Revelation 3

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 3 of 22

¹ And to the angel of the assembly in Sardis, write: These things says the One having the seven spirits of God, and the seven stars: I know your works, that you have the name that you live, and are a lifeless assembly.

² Be watching, and establish the things remaining which are about to die. For I have not found your works being fulfilled before God.

³ Therefore, remember how you received and heard, and keep, and repent. If, therefore, you do not watch, I will come upon you like a thief and you will not know what hour I come upon you, not at all.

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Chapter Summary

2 The angel of the assembly in Sardis is reproved, 3 and encouraged to repent. 8 The angel of the assembly in Philadelphia is approved.

Key Greek Words

ἐκκλησία assembly G1577

μετανοέω repent G3340

νικάω overcome, conquer G3528

χλιαρός lukewarm G5513

ἱμάτιον garment G2440

ἔργον works G2041

People & Context

Jesus Christ

The risen Lord dictating the letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, who knows their works and calls them to repent.

The Holy Spirit

Whose words to the assemblies the one with an ear is repeatedly summoned to hear.

God the Father

Christ's God before whom He confesses overcomers' names; the new Jerusalem comes down from Him.

Satan

His 'synagogue,' the false ones claiming to be Jews, will bow before the Philadelphian believers.

David

The king whose 'key' Christ holds, opening and shutting with no one able to reverse it.

Timeline

To Sardis: Wake Up and Strengthen What Remains

Sardis has the name of being alive but is dead. Christ commands them to wake, strengthen what remains, and repent. A few have not defiled their garments and will walk in white. The overcomer's name will not be blotted from the Book of Life.

Revelation 3:1-6

To Philadelphia: An Open Door No One Can Shut

Christ opens a door before faithful Philadelphia that none can shut. He will make the false synagogue bow before them and will keep them from the coming hour of trial. The overcomer becomes a permanent pillar in God's temple with His new name.

Revelation 3:7-13

To Laodicea: I Stand at the Door and Knock

The lukewarm Laodiceans, who claim wealth but are wretched and blind, are counseled to buy gold refined by fire, white garments, and eye salve. Christ rebukes and chastens those He loves, standing at the door and knocking, offering fellowship to whoever opens.

Revelation 3:14-22

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