revelation 3:10 commentary

This picture has been derived from two different sources. You know it is true that God is doing a wonderful work here and it is exciting to see what God is doing, but we have hardly touched the county. Many say that we ought to keep "abreast of the times," whatever that may mean; and that there is a certain "spirit of the age," to which we should be subject. Did they like to be near a throne, although it were the throne of Satan to dwell there? Brother, cling to God's word; cling to infallible and immutable revelation! When this earthquake devastated it, Tiberius was as generous to Philadelphia as he had been to Sardis. This we find formally and doctrinally in his gospel. "Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. They have lost the sense of Christ's peace left with them They have not the joy of His coming for them in perfect love, to receive to Himself those whom He loves. (1a) The character of the city of Sardis. I do not say when, where, or how; but as surely as He lives, will the Lord vindicate the truth He has given, and the testimony He has raised up for His name. The world had got in, as it still remains, and alas! (ii) The Christian must be on the watch against the wiles of the devil ( 1 Peter 5:8). Revelation 3:8-10King James Version. "And Enoch walked with God, and he was not; for God took him" ( Genesis 5:24). When they reached the top they found the battlements completely unguarded. They are supposed to be not marked by such mighty doings, as Sardis was, Sardis did great exploits, Philadelphia nothing of the sort. In certain cases we know that it might be a literal representative; for instance, when John the Baptist sends some of his disciples, there was a representation of his mind by men. And why so? The Lord sets before us an open door of opportunity and no man can shut it. It is not merely Satan struggling to get in Judaism, but, as He says here, "the blasphemy" (railing, calumny) "from them which say they are Jews, and are not, but a synagogue of Satan." They set up to be more righteous and holy than the rest, whom they denounced as Antinomian because they stood in the true grace of God. The holy pilgrims were not so rude as to tell him to go; they only talked about heavenly things, which he did not understand, and he went of his own accord. There is not now the sign of activity in service not the robe tucked up, as often remarked. 3. So many Jews emigrated here that the Rabbis inveighed against the Jews who sought the wines and baths of Phrygia. (v) On the faithful Christian Christ will write his own new name. However the future repentance of Israel at Messiahs second coming that will result in the Jews respectful treatment of Gentile believers seems to be in view here (cf. It was not that Croesus was not warned where Sardis was heading. A new evil appears. The framers of this were those that held the doctrine of Balaam. A Church which is so lethargic as to fail to produce a heresy is mentally dead; and a Church which is so negative as to fail to produce opposition is dead in its witness to Christ. That in itself would have been enough to make Laodicea one of the great commercial and strategic centres of the ancient world. ], Fourth, God promised that He will not just honor overcomers by erecting a pillar in their name in heaven, as was the custom in Philadelphia. In the Christian life there must be a decisive moment, when a man decides to be done with the old way and to begin on the new. The church is dead. From the hour of temptation - The season; the time; the period of temptation. "The sons of those who oppressed you shall come bending low to you; and all who despised you shall bow down at your feet" ( Isaiah 60:14). [Note: Ibid., p. 2 He was holding a little scroll, which lay open in his hand. We need pillars in the house of our God. "Pretrib Rapture" - Revelation 3:10. Even in Sardis there are the faithful few. Only this nearness of the Lords coming to reward the faithful provides an effective motive to be tenacious (Alford; Moffatt)." They came out, but not far enough. Precious souls are there, and our happy service is to help these then, if we can, to a better knowledge of His grace, not, of course, to make light of their being where they are, or of their doing what they do, yet in the fullest love to feel about them as the Lord does. I say not this of you all, but only of confirmed and faithful ones. Regard the new teachers no more than you would the wise men of Gotham, for those who oppose themselves to God's word are fools. ", Come you, then, and search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life, and they are they which testify of Christ and let it not be said that you will not come unto him that you might have life. The Christian is under continual attack by the powers which seek to seduce him from his loyalty to Christ. It is not merely that He died this is not what He says here, though it is said elsewhere, and very truly. The A, B, Come and See Revelation A commentary on the Book of . Nevertheless it is God's word and Christ's testimony, though as a whole composed of visions. [Note: Chitwood, p. 101. The verse seems intended to comfort the whole church rather than to challenge unfaithful or potentially unfaithful Christians. They had shown this in the trials which they had experienced; he promises now, that in return he will keep them in the future trials that shall come upon the world. It was given to a chosen witness no doubt really meant for the people, but delivered to Daniel, and only so. The rebuke of God is not so much punishment as illumination. Philadelphia, Those Who Keep Are Kept ( Revelation 3:7-13 Continued). [Note: See Newell, pp. His having the seven Spirits of God was distinct from the Ephesian picture; nor is anything at all similar in the description of the Lord Jesus given before. Faith is the Koh-i-noor among jewels, the queen of the virtues. (c) He must have the ability to tell what he has to say, so that his witness may make its true impression on those who hear. There is positive evidence of the most convincing and satisfactory kind for the insertions, omissions, or changes, which may be mentioned from time to time. It was all over with them, unless they judged themselves, and in the power of the Holy Ghost Christ regained His place. It was a greater proof of fidelity when all was out of course to stand faithful than to be faithful when all things were regular. The epistle is closed up with the demand of attention: He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches, how Christ loves and values his faithful people, how he commends, and how he will crown their fidelity. Keep to the truth, and the modern school will give you a wide berth. And the way to "maintain the spiritual glow" ( Romans 12:11, Moffatt) is to live close to Christ. 1:19 + ). Revelation 3:10 - Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Here again we have a present imperative indicating continuous action. What exactly is meant by "the word of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ" in this connection? They may have only a little strength; their resources may be small; but, if they are faithful, they will see the dawn of the triumph of Christ. 1-888-672-6657. He took counsel of the famous oracle at Delphi and was told: "If you cross the River Halys, you will destroy a great empire. 1. At that time the emperor made the declaration that Christianity should be the recognized religion throughout the Roman Empire. "He that saith he abideth in him, ought himself also so to walk" how? Thus have I explained what the Philadelphians did. But it was not as a garrison town that Philadelphia was founded, for there was little danger there. I believe that that open door will be open to us until the Lord comes. One cannot make good sense out of Revelation 3:10 otherwise. He is a "miserable conqueror.". Still that strength is a matter of degrees and certain churches have a little strength but only a little. In the Pastoral Epistles we read: "She who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives" ( 1 Timothy 5:6), The Prodigal Son is he who was dead and is alive again ( Luke 15:24). Sin, as Burns had it, "petrifies the feeling.". They were not ashamed of revealed truth, but, on the contrary, they took it for their possession, their heritage, their treasure, their all. For whom it was more immediately designed: The angel of the church of Philadelphia; this also was a city in Asia Minor, seated upon the borders of Mysia and Lydia, and had its name from that brotherly love for which it was eminent. Out in the villages, or in the crowded city hearts await you. If the Lord has rebuked you, then be thankful He loves you. 283-91; Daniel K. K. Wong, "The Pillar and the Throne in Revelation 3:12, 21," Bibliotheca Sacra 156:623 (July-September 1999):303. Even on the Emmaus road, "He appeared to be going further" ( Luke 24:28). Now, dear friend, perhaps hitherto you have been perfectly satisfied with holding the truth with all your might, and being faithful to it in private and in your own daily life. They had but small ability to speak with tongues, or work miracles, or teach the word; but they adhered faithfully to what they had been taught by the apostles of the Lord: they were not brilliant, but they were sound. Indeed, there is nothing more remarkable, especially when we bear in mind who the writer is, than the absence here of His proper relationship to the children of God. First he sees a huge angel towering over land and sea, and holding a small scroll in his hand. Learn here, (1.) It is a new state of things; but when we come to Philadelphia there is far more evidence of all things new. Another strong angel = sends us back to Revelation 5:2. If the Lord chastens you, be thankful you are His child and He loves you. Now, why should God's word be kept in this way? Eventually they would have to admit their error, at the judgment of unbelievers (the great white throne judgment) if not earlier (Isaiah 45:23; Isaiah 60:14; Romans 14:11; Philippians 2:10-11). It is true that neither of these new names lasted and "Philadelphia" was restored. They could do but little where money would be required. The Christian does not believe in an inescapable fate; but he does believe in a destiny which he can accept or refuse. (a) This may be a promise of security. This very thing condemned the state of Protestantism that resulted; because, while it was freely read, there was scarce any thought of forming all upon the Bible, and regulating all by it. Again Croesus was warned, but he failed to see the warning. The call to hear begins to follow the promise, instead of being before it. It is no mere transient cloud of error; it is a body in the highest worldly position a queen, but also pretending to the highest spiritual power a prophetess so-called, that was now permanently settled in Christendom, giving birth to a distinct progeny of iniquity "her children." Let it suffice once for all to hope you will understand me always to speak of the text on the basis of the ancient and best authorities. This does not go along with the public state of the church now. To report dead links, typos, or html errors or suggestions about making these resources more useful use the convenient, Baker Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament, The Hawker's Poor Man's Concordance And Dictionary, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. I don't see a super church, or super saints. After his usual manner, our Saviour promises a glorious reward to the victorious believer, in two things:-- (1.) It is true for us all; but it is in harmony with the latter day sufferers, not what specially linked him with the Christians and the church. John sees the Son of man with the qualities of the Ancient of days. That can happen with the tasks of God. The first time a man sins he does so with many a qualm. The Christian must be ready to open whenever he hears his Lord knocking ( Luke 12:36). Philadelphia was the youngest of all the seven cities. It is to the rest, or the remnant in Thyatira, "as many as have not this doctrine," that the Lord turns. Do you not in this merely sink to the world's level? Warriors guard kings, and crowns, and thrones; but the living truth of the living God is infinitely more worthy of our watch. The Lord bids them in effect to have nothing to do with her, and He will give the true power when He takes it Himself. It is a tremendous pagan celebration originating in Babylon adopted by Rome called Saturnalia. 176-91.]. There is an unwritten saying of Jesus: "He who is near me is near the fire." 4. This Philadelphian church had won the commendation, "Thou hast kept my word." The effect went on; the spring was gone. It is "he that openeth, and no man shall shut." Here is the picture of Jesus Christ as the one who has the final authority which no one can question. Laodicea, Neither One Thing Nor Another ( Revelation 3:14-22 Continued). In Revelation 3:4 there shines through the darkness a ray of hope. You may have but little strength, but do you keep God's word? In the Christian life there must be unceasing vigilance against it. "He that overcometh, and he that keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations." This indifference can be broken down only by the actual demonstration that Christianity is a power to make life strong and a grace to make life beautiful. There is a very lovely thing about the way this is put. . 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. In short, it is Christ in His fullest but most general ministerial and ecclesiastical aspect, viewed, of course, according to the tenor of the book. Does it not trouble you?" Do not throw away the best for the sake of getting something that may be newer, but that must be far inferior. "Thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith." The Jews lost their place to the Gentiles ( Romans 11:11). Revelation 3:3 So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. After a day of patience we must expect an hour of temptation; a day of gospel peace and liberty is a day of God's patience, and it is seldom so well improved as it should be and therefore it is often followed by an hour of trial and temptation. I am looking forward to the Lord confessing my name before His Father. '"[47] This view of the passage harmonizes with the great high-priestly prayer of Jesus who did not pray that the Father would take his disciples "out of the world" (John 17:15), but that they would be faithful in the world. This term refers to earth-dwellers as contrasted with heaven-dwellers, the unsaved as contrasted with Christians. The man who will not submit to Christ has necessarily resisted him. I suppose that the Philadelphian church had but little strength in the following respects: the number of its members would be small, and it had therefore but little strength for undertaking any extensive enterprize which would call for numerous bands of workers. The reason is manifest, because the way in which we are called to walk is always according to the place and relations in which we stand. At the same time it is manifestly He who is God and Father instructing, comforting, and admonishing His own. To the north of that plain rose the long ridge of Mount Tmolus; from that ridge a series of hills went out like spurs, each forming a narrow plateau. All intimates that they are in great, and no doubt just, dread of Him as a judge. Be students of God's word and adherents of it. John 8:31-59). The implication may appear to be that if a Christian denies Christ (Revelation 3:8) he or she will not participate in the Rapture. ], Furthermore, it is not just the testing God promised to deliver them from but the "hour" of testing, the time in history during which these trials will come (cf. Laodicea prides itself on the magnificent garments it produces but spiritually it is naked and nakedness is shame. Life in Christ, where there is spiritual intelligence, takes one out of the vanities of the world in principle. Truth does not die through being buried. "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right land, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden lampstands." Revelation 3:10 by Grant Richison| Nov 17, 1998| Revelation| 43 comments Read Introduction to Revelation "Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth." Jesus now turns to a promise for those who persevereunder trial. 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. Thus the Lord speaks with exceeding tenderness of those that were true to His name. "Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not." If you only influence one child, who can tell what that child may be? For the posttribulational interpretation, see Mounce, p. 119; aand Ladd, p. It is expressly so taught in John's own gospel. Ever and again the Christian must stand before the Cross and remember again what God has done for him. There will be that day that will come that the Jews will recognize that Jesus is the Messiah. In later days it became a very great city. True grace, though weak, has the divine approbation; but, though Christ accepts a little strength, yet believers should not rest satisfied in a little, but should strive to grow in grace, to be strong in faith, giving glory to God. Revelation 3:10, KJV: 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. Oh, how patient the Lord is. A Definitive Study of the Rapture of the Church, pp. "I am the Alpha and Omega, saith the Lord God, that is, and that was, and that is to come, the Almighty." "I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.". The trial was not unlimited: the Lord defined the term of their endurance. We Jews are not supposed to go into the house of a Gentile, but the Lord told me to come so that is why I am here." I do not of course affirm this; but naturally as the apostles were departing to be with the Lord, Satan would endeavour to furnish instruments nothing loth to claim succession. Another instance of favour that Christ promises to this church is persevering grace in the most trying times (Revelation 3:10; Revelation 3:10), and this as the reward of their past fidelity. There is an old Latin saying that "the gods walk on feet that are wrapped in wool." One can understand their passing through the scene of his power, but to be dwelling there is significant. In the introduction to this letter the Risen Christ is described in two phrases. But there is much more here. Their subjection to the church is described: They shall worship at thy feet; not pay a religious and divine honour to the church itself, nor to the ministry of it, but shall be convinced that they have been in the wrong, that this church is in the right and is beloved of Christ, and they shall desire to be taken into communion with her and that they may worship the same God after the same manner. But it is another thing when we hear of the angel of this or that assembly. The salutation is from God in His own being, the ever-existing One, He who is, and who was, and who is to come. If God is the God of Amen, he is utterly to be relied upon. Up until now they had been faithful. One of these days we are going to go into the phone booth and change our clothes and we are going to come out with super power and we are going to just point at the Russians and they will just shrivel and die. To him that hath shall be given. (ii) He is he who is true. Whatever novelty comes up, keep to the word of Jesus! (b) The things a man must do lie to his hand. Behold, I have set before you a door which stands open and which no man shuts, because you have a little strength and because you have kept my word, and have not denied my name. To get at the armies of Cyrus he had to cross the River Halys. They have slipped into the world, and share its fears and anxieties. Gaping cracks appeared in the walls of the houses. What it guarantees is protection away from the scene of the hour of trial while that hour is in progress. It would rather seem from this that the affliction was some form of persecution as adapted to test the fidelity of those who were affected by it. It is not a new thing for God thus to set out the strongest contrasts by the same inspired writer. If the thought of the age happens to be right, well and good; but it is not upon temporary opinion that we rest. Tiberius, the Roman Emperor, in his kindness remitted all tribute for five years and gave a donation of 10,000,000 sesterces, that is, L400,000. how loyally He accepts, and will not speak inconsistently with, the place of man to which He stooped. The Book of Life is a conception which occurs often in the Bible. To those who have been faithful comes the threefold promise. "And I will give him the morning star." It was with him that Sardis reached its zenith and it was with him that it plunged to disaster. I am supposing now a scale which attracts the world's attention. I will also keep thee from the hour of trial Norris' Commentary on the Book of Revelation, Spurgeon's Verse Expositions of the Bible. The Lord simply takes notice of these in His call. The hour of temptation A time of sore and peculiar trial which might have proved too much for their strength. However the grace of the Lord might act, however He might animate as well as warn, still the address is made directly to His servant John, and not to the church; and even where we have addresses, as we shall find afterwards in the second and third chapters, they are not immediately to the churches, but sent to their angels. Laodicea one of the Rapture of the great commercial and strategic centres of great! To seduce him from his loyalty to Christ is the Messiah what he here... Man shall shut. Philadelphia '' was restored await you keep God 's word and Christ testimony! Word of Jesus Christ as the one who has the final authority which no one can question neither of in... Speak inconsistently with, the place of man to which he stooped Sardis. First he sees a huge angel towering over land and sea, and admonishing his.. The Book of Holy Ghost Christ regained his place throne of Satan, lay! Is `` he who is near me is near the fire., dread of him as a judge Croesus! 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