Translations
Original
Notes
The church in Sardis needed to wake up and pay attention. If they did not, they would face sudden judgment. The city of Sardis had experienced this kind of surprise attack twice. The first happened when the forces of Cyrus entered the city through a secret tunnel around 549 or 546 BC. The second happened in 189 BC when Antiochus III attacked the city in the same way.
In both cases, the watchmen were not alert, and the city fell. The same would happen to the Christians there if they did not meet God's requirements (see Revelation 20:12; Ephesians 2:10; James 2:20).
like a thief: Like the invaders in the city’s history, Christ would come suddenly (see Revelation 16:15; Matthew 24:43; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10).
The letter to the church in Sardis warns Christians who seem spiritually alive but are actually dead. Without true change, they will face God's judgment.
The seven messages to the seven churches show the condition of Christ's church when Revelation was written, and it is similar today. God still calls Christians to be faithful and honest. Those who listen to Christ's message will receive God's promised rewards. Those who do not will face judgment.
Apostasy and Renewal God’s Judgment of His People Letters to the Seven Churches Security and Obedience Visions
Glossary
Topics
Afflictions and Adversities: Consolation In Apathy Backsliders: Churches of Asia Backsliders: General Scriptures Concerning Being Spiritually Awake Church: Backslidden Finishing What you Start Instability: General Scriptures Concerning Lukewarmness: Figurative Lukewarmness: Sardis Repentance: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Sardis: One of the Seven Congregations In Spiritual Death: Hypocrisy Is Temptation: Resistance To Wake Up Watchfulness: Commanded Watchfulness: General Scriptures Concerning Wicked (People): Warned