesus will dwell with us for ever v.20.Waiting for response for Revelation 3:20 He will also invite us to sit with him in his throne, which is the throne of the LORD v.21,Waiting for response for Revelation 3:21 and reign with him in Jerusalem for a thousand years (Revelation 20:6).Waiting for response for Revelation 20:6
Jesus sent a letter to each of the seven churches in Asia Minor, addressing “the angel” Revelation 2:1Waiting for response for Revelation 2:1 of each congregation, i.e. the elders who possessed the Holy Spirit, and identifying himself by some feature of the vision seen by John in chapter 1, e.g. to Ephesus he is the one holding the seven stars and walking in the midst of the candlesticks Revelation 2:1Waiting for response for Revelation 2:1 (Revelation 1:12,16),Waiting for response for Revelation 1:12,16 being in control of the elders and among the congregations. These letters make up chapters 2 & 3.
In each letter he reveals his knowledge of their behaviour as his disciples, a true assessment as opposed to the one they might make of themselves, saying: “I know thy works” Revelation 2:2.Waiting for response for Revelation 2:2