Lecture #3: Revelation 3

Introduction- Review of Revelation and Revelation 2

As we continue this study, it is important that I remind you of the four major views/ interpretation of Revelation. Furthermore, I wish to demonstrate throughout this study how the position I take fits perfectly in none of these views, because all of these views are extreme expressions of one aspect of the book of Revelation. Additionally, none of these views fully capture the heart and nature of the book of Revelation as the original recipients would have received it. All of these positions begin their interpretation with the same question: what does this mean for me? And therefore they ultimately reach a conclusion that may, in part, demonstrate some relevant truth for today along with gaps of ambiguity that seems to leave readers puzzled.

Instead of looking at the book of Revelation with modern eyes, the Spirit desires that we read the book of Revelation with primitive eyes. Therefore, I suggest what I call the Primitive View. Then, the Spirit has all the opportunities needed to reveal unto us the message that was once delivered to the seven churches in Asia. When we are reading with primitive eyes, we discover that the book of Revelation is a message of hope and prophetic warning to seven churches facing their own exile and tribulation. The book of Revelation has a running theme of God’s people finally being released from exile, both spiritually and naturally. We know this because of the sources that are used to frame this revelatory book. The exilic prophets are its source, and the extra biblical resources are the context in which the people of the time lived. God’s people are being liberated from the spiritual forces that entrap them and the natural forces that oppress them from accomplishing the tasks that have been established for the children of God before the foundation of the world. This is especially important since God’s plan is to bring all nations together in His Son Jesus Christ.

We know this, because of John has this habit of referring to the exilic prophets as the foundation of his prophetic expression. This is not only his intention. It is also God’s intention. When John wants to share with the revelation of Jesus Christ with the seven churches he uses, among many, four exilic prophets: Isaiah, Ezekiel, Zechariah, and Daniel. Why does he do this? He wants them to understand the relationship between the experiences they are sharing and the ones experienced by Old Covenant Israel. Furthermore, he wants them to understand that they are, somehow, still living in the ramifications of that same exile that was mentioned by these exilic prophets. That is, the story that Daniel was telling in his prophecy is uniquely tied to their own experiences from which they should find their solution and hope through Jesus Christ. Essentially, Jesus is the answer to the exilic struggles spoke of in the prophecies of Isaiah, Ezekiel, Zechariah, and Daniel. Friends, when we make the Revelation about all else but Jesus, we have failed to see the point of this book. So, with this said, we journey to the three (3) remaining cities in chapter 3: Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.

Church in Sardis: Revelation 3:1-6

Interestingly, Sardis was the western capital of the Persian Empire. It was then captured by Alexander the Great and given to the Seleucids. During the Roman rule, the Jewish population of Sardis was apparently prominent. Under Julius Caesar’s rule, Jews were allowed to take collections for Jews in Jerusalem, have a synagogue, keep Sabbath and dietary laws (Keener). They were also excused from the worship of idols and the imperial cult (Keener). However, in AD 17, they experienced an earthquake, which devastated the area. Tiberius played a huge role in the redevelopment of the city and a temple was built in his honor. Sardis included stadiums and several theatres with tons of amenities.

However, Sardis was known for its large Jewish population. During this time, Sardis had a lot of Jews that were wealthy and intricately involved in the civic life of Sardis. Furthermore, Sardis hosted a lot of pagan cults such as: Artemis, Cybele, Demeter, and Kore (Persephone). So there was an obvious existence of mixture and intermingling by the Christians of this time with the ordinary pagan life through wealth and civic responsibility.

The most notable discovery found in the lad 200/ early 300’s was the synagogue. This synagogue was the largest of its kind in the ancient world, housing more than 1,000 people. It was large and widely decorated, indicating high-class Jews were a part of the community there.

The context demonstrates Sardis’ spiritual deadness. She looks like a vibrant church, maybe on the account of her wealth. However, she is spiritually dead and in need of an awakening.

Church in Philadelphia: Revelation 3:7-13

Philadelphia was a major city in the province of Asia Minor. It built its economy on wool working and cultivation of grapes for wine. Since it was connected to Pergamum to South Asia Minor, which made it incredibly important to settlers and military personnel (Keener). Consequently, settlers often included diaspora Jews.

Philadelphia had temples dedicated to Artemis, Helios, Zeus, Dionysus, and Aphrodite. This city was also impacted by the earthquake of AD 17 and received the same benefits from the imperial cult. While the pagan influence was present and prominent, Jesus does not see these influences as the true problem in this church. Rather, it is the trouble that arises from the Jewish community. Interestingly, we find that the cultural influences that threaten the church are not secular, only. Rather, they are also religious.

Ignatius spoke of these issues with Jewish heretics who sought to spread false doctrine into the church of Philadelphia. There are unique similarities between the experience and righteousness of the church in Smyrna. Therefore, in the church where there’s Judaic heresy, these churches are praised for their endurance and stand.

Church in Laodicea: Revelation 3:14-22

Laodicea was founded by Antiochus II and named in honor of his wife Laodice. In Laodicia, Zeus was the chief deity, since he was believed to be of Laodicea. Additionally, it was known for its banking and financial operations. It also held gladiatorial shows and tremendous textile products such as wool. There was also a medical center and school. There was obviously a lot of wealth and comfort Laodiceans experienced due to the luxuries that many experienced.

Worship was primarily focused on Zeus. However, Laodiceans also paid respect to Apollo, Asclepius (the healing deity), Hades, Hera, Athena, Serapis, Dionysius, and many other deities. However, it is important to know that this city had a great deal of Jews living within it.