A.T. Robertson Commentary Revelation 3

In Sardis (εν Σαρδεσιν). Some thirty miles south-east of Thyatira, old capital of Lydia, wealthy and the home of Croesus, conquered by Cyrus and then by Alexander the Great, in B.C. 214 by Antiochus the Great, at the crossing of Roman roads, in a plain watered by the river Pactolus, according to Pliny the place where the dyeing of wool was discovered, seat of the licentious worship of Cybele and the ruins of the temple still there, called by Ramsay (op. cit., p. 354) "the city of Death," city of softness and luxury, of apathy and immorality, "a contrast of past splendour and present unresting decline" (Charles). Along with Laodicea it was blamed most of all the seven churches.

That hath the seven Spirits of God (ο εχων τα επτα πνευματα του θεου). For which picture of the Holy Spirit see 1:4.

And the seven stars (κα τους επτα αστερας). As in 1:16,20.

A name that thou livest (ονομα οτ ζηις). A name in contrast with reality. The οτ clause in apposition with ονομα.

And thou art dead (κα νεκρος ε). "The paradox of death under the name of life" (Swete). Not complete (a nucleus of life) death (verse 2), but rapidly dying. See the picture in Jas 2:17; 2 Corinthians 6:9; 2 Timothy 3:5.

Be thou watchful (γινου γρηγορων). Periphrastic imperative with present middle of γινομα (keep on becoming) and present active participle of γρηγορεω (late present from perfect εγρηγορα and that from εγειρω, as in Mt 24:42) and see 16:15 for γρηγορεω also. He does not say "Arise from the dead" (Ephesians 5:14), for there are vestiges of life. Those still alive are addressed through the angel of the church.

Stablish the things that remain (στηρισον τα λοιπα). First aorist active imperative of στηριζω, to make stable. Those not actually dead, but in grave peril. See a like command to Titus in Crete (Titus 1:5). Every new pastor faces such a problem.

Which were ready to die (α εμελλον αποθανειν). Imperfect active plural because the individuals, though neuter plural, are regarded as living realities. The imperfect looking on the situation "with a delicate optimism" (Swete) as having passed the crisis, a sort of epistolary imperfect.

For I have found no works of thine (ου γαρ ευρηκα σου εργα). "For I have not found any works of thine." Perfect active indicative of ευρισκω. The church as a whole represented by σου (thy).

Fulfilled (πεπληρωμενα). Perfect passive predicate participle of πληροω. Their works have not measured up to God's standard (ενωπιον του θεου μου).

Remember (μνημονευε). "Keep in mind," as in 2:5.Therefore (ουν). Resumptive and coordinating as in 1:19; 2:5.

Thou hast received (ειληφας). Perfect active indicative of λαμβανω, "as a permanent deposit" (Vincent).

Didst hear (ηκουσας). First aorist active indicative, the act of hearing at the time.

And keep it (κα τηρε). Present active imperative of τηρεω, "hold on to what thou hast."

And repent (κα μετανοησον). First aorist active imperative of μετανοεω, "Turn at once."

If therefore thou shalt not watch (εαν ουν μη γρηγορησηις). Condition of third class with εαν μη and the first aorist (ingressive) active subjunctive of γρηγορεω, "if then thou do not wake up."

I will come (ηξω). Certainly future active here, though probably aorist subjunctive in 2:25.

As a thief (ως κλεπτης). As Jesus had already said (Matthew 24:43; Luke 12:39), as Paul had said (1 Thessalonians 5:2), as Peter had said (2 Peter 3:10), as Jesus will say again (Revelation 16:15).

Thou shalt not know (ου μη γνωις). Strong double negative ου μη with second aorist active subjunctive of γινωσκω, though some MSS. have the future middle indicative γνωση.

What hour (ποιαν ωραν). A rare classical idiom (accusative) surviving in the Koine rather than the genitive of time, somewhat like Joh 4:52; Acts 20:16 (Robertson, Grammar, p. 470f.). Indirect question with ποιαν.

A few names (ολιγα ονοματα). This use of ονομα for persons is seen in the Koine (Deissmann, Bible Studies, p. 196f.) as in Ac 1:15; Revelation 11:13.

Did not defile (ουκ εμολυναν). First aorist active indicative of μολυνω (1 Corinthians 8:7; 1 Peter 1:4), pollution.

They shall walk (περιπατησουσιν). Future active of περιπατεω, promise of fellowship with Christ (μετ' εμου, with me) "in white" (εν λευκοις), as symbols of purity (7:9,13) like the angel (Matthew 28:3), with possibly a reference to Enoch (Genesis 5:22). For they are worthy (οτ αξιο εισιν). To walk with Christ, not worthy in the same sense as God and Christ (4:11; 5:9), but in a relative sense. See Re 16:6 for bad sense of αξιος.

Shall be arrayed (περιβαλειτα). Future middle indicative of περιβαλλω, to fling around one, here and in 4:4 with εν and the locative, but usually in this book with the accusative of the thing, retained in the passive or with the middle (7:9,13; 10:1; 11:3; 12:1; 17:4; 18:16; 19:8,13).

In white garments (εν ιματιοις λευκοις). Apparently the spiritual bodies in the risen life as in 2 Corinthians 5:1,4 and often in Revelation (3:4,5; 6:11; 7:9,13f.; 19:8).

I will in no wise blot out (ου μη εξαλειψω). Strong double negative ου μη and the first aorist active (or future) of εξαλειφω, old word, to wipe out (Acts 3:19).

Of the book of life (εκ της βιβλου της ζωης). Ablative case with εκ. This divine register first occurs in Ex 32:32f. and often in the O.T. See Lu 10:20; Php 4:3; Revelation 13:8; 20:15; 21:27. The book is in Christ's hands (13:8; 21:27).

His name (το ονομα αυτου). The name of the one who overcomes (ο νικων). Clear reminiscence of the words of Christ about confessing to the Father those who confess him here (Matthew 10:32; Luke 9:26; Luke 12:8). Whether John knew the Synoptic Gospels (and why not?) he certainly knew such sayings of Jesus.