Apocalipse 3
David Guzik · Citado em PreceptAustin
Apocalipse 3
Guzik comments "Jesus explained the absolute necessity of this being clothed by God with His garments of purity and righteousness in His parable of the wedding feast (Matthew 22:11–14+). Real righteousness is receiving God’s covering instead of trying to cover ourselves. Adam and Eve tried to cover their own sin (Genesis 3:21+) but God provided them with a covering that came from sacrifice (Genesis 3:7+). And I (absolutely) will not erase (exaleipho) his name from the Book of Life - Jesus continues His prophetic promises (prophecy is denoted by "I will") to the one who overcomes. Will not is a double negative (ou me), the strongest way one can express negation in the Greek language. It conveys ABSOLUTE negation. In other words, to put it simply and plainly, a genuine believer can never, ever lose their salvation! (See How can I have assurance of my salvation? | GotQuestions.org and Eternal security) While we might debate the meaning of the book of life, clearly these words of Jesus, the final Judge of all men, are not intended to be a warning, but a promise to all who have overcome by the blood of the Lamb! Note also that this book is not called the "book of the dead"! It would seem to follow that no souls that are spiritually dead are ever recorded in this book. John Walvoord - To some this verse seems to indicate that a believer’s name could be blotted out, which is contrary to the Bible’s clear teaching of the believer’s Eternal security. To make the continuance of our salvation depend upon works is a gross failure to comprehend that salvation is by grace alone. If it depended upon the believer’s perseverance, the name would not have been written there in the first place. (Revelation 3: The Letters To Sardis, Philadelphia, And Laodicea) John
Apocalipse 3
Guzik on name - They are marks of intimacy, because they show we are privileged to know Him in ways others are not. This works together well with the image of a pillar. In the ancient world, having a special inscribed pillar added to one of the temples sometimes honored a faithful city servant or distinguished priest. “Philadelphia honored its illustrious sons by putting their names on the pillars of its temples, so that all who came to worship might see and remember.” (Barclay)
Apocalipse 3
Guzik - In this spiritual sense, lukewarmness is a picture of indifference and compromise....Satan will have us any way he can get us, but he prizes a lukewarm religionist far above a cold-hearted sinner. NIV Study Bible - The church in Laodicea supplied neither healing for the spiritually sick nor refreshment for the spiritually weary. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary - The lukewarm person does not become greatly disturbed at hearing heretical teaching, and is not vigorous in the defense of the truth. This spirit of indifference is the most tragic thing that can happen to a church. Mattoon on lukewarm - They were straddlers, fence sitters, middle of the roaders and useless.
Apocalipse 3
Guzik summarizes key points on lukewarmness from Spurgeon's sermon An Earnest Warning Against Lukewarmness writing "In his sermon...Spurgeon described the lukewarm church: They have prayer-meetings, but there are few present, for they like quiet evenings home When more attend the meetings they are still very dull, for they do their praying very deliberately and are afraid of being too excited They are content to have all things done decently and in order, but vigor and zeal are considered to be vulgar They may have schools, Bible-classes, preaching rooms, and all sorts of agencies; but they might as well be without them, for no energy is displayed and no good comes of them They have deacons and elders who are excellent pillars of the church, if the chief quality of pillars be to stand still, and exhibit no motion or emotion The pastor does not fly very far in preaching the everlasting Gospel, and he certainly has no flame of fire in his preaching The pastor may be a shining light of eloquence, but he certainly is not a burning light of grace, setting men’s hearts on fire Everything is done in a half-hearted, listless, dead-and-alive way, as if it did not matter much whether it was done or not Things are respectably done, the rich families are not offended, the skeptical party is conciliated, and the good people are not quite alienated: things are made pleasant all around The right things are done, but as to doing them with all your might, and soul, and strength, a Laodicean church has no notion of what that means They are not so cold as to abandon their work, or to give up their meetings for prayer, or to reject the gospel They are neither hot for the truth, nor hot for conversions, nor hot for holiness, they are not fiery enough to burn the stubble of sin, nor zealous enough to make Satan angry, nor fervent enough to make a living sacrifice of themselves upon the altar of their God. They are ‘neither cold nor hot. THOUGHT - DO SPURGEON'S POINTS DESCRIBE YOUR CHURCH DEAR READER? IF THEY DO, THEN FLEE FOR YOUR LIFE! Revelation 3:17 'Because you say, "I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing," and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, BGT Revelation 3:17 ὅτι λέγεις ὅτι πλούσιός εἰμι καὶ πεπλούτηκα καὶ οὐδὲν χρείαν ἔχω, καὶ οὐκ οἶδας ὅτι σὺ εἶ ὁ ταλαίπωρος καὶ ἐλεεινὸς καὶ πτωχὸς καὶ τυφλὸς καὶ γυμνός, KJV Revelation 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: NET Revelation 3:17 Because you say, "I am rich and have acquired great wealth, and need nothing," but do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked, CSB Revelation 3:17 Because you say, 'I'm rich; I have become wealthy and need nothing,' and you don't know that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked, ESV Revelation 3:17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. NIV Revelation 3:17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. NLT Revelation 3:17 You say, 'I am rich. I have everything I want. I don't need a thing!' And you don't realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. NRS Revelation 3:17 For you say, 'I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing.' You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. NJB Revelation 3:17 You say to yourself: I am rich, I have made a fortune and have everything I want, never realising that you are wretchedly and pitiably poor, and blind and naked too. NAB Revelation 3:17 For you say, 'I am rich and affluent and have no need of anything,' and yet do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. YLT Revelation 3:17 because thou sayest -- I am rich, and have grown rich, and have need of nothing, and hast not known that thou art the wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked, GWN Revelation 3:17 You say, 'I'm rich. I'm wealthy. I don't need anything.' Yet, you do not realize that you are miserable, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. BBE Revelation 3:17 For you say, I have wealth, and have got together goods and land, and have need of nothing; and you are not conscious of your sad and unhappy condition, that you are poor and blind and without clothing. RSV Revelation 3:17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing; not knowing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. NKJ Revelation 3:17 "Because you say,`I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'-- and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked-- ASV Revelation 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art the wretched one and miserable and poor and blind and naked: MIT Revelation 3:17 You say, "I am wealthy, indeed, rich and in need of nothing," but you do not know you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I am rich: Rev 2:9+ Pr 13:7+ Ho 12:8 Zec 11:5 Lu 1:53+ Luke 6:24+ Luke 18:11,12+ Ro 11:20,25+ Ro 12:3+ 1Co 4:8-10+ have need of nothing: De 8:12-14+ Pr 30:9 Jer 2:31 Mt 9:12+ you do not know : Ro 2:17-23+ wretched: Mt 5:3+ Ro 7:24+ blind: Isa 42:19 Joh 9:40,41+ 2Pe 1:9+ naked: Rev 16:15+ Ge 3:7,10,11+ Ex 32:35+ Revelation 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Revelation 2:9+ (SMYRNA THE ANTITHESIS OF LAODICEA) ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Romans 7:24+ Wretched (talaiporos) man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Laodiceans Like Emperor with No Clothes THE SELF-DECEPTION OF SELF-CONTENTMENT Because you (present tense - continually) say, "I am (present tense - continually) rich (plousios) - Jesus begins with a term of explanation and in this passage gives multiple reasons for His wise counsel in Rev 3:18+. The one who says "I am rich" is the sad individual who says "my wealth is due to my own exertion." No, your wealth is because God allowed you to attain wealth! This description is perfect for Laodicea for the city was known for its banking business and its wealth. In this verse we see their pride, arrogance, sense of self-sufficiency and sense of self-reliance (after all they even rebuilt their earthquake devastated city in 60-61 AD without a drachma of Roman financial aid!) George Ladd writes astutely, “The church that is prosperous materially and outwardly can easily fall into the self-deception that her outward prosperity is the measure of her spiritual prosperity.”i And have become wealthy (plouteo), and (present tense - continually) have need (chreia) of (absolutely) nothing (oudeis) - Their ignorance is not bliss! Become wealthy is in the perfect tense describing a time in the past when they "hit it big" financially and this wealthy state continues to the present. It is like Laodicea is experiencing a perpetual "bull market!" O, the deceitfulness of riches for they embalm one's soul in a deadly deception of comfort and ease (cf Mk 4:19+)! Jesus said "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (Lk 18:25+) They are clearly ignorant of the fact that God even gives us our breath (Da 5:23+) and yet they have the hubris and stupidity to think they need absolutely nothing from the One in "in Whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Col 2:3+)! The fact is we need EVERYTHING from God that is worth ANYTHING in time and eternity! What a contrast between the foolish words of the Laodiceans "Have need of nothing" and the words of Jesus declared "apart from Me you can do (ABSOLUTELY) nothing (OF ETERNAL VALUE)" (Jn 15:5+)! And you do not know (eido) that you are wretched (talaiporos) and miserable (eleeinos) and poor (ptochos) and blind (tuphlos) and naked (see depiction above) - Note know (eido) speaks of absolute assurance, something of which they are absolutely devoid! Jesus knew but they did not know! Jesus knew them (us) better than they knew themselves (ourselves)! He is saying "Don't flatter yourselves, Laodiceans!" They were thoroughly self-deceived! This church is so self-inflated and self-contented, that they do not have a clue (eido) as to their desperate, dangerous spiritual state! All 5 descriptions (wretched, miserable, poor, blind, naked) emphasize the completeness of their spiritually destitute condition. Naked speaks of shame and humiliation (see 2Sa 10:4-5+). They are in danger of having to stand before Jesus at His Great White Throne judgment in essence "naked," clothed only in their transparent, worthless rags of self-righteous deeds! (Rev 20:12+). Jesus diagnoses their materially rich condition with a spiritual "CAT Scan" of their heart which demonstrates the fact that they are extremely poor, poor as a beggar spiritually speaking. Ptochos focuses on one's state of dependence, and so we see that in Mt 5:3+ "the poor in spirit" are those who have learned to be completely dependent on God for everything and these are the ones who possess the kingdom of heaven. The church at Laodicea was the polar opposite of the church at Smyrna about which Jesus said "I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich)." (Rev 2:9+) Jesus' diagnosis of their being spiritually blind had an ironic twist for Laodicea was widely known for its medical school and particularly famous for an eye salve made from Phrygian powder mixed with oil. Their famous potion was useless for their type of blindness, but their blindness was spiritual, not physical (cf Jn 9:39-41+) Nominal Christians...are Christians in name only -- Gotquestions.org John Stott on naked - This then is Christ’s view....of nominal Christians who are neither really nor wholeheartedly committed to Him. Morally and spiritually such people are naked, blind beggars. They are beggars because they have nothing with which to purchase their forgiveness or an entry into the Kingdom of God. They are nake because they have no clothes to fit them to stand before God. They are blind because they have no idea either of their spiritual poverty or of their spiritual danger....To contradict the considered judgment of a skilled physician is the surest road to disaster. (BORROW What Christ thinks of the church : Revelation 1-3 expounded, page 118). Brian Bell - We laugh at the story of the Emperor with no clothes! (picture above) - 2 guys who bamboozled the king with invisible clothes that “any fool could see”. He paraded himself in his skivvies’, while all the people were saying look at his clothes one boy shouted the king has no clothes! Jesus was like the lil boy who yelled, “Laodicea has no clothes”. They’re “naked as a jaybird” spiritually! In sum, the final diagnosis Jesus gives to the church at Laodicea (recall this letter was read to the congregants!!!) should have been devastating to the church members because to be poor, destitute, and blind in the ancient world—or in any society—is to be at one’s wits end, without hope, destitute and in dire need! Jesus did not say they were spiritually deaf, but one wonders if His scathing words fell on any who had ears to hear what the Spirit was saying to this seventh church! Rich (4145) plousios from ploutos = wealth, abundance, riches) is an adjective which defines that which exists in a large amount with implication of its being valuable. Literally plousios refers to having an abundance of earthly possessions that exceeds normal experience. As used in Eph 2:4+ plousios refers to being plentifully supplied with something. Rich is used most often in the NT in the sense of having abundant possessions and especially material wealth and was a frequent topic addressed by the Lord Jesus. It is used figuratively in James to describe those who are rich in faith (Jas 2:5+, cp similar use to describe the believers in Smyrna, Rev 2:9+) Plousios in the Revelation - Rev. 2:9+; Rev. 3:17+; Rev. 6:15+; Rev. 13:16+ Become wealthy (4147) plouteo from ploutos = wealth) means to be or become rich or wealthy (Lk 1:53+, 1 Ti 6:9+) and is used figuratively of spiritual riches (cp Lk 12:21+, Rev 3:18+ and literally in Rev 3:17+!) 2 Corinthians 8:9+ says "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich." Plouteo describes the entities that have become rich by consorting with the whore Babylon (Rev. 18:3+; Rev. 18:15+; Rev. 18:19+). Plouteo - 12x/12v - abounding in riches(1), become rich(4), become wealthy(1), get rich(1), rich(5). Lk. 1:53+; Lk. 12:21+; Rom. 10:12+; 1 Co. 4:8+; 2 Co. 8:9+; 1 Tim. 6:9+; 1 Tim. 6:18+; Rev. 3:17+; Rev. 3:18+; Rev. 18:3+; Rev. 18:15+; Rev. 18:19+ Need (5532) chreia from chraomai = to use, make use of or chreos = a debt) means a necessity, what is needed or the occasion of need. Chreia refers in (Acts 6:3+) to the needful matter, duty or task. Friberg - (1) need, lack, necessity; have need of someone or something (Mt 3.14+; Mk 2.25+); plural needs, necessities of life (Acts 20.34+); (2) abstractly what is needed, what is useful (Eph 4.29+); (3) needful matter, business, duty (Acts 6.3+) (BORROW Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament) Chreia in the Revelation - Rev. 3:17+; Rev. 21:23+; Rev. 22:5+ Wretched (5005) talaiporos from tálas = suffering, wretched or according to A T Robertson from tlao = to bear + poros = a callus) means afflicted, miserable, in a distressed condition, beaten down from from continued strain and leaving a person literally full of callouses (= deep misery). Wretched describes a very unhappy or unfortunate state in poor or pitiful circumstances. Talaiporos is an expression used in pagan Greek drama to express tragic misfortune and woe. The verb and noun are used in the LXX to refer to ravaged lands, devastated countries, and pillaging and ravaging (Mic. 2:4+; Joel 1:10+; Jer.4:20; Zech. 11:2-3) Miserable (1652)(eleeinos from eleos = mercy, pity, compassion) pertains to being deserving of sympathy for one’s pathetic condition. The word indicates one set forth as an object of extreme pity; it is the feeling of one who is moved by the sight of another’s suffering and in a way shares in it—compassion. Used twice in NT. In 1 Corinthians 15:19+ Paul describes those that are “most miserable” or “pitiable” of people. Paul emphasized that believers are not only “miserable” but “of all men (the) most miserable” if the Resurrection has not occurred. Poor (4434) ptochos from ptosso = crouch, cringe, cower down or hide oneself for fear, a picture of one crouching and cowering like a beggar with a tin cup to receive the pennies dropped in!) is an adjective which describes one who crouches and cowers and is used as a noun to mean beggar. These poor were unable to meet their basic needs and so were forced to depend on others or on society. Classical Greek used the ptochos to refer to a person reduced to total destitution, who crouched in a corner begging. As he held out one hand for alms he often hid his face with the other hand, because he was ashamed of being recognized. Only other use in the Revelation in Rev 13:16+. Blind (5185) tuphlos from tuphlóo = envelop with smoke, be unable to see clearly) can refer to literal blindness (Mt 9:27, 28+; Matthew 11:5+; Matthew 12:22+; Lk 7:21, 22+; Jn 9:1, 2, 3+.; Acts 13:11+ Lv 19:14; Job 29:15) but more often is used to describe spiritual blindness. Figuratively then tuphlos picture one's mind as blind, ignorant, stupid, slow of understanding, being unable to understand, incapable of comprehending (see Mt 15:14+; Matthew 23:16, 17, 19, 24, 26+; Lk 4:18+; Jn 9:39,40,41+; Ro 2:19+; 2Pe 1:9+; Rev 3:17+; Isa 42:16,18,19; Isaiah 43:8) This sense speaks of both mental and spiritual blindness, often the result of self-deception so that one is unable to understand (spiritual truth). The Greek writers used tuphlos to describe those who were "mentally blind". Naked (stripped) (1131) gumnos cp our English "gym") means not covered, nude or naked but not necessarily descriptive of absolute nakedness as it was used of a person wearing only an under-tunic (descriptive of the mode of dress in the ancient gymnasiums in Greece and Rome). As such it could mean one who was comparatively naked or scantily dressed. It was used of one poorly dressed (Jas 2:15+). Figuratively in this verse gumnos means uncovered, manifest, disclosed, exposed, not hidden and easy to be known. Gumnos can refer to being inadequately clothed (Mt 25:36, 38, 43,44+) or lightly clothed (Jn 21:7+) Gumnos - Matt. 25:36+; Matt. 25:38+; Matt. 25:43+; Matt. 25:44+; Mk. 14:51+; Mk. 14:52+; Jn. 21:7+; Acts 19:16+; 1 Co. 15:37+; 2 Co. 5:3+; Heb. 4:13+; Jas. 2:15+; Rev. 3:17+; Rev. 16:15+; Rev. 17:16+ QUESTION - What is nominal Christianity? What is a nominal Christian? (ED: WEBSTER'S 1828 DICTIONARY - Nominal - 1. Titular; existing in name only; as , a nominal distinction or difference is a difference in name and not in reality. 2. Pertaining to a name or names; consisting in names). ANSWER - Outside of arcane discussions in medieval philosophy, nominalism is the possession of a baseless name, title, or description. A nominal presidency, for example, is one in which the president is nothing more than a figurehead. A nominal vacation is one in which the vacationers must still work. Nominalism has to do with empty formalities, things so-called, and meaningless labels. Nominalism exists in religious circles. Nominal Christians are church-goers or otherwise religious people whose “faith” does not go beyond being identified with a church, Christian group, or denomination. They are Christians in name only; Christ has no bearing in their lives. Nominal Christians may attend church and Christian functions, and they self-identify as “Christians,” but it is just a label. They view religion primarily as a social construct, and they do not allow it to require much of them in terms of morality or responsibility. Nominalists take a minimalist approach to their faith. Nominalism is of concern to many pastors, preachers, and Christian theologians, as it appears to be on the rise today. Many identify themselves as Christians, but the overall impact of Christianity in the West is not what it once was. But what causes nominalism? Why do people prefer a nominal or in-name-only type of Christianity? (1) One possible reason is that nominal religion is easy. It does not require a changed life (ED: cf Jesus' radical call in Mk 8:34-36+!). A nominal Christian can point to membership in a church as evidence of his salvation. Church attendance and participation in routines, activities, and programs become the measuring stick rather than a changed life, a new heart, a love for God, and obedience to the Word (see 2 Corinthians 5:17+; John 14:23+). (2) Another cause of nominal Christianity is the habit of declaring oneself a Christian because of custom or culture. Whole countries, including Costa Rica, Norway, Denmark, and England, have a form of Christianity as the official state religion. This allows a Norwegian, for example, to culturally identify as a Christian—he is a member of the Church of Norway by default, having been registered in infancy when he was baptized. Even in countries with no state religion, such as the United States, cultural Christianity can lead to nominalism. Someone who was reared in a Christian family, attended church all his life, was baptized, lives in the Bible Belt, etc., often claims allegiance to the Christian faith, in spite of evidence in his life to the contrary. (3) Another cause of nominalism within the church is legalism, the attempt to transform oneself (or others) inwardly by working on the outward behavior. Some people, especially those raised in the church, conform to standards imposed upon them by parents, other Christians, or the church hierarchy without the inner transformation that can only be produced by the Spirit through the Word (Galatians 6:15+). Legalists substitute good deeds for saving faith and compliance for conversion. This naturally leads to nominal Christianity, as church-goers and rule-keepers claim the label “Christian” but have no relationship with Christ. Jesus dealt with nominal Christianity in one of His letters to the churches. The church in Sardis wore a Christian label, but Jesus saw the truth behind the label: “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead” (Revelation 3:1+). Or, as the KJV says, “Thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” God is not interested in the labels we tag ourselves with. Having a “name” that we belong to Christ is not enough. Nominal faith is not faith. GotQuestions.org (BOLDING ADDED - I WOULD ALSO ADD "NOMINAL FAITH IS NOT SAVING FAITH!") Related Resources: What is nominalism? What is a nominalist? GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about responsibility? GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about personal responsibility? GotQuestions.org What did Jesus mean when He said, “Take up your cross and follow Me”? GotQuestions.org One of Aesop’s fables is the story of the dog who saw his image reflected in a pool of water beneath his feet. Though he already had a bone, he was jealous of the bone he saw in the “other” dog’s mouth. He opened his jaws to snarl and snatch at the bone’s reflection—and of course lost his bone when it fell into the water. How accurately this pictures the “church in Laodicea”! Not satisfied with the promises of God, the church in this wealthy Roman city sought for and acquired earthly power through wealth. But she had in reality become poor, and in the end her wealth would be denied her. Poor Little Rich Church You say, "I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing." — Revelation 3:17+ Today's Scripture: Revelation 3:14-22+ The city of Laodicea was rich, and so were the people of its church. The area thrived on three enterprises: finance, textiles, and eye salve. The city was a major banking center, and the most popular clothes among Rome’s upper class were black wool garments made in Laodicea. Pharmaceuticals were doing well because the eye salve made in the city was sold far and wide. The people of this rich church bragged that they had “need of nothing” (Revelation 3:17+). How wrong they were! Jesus accused them of being spiritually “lukewarm.” He was ready to vomit them out (vv.15-16). Using illustrations He knew they would understand, He said they needed to buy from Him “gold refined in the fire”—the riches of heaven. They should obtain robes washed white in the blood of the Lamb. They needed to anoint their eyes with eye salve (allowing the Holy Spirit to give them spiritual sight), so they could accept and understand the truth of God (v.18). Are you spiritually poor? Do your physical goods and assets far outweigh your spiritual wealth? Christ stood at the door of the Laodicean church and kept knocking, waiting for them to recognize their need of Him (v.20). Is He waiting for you as well? —David C. Egner What Christ will say on judgment day Will finally make life's values clear; He'll show that we were rich or poor By what on earth we held most dear. —D. De Haan The richest people on earth are those who invest their lives in heaven. Revelation 3:18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. BGT Revelation 3:18 συμβουλεύω σοι ἀγοράσαι παρ᾽ ἐμοῦ χρυσίον πεπυρωμένον ἐκ πυρὸς ἵνα πλουτήσῃς, καὶ ἱμάτια λευκὰ ἵνα περιβάλῃ καὶ μὴ φανερωθῇ ἡ αἰσχύνη τῆς γυμνότητός σου, καὶ κολλ[ο]ύριον ἐγχρῖσαι τοὺς ὀφθαλμούς σου ἵνα βλέπῃς. KJV Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. NET Revelation 3:18 take my advice and buy gold from me refined by fire so you can become rich! Buy from me white clothing so you can be clothed and your shameful nakedness will not be exposed, and buy eye salve to put on your eyes so you can see! CSB Revelation 3:18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see. ESV Revelation 3:18 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. NIV Revelation 3:18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. NLT Revelation 3:18 So I advise you to buy gold from me-- gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. NRS Revelation 3:18 Therefore I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may be rich; and white robes to clothe you and to keep the shame of your nakedness from being seen; and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. NJB Revelation 3:18 I warn you, buy from me the gold that has been tested in the fire to make you truly rich, and white robes to clothe you and hide your shameful nakedness, and ointment to put on your eyes to enable you to see. NAB Revelation 3:18 I advise you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may be rich, and white garments to put on so that your shameful nakedness may not be exposed, and buy ointment to smear on your eyes so that you may see. YLT Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy from me gold fired by fire, that thou mayest be rich, and white garments that thou mayest be arrayed, and the shame of thy nakedness may not be manifest, and with eye-salve anoint thine eyes, that thou mayest see. GWN Revelation 3:18 I advise you: Buy gold purified in fire from me so that you may be rich. Buy white clothes from me. Wear them so that you may keep your shameful, naked body from showing. Buy ointment to put on your eyes so that you may see. BBE Revelation 3:18 If you are wise you will get from me gold tested by fire, so that you may have true wealth; and white robes to put on, so that your shame may not be seen; and oil for your eyes, so that you may see. RSV Revelation 3:18 Therefore I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, that you may be rich, and white garments to clothe you and to keep the shame of your nakedness from being seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see. NKJ Revelation 3:18 "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. ASV Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold refined by fire, that thou mayest become rich; and white garments, that thou mayest clothe thyself, and that the shame of thy nakedness be not made manifest; and eyesalve to anoint thine eyes, that thou mayest see. MIT Revelation 3:18 I counsel you to purchase from me gold refined by fire that indeed you might be rich; and white robes that you might be clothed, so that the shame of your nakedness would not be uncovered, and an eye solution to treat your eyes that you might see. I advise you: Ps 16:7 Psalm 32:8 Psalm 73:24 Psalm 107:11 Pr 1:25,30+ Proverbs 19:20 Ec 8:2+ buy: Pr 23:23 Isa 55:1 Mt 13:44+ Matthew 25:9+ gold: Mal 3:3+ 1Co 3:12,13+ 1Pe 1:7+ that you: Rev 2:9+ Lu 12:21+ 2Co 8:9+ 1Ti 6:18+ Jas 2:5+ white: Rev 3:4,5+ Rev 7:13+ Rev 16:15+ Rev 19:8+ 2Co 5:3+ the shame: Rev 16:15+ Isa 47:3 Jer 13:26 Da 12:2+ Mic 1:11+ Na 3:5 anoint: Joh 9:6-11+ 1Jn 2:20-27+ Revelation 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Matthew 13:44-46+ “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys (agorazo) that field. 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, 46 and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought (agorazo) it. Revelation 5:9+ And they *sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased (agorazo) for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. Isaiah 55:1-3 (BUY FROM ME GOLD... RED = COMMANDS) “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money come, BUY (Lxx = agorazo) and eat. Come, buy wine and milk Without money and without cost. 2 “Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And delight yourself in abundance. 3 “Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, According to the faithful mercies shown to David. Ephesians 1:17; 18+ (I PRAY) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, Revelation 3:4+ (‘But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. (3:5) ‘He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. Revelation 4:4+ Around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads. Revelation 6:11+ (MARTYRS KILLED IN THE TRIBULATION) And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also. Revelation 7:9+ After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; Revelation 7:13+ Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?” (ANSWER? SEE Rev 7:14+ = SAVED OUT OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION). Revelation 19:8+ It was given to her (THE CHURCH) to clothe herself in fine linen, bright (LAMPROS - TRANSLATED "WHITE" IN KJV, NJB) and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Revelation 19:14+ And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. GRACIOUS WISE ADVICE FROM JESUS Note how Jesus directly addresses three items which were sources of great pride for Laodicea - banking industry, garment industry and their famous eye salve. Jesus offered 3 pictures each of which speak of genuine salvation. As an aside, there was no need to commend this church because it was so busy commending itself! Michael Andrus - He says, “I counsel you.” I like that. Here is the God of the immense, unfathomable universe, with countless galaxies at His fingertips, who enjoys the right to issue orders and expect them to be obeyed, saying to this sorry church, “I counsel you.” He could command them, order them, and enforce His will with ruthless power and be totally justified, but instead He counsels. He always respects the freedom with which He has endowed His creatures. He doesn’t push His way into our lives. But in light of who He is (verse 14), wouldn’t it be the height of lunacy to disregard His counsel? R C H