King James Version
Revelation 3
22 verses with commentary
To the Church in Sardis
And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to sardis, philadelphia, laodicea - dead religion, faithful witness, lukewarmness employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testamen...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
III.
(1) **Sardis.**—The modern *Sart*—now a mere village of paltry huts—once the capital of the old Lydian monarchy, and associated with the names of Crœsus, Cyrus, and Alexander. It was the great *entrepôt* of dyed woollen fabrics, the sheep of “many-flocked” Phrygia supplying the raw material. The art of dyeing is said to have been invented here; and many-coloured carpets or mats found in the h...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16. For--**reason why he is so earnest that the remembrance of these things should be continued after his death.
**followed--**out in detail.
**cunningly devised--**Greek, "devised by (man's) wisdom"; as distinguished from what the Holy Ghost teaches (compare 1Co 3:13). But compare also 2Pe 2:3, "feigned words."
**fables--**as the heathen mythologies, and the subsequent Gnostic "fables and...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The design here is to remind of Christ's final coming to judgement.(1-4)
He will appear unexpectedly, when the present frame of nature will be dissolved by fire.(5-10)
From thence is inferred the need for holiness, and stedfastness in the faith.(11-18)
**Verses 1-4**
The purified minds of Christians are to be stirred up, that they may be active and l...
Read full commentary →Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to sardis, philadelphia, laodicea - dead religion, faithful witness, lukewarmness employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic la...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Be watchful.**—Rather, *become wakeful.* It will not do simply to rouse and sleepily grasp at their spiritual weapons, or even to stand for once at arms; you must become of wakeful habit. Strengthen the remaining things which were (when I roused you) about to die; for I have not found thy (or, *any of thy*) works perfect—completed or fulfilled, fully done in weight and tale and measure—befor...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17. received ... honour--**in the voice that spake to Him.
**glory--**in the light which shone around Him.
**came--**Greek, "was borne": the same phrase occurs only in 1Pe 1:13; one of several instances showing that the argument against the authenticity of this Second Epistle, from its dissimilarity of style as compared with First Peter, is not well founded.
**such a voice--**as he proceed...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 3
Chapter Outline
The design here is to remind of Christ's final coming to judgement.(1-4)
He will appear unexpectedly, when the present frame of nature will be dissolved by fire.(5-10)
From thence is inferred the need for holiness, and stedfastness in the faith.(11-18)
**Verses 1-4**
The purified minds of Christians are to be stirred up, that they may be active and l...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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 th...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to sardis, philadelphia, laodicea - dead religion, faithful witness, lukewarmness employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testamen...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **Remember therefore how** (or, *after what sort*) **thou hast received and heard** (or, *didst hear*—the tense changes).—Remembering that the words are addressed primarily to the angel himself, the change of tense may have been designed to point him back to some particular period of his life, such as the time when he was set apart to his ministerial work. The further expectation is to hold fa...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18. which came--**rather as Greek, "we heard borne from heaven."
**holy mount--**as the Transfiguration mount came to be regarded, on account of the manifestation of Christ's divine glory there.
**we--**emphatical: we, James and John, as well as myself.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-10**
The sons of God know that their Lord is of purer eyes than to allow any thing unholy and impure to dwell with him. It is the hope of hypocrites, not of the sons of God, that makes allowance for gratifying impure desires and lusts. May we be followers of him as his dear children, thus show our sense of his unspeakable mercy, and express that obedient, grateful, humble mind which...
Read full commentary →Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to sardis, philadelphia, laodicea - dead religion, faithful witness, lukewarmness employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocal...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) The best MSS. commence this verse with “But,” or “Nevertheless.” The case of the Sardian Church was bad, yet the loving eyes of the faithful witness would not ignore the good. There were a few who had not defiled their garments. These had not succumbed to the oppressive moral atmosphere around them. The words cannot, of course, be understood of absolute purity. Their praise is that, in the dea...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19. We--**all believers.
**a more sure--**rather as Greek, "we have the word of prophecy more sure (confirmed)." Previously we knew its sureness by faith, but, through that visible specimen of its hereafter entire fulfilment, assurance is made doubly sure. Prophecy assures us that Christ's sufferings, now past, are to be followed by Christ's glory, still future: the Transfiguration gives us a ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-10**
The sons of God know that their Lord is of purer eyes than to allow any thing unholy and impure to dwell with him. It is the hope of hypocrites, not of the sons of God, that makes allowance for gratifying impure desires and lusts. May we be followers of him as his dear children, thus show our sense of his unspeakable mercy, and express that obedient, grateful, humble mind which...
Read full commentary →He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to sardis, philadelphia, laodicea - dead religion, faithful witness, lukewarmness employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusion...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **He that overcometh.**—The promise is repeated to all who overcome; all, not who have never fallen, or failed, but who conquer, shall be clothed in glistening white raiment. On this glistering appearance comp. Dante’s words, “robed in hue of living flame,” and the description so frequent in the *Pilgrim’s Progress*—“the shining ones.” Trench, who reminds us that this glistening white is found...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
20. "Forasmuch as ye know this" (1Pe 1:18).
**first--**the foremost consideration in studying the word of prophecy. Laying it down as a first principle never to be lost sight of.
**is--**Greek, not the simple verb, to be, but to begin to be, "proves to be," "becometh." No prophecy is found to be the result of "private (the mere individual writer's uninspired) interpretation" (solution), and so...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-10**
The sons of God know that their Lord is of purer eyes than to allow any thing unholy and impure to dwell with him. It is the hope of hypocrites, not of the sons of God, that makes allowance for gratifying impure desires and lusts. May we be followers of him as his dear children, thus show our sense of his unspeakable mercy, and express that obedient, grateful, humble mind which...
Read full commentary →He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to sardis, philadelphia, laodicea - dead religion, faithful witness, lukewarmness employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21. came not in old time--**rather, "was never at any time borne" (to us).
**by the will of man--**alone. Jr 23:26, "prophets of the deceit of their own heart." Compare 2Pe 3:5, "willingly."
**holy--**One oldest manuscript has, "men FROM God": the emissaries from God. "Holy," if read, will mean because they had the Holy Spirit.
**moved--**Greek, "borne" (along) as by a mighty wind: Ac 2:2,...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-10**
The sons of God know that their Lord is of purer eyes than to allow any thing unholy and impure to dwell with him. It is the hope of hypocrites, not of the sons of God, that makes allowance for gratifying impure desires and lusts. May we be followers of him as his dear children, thus show our sense of his unspeakable mercy, and express that obedient, grateful, humble mind which...
Read full commentary →To the Church in Philadelphia
And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to sardis, philadelphia, laodicea - dead religion, faithful witness, lukewarmness employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testamen...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Philadelphia.**—The town of Philadelphia derived its name from Attalus Philadelphus, the king of Pergamos, who died B.C. 138. It was situated on the slopes of Mount Tmolus, in the midst of a district the soil of which was favourable to the cultivation of the vine. On the coins of the town are to be found the head of Bacchus. The town was built on high ground—upwards of 900 feet above the sea...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-13**
The same Lord Jesus has the key of government and authority in and over the church. He opens a door of opportunity to his churches; he opens a door of utterance to his ministers; he opens a door of entrance, opens the heart. He shuts the door of heaven against the foolish, who sleep away their day of grace; and against the workers of iniquity, how vain and confident soever they...
Read full commentary →I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to sardis, philadelphia, laodicea - dead religion, faithful witness, lukewarmness employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic mean...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **I know thy works: behold, I have set** (better, *given*) **before thee an open door** (better, *a door opened*)*.*—A reference to the passages (Acts 14:27; 1Corinthians 16:8-9; 2Corinthians 2:12-13; Colossians 4:3) in which a similar expression is used reminds us that the open door was not simply a way of escape from difficulties, but an opening for preaching the gospel, an opportunity of do...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 2
2Pe 2:1-22. False Teachers to Arise: Them Bad Practices and Sure Destruction, from Which the Godly Shall Be Delivered, as Lot Was.
**1. But--**in contrast to the prophets "moved by the Holy Ghost" (2Pe 1:21).
**also--**as well as the true prophets (2Pe 1:19-21). Paul had already testified the entrance of false prophets into the same churches.
**among the people--**Israel: he is w...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-13**
The same Lord Jesus has the key of government and authority in and over the church. He opens a door of opportunity to his churches; he opens a door of utterance to his ministers; he opens a door of entrance, opens the heart. He shuts the door of heaven against the foolish, who sleep away their day of grace; and against the workers of iniquity, how vain and confident soever they...
Read full commentary →Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
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KJV Study Commentary
The 'synagogue of Satan' refers to Jews who rejected Christ, claiming Abraham's lineage while denying the Messiah. Christ's authority to identify true Israel rests on His fulfillment of covenant promises. This echoes Romans 2:28-29—true Jews are those circumcised in heart, believing in Christ. The promise that persecutors will 'worship before thy feet' and 'know that I have loved thee' anticipates...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **Behold, I will make.**—Better, *Behold, I give some.* There is no word to express this in the original, but as a word must be supplied to complete the sense, it is better to adopt “some” than the “them” of the Authorised version, as it is not a promise that all of the synagogue of Satan should come.
**Of the synagogue of Satan.**—We have here a re-appearance of the same troubles which afflic...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. follow--**out: so the Greek.
**pernicious ways--**The oldest manuscripts and Vulgate read, "licentiousness" (Jude 4). False doctrine and immoral practice generally go together (2Pe 2:18, 19).
**by reason of whom--**"on account of whom," namely, the followers of the false teachers.
**the way of truth shall be evil spoken of--**"blasphemed" by those without, who shall lay on Christianity ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-13**
The same Lord Jesus has the key of government and authority in and over the church. He opens a door of opportunity to his churches; he opens a door of utterance to his ministers; he opens a door of entrance, opens the heart. He shuts the door of heaven against the foolish, who sleep away their day of grace; and against the workers of iniquity, how vain and confident soever they...
Read full commentary →Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to sardis, philadelphia, laodicea - dead religion, faithful witness, lukewarmness employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic m...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **Because thou hast kept** (better, *didst keep*) **the word of my patience.**—The one who keeps God’s word is kept. Such is “the *benigna talio* of the kingdom of God,” as Archbishop Trench calls it. The promise does not mean the being kept away from, but the being kept out from the tribulation. The head should be kept above the waters; they should not be ashamed, because they had kept the w...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. through, &c.--**Greek, "IN covetousness" as their element (2Pe 2:14, end). Contrast 2Co 11:20; 12:17.
**of a long time--**in God's eternal purpose. "Before of old ordained to condemnation" (Jude 4).
**lingereth not--**though sinners think it lingers; "is not idle."
**damnation--**Greek, "destruction" (see on 2Pe 2:1). Personified.
**slumbereth not--**though sinners slumber.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-13**
The same Lord Jesus has the key of government and authority in and over the church. He opens a door of opportunity to his churches; he opens a door of utterance to his ministers; he opens a door of entrance, opens the heart. He shuts the door of heaven against the foolish, who sleep away their day of grace; and against the workers of iniquity, how vain and confident soever they...
Read full commentary →Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to sardis, philadelphia, laodicea - dead religion, faithful witness, lukewarmness employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic l...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **Behold, I come.**—Omit “Behold.” Better, *I am coming quickly; hold fast; continue your race as those who are striving for a garland* (1Corinthians 9:24).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. if--**The apodosis or consequent member of the sentence is not expressed, but is virtually contained in 2Pe 2:9. If God in past time has punished the ungodly and saved His people, He will be sure to do so also in our days (compare end of 2Pe 2:3).
**angels--**the highest of intelligent creatures (compare with this verse, Jude 6), yet not spared when they sinned.
**hell--**Greek, "Tartarus...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-13**
The same Lord Jesus has the key of government and authority in and over the church. He opens a door of opportunity to his churches; he opens a door of utterance to his ministers; he opens a door of entrance, opens the heart. He shuts the door of heaven against the foolish, who sleep away their day of grace; and against the workers of iniquity, how vain and confident soever they...
Read full commentary →Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem,...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to sardis, philadelphia, laodicea - dead religion, faithful witness, lukewarmness employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testamen...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **Will I make a pillar.**—A pillar, and an unshaken one. There may be reference to the frequent earthquakes which had shaken down buildings in their city. Those who overcome will prove real supports to the great Christian temple. (Comp. Galatians 2:9.)
**Write upon him.**—Or, *grave upon it.* On the sides of the four marble pillars which survive as ruins of Philadelphia inscriptions are to be...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. eighth--**that is, Noah, and seven others. Contrasted with the densely peopled "world of the ungodly."
**preacher--**not only "righteous" himself (compare 2Pe 2:8), but also "a preacher of righteousness": adduced by Peter against the licentiousness of the false teachers (2Pe 2:2) who have no prospect before them but destruction, even as it overtook the ungodly world in Noah's days.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-13**
The same Lord Jesus has the key of government and authority in and over the church. He opens a door of opportunity to his churches; he opens a door of utterance to his ministers; he opens a door of entrance, opens the heart. He shuts the door of heaven against the foolish, who sleep away their day of grace; and against the workers of iniquity, how vain and confident soever they...
Read full commentary →He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
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KJV Study Commentary
The repeated refrain 'He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches' emphasizes personal responsibility to respond to divine revelation. Spiritual hearing requires regenerate hearts—the Holy Spirit must grant ears to hear (Ezekiel 12:2). This is corporate address ('churches,' plural) reminding each congregation that messages to one apply to all. Reformed theology affirm...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. with, &c.--**"TO overthrow" [Alford].
**ensample--**"of (the fate that should befall) those who in after-time should live ungodly." Compare Jude 7, "set forth for an example."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-13**
The same Lord Jesus has the key of government and authority in and over the church. He opens a door of opportunity to his churches; he opens a door of utterance to his ministers; he opens a door of entrance, opens the heart. He shuts the door of heaven against the foolish, who sleep away their day of grace; and against the workers of iniquity, how vain and confident soever they...
Read full commentary →To the Church in Laodicea
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; of the Laodiceans: or, in Laodicea
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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;...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to sardis, philadelphia, laodicea - dead religion, faithful witness, lukewarmness employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek t...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **Laodicea.—**Situated half way between Philadelphia and Colossae, and not far from Hierapolis. It received its name from Laodice, wife of Antiochus the second king of Syria, by whom it was rebuilt and beautified. It had borne in earlier times the names of Diospolis and afterwards Rhoas. It shared with Thyatira and Sardis in the dye trade; the woods grown in the neighbourhood were famous for ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. just--**righteous.
**filthy conversation--**literally, "behavior in licentiousness" (Ge 19:5).
**the wicked--**Greek, "lawless": who set at defiance the laws of nature, as well as man and God. The Lord reminds us of Lot's faithfulness, but not of his sin in the cave: so in Rahab's case.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-22**
Laodicea was the last and worst of the seven churches of Asia. Here our Lord Jesus styles himself, "The Amen;" one steady and unchangeable in all his purposes and promises. If religion is worth anything, it is worth every thing. Christ expects men should be in earnest. How many professors of gospel doctrine are neither hot nor cold; except as they are indifferent in needful ma...
Read full commentary →I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to sardis, philadelphia, laodicea - dead religion, faithful witness, lukewarmness employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15, 16) **Neither cold nor hot.—**The “heat” here is the glowing, fervent zeal and devotion which is commended and commanded elsewhere (Romans 12:11). It is not, however, the self-conscious, galvanised earnestness which, in days of senile pietism, passes for zeal. It is an earnestness which does not know itself earnest, being all too absorbed in its work. It is self-forgetful, and so self-sacrifi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. vexed--**Greek, "tormented."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-22**
Laodicea was the last and worst of the seven churches of Asia. Here our Lord Jesus styles himself, "The Amen;" one steady and unchangeable in all his purposes and promises. If religion is worth anything, it is worth every thing. Christ expects men should be in earnest. How many professors of gospel doctrine are neither hot nor cold; except as they are indifferent in needful ma...
Read full commentary →So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to sardis, philadelphia, laodicea - dead religion, faithful witness, lukewarmness employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. knoweth how--**He is at no loss for means, even when men see no escape.
**out of--**not actually from.
**temptations--**trials.
**to be punished--**Greek, "being punished": as the fallen angels (2Pe 2:4), actually under sentence, and awaiting its final execution. Sin is already its own penalty; hell will be its full development.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-22**
Laodicea was the last and worst of the seven churches of Asia. Here our Lord Jesus styles himself, "The Amen;" one steady and unchangeable in all his purposes and promises. If religion is worth anything, it is worth every thing. Christ expects men should be in earnest. How many professors of gospel doctrine are neither hot nor cold; except as they are indifferent in needful ma...
Read full commentary →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:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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:...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to sardis, philadelphia, laodicea - dead religion, faithful witness, lukewarmness employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meani...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) I **am rich.**—The verse means, more literally, *Because thou sayest, I am rich, and have grown rich, and in nothing have need, and knowest not that thou art the wretched* (such is the emphasis) *one, and the pitiable one, and beggarly, and blind, and naked. *Thou art “the type, the embodiment of wretchedness.” The words should, I think, be taken as an amplification of the reason for their re...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. chiefly--**They especially will be punished (Jude 8).
**after--**following after.
**lust of uncleanness--**defilement: "hankering after polluting and unlawful use of the flesh" [Alford].
**government--**Greek, "lordship," "dominion" (Jude 8).
**Presumptuous--**Greek, "Darers." Self-will begets presumption. Presumptuously daring.
**are not afraid--**though they are so insignificant ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-22**
Laodicea was the last and worst of the seven churches of Asia. Here our Lord Jesus styles himself, "The Amen;" one steady and unchangeable in all his purposes and promises. If religion is worth anything, it is worth every thing. Christ expects men should be in earnest. How many professors of gospel doctrine are neither hot nor cold; except as they are indifferent in needful ma...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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 w...</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to sardis, philadelphia, laodicea - dead religion, faithful witness, lukewarmness employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testamen...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **I counsel thee to buy.—**There is, perhaps, a touch of irony here. How could the poor and naked buy? But the irony has no sting, for the counsel but recalled the invitation of the prophet to buy “without money and without price” (Isaiah 55:1).
**Gold**—*i.e.,* golden coin, “tried,” or, *fired out of fire, *and so free from alloy or dross. Trench suggests that “gold” here stands for *faith.*...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. which are--**though they are.
**greater--**than these blasphemers. Jude instances Michael (Jude 9).
**railing accusation--**Greek, "blaspheming judgment" (Jude 9).
**against them--**against "dignities," as for instance, the fallen angels: once exalted, and still retaining traces of their former power and glory.
**before the Lord--**In the presence of the Lord, the Judge, in reverence...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-22**
Laodicea was the last and worst of the seven churches of Asia. Here our Lord Jesus styles himself, "The Amen;" one steady and unchangeable in all his purposes and promises. If religion is worth anything, it is worth every thing. Christ expects men should be in earnest. How many professors of gospel doctrine are neither hot nor cold; except as they are indifferent in needful ma...
Read full commentary →As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to sardis, philadelphia, laodicea - dead religion, faithful witness, lukewarmness employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) I **rebuke and chasten.—**The first word is that used in the work of the Holy Spirit (John 16:8), and signifies to bring conviction; it is not empty censure. The second word signifies to educate by means of correction. The pronoun is emphatic, “I,” and calls attention to the fidelity of Christ’s love in comparison with the weak partiality seen in human love. (Comp. Hebrews 12:6.)
**Be zealous...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
12. (Jude 19).
**But--**In contrast to the "angels," 2Pe 2:11.
**brute--**Greek, "irrational." In contrast to angels that "excel in strength."
**beasts--**Greek, "animals" (compare Psa 49:20).
**natural--**transposed in the oldest manuscripts, "born natural," that is, born naturally so: being in their very nature (that is, naturally) as such (irrational animals), born to be taken and destr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-22**
Laodicea was the last and worst of the seven churches of Asia. Here our Lord Jesus styles himself, "The Amen;" one steady and unchangeable in all his purposes and promises. If religion is worth anything, it is worth every thing. Christ expects men should be in earnest. How many professors of gospel doctrine are neither hot nor cold; except as they are indifferent in needful ma...
Read full commentary →Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to sardis, philadelphia, laodicea - dead religion, faithful witness, lukewarmness employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. receive--**"shall carry off as their due."
**reward of--**that is, for their "unrighteousness" [Alford]. Perhaps it is implied, unrighteousness shall be its own reward or punishment. "Wages of unrighteousness" (2Pe 2:15) has a different sense, namely, the earthly gain to be gotten by "unrighteousness."
**in the daytime--**Translate as Greek, "counting the luxury which is in the daytime (...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-22**
Laodicea was the last and worst of the seven churches of Asia. Here our Lord Jesus styles himself, "The Amen;" one steady and unchangeable in all his purposes and promises. If religion is worth anything, it is worth every thing. Christ expects men should be in earnest. How many professors of gospel doctrine are neither hot nor cold; except as they are indifferent in needful ma...
Read full commentary →To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to sardis, philadelphia, laodicea - dead religion, faithful witness, lukewarmness employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apoca...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **To him that overcometh **... .—He will share Christ’s throne as Christ shared His Father’s throne. Here are two thrones mentioned. My throne, saith Christ: this is the condition of glorified saints who sit with Christ in His throne. “But My Father’s *(i.e., *God’s) throne is the power of divine majesty.” Herein none may sit but God, and the God-man Jesus Christ. The promise of sharing the t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14. full of adultery--**literally, "full of an adulteress," as though they carried about adulteresses always dwelling in their eyes: the eye being the avenue of lust [Horneius]. Bengel makes the adulteress who fills their eyes, to be "alluring desire."
**that cannot cease--**"that cannot be made to cease from sin."
**beguiling--**"laying baits for."
**unstable--**not firmly established in ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-22**
Laodicea was the last and worst of the seven churches of Asia. Here our Lord Jesus styles himself, "The Amen;" one steady and unchangeable in all his purposes and promises. If religion is worth anything, it is worth every thing. Christ expects men should be in earnest. How many professors of gospel doctrine are neither hot nor cold; except as they are indifferent in needful ma...
Read full commentary →He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches....</strong> This verse from Revelation's vision of letters to sardis, philadelphia, laodicea - dead religion, faithful witness, lukewarmness employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15. have--**Some of the seducers are spoken of as already come, others as yet to come.
**following--**out: so the Greek.
**the way--**(Nu 22:23, 32; Is 56:11).
**son of Bosor--**the same as Beor (Nu 22:5). This word was adopted, perhaps, because the kindred word Basar means flesh; and Balaam is justly termed son of carnality, as covetous, and the enticer of Israel to lust.
**loved the wa...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-22**
Laodicea was the last and worst of the seven churches of Asia. Here our Lord Jesus styles himself, "The Amen;" one steady and unchangeable in all his purposes and promises. If religion is worth anything, it is worth every thing. Christ expects men should be in earnest. How many professors of gospel doctrine are neither hot nor cold; except as they are indifferent in needful ma...
Read full commentary →