Apocalipse 3
William Barclay · Citado em PreceptAustin
Apocalipse 3
Barclay writes that stērízō "means to make as solid as granite." (Daily Study Bible) Sterizo - 14v - confirm(1), determined(1), establish(2), established(2), fixed(1), strengthen(6), strengthening(1). Lk. 9:51+; Lk. 16:26+; Lk. 22:32+; Acts 18:23+; Rom. 1:11+; Rom. 16:25+; 1 Thess. 3:2+; 1 Thess. 3:13+; 2 Thess. 2:17+; 2 Thess. 3:3+; Jas. 5:8+; 1 Pet. 5:10+; 2 Pet. 1:12+; Rev. 3:2+ Remain (others, finally, remaining, other things) (3062) loipos from leipo = to leave or to lack) is an adjective which refers to that which remains over - where it refers to people the sense is the rest, those that are left, the remainder (cf. Mt 22: 6; Mk 16:13+; Lk 24: 9; Acts 2:37+; Ro 11: 7; 1Co. 7:12+; Rev. 12:17+; Revelation 19:21+). In the plural, loipos means remaining ones (Mt. 25:11+; Acts 2:37+; Ro 1:13+; 2Cor. 12:13+; 2Pet. 3:16+) Loipos is used several times with the meaning of "other" which Webster defines as being the one (as of two or more) remaining or not included (Mk 4:19+, Mark 16:13+, Lk 18:9+, Acts 17:19+, Rev 9:20+) Loipos is occasionally used in a soteriological sense (describing the saved or the unsaved) - Thus in the parable (Mt 22:6+) loipos speaks of those outside the Kingdom of God (cf 1Th 4:13+), whereas in other contexts loipos speaks of those in the Kingdom of God (Rev 2:24+) Loipos in the Revelation - Rev. 2:24+; Rev. 3:2+; Rev. 8:13+; Rev. 9:20+; Rev. 11:13+; Rev. 12:17+; Rev. 19:21+; Rev. 20:5+ Completed (4137) pleroo to be filled (passive voice = saints acted on by outside force = "Divine Passive") to the brim (a net, Mt 13:48+, a building, Jn 12:3+, Acts 2:2+, a city, Acts 5:28+, needs Phil 4:19+), to make complete in every particular, to cause to abound, to furnish or supply liberally, to flood, to diffuse throughout, to pervade, to take possession of and so to ultimately to control. The only other use of pleroo in the Revelation 6:11+ Wake-Up Call! Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Revelation 3:2+ Today's Scripture & Insight: Revelation 3:1–6+ During the years when I traveled frequently and stayed in a different city every night, I always scheduled a wake-up call when I checked into a hotel. Along with a personal alarm, I needed a jangling telephone to help get me out of bed and moving in the morning. The book of Revelation contains a spiritual wake-up call in the apostle John’s letters to the seven churches in the province of Asia. To the church in Sardis he wrote this message from Jesus Himself: “I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God” (Rev. 3:1–2+). In the midst of spiritual fatigue, we may fail to notice the lethargy that creeps into our relationship with God. But the Lord tells us to “remember . . . what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent” (v. 3). Many people find that scheduling some extra time each morning to read the Bible and talk to the Lord in prayer helps them stay spiritually alert. It’s not a job but a joy to spend time with Jesus and know that He prepares us for whatever lies ahead that day. By: David C. McCasland Lord, enable us to hear and respond to Your wake-up call today. Read In His Presence from Discovery Series. Spending time with Jesus is a joy! Wake-Up Call Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, . . . for I have not found your works perfect before God. — Revelation 3:2+ Today's Scripture: Revelation 3:1-6+ On February 26, 1993, a powerful bomb exploded in the underground parking garage of the World Trade Center in New York City, killing six people and injuring more than a thousand. It sparked an aggressive investigation with many arrests. But few law enforcement authorities recognized it as part of an international terrorist plot. When the Trade Center towers were destroyed by terrorists in 2001, police commissioner Raymond Kelly looked back on the first attack and said, “It should have been a wake-up call for America.” The Lord told the church at Sardis that although they had a reputation for being spiritually alive, they were dead. He told them to wake up: “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent” (Revelation 3:2-3+). The call to every believer is to be vigilant toward the Lord rather than lax and indifferent. If the fire has gone out in our hearts, He pleads with us to stir the embers into flame again. Ask yourself: Has there been a wake-up call in my life recently that I’ve missed? Is God trying to tell me something? Will I answer His wake-up call today? By: David C. McCasland Lord, grant to us a holy zeal That burns within our heart; A zeal like Yours for truth and right From which we'll not depart. —D. De Haan To keep your heart from growing cold, stay on fire for God. Revelation 3:3 'So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you. BGT Revelation 3:3 μνημόνευε οὖν πῶς εἴληφας καὶ ἤκουσας καὶ τήρει καὶ μετανόησον. ἐὰν οὖν μὴ γρηγορήσῃς, ἥξω ὡς κλέπτης, καὶ οὐ μὴ γνῷς ποίαν ὥραν ἥξω ἐπὶ σέ. International Children's Bible So do not forget what you have received and heard. Obey it. Change your hearts and lives! (NOT A GOOD TRANSLATION AS IT IMPLIES WE CAN DO THIS IN RELIANCE ON OUR OWN POWER - ONLY THE SPIRIT CAN GIVE US THE DESIRE AND POWER TO REPENT). You must wake up, or I will come to you and surprise you like a thief. And you will not know when I will come. KJV Revelation 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. NET Revelation 3:3 Therefore, remember what you received and heard, and obey it, and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will never know at what hour I will come against you. CSB Revelation 3:3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; keep it, and repent. But if you are not alert, I will come like a thief, and you have no idea at what hour I will come against you. ESV Revelation 3:3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. NIV Revelation 3:3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. NLT Revelation 3:3 Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don't wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief. NRS Revelation 3:3 Remember then what you received and heard; obey it, and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you. NJB Revelation 3:3 remember how you first heard the message. Hold on to that. Repent! If you do not wake up, I shall come to you like a thief, and you will have no idea at what hour I shall come upon you. NAB Revelation 3:3 Remember then how you accepted and heard; keep it, and repent. If you are not watchful, I will come like a thief, and you will never know at what hour I will come upon you. YLT Revelation 3:3 'Remember, then, how thou hast received, and heard, and be keeping, and reform: if, then, thou mayest not watch, I will come upon thee as a thief, and thou mayest not know what hour I will come upon thee. GWN Revelation 3:3 So remember what you received and heard. Obey, and change the way you think and act. If you're not alert, I'll come like a thief. You don't know when I will come. BBE Revelation 3:3 Keep in mind, then, the teaching which was given to you, and be ruled by it and have a change of heart. If then you do not keep watch, I will come like a thief, and you will have no knowledge of the hour when I will come on you. RSV Revelation 3:3 Remember then what you received and heard; keep that, and repent. If you will not awake, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come upon you. NKJ Revelation 3:3 "Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. ASV Revelation 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and didst hear; and keep it, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. MIT Revelation 3:3 Therefore, remember how you once received and obeyed me. Continue to hold to that course, and repent of your digression. If you do not watch out, I will come like a thief, and you certainly will not know at what hour I would surprise you. Remember: Rev 2:5+ Eze 16:61-63+ Ezekiel 20:43 Ezekiel 36:31+ Heb 2:1+ 2Pe 1:13+ 2 Peter 3:1+ and keep: Rev 3:11+ Revelation 2:25+ 1Ti 6:20+ 2Ti 1:13+ repent: Rev 3:19+ Revelation 2:5,21,22+ I will: Rev 16:15+ Mt 24:42,43+ Lu 12:39,40+ 1Th 5:2,4,5,6+ 2Pe 3:10+ know: Mt 25:13+ Mk 13:33,36+ Revelation 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Revelation 1:3+ Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and (present tense - continually, habitually) heed (tereo) the things which are written in it; for the time is near. Revelation 2:26+ - He who overcomes, and he who (present tense - continually, habitually) keeps (tereo) My deeds until the end, TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS; Revelation 3:8+ - ‘I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept (tereo) My word, and have not denied My name. Revelation 3:10+ - Because you have kept (tereo) the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Revelation 12:17+ So the dragon (SATAN) was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who (present tense - continually, habitually) keep (tereo) the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. Revelation 14:12+ Here is the perseverance of the saints who (present tense - continually, habitually) keep (tereo) the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. Revelation 16:15+ (“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and (present tense - continually, habitually) keeps (tereo)his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame.”) Revelation 22:7+ “And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who (present tense - continually, habitually) heeds (tereo) the words of the prophecy of this book.” Revelation 22:9+ But he said to me, “Do not do that. I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brethren the prophets and of those who (present tense - continually, habitually) heed (tereo) the words of this book. Worship God.” Matthew 24:42-44+ “Therefore be on the alert (gregoreuo in present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey), for (TERM OF EXPLANATION) you do not know which day your Lord is coming. 43 “But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief (kleptes) was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. 44 “For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will. 1 Thessalonians 5:2+ For you yourselves know full well that the Day of the Lord will come just like a thief (kleptes) in the night. 2 Peter 3:10+ But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief (kleptes), in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Hebrews 10:32+ But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, Galatians 5:7+ You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? THREE MORE "PRESCRIPTIONS" TO REVIVE A DYING BODY So (oun = term of conclusion) remember what you have received and heard- NLT = "Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly." Jesus, Jehovah Rapha (The LORD our Healer), issues three more prescriptions as commandments, not suggestions! Remember (same command to church at Ephesus) in the present imperative calls for them to continually recall to mind the gift of salvation and the gifts of the Spirit that they had received and the Gospel that they had heard (see below). Of course, first they had to awaken from sleep before they could even obey this command to remember. Received is in the perfect tense which signifies the message they had received was complete and was abiding. Barclay - The Risen Christ is telling the lethargic Sardians to remember the thrill with which they first heard the good news. It is a fact of life that certain things sharpen memory which has grown dull. When, for instance, we return to a graveside, the sorrow from which the years have taken the edge grows piercingly poignant again. Ever and again the Christian must stand before the Cross and remember again what God has done for him. What had those in Sardis heard? Acts 19:10+ tells us "And this took place for two years (Paul teaching in school of Tyrannus - Acts 19:9+), so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks." Clearly, they had heard the Gospel. Charles Swindoll applies Jesus' prescription to remember - To this day every true church’s worship features a constant reminder: the Lord’s Supper, or Communion. When this ordinance is practiced correctly, the church comes together to remember the death of Christ as payment for sins (Lk 22:19+; 1Co 11:24-25+). Other ways of remembering include reading God’s written Word and listening to the passionate proclamation of God’s truth." (See Insights on Revelation) THOUGHT - Paul explains the power of communion, properly practiced "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death (FIRST COMING - THE CROSS) until He comes (SECOND COMING." (1Cor 11:26+) And Paul then alludes to a powerful effect of communion - "Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly. 30 For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep." (1Co 11:27-30+) Beloved, how often do we hear verses 27-30 read at the time of communion? My personal experience has been that I have almost never heard those passages read. You might be asking, "So what?" Is it possible that some of the saints are not doing self-examination, not confessing sins, not repenting, not seeking reconciliation, etc with the result that they become weak, sick or even die? Even though the passage was not read before the communion one Sunday, I was shocked when my wife helf the bread and the wine in her hand and then got up to go to the other side of the congregation and ask forgiveness from someone she had offended. Then she returned and took communion. Is this not one of the ways we can remember what you have received and heard? John
Apocalipse 3
Barclay - God never abandons his search for the faithful few and they are never lost to his sight in the mass of the wicked. Swindoll - No matter how badly His people deteriorate, God always preserves a remnant to carry out His will and to bring forth fruit (2 Kings 19:30–31+; Isa. 10:20–21+; Ro 11:5+). This remnant can also serve as the seed for a bountiful revival. The same was true in Sardis. (See Insights on Revelation) (SEE ALSO "REMNANT") You have a few (oligos) people (onoma) in Sardis who have (absolutely) not soiled (moluno) their garments (himation) - Few describes those in Sardis whose lives were true believers. In Israel it was never the entire nation of Israel ,but only a remnant that was true to God and truly saved (spiritually speaking). In Lu 12:32+ Jesus referred to the believers as "little flock." People is more literally names. Jesus knows their names. Jesus is speaking figuratively of spiritual garments. Not soiled their garments is a picture of a life which is not continually stained by sin. To reiterate, those without soiled garments are genuine believers. Clearly Jesus is not speaking of perfection (or there would be none), but of the general direction of their lives. Before believing they had "filthy garments" described by Isa 64:6 ("all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment"), and after believing they could still be "soiled" by sin. Thus Jas 1:27+ calls for believers to to keep themselves unstained by the world. But when their garments are defiled by sin, they can be cleansed by confession (1Jn 1:9+, cf Pr 28:13+). The related derivative word of soiled is used in 2Co 7:1+, Paul writing "Therefore, having these promises (2Co 6:16-18+), beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement (molusmos from moluno) of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." What does not soiled (moluno) their garments (himation) depict? - William Barclay writes "(i) In the heathen world no worshipper was allowed to approach a temple of the gods with soiled clothes. For the heathen this was an EXTERNAL THING; but this may describe the man who has kept his soul clean so that he can enter into the presence of God and not be ashamed. (ii) Swete thinks that the white garments stand for the profession a man made at baptism; and that the phrase described the man who had not broken his baptismal vows. At this stage in the Church's history baptism was adult baptism, and at baptism a man took his personal pledge to Jesus Christ. This is all the more likely because it was common at baptism to clothe a man, after he had emerged from the water, in clean white robes, symbolic of the cleansing of his life. The man who is faithful to his pledge will, beyond a doubt, some day hear God say: "Well done!" (NOTE: ONLY THE SPIRIT CAN TRULY BAPTISE SOMEONE SO BARCLAY EMPHASIZES ''OUR PART'' A BIT TOO MUCH. - See discussion of Barclay's "orthodoxy" especially the article "The Enigmatic William Barclay") A). There may be a heathen background. At the Persian court the king's most trusted favourites were given the privilege of walking in the royal gardens with the king and were called "The Companions of the Garden." Those who have been true to God will some day walk with him in Paradise. B). There may be a reference to the old story of Enoch. "And Enoch walked with God, and he was not; for God took him" (Gen 5:24+). Enoch walked with God on earth and continued to walk with him in the heavenly places. The man whose walk with God is close on earth will enter into a nearer companionship with him when the end of life comes. (Revelation 2) And they will walk (peripateo) with Me in white (leukos) - This is a prophetic promise of fellowship with Christ in this life (Gal 5:16+, 1Jn 1:7+, see Havner below). Compare also Eph 5:27+ "that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless." Will walk with Me in context refers to walking with (and living with) Jesus now on earth and forever in Heaven. THOUGHT- How is your walk with Christ? Are you experiencing fellowship with Him now? Are your garments stained by some unconfessed sin which is disturbing your walk with Him? Are living in light of the truth that you will walk with Him forever in Heaven? Note that Jesus says they were "worthy," so in terms of their final destiny, they were secure. But the question for all of us who would be designated "worthy" by our Lord Jesus, are we truly walking "worthy" (Eph 4:1+, Php 1:27+, 1Th 2:12+) One way to "energize" a worthy walk is to pray Paul's prayer in Col 1:9-10+ "we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." I had someone pray this for me daily for about 5 years. I can assure you that He will answer this prayer. So pray it for yourself and those in your circle of associations. Vance Havner on walk with Me - The scriptures begin with God walking in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:8+) and they end with our glorified Lord walking in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks (Rev. 2:1+). All the way through, the Book is geared to the spiritual pedestrian....The Christian life is set forth perhaps more as a walk than in any other figure. We are to walk in newness of life (Ro 6:4+), by faith (2Co 5:7+), worthy of our vocation (Eph 4:1+), circumspectly (Eph 5:15+), honestly (1Th. 4:12+), worthy of the Lord (Col 1:10+), in light (1Jn 1:7+), in the truth (3Jn 1:4+), in the Spirit (Gal 5:16+, in love (Eph. 5:2+)....The faithful few in Sardis are promised that they shall walk with the Lord in white (Rev. 3:4+). It seems to be the established gait throughout the Word of God. Perhaps it is best summed up in walking “as He walked” (1Jn 2:6+). We may run the race (Heb 12:1+) and even fly as eagles (Isa 40:31+), but the saint is above all a pedestrian....The vanishing Pedestrian, whether in the flesh or in the spirit, needs to come back into his own. We do not have to stand or run, freeze or fry. The choice is not between living in a stupor or in a stew. We have only to return to the Gait of Galilee (ED: SEE Walking Like Jesus Walked!). God grant us a new race of pedestrians. Sons of Enoch, of whom it may be said at the last, “They walked with God, they pleased God, and God took them." (Ge 5:24+) Amen. In white (leukos) - White garments in Scripture are always a symbol of redemption and is repeated in Rev 3:5+ "He who overcomes (cf 1Jn 5:4-5+) will thus be clothed in white garments." White garments are the garments of heaven, in Rev 19:8+ the “fine linen, clean and white, the righteousness of the saints,” in which it shall be given her as her “wedding garment.” The white garments of all the redeemed (Rev 6:11+; Revelation 7:9,13,14+) are made white in the blood of the Lamb! (Rev 19:8,14+) and speaks of holiness and purity. White robes are reserved for Christ (Mt. 17:2+; Mk 9:3+), holy angels (Mt. 28:3+; Mk 16:5+), and the saints in heaven (Rev 19:8,14+). The Bride of Christ is not to sully her Christian profession with defilements of flesh or spirit, but to “keep her garments.” No defilement shall enter the heavenly city. On this earth it is clear that no saint can be wholly free from defilement ,but compared with professors, the godly keep themselves unspotted from the world (Jas 1:27+) and when they do contract it, they wash it away (confession and repentance), so as to have their “robes white in the blood of the Lamb” (Rev 7:14+). Isaiah 61:10+ I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, My soul will exult in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Revelation 19:8+ It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. (works of godliness produced by the Holy Spirit, ) Jesus' description recalls the pagan inscription found in Asia Minor which announced that soiled garments disqualified the worshiper and dishonored the gods. The mention of garments in would strike a note of familiarity with those in Sardis for this city was known for manufacture and dying of woolen goods as a principle trade. R Kent
Apocalipse 3
Barclay - What do the white robes signify? (a) In the ancient world white robes stood for festivity. “Let your garments be always white,” said the preacher, “and let not oil be lacking on your head” (Ecclesiastes 9:8+). The white robes may stand for the fact that the faithful will be guests at the banquet of God. (b) In the ancient world white robes stood for victory. On the day when a Roman triumph was celebrated, all the citizens clad themselves in white; the city itself was called urbs candida, the city in white. The white robes may stand for the reward of those who have won the victory. (c) In any land and time white is the colour of purity, and the white robes may stand for the purity whose reward is to see God. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8+). (d) It has been suggested that the white robes stand for the resurrection bodies which the faithful will someday wear. They who are faithful will share in that whiteness of light which is the garment of God himself. We need not make a choice between these various meanings; we may well believe that they are all included in the greatness of the promise.
Apocalipse 3
Barclay - holy (hagios) means different, separate from. God is holy because he is different from us; he has that quality of being which belongs to him alone. To say that Jesus Christ is holy is to say that he shares the being of God. Holy, Holy, Holy by Reginald Heber (Play Hymn) Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee; Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity! Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee, Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee, Who was, and is, and evermore shall be. Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee, Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see; Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee, Perfect in power, in love, and purity. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea; Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity! Who is true (alethinos) - In Rev 3:14+ and Rev 19:11+ Jesus is called "faithful and true." This attribute of Jesus describes Him as dependable, genuine, trustworthy, in all ways in accord with what is true. In a culture where there were gods everywhere, Jesus stood (and stands) out as the authentic God, not a molded or crafted god, not a god invented by one's fallen unredeemed mind (cf 1Co 8:5-6+). Every word spoken by Him can be depended upon to accomplish exactly what He says it shall accomplish. WE CAN RELY ON HIM! Today we might say "Jesus is the Real Deal!" Jesus stands in stark contrast to those who were a synagogue of Satan populated by men who said they were Jews but who actually were not, but were in fact liars, like their father (Jn 8:44+). Trench (Synonyms of the NT) also compares alethinos and alethes summarizing a lengthy discussion by concluding "we may affirm of the alethes, that he fulfils the promise of his lips, but the alethinos the wider promise of his name. Whatever that name imports, taken in its highest, deepest, widest sense, whatever according to that he ought to be, that he is to the full." Barclay - There is alethes, which means true in the sense that a true statement is different from a false statement. There is alethinos, which means real as opposed to that which is unreal. It is the second of these words which is used here. In Jesus, there is reality. When we are confronted with him, we are confronted with no shadowy outline of the truth but with the truth itself. (cf "I Am...the Truth" - Jn 14:6+) Lehman Strauss on true - G. Campbell Morgan distinguishes between being “holy” and “true.” He says that as the “holy” One, Christ is right in character; as the “true” One, He is right in conduct. He could not be different in His actions from what He is in His attributes. When character is right, conduct will be right. Because holiness inherently resides in Him, truth does likewise. Since He is perfect in what He is, He is also perfect in what He does. He only could say, “I am … the truth” (John 14:6+). In this He claimed oneness with the Father when He prayed, “And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent” (John 17:3+). (The Book of the Revelation: Outlined Studies - BORROW)
Apocalipse 3
Barclay writes "Three centuries before, Philadelphia had been given an open door (ED: IN THE SECULAR SENSE) to spread Greek ideas in the lands beyond (ED: "EVANGELIZE" WITH GREEK CULTURE); and now there has come to it another great missionary opportunity, to carry to those who had yet to hear it the message of the love of Jesus Christ (ED: THE GOSPEL)." Guzik quotes Morris who adds that "Neither wealth or influence, neither promotional schemes nor the eloquence of its pulpit, nor the harmonies of its musicians can give it an effective ministry. The Lord alone has opened the door; the Lord alone ‘giveth the increase.’ ” Because - (hoti used as causal conjunction by NASB and YLT. The KJV, NKJV use "for") - If one takes this as a term of explanation it would be explaining (giving 3 reasons in the following section) why the door is open. (not that they earned or merited the open door, but that their small power, faithful adherence to His Word and confession of His Name allowed Jesus to bless them). However, there is another way to understand this clause as seen in several of the translations that omit the word "because." NLT = " You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me." (Rev 3:8+NLT) Reading it this way would indicated because they have a little power, they obeyed and did not deny. NET I know that you have little strength, but you have obeyed my word and have not denied my name. ESV I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. NIV I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. NLT You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me. NRS I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. NAB You have limited strength, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. GWN You only have a little strength, but you have paid attention to my word and have not denied my name. RSV I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. MIT Because you have a little power, you have kept my word and did not deny my name TECHNICAL NET NOTE - This translation is based on connecting the ὅτι (hoti) clause with the οἶδα (oida) at the beginning of the verse, giving the content of what is known (see also Rev 3:1, 15+ for parallels). Because of the intervening clause that is virtually parenthetical (see the note on the word “shut” earlier in this verse), the words “I know that” from the beginning of the verse had to be repeated to make this connection clear for the English reader. However, the ὅτι could be understood as introducing a causal subordinate clause instead and thus translated, “because you have.” You (present tense) have a little (mikros) power (dunamis) - Little power in the hands of an all powerful Jesus is all a faithful church needs to turn the world upside down! In other words we have another Christian paradox, that when we are weak, we are strong (2Co 12:10+b+, cf Mt 17:20+) (See Spiritual Paradox in the Christian Life). Our problem too often is we are "too strong" in own strength (too confident, "too big for our britches"), to even be in the humble position to receive His strength! Some feel that Little could refer to small size of the church body, but what is that to Jesus, Who rocked the world with a small band of nobodies! Did we in our own strength confide, Our striving would be losing. Were not the right Man on our side, The Man of God’s own choosing. Vance Havner said “It is not a matter of great strength, not great ability but great dependability. Samson had great ability but poor dependability. A little strength faithfully used means more than much strength flashily and fitfully used.” (BORROW Repent or Else, page 72) Brian Bell on little power - Lack of Strength - apparently 1st church of Philadelphia wasn’t a large church, but it was faithful one. Small but mighty. Small & maybe of little importance. They were true to His word & unafraid to bear His name. It isn’t the size or the strength of the church that determines its ministry, but faith in the call & command of the Lord. His Commands are His Enablements (Warren Wiersbe). My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. (2Cor.12:9) This description of their possessing little power reminds me of Paul's words in 2Cor 3:5-6+ "Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, Who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life (ED: AND POWER - see Acts 1:8+)." Henry
Apocalipse 3
Barclay says the word of My perseverance means "that the promise is to those who have practised the same kind of endurance as Jesus displayed in His earthly life." Hampton Keathley on the word of My perseverance - “The Word of My patience” refers to the Word, the testimony of Scripture regarding the truth of Christ as the suffering, resurrected, and so also, the victorious Savior Who endured the shame of rejection and the cross and Who endures today as the resurrected and ascended Lord now sitting at God’s right hand (Heb. 1:3+ with Heb 12:1–3+). (The Message to Philadelphia) Note that some writers point out that the conjunction because grammatically might explain the reason for the preceding triumph of the Philadelphians over the Jews of Satan’s synagogue. I also will keep (tereo as in Rev. 1:3+, Revelation 2:26+, Revelation 3:3, 8, 10+) you from the hour of testing (peirasmos), that hour which is about to come upon the whole world (oikoumene), to test (peirazo) those who (present tense = continually) dwell (katoikeo) on the earth (ge) - From is the preposition "ek" which means out of , not "take out," "take from," "keep in" or "keep through" (see diagram above - see Keathley's analysis below). Note that what Jesus will keep them from is the hour, or the time of the testing. In other words Jesus says they will be kept from the whole time period. He does not say from the testing. The Greek word peirasmos means “a trial, temptation, or testing” and so the context must determine the exact meaning of the word. In this passage, peirasmos refers to a very specific world-wide testing or tribulation. Whole world in the context of the phrase on the earth would indicate that this geographical phrase (whole world) means the entire earth. Jesus is speaking of a global hour of testing. Those who dwell on the earth are clearly unbelievers and specifically unbelievers (see all the passages below that use this identical phrase) who cannot be saved because in Rev 13:12+ they worship the beast (Antichrist) and in Rev 13:14+ they take the mark of the beast and this will firmly and immutably seal their eternal fate! John
Apocalipse 3
Barclay has an interesting background of why "new name" would be apropos in Philadelphia - Tiberius was as generous to Philadelphia as he had been to Sardis. In gratitude, it changed its name to Neocaesarea—the New City of Caesar. In the time of Vespasian, Philadelphia was to change its name, again out of gratitude, to Flavia, for Flavius was the emperor’s family name. It is true that neither of these new names lasted and ‘Philadelphia’ was restored. But the people of Philadelphia knew what it was to receive ‘a new name’. Mounce on name (onoma) - The impact of the threefold inscription is to show that the faithful belong to God, hold citizenship in the New Jerusalem, and are in a special way related to Christ. Aaron, the high priest, wore on his forehead a golden plate with the engraving “HOLY TO THE LORD” (Exod 28:36–38+). In Rev 7:3+ the servants of God are sealed on their foreheads, which according to Rev 14:1+ takes the form of the name of the Lamb and of his Father written on their foreheads (cf. 22:4). The name of the city of God indicates citizenship in the heavenly commonwealth (cf. Gal 4:26+; Phil 3:20+). Christ’s own new name symbolizes the full revelation of his character, which awaits the second advent (cf. Rev 19:12+). It is not hidden at the present time because of some primitive superstition that if known could be used to his disadvantage but reflects the current inability of the human race to grasp the full theological significance of the incarnation. While it is interesting that Philadelphia twice adopted a new name (Neocaesarea, out of gratitude to Tiberius for his help in rebuilding after the great earthquake, and, later, Flavia, the family name of Vespasian), it adds little to our understanding of the verse. (he Book of Revelation - New International Commentary New Testament - BORROW) Brian Bell - Names - Ancient cities often honored great leaders by erecting pillars w/ their names on them. Three Names (3 tattoos, write on him) Interesting: The citizens of Philadelphia expressed warm gratitude on inscriptions and coins to the emperor Tiberius for his assistance in the process of rebuilding their city, and they later took the name Neocaesarea. 1. YHWH. New Jerusalem. Jesus’ New Name (?). God’s name, His City’s name. His Son’s name. a) Just as the high priest wore God’s name on their heads (turbans). Holiness to the Lord. b) Also referring to proof of ownership [eg. when men put on their wives license plate frame, Johnny’s Girl ] c) Also, maybe in contrast to the mark of the beast. APPLICATION - We are much like the Philadelphia church in that God has set many open doors before us. 1. If He Opens the door we must Work. If He Shuts the Doors we must Wait. 2. We must see the Opportunities & not the Obstacles. a) Missed Opportunities are missed Rewards (take your crown) Herbert Lockyer - What a bountiful promise is this sixth one, offered to those in Philadelphia, who although weak, yet pursued! In spite of so much to test their faith they held fast with a tight and tightening grip Christ's Word, name, patience and return. The Holy Spirit promised that earth's weakness would be exchanged for heaven's stability: "Him will I make a. pillar." Then there is a fixed and eternal abode. "He shall go no more at all out." As to bearing God's name, what a privilege it will be for each one of the conquering band to bear such a privileged name, indicating a special relationship with Him amid heavenly blessedness. (Borrow All the promises of the Bible) Pillar (4769)(stulos) describes a literal column which serves as a support of a structure. As a figure of speech it describes any firm support or persons of authority and influence in the church, those who bear responsibility (the elders in Jerusalem). Robertson on Rev 3:12+ = "Metaphorical and personal use with a double significance of being firmly fixed and giving stability to the building." 1Ti 3:15+ uses stulos describes "the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth." Vine says in 1Ti 3:15+ it is used "in a collective capacity, to maintain the doctrines of the faith by teaching and practice." All 4 NT uses are metaphorical. It can describe something in shape which resembles a pillar (like a column of fire (Ex 13:21+, Exodus 14:24+, Rev 10:1+) Vine adds "in Rev. 10:1+, seen as flames rising like columns of fire indicative of holiness and consuming power, and thus reflecting the glory of Christ as depicted in Rev. 1:15+; cp. Ezek. 1:7+.) In Gal 3:2+ stulos describes one recognized for spiritual leadership. Gilbrant - The noun stulos is a common term in classical Greek for many kinds of pillars, columns, and other architectural supports. In the Septuagint the Greek term stulos is used to translate five Hebrew words, of which the terms for pillars (e.g., Exodus 27:10-17+; Exodus 36:36+ [LXX 37:4]; 1 Kings 7:41-45+ [3 Kings 7:41-45]) and column, an upright board or studding in the tabernacle (e.g., Exodus 26:15-29+), are the most prominent (Madvig, “Temple,” Colin Brown, 3:795). However, the term is also employed in a more metaphoric, cosmological sense to refer to God’s shaking the “foundations” of earth (Job 9:6) or of heaven (Job 26:11). The underlying idea is that God, the master architect, has constructed the created order as His dwelling place (Wilckens, “stulos,” Kittel, 7:733). The term stulos is used exclusively in a metaphoric or quasi-metaphoric, cosmological sense in its four appearances in the New Testament. In Revelation 3:12+ the overcomer is told by the Spirit that he will become a pillar in the temple of God. The reference likely pertains to the pillars which adorned the porch of Solomon’s Temple (Madvig, “Temple,” Colin Brown, 3:795). In Revelation 10:1+ the angel from heaven is described as having feet like “pillars of fire,” a metaphoric reference to the Old Testament theophanies in which God appeared in this manner in towering glory to Israel. In 1 Timothy 3:15+ the Church of the living God is called the pillar and ground of the truth. The Church is viewed as the house of God, which God has constructed to support and to conserve this truth. The architectural metaphor is pronounced, although here stulos refers more to the support and foundation provided by the columns than the columns per se. In Galatians 2:9+ Paul referred to James, Cephas, and John, leaders of the Jerusalem church, as ones “who seemed to be pillars.” Paul conceived of the Church as God’s temple, and in this striking metaphor he viewed these leaders as basic pillars. Upon them rested the authority and responsibility to provide guidance for the Jerusalem church. In all four instances the term stulos is based on either the design of the temple or the concept of the earth as God’s building. Within this framework, the term is used metaphorically to refer to angels, leaders, and the Church. (Complete Biblical Library) Stulos - 4v - pillar(2), pillars(2). Gal. 2:9+; 1 Tim. 3:15+; Rev. 3:12+; Rev. 10:1+ Revelation 3:13 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.' Rev 2:7+ Revelation 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries LISTEN UP! He (singular) who has an ear, let him hear (akouo) what the Spirit (pneuma) (present tense - continually) says to the churches (ekklesia) - See above for more detail on this identical command. Let him hear is a command from Jesus in the aorist imperative which calls for the hearers to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey! Hear and heed is the our charge and this charge parallels the words trust and obey! This command calls for urgent action. Do not procrastinate or prevaricate. Just do it! (the "nike commercial command"). In the context of this letter this note of urgency is underscored by Jesus' declaration "I am coming quickly!" THOUGHT Jesus' command begs the question do you even have ears to hear? Are you listening to the Spirit's words of wisdom and warning and promise of eternal wealth (crown)? Are you ready to meet Jesus face to face? Are you heeding John's words in his first epistle "Now, little children, abide (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) in Him, so that (PURPOSE CLAUSE) when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming." (1Jn 2:28+)? (See related discussion Are You Listening?) Revelation 3:14 "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: BGT Revelation 3:14 Καὶ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς ἐν Λαοδικείᾳ ἐκκλησίας γράψον· Τάδε λέγει ὁ ἀμήν, ὁ μάρτυς ὁ πιστὸς καὶ ἀληθινός, ἡ ἀρχὴ τῆς κτίσεως τοῦ θεοῦ· KJV Revelation 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; NET Revelation 3:14 "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write the following: "This is the solemn pronouncement of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the originator of God's creation: CSB Revelation 3:14 "Write to the angel of the church in Laodicea: "The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God's creation says: ESV Revelation 3:14 "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 'The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation. NIV Revelation 3:14 "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. NLT Revelation 3:14 "Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen-- the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's new creation: NRS Revelation 3:14 "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the origin of God's creation: NJB Revelation 3:14 'Write to the angel of the church in Laodicea and say, "Here is the message of the Amen, the trustworthy, the true witness, the Principle of God's creation: NAB Revelation 3:14 "To the angel of the church in Laodicea, write this: " 'The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the source of God's creation, says this: YLT Revelation 3:14 'And to the messenger of the assembly of the Laodiceans write: These things saith the Amen, the witness -- the faithful and true -- the chief of the creation of God; GWN Revelation 3:14 "To the messenger of the church in Laodicea, write: The amen, the witness who is faithful and true, the source of God's creation, says: BBE Revelation 3:14 And to the angel of the church in Laodicea say: These things says the true and certain witness, the head of God's new order: RSV Revelation 3:14 "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: `The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation. NKJ Revelation 3:14 "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,`These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: ASV Revelation 3:14 And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God: MIT Revelation 3:14 To the messenger of the church at Laodicea write— The one who is the confirmation, the faithful and true representative, the leader of God's creation, has this to say: the angel: Rev 1:11+ Revelation 2:1+ in Laodicea, Col 2:1+ Col 4:16+ the Amen: Isa 65:16 2Co 1:20+ the faithful: Rev 3:7+ Revelation 1:5+ Revelation 19:11+ Revelation 22:6+ Isa 55:4 Jer 42:5 the beginning: Col 1:15+ Revelation 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Colossians 2:1-5+ (WRITTEN ABOUT 61 AD) For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, (ED: DID PAUL SEE THE SAD ESTATE OF THIS CHURCH ONLY 30-35 YEARS AFTER THIS GREAT CHRISTOLOGICAL EPISTEL?) and for all those who have not personally seen my face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, 3 in Whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (ED: WHAT A REFUTATION OF THE SELF-SUFFICIENT LAODICEANS WHO HAD TEMPORAL TREASURE!) . 4 I say this so that no one will (present tense - continually - IT WAS ALREADY HAPPENING!!!) delude (paralogizomai) you with persuasive argument (pithanologia). 5 For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ. Colossians 4:12-16+ (WRITTEN ABOUT 61 AD 35 YEARS BEFORE REVELATION WRITTEN) Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, and also Demas. 15 Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and the church that is in her house. 16 When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodicea. (PAUL WAS IN LAODICEA!) Revelation 1:5+ and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood– Isaiah 65:16 (OT TITLE OF GOD) “Because he who is blessed in the earth Will be blessed by the God of truth (AMEN); And he who swears in the earth Will swear by the God of truth (AMEN); Because the former troubles are forgotten, And because they are hidden from My sight! NEB - He who invokes a blessing on himself in the land shall do so by the God whose name is Amen, and he who utters an oath in the land shall do so by the God of Amen; the former troubles are forgotten and they are hidden from my sight. 2 Corinthians 1:20KJV+ For all the promises of God in him are yea (that is the possibility of their being fulfilled), and in him Amen (the certainty and actuality, of their being fulfilled), unto the glory of God by us. Lycus Valley in Center - Green Line marks the aqueduct that brought likely lukewarm & impure water from South. See Hierapolis 6 mi to the North & Colossae 10 mi to the East THE CHURCH OF THE TARES Mattoon calls this "The Church That Made Christ Sick." Warren