Revelation Chapter 3

REVELATION CHAPTER THREE

Vs. 1 – 1. Sardis was once the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Lydia. 2.  A commercial city known for its wealth, which was obtained in part through its trade in clothing. 3. Patron deity was Artmis (Diana).4.  A very evil city in John’s day. 5. Believed to be the first to mint round coins. 6. Legend of "golden fleece" is thought to have originated in Sardis. 7. By the time of John, Sardis was seen an a "as been" city.

            Note the JST for this verse.  Also note that the JST says that they are alive and NOT dead. Spiritually.

Vs. 2 – Note the JST

Vs. 3 – Not watch – Parable of the ten virgins Matt. 25:13; I will come on thee as a thief. See D&C 106:4-5. Sardis had twice been captured because a watch was not kept and Cyrus in 548 BC and Antiochus in 214 BC took the city as "a thief in the night"

Vs. 4 – Those who have not defiled their garments are those who have been true to temple covenants.  See DNTC 3:454or 456?

Vs. 5 - those whose name are written in the book of life=those who have been sanctified and inherit the celestial kingdom (D&C 88:2)

            Cross References for the Book of Life; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27; 22:10

                        Contains the name of those who receive eternal life.  Record kept in heaven (D&C 128:7) Contains names of righteous (Alma 5:58). Belongs to Jesus 21:27. Sinner’s names removed. (Blotted)

            Confess his name before my father – D&C 45:3-6

Vs. 7 – Philadelphia – 1. The city of "brotherly love" because King Attalus Philadelphus II (159-138 BC), adopted the name Philadelphus because of his love for his brother.  2. Today it is called Alashehir, the reddish city, from the red-brown hills around it. 3. It was founded to guard the important road on which it lay, and was given the assignment of disseminating Hellenism in Lydia and Phrygia. 4. It was destroyed with 10 other western Asian cities, in the earthquake of 17 AD with aftershocks for 20 years. 5. It is still an extremely active seismic region. 6. It is located 100 miles east of Smyrna

             Similar to letter to Smyrna-No rebuke

            Key of David – Power of Christ's absolute government, the rightful eternal King of Israel (Is. 22:22)             Sealing Power- (Matt 16:15-19)

Vs. 8 – An open door-opportunity for Celestial Kingdom and to share the gospel

            Thou hast a little strength – Who has more?

Vs. 9 – Synagogue of Satan – A reference to the Anti-Christian Jews. See 2:9

Vs. 10 – Kept the word of my patience. Note the Jerusalem Bible translation of this verse; “Because you have kept my commandment to endure trials, I will keep you safe in the time of trial which is going to come for the whole world.”

Vs. 11 – “I come quickly” 2:5; 2:16; 3:11; 22:7; 22:12; 22:20. (6)

                        D&C 33:18; 34:12; 35:27; 39:24; 49:28; 68:35; 88:126.  (7)

            Hold Fast – a reference to enduring to the end. See 1 Nephi 8:24 & 30

            No man take thy crown. – “If the saints are not to reign, for what purpose are they crowned? (Joseph Smith, DHC 2:20)

Vs. 12 – to be a pillar in the temple of my God=to be a person of stature in the celestial kingdom. Those who have the name of God written upon them=Gods

            He shall go no more out. BRM says that once you die on the straight and narrow path there is no falling off of it.

“The first of 3 names that Christ will give the righteous is the name of his God (14:1; D&C 133:18) meaning the Saints will become like and will belong to their Father in Heave; thus, those who have God’s name upon them are gods (D&C 132:20)

Name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem. The second of three names that Christ will give the righteous is “New Jerusalem,” meaning they will become eternal citizens of God’s celestial city.

I will write upon him my new name. The 3^rd of 3 names that Christ will give the righteous is his own new name. Because an individual’s new name is kept private-no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it (2:17)-this suggest that those who receive Christ’s new name will have become one with him. John explains that “his name shall be in their foreheads” (22:4)

Vs. 14 – Laodicea was founded by the Syrian king Antiochus II and named after his wife Laodice. It was settled at an important trade junction and became an important center for commerce, banking, medicine and industry. Its medical center produced an important eye salve. Its industrial center produced linen and wool garments. Destroyed by an earthquake in 60 AD. City was rebuilt without help from Rome. Water supply was a major problem.

            Amen-connotes the idea of that which has been unalterable confirmed (See Numbers 5:22) or that which is sure, trustworthy and faithful.

Vs. 15 – Neither cold nor hot – “With all of its importance as a city of commerce and trade, Laodicea lacked sufficient fresh water for its inhabitants and visitors, so water was piped from springs located several miles away. By the time the water arrived in Laodicea, it was likely lukewarm, unpleasant to drink, and good only to be spewed out of the moth. Hence the water lacked the cold freshness travelers and the healing elements for the physically ill found in hot water.

            Lukewarm water is a metaphor for some members who lack gospel zeal and complete faithfulness. (See D&C 76:79)

Vs. 16 – Spue is more descriptive than vomit?

Vs. 17 – rich physically and poor spiritually

Vs. 18 – God tried in the fire – Saints, precious and pure and who after the resurrection become incorruptible. (See Zechariah 13:9)

            White raiment – The dress of the glorified. Christ and those that dwell with him. Garments are cleaned in the blood of the lamb.

            Shame of thy nakedness – absence of white raiment

            Eye salve, Eye salve of Laodicea made from Phrygian powder stone. God’s salve allows us to see with spiritual eyes. (Moses 6:35)

Vs. 19 – chasten – see footnote

Vs. 20 – the door of our heart? Is supping with the Lord having our calling and election made sure?

Vs. 21 – to sit with the Savior in his throne=to be as he is and receive exaltation.

TPJS p. 347-8-Jesus did what His Father did.

What would the Lord correct you for? For what might He commend you? What promises does He offer to you? The corrections and the commendations will vary. The promise of Eternal Life goes to all who will follow the Savior.