TOPICS for CHAPTER 3:
Sardis is an active commercial city, whose glory, at this time, is a thing of the past. Only a few of its people are faithful Christians.
The Sardis church is in decline. Only a few are spiritually alive and walking with Jesus with pure hearts. The only hope for the others is to wake up, remember what they have been taught, and repent of their sins.
The city of Philadelphia is small, and the church there also is small.
The believers in this small church are setting good examples of Christian faith and works.
Jesus only had good things to say about the believers in Philadelphia. They have kept Jesus' Word, have not denied His Name, and have kept His command to endure patiently. For this, Jesus will write the names of God and the new Jerusalem (heaven), and His new name.
Laodicea is the center of the imperial cult and the wealthiest city in the Phrygia. Neighboring cities to Philadelphia are Hierapolis and Colosee. Epaphras, possibly one of Paul's Ephesian converts, may have founded the churches of these three cities (Colossians 1:7, 4:12,13).
Jesus rebukes the Laodicean church for its lukewarmness in everyday living. The people appear to self-sufficient and apathetic -- they need to repent and receive true riches and purity and spiritual sight from Him.
Jesus rebukes the Laodicean church for its lukewarmness in everyday living. The people appear to self-sufficient and apathetic -- they need to repent and receive true riches and purity and spiritual sight from Him.