& & & Teaching Notes Book of Revelation - Chapter 5 &&& Quarantine Day 57 (?). Sunday, but still there is no physical church. [How can that be? US Const. 1A, 18 USC 242]
Hugh C. Wood, Atlanta, Georgia & & & Revelation 5 New International Version The Scroll and the Lamb Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. 4 I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. 5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits[a] of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. 9 And they sang a new song, saying:
“You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. 10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign[b] on the earth.”
11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they were saying:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”
13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”
14 The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
Footnotes Revelation 5:6 That is, the sevenfold Spirit Revelation 5:10 Some manuscripts they reign & & &
Bible Project Revelation 1-11 & & & Only the Lamb Is Found Worthy to Open the Book of Judgment Verse 1 1And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book with writing inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals. Commentary: The "book" is actually a scroll with seven messages, each separated by a seal that has to be broken. It is interesting to note that the author took the time to indicate in which hand the scroll was held. Most readers of the Bible are familiar with Jesus sitting at the right hand of God, indicating Jesus' elevated and honored status. By extension, the fact that the scroll is described as being held in the right hand of God is a clear indication of the scroll's importance and value. The next piece of information readers are given about the scroll is that it contains writing on both the front and the back. If scrolls were used during this time period, the writing was largely found only on the front of the papyrus. Some scholars, who have studied this image, have suggested that the additional writing apparent on the back merely indicates that the scroll is very full. While this is possible, given that there are other ancient authors such as Martial who indicate that it was unusual and somewhat unseemly to write on the back of scrolls. However, alternate translations show that the writing was "written on the inside, and sealed on the back," indicating that all the writing is inside the scroll. The seals themselves are also fascinating. The seven seal on the scroll, open one at a time, and when one is opened, one message is revealed. When the Book of Revelation was written, the vast majority of sealed documents were official document or wiils, or treaties. The purpose of the seal was to show that the important message had not been read before it reached the intended receiver. Whereas Revelation chapter 4 is about God and his creation, Revelation chapter 5 moves on to talk about God and his role in redemption. Verse 2 2And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?” Commentary: The Father could open the scroll, but will not because that privilege is reserved to the Son. The angel's question is not simply who can open it, but who has the right to judge the world by revealing what is written and executing the judgments? Since only the Son can open it, this passage reflects the specialness of what is contained in the scroll. The seven seals also reflect this in two ways. First, the use of seals shows that what is in the scroll must be kept secret until the right person can open it. Second, the fact that there are seven seals shows to what degree this must be kept secure. The number seven, which is found numerous places in Revelation, indicates wholeness and/or flawlessness. Also, since none are worthy besides the Lamb, it seems that this scroll will hold something more important than any writing or testament that came before it. The word worthy (axios) is used seven times in the book of Revelation and it's literal translation is "of sufficient weight." The "strong angel" also appears later in the book (chapter 10 & 18). Some have considered this angel to be Gabriel, but it is never directly said by John if this is the case. Also, the word "angel" means messenger. So this shows that the Angel is not the one who is meant to open the book, his power is to deliver the message that someone truly all powerful must open the book. Verse 3 3And no one in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, nor to look thereon. Commentary: No one in all creation in heaven or earth is able to open this book. To "look thereon" means to read it. (Obviously John is looking at it). It is not known whether this ability is either physical or metaphorical. The division between God and man shows that man is truly in need of a Savior as there are things, such as opening this book and reading it that man is not able to do for himself. Man falls short, but Christ Jesus is capable, willing, and worthy to open and read. This is also stated in Isaiah 29 vs 11. Verses 4-5 4And I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and to read the book, nor to look thereon. 5And one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” Commentary: John momentarily thinks the scroll, which he is now longing to understand, will not be revealed after all. But Christ has now appeared and will open it. The Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Root of David are messianic titles that uniquely apply to Jesus Christ. A lion is represented as king of the animaals and Judah is the strongest tribe. This indicated that Christ rules over all human kind. The root of David refers to the ties that Christ has with the family of David. This passage is reminiscent of the words of Paul to the church in Rome: “There is none righteous, no not one.. for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:10,23), and those of the epistle to the Hebrews: “We do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Heb 4:15). Only the lamb could open the seals of the scroll due to his sacrificial death. What follows is not the language of a treaty or a covenant as some have suggested. It is clearly that of judgment. The number seven represents perfection, thus showing the perfection of God’s pronouncements. It has also been suggested that the scroll may be a last will and testament, especially in the sense that the audience is not only expected to read it, but also to act on it. In another translation, verse 5 is translated, "Then one of the elders said to me, 'Do not weep. See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals'". The use of the phrase "has conquered" refers to Jesus conquering Rome when he allowed himself to be crucified. He conquered even as the people of Rome thought they were conquering him. This illustrates an important point in the book of Revelation--things are not always what they appear to be. Verses 6-7 6And I looked, and in the midst of the throne and of the four creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. 7And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. Commentary: This odd vision of Christ is to bring together the twofold aspect of His coming: First as Savior, then later as Sovereign. His right to rule, judge, and possess the earth is emphasized by the reminder that He submitted to the torture of the cross in order to bring redemption to mankind. Christ conquers not through force, but through sacrifice and martyrdom The lamb here could once again be symbolizing Jesus with the fact of it being slain referring back to him being crucified. The sevenfold spirit may reveal the fullness of God's character, perfection, and completeness. Isaiah 11:2 (NIV) shows seven aspects of the spirit or the sevenfold ministry of the Lord: " The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD." The word "arnion" in this verse is universally translated as "lamb." This is a literal translation (arnion meaning "small lamb") but the horns lead to imagery of a ram. In the passover sacrifice a lamb, not a ram, would be slaughtered and so despite the horns translators consider the "arnion" a lamb. The animal imagery is noteworthy in this text. One would expect a lion or a majestic animal to step forward, but the reader's expectations are inverted by the presentation of a slaughter lamb. Seen by Witherington, the lamb is standing, living, showing the signs of sacrifice, as part of a theme in the book fetishizing and sanctifying martyrs. A Multitude Worships Christ in Heaven and on Earth Verse 8 8And when he had taken the book, the four creatures and twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints. Commentary: This is the only time in the Revelation in which heavenly courts bow down to the Lamb. This shows that Christ is indeed the lamb, and no less worthy of such honor, praise, and devotion. He is God's sacrifice (John 1:29). When Christ takes the scroll, He signifies that He will begin the execution of the judgments. The prayers of saints have long asked for this, so that all the wrongs done will finally be avenged and the Messianic Kingdom established. The elders are the representatives of the church holding the vials that are the prayers of the saints. By the Lamb being the only one to hold the ability to open the book, it shows his power. Also, Since it is said that a very powerful angel asks for someone to open the book, it shows that someone even more powerful than the Angel must open the book. Thus, we may conclude that this Lamb is Christ. He has earned the right top open the scroll not only because he is the son of God, but because he was slain for the good of man. Verses 9-10 9And they sung a new song, saying, “You are worthy to take the book and to open the seals thereof, for you were slain, and have redeemed us to God by your blood out of every kindred, tongue, people, and nation, 10and have made us kings and priests to our God, and we will reign on the earth. Commentary: This outburst of praise is in gratitude for the Lamb's gift of salvation and for the fact that the day of fulfillment is finally at hand. It also shows that by everyone coming together to praise the Lamb, that the Lamb truly has authority. Typically new hymns of praise in The Bible mark and celebrate special occasions, and this is no different. The image of heavenly and earthly beings adds to the mysticism of the book of Revelation. It is interesting to note the striking similar adoration of the Lamb and the God. This suggests that God and the Lamb are, in a sense, equal in majesty. Verses 11-12 11And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the creatures and the elders, and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, 12saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing.” Commentary:The "ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands" written in this verse are not to be taken literally. It is simply to exaggerate that the number of angels was overwhelming. Interpreters differ over whether the presence of the great host surrounding God's throne should be understood to include members of the Church who had been "raptured" to Heaven and spared from going through the tribulation period. Aune points out the allusion to Daniel 7:10 (see also 1 Enoch 14:22, which is quoted in Jude 14).[1] The sheer number is presumably the main point, and no details are given about specific individuals or groups that may or may not be present, apart from the elders previously mentioned. One can imagine the scene being like a sports stadium, when some exceptional play happens and everyone jumps up and starts yelling. It's a spontaneous outburst of praise and excitement. Verses 13-14 13And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying, “Blessing, honor, glory, and power to him that sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb for ever and ever.” 14And the four beasts said, “Amen.” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped him that lives for ever and ever. Commentary: As do all the creatures and souls that are neither angels nor resurrected spirits. This is somewhat cryptic, but may refer to the as yet unrewarded Old Testament saints, or perhaps there are other classes of spirits or beings we haven't been told of. (The four creatures, for example, are clearly different from other angels). All creatures, heavenly or earthly, believers or nonbelievers, give praise to God and the Lamb. They are praising God because he is the creater of all living things. Everyone is giving praise to the Lamb for he has died so that everyone may have eternal life. This passage is showing that all creatures will give praise to God and the Lamb at some point in the future. Here we see the fulfillment of Paul's words in Phillipans when he states every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. According to Revelation 5, this praise is not an option, it is an obligation. At this point all have realized Jesus is their Lord regardless if they are in heaven, earth, or hell. It is interesting that all things in heaven, earth, and below are praising God. This opens up the question as to whether this act takes away from the free will of man to basically force them into praising God. This would mean that atheists, Muslims, Jews, and any other non-believing (of Christ) people would be praising Him out of their own free will since the Bible states that this was the one thing separating Man from beasts. This could mean that there was some phenomenon on Earth that turned everyone into a believer or the Heavenly spirit overcame every person, creature, and angel making them consciously performing this act without understanding why.
& & & Teaching Notes Book of Revelation - Chapter 4 &&&
Hugh C. Wood, Atlanta, Georgia & & & Revelation 4 New International Version The Throne in Heaven 4 After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 3 And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. 4 Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits[a] of God. 6 Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.
In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. 8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’[b] who was, and is, and is to come.” 9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: 11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” Footnotes Revelation 4:5 That is, the sevenfold Spirit Revelation 4:8 Isaiah 6:3 & & &
Bible Project Revelation 1-11 & & & John's Vision of the Throne of God Verse 1 1After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven, and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me, which said, “Come up hither, and I will show you things which must be hereafter.” Commentary: Chapter four begins with the phrase, "After this," points to a transition in literary styles as well as a shift in John's vision. In Chapters two and three, John individually addresses seven churches in Asia; however, Chapter four does not seem to have a specific audience like the two previous chapters. The door and "come up hither" symbolize the change in scene for John. John was now able to see some of the mysteries of God and able to report them back to us. John also did not open the door himself, God opened this door for him which reveals how one enters Heaven. It is by God's will not our own. However, it is interesting to note that John is clearly separating these sections of the book, but he is employing the same image of the door that he employed while addressing the churches. John further signal to the reader that he is shifting back into a description of his heavenly vision by referring back to, "The first voice which I heard," which he recognizes as Jesus. Additionally, John once again shifts into description through simile, which he then employs throughout the rest of Chapter four. Verse 2 2And immediately I was in the spirit and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. Commentary: The immediacy of the transport is to be noted. John's statement is harmonious with Paul's in I Cor. 15:51-52: "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed" (KJV). "In the spirit" means totally immersed in a vision. John was not physically there, that is in body, but his spirit experienced that which believers currently await: the rapture. John sees a throne, and the following verses show that the figure sitting on the throne is God the Father. The throne is a central symbol of this work. This was an image familiar in the minds of the initial readers representing power, justice, and the established authority structure. In this and following chapters, John will offer an alternative authority structure in which God’s majesty and justice will prevail. This would have been immensely comforting to Christians who were being treated unjustly by their government. Today it might serve as a warning to modern Western Christians who often benefit from the current authority structures. Believers still ought to hold the model given in this chapter as the standard against which to measure their own governments[1]. Verse 3 3And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardius stone, and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like an emerald. Commentary: The gems and rainbow ( a reminder of God's faithfulness and promise to Noah after the great flood in Genesis 9:13) are John's way of describing intense glory, a beautiful sight. These stones are also mentioned, along with other stones, in Exodus 28:17-20. In Exodus, the stones are found with 7 others on the breastplate of a high priest. Sardius is a blood-red stone that symbolizes the sacrifice of blood (the first-coming of Christ and his death on the cross). Jasper is a white stone that symbolizes total power. In the verses in Exodus, the first stone is Sardius and symbolizes the first-coming of Christ and Jasper is the last stone, symbolizing the second-coming of Christ. Since the order is reversed in this passage from Revelation, we can interpret the meaning in a reflective way: John, receiving a vision of the world after the second-coming sees the Jasper most recently and the Sardius (the crucifixion) further back in time. Verse 4 4And round about the throne were four and twenty seats, and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and they had on their heads crowns of gold. Commentary: The number four-and-twenty could go back to King David's division of the Levitical priesthood into 24 sections (I Chronicles 24:7-19) or it could refer to twelve plus twelve, symbolizing the tribes of Israel plus the disciples. Other suggestions for the meaning of the twenty four elders include that they are angelic figures on a heavenly council, they represent saints in heaven, or that they are representatives of the church in heaven. An elder is a person that is chosen by God to represent Him and minister to the saints. The 24 elders, then, represent a much larger number of saints in heaven. They are a representation of all the righteousness in Heaven. They have "seats" of authority and "crowns" of reward. The white garments signify righteousness which has now been judged and purified. Note that the Old Testament saints are not present. They will be resurrected and rewarded after the Tribulation (Daniel 12:1-3). The white robes symbolize purity. This image is depicting heavenly worship. When the priests later take off their crowns and bow, it is showing their revrence. This verse is also depicting heavenly worship. Verse 5 5And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices, and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God. Commentary: Throughout the Bible, the divine supremcy and the power of God has been demonstrated by comparisons with lightening, thunder, other powerful natural disasters(Matthew 28:2). This also shows that God is present but not physically visible, parallel to th rest of scripture. The term "before the throne" is John's moving the scene of the vision to before the throne. Before the throne, there are seven lamps or seven spirits. However, it is debated whether or not the seven spirits are the Holy Spirt or angels. An argument that these seven spirits may be angels come from passages such as Luke 9:26 and 1 Timothy 5:21 as angelic beings are placed in the position of glory and honor equal to God the Father and God the Son. In addition, throughout the New Testament the term spirit is used in reference to angels. Revelation also does speak of angels very frequently. But another argument posed could be that the seven lamps or seven spirits symbolize the completeness of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is said to be the light, but all three parts of the Divine Trinity are present within the lamp, or spirit. There is only one spirit of God, but there are multiple manifestations of Him. Fire and it's burning characteristics have been a symbol of God throughout the Bible to show God's powerful consumption. The flashes and sounds are John's attempt to convey a sense of majesty, holiness, and supernatural activity beyond his understanding. The Four Creatures Around the Throne Verse 6 6And before the throne there was a sea of glass like crystal, and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four creatures full of eyes in front and behind.
& & & Teaching Notes Book of Revelation - Chapter 3 &&&
Hugh C. Wood, Atlanta, Georgia & & & Revelation 3 New International Version To the Church in Sardis 3 “To the angel[a] of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits[b] of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, 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. 4 Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. 6 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the Church in Philadelphia 7 “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. 8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. 10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12 The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. 13 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the Church in Laodicea 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. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. 21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Footnotes Revelation 3:1 Or messenger; also in verses 7 and 14
Revelation 3:1 That is, the sevenfold Spirit
& & &
Bible Project Revelation 1-11 & & &
The Church at Sardis. Modern Turkey The Message to the Church at Sardis Verse 1 1 And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: These things says He that has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your works, that you have a name that you live, and yet you are dead. Commentary: Sardis was about fifty miles to the northeast of Ephesus. There is still a town on the site, but over the years it has come to be known as Sart. It was the provincial capital of the region of Lydia, which five hundred years before Christ had controlled most of the coast of Asia Minor and its offshore islands. Sardis was famous for its arts and crafts. It was also the first place to mint gold and silver coins. In the past, the Lydian kings had been so wealthy that King Croesus, who ruled in the middle of the sixth century B.C., had become a legend for his riches, and it was said that the sands of the River Pactolus, which ran through Lydia, were golden. Croesus overstepped himself in 549 B.C., however. He attacked the mighty Persian Empire, who defeated him soundly and colonized Lydia. Sardis then became the seat of Persia’s regional governor. Three hundred years after the defeat by Persia, Lydia was conquered again, this time by the Romans. It was still under their control at the end of the first century A.D. when Revelation was written. Despite huge relief efforts by Rome, Sardis never recovered its former glory after it was devastated by a great earthquake in 17 A.D. The town, though humbled, did continue to exist however, and the passage in Revelation is evidence that there was a Christian community there in the late first century. Jesus alludes to the city's diminished glory when he says to the church, “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, and yet you are dead” (3:1). Sardis was the capital of the rich and powerful kingdom of Lydia. This church had lost its zeal, and was now just "there", not doing any worthy deeds, and having no spirit left. Sardis represents a "dead orthodoxy", a church that follows the form of religion without making any real contribution. Verse 2 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Commentary: There was a remnant of fervent believers at Sardis. Jesus exhorts them to stir up the coals of faith in the others and encourage them to return to the church's primary role of spreading the gospel and gaining converts. Either make the tree good and his fruit good, or else make the tree corrupt and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit" (Matthew 13:33). While the dwindling faith of the followers is important, the passage indicates that the more important issue is that they have not finished what they are supposed to do. Their works are not perfect; therefore they must purify themselves in order to please God. The phrase "Be watchful" reflects unreadiness or a lack of diligence in the followers of Sardis. The next verse continues this theme of unreadiness by stating that Jesus will come unexpectedly, like a thief. Since they do not know the time of his arrival, the only thing they can do is perfect themselves. According to D.E. Aunde, the verse could also be translated as "strengthen those who remain but are at the point of death" (Revelation 1-5, (1997), p. 219). This carries with it the connotation of Christians being martyred for their faith. Revelation verse 2 begins the five step plan that Jesus put into place to help fix the problems. The first step, be watchful, states that there needs to be aware and prepareed instead of being relaxed and unprepared. The second step, strengthen, is set into place to show the followers need to establish the important aspects of the church and strengthen their values within the church. Verse 3 3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard, and hold fast and repent. If therefore you will not watch, I will come on you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. Commentary: Jesus' words allude to the way in which the Persians had overcome the supposedly invincible citadel at Sardis with a surprise attack. The church is admonished to remember how the apostles delivered the gospel to them, hold fast to that good teaching, and repent of their deadness. If they do not, then they will be caught by surprise just like the unbelievers when the Day of Judgment arrives. Interestingly, a similar statement made by Jesus is also recorded in the book of Luke: "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man" (21:36, KJV). Jesus's repetition of this statement places significant weight on "watching" and being prepared for the Lord's coming, in the hopes that people will grasp this message and heed the warning. It is also important to note that the verse in Revelation talks of Jesus coming as a "thief", which shows that the Church better turn things around because Jesus could show up unexpectedly. Verse 3 continues the five step plan for Sardis that began in verse 2. The third step, remember, tells Sardis that it needs to look back to the beginning and remember when they first revieced the Gospel. The fourth step, hold fast, states that Sardis needs to return to the Scripture. The final step that Jesus suggested was repent. Verse 4 4 You have a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments, and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. Commentary: Jesus' words here allude to Sardis' famous garment industry (hence our word sartorial). White garments are symbolic of purity and holiness.If a person had a soiled garment, they were not allowed to worship. The believers who have held fast to their faith are still clean because they have tried and will continue trying to correct the problems. Such are promised their reward in heaven, even if their efforts fail. This verse makes reference to a small group of Christians that Jesus feels are following him in the correct way. He then calls for them to show others the way that the Church should worship him. The same Greek word that means "watch" can also mean "wake up." Thus, this could mean that the people of Sardis, or all people, need to wake up and follow the word of God and embrace purity. Verse 5 5 He that overcomes, the same will be clothed in white, and I will not blot his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Commentary: Those that conquer the devil will be robed in white by a means of grace. This "gift" is given without anything in return. It is by God's grace and through Jesus' death on the cross that sinners are able to be clothed in white. Those who wear this color will be noticed in the eyes of all. By having one's name in the book of life, he/she can be ensured that they are remembered in the Kingdom. By him confessing the name of the one who has overcome evil in front of God and his angels, this is showing that he will receive the highest praise for his duties to the Lord. Additionally, this verse raises issues concerning free will and predetermination. On the one hand, John mentions the book of life in such a way that indicates that it already contains a list of names of those who will be a part of the Kingdom of God. However, John refers to blotting names out of the book, which would seem to indicate that the contents of the book of life are mutable, dependent upon the actions or free will of each individual. The image also opens up the possibility that one could be removed from the book. In the O.T. the "book of life" refers to early life while in contrast the "book of life" refers to eternal life. Therefore, if we go along with what the image implies it is possible to have the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ work on the cross removed. Verse 6 6 He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Commentary: The churches are again admonished to understand and obey the teaching of these messages. He is saying that not only those who hear the word of God have to obey the word, but everyone must do what is right and follow what is said. Everyone is capable of following, because everyone has an ear to hear the word of God.
