Wednesday, August 13 – Revelation 3, 4

1. What does it mean when it says, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”? (Revelation 3:6)6)

2. What period of history does the church of Philadelphia represent? (Revelation 3:7-13)

3. What remedy does Jesus offer to Laodicea? (Revelation 3:18)

4. What does the Lord do with those He loves? (Revelation 3:19)

It is important to note that John wrote this prophetic book during a time of intense persecution. He was imprisoned on Patmos, a small island in the Aegean Sea near Ephesus.

He wrote it while on Patmos or shortly after his release. It was written by direct command of the Lord. Regarding the purpose of the book, the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary states:

“That persecution, for refusing to worship at the emperor’s altar, undoubtedly constitutes the immediate reason for John’s banishment to Patmos, and therefore for the writing of the book of Revelation. Without doubt all the apostles had died, except for John, and he was exiled on the island of Patmos.

Christianity had already entered its second generation. Most of those who had known the Lord had died. The church faced the fiercest external threat it had known and needed a new revelation of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the visions given to John filled a specific need at that time; and through them heaven was opened to the suffering church, and the Christians who refused to bow before the pomp and splendor of the emperor were assured that their Lord, already ascended and before the throne of God, far surpassed any earthly monarch who might demand their worship.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Introduction to Revelation, Historical Setting)
The first part of the book describes John’s vision of Jesus and His message to the seven churches of Asia Minor, starting with Ephesus. By this time, the other apostles had been executed, and John was leading the churches in this region, an area of expansion and conquest beyond Jerusalem.

The message is addressed to each church’s messenger (in Greek, “ággelos”). We understand this refers to the leaders of each church, who were to deliver the message.
Jesus presents Himself in different ways to each church according to its situation, for example, “He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars.” (Revelation 3:1)

He commends the churches in most cases, admonishes them, and makes a promise. After each message, He says, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:22). This indicates that anyone willing to listen should pay attention to the Holy Spirit. The message is for everyone, but only those willing to accept it will receive it.

Sardis is the church of the Reformation. “You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.” He accuses it of hypocrisy and of falling into the same errors it sought to reform.

Philadelphia means “brotherly love.” It relates to the period after the Reformation, which was also when the Adventist movement emerged. The message to Philadelphia is one of encouragement; there is no rebuke for this church: “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” (Revelation 3:10-11)

Laodicea is the church of the end times; it represents us. Let us read this message carefully and seek its application in our lives.
In Revelation 4 and 5, we see a remarkable vision of God’s throne. This is the scene where seals are opened and trumpets sound.

Regarding the 24 elders, the SDA Bible Commentary states: “Adventists have often identified them with the saints who came forth from their graves when Christ was resurrected (Matt. 27:52-53; cf. Eph. 4:8), for that is a group known to have been resurrected.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Revelation 4:4)

The living creatures in the vision are believed to be cherubim, or a type of angel, according to Ezekiel 10:20-22. This depicts a scene of worship and praise.

John’s visions are filled with figures and symbols. He describes what he sees as clearly as possible in human language. It is not necessary to find an explanation for every figure and symbol. The meaning of the vision is that, beyond the power of nations, kings, and the antichrist, there is the throne of God. His church is in His hands, and He will lead it to a victorious and secure end.

I conclude with the beautiful image of Jesus’ invitation: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20)

Receive today the Savior who is knocking at your door. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:22)

May God bless you with a truly blessed day.