John’s Apocalypse is a magnificent and wonderfully designed message of the salvation that is available in Jesus Christ. The book blesses all who ponder it and sternly warns those who oppose Christ and the Good News and those whose Christian walk is shallow. The unfolding drama of the book stretches the imagination while bearing witness to God’s supreme power. Its visions describe the plight of …
1Escribe al ángel de la iglesia en Sardis: El que tiene los siete espíritus de Dios, y las siete estrellas, dice esto: Yo conozco tus obras, que tienes nombre de que vives, y estás muerto.
2Sé vigilante, y afirma las otras cosas que están para morir; porque no he hallado tus obras perfectas delante de Dios.
3Acuérdate, pues, de lo que has recibido y oído; y guárdalo, y arrepiéntete. Pues si no velas, vendré sobre ti como ladrón, y no sabrás a qué hora vendré sobre ti.
4Pero tienes unas pocas personas en Sardis que no han manchado sus vestiduras; y andarán conmigo en vestiduras blancas, porque son dignas.
5El que venciere será vestido de vestiduras blancas; y no borraré su nombre del libro de la vida, y confesaré su nombre delante de mi Padre, y delante de sus ángeles.
6El que tiene oído, oiga lo que el Espíritu dice a las iglesias.
7Escribe al ángel de la iglesia en Filadelfia: Esto dice el Santo, el Verdadero, el que tiene la llave de David, el que abre y ninguno cierra, y cierra y ninguno abre:
8Yo conozco tus obras; he aquí, he puesto delante de ti una puerta abierta, la cual nadie puede cerrar; porque aunque tienes poca fuerza, has guardado mi palabra, y no has negado mi nombre.
9He aquí, yo entrego de la sinagoga de Satanás a los que se dicen ser judíos y no lo son, sino que mienten; he aquí, yo haré que vengan y se postren a tus pies, y reconozcan que yo te he amado.
10Por cuanto has guardado la palabra de mi paciencia, yo también te guardaré de la hora de la prueba que ha de venir sobre el mundo entero, para probar a los que moran sobre la tierra.
11He aquí, yo vengo pronto; retén lo que tienes, para que ninguno tome tu corona.
12Al que venciere, yo lo haré columna en el templo de mi Dios, y nunca más saldrá de allí; y escribiré sobre él el nombre de mi Dios, y el nombre de la ciudad de mi Dios, la nueva Jerusalén, la cual desciende del cielo, de mi Dios, y mi nombre nuevo.
13El que tiene oído, oiga lo que el Espíritu dice a las iglesias.
14Y escribe al ángel de la iglesia en Laodicea: He aquí el Amén, el testigo fiel y verdadero, el principio de la creación de Dios, dice esto:
15Yo conozco tus obras, que ni eres frío ni caliente. ¡Ojalá fueses frío o caliente!
16Pero por cuanto eres tibio, y no frío ni caliente, te vomitaré de mi boca.
17Porque tú dices: Yo soy rico, y me he enriquecido, y de ninguna cosa tengo necesidad; y no sabes que tú eres un desventurado, miserable, pobre, ciego y desnudo.
18Por tanto, yo te aconsejo que de mí compres oro refinado en fuego, para que seas rico, y vestiduras blancas para vestirte, y que no se descubra la vergüenza de tu desnudez; y unge tus ojos con colirio, para que veas.
19Yo reprendo y castigo a todos los que amo; sé, pues, celoso, y arrepiéntete.
20He aquí, yo estoy a la puerta y llamo; si alguno oye mi voz y abre la puerta, entraré a él, y cenaré con él, y él conmigo.
21Al que venciere, le daré que se siente conmigo en mi trono, así como yo he vencido, y me he sentado con mi Padre en su trono.
22El que tiene oído, oiga lo que el Espíritu dice a las iglesias.
TYNDALE OPEN STUDY NOTES
I
Versículo 1
I. 3:1-6 The letter to the church in Sardis warns Christians who are reputed to be spiritually alive…
3:1-6 The letter to the church in Sardis warns Christians who are reputed to be spiritually alive (when actually dead) that without genuine transformation they face God’s judgment.
3:1 Sardis, nearly 50 miles (80 kilometers) east of Smyrna on the southeast highway from Pergamum and Thyatira, was home to a large colony of prosperous Jews, called “Sephardic” after the city’s ancient name. Its fortified acropolis gave its inhabitants an overconfident sense of security. • a reputation for being alive—but you are dead: Other churches may have believed that the Sardian Christians comprised a dynamic church, but their secularism revealed their lack of spiritual life.
II
Versículo 2
II. 3:2-3 The church of Sardis needed to wake up or it would suddenly fall. The city of Sardis had fa…
3:2-3 The church of Sardis needed to wake up or it would suddenly fall. The city of Sardis had fallen when the forces of Cyrus (549/546 BC) and of Antiochus III (189 BC) made unexpected attacks through a secret tunnel and caught the watchmen off guard. The same would be true of the Christians there if they did not meet the requirements of . . . God (see 20:12; Eph 2:10; Jas 2:20). • as a thief: Like the invaders in the city’s history, Christ would come suddenly (see Rev 16:15; Matt 24:43; 1 Thes 5:2; 2 Pet 3:10).
III
Versículo 4
III. 3:4 Soiled . . . clothes represent an impure life (Zech 3:4), while white clothes depict purity (…
3:4 Soiled . . . clothes represent an impure life (Zech 3:4), while white clothes depict purity (see Rev 6:11; 7:13-14; 22:14). • Walk expresses how a person lives (see Gen 17:1; Pss 81:13; 82:5; Rom 8:4; Gal 5:16).
IV
Versículo 5
IV. 3:5 Having one’s name recorded in the Book of Life (see 20:12-15; Dan 7:10) symbolizes having ass…
3:5 Having one’s name recorded in the Book of Life (see 20:12-15; Dan 7:10) symbolizes having assurance of God’s acceptance and eternal life (see Rev 17:8; 20:12; Phil 4:3; see also Luke 10:20). For God to erase a name implies condemnation and eternal death (see Exod 32:32-33; Ps 69:28).
V
Versículo 7
V. 3:7-13 The letter to the church in Philadelphia encourages Christians who seem to be weak and pow…
3:7-13 The letter to the church in Philadelphia encourages Christians who seem to be weak and powerless to realize that their true strength is in Christ. This comforting message includes no words of disapproval. The Kingdom of God does not depend on human strength or wisdom but on God’s power and authority.
3:7 Philadelphia was situated in the foothills of the Timolus Mountains, open to fertile plains in the east. The city repeatedly experienced severe earthquakes that left it weak and impoverished. • This verse quotes phrases from Isa 22:22. • key of David: Jesus the Messiah is successor to David’s royal line. As the gatekeeper of heaven, Jesus has authority to open and close the way to heaven (cp. Matt 16:19).
VI
Versículo 8
VI. 3:8 I know: See study note on 2:2-3. • little strength: Like the city of Philadelphia itself (see…
3:8 I know: See study note on 2:2-3. • little strength: Like the city of Philadelphia itself (see study note on 3:7), the Christians there were not prosperous, and they lacked status and power. But Christ had opened a door for them (see 3:7) to claim his status and authority. In spite of their weakness, the Philadelphia church obeyed Christ’s word and did not deny him under pressure.
VII
Versículo 9
VII. 3:9 those who belong to Satan’s synagogue: The Christians in Philadelphia had suffered maltreatme…
3:9 those who belong to Satan’s synagogue: The Christians in Philadelphia had suffered maltreatment by anti-Christian Jews (see study note on 2:9). • bow down at your feet: In the ancient world, captives were often forced to prostrate themselves before their conquerors (see Isa 49:23; 60:14). The church’s human enemies will ultimately acknowledge that Christians are the ones God loves.
VIII
Versículo 10
VIII. 3:10 Jesus will protect Christians who persevere through trials (cp. Isa 43:2-4; John 10:27-28; 1…
3:10 Jesus will protect Christians who persevere through trials (cp. Isa 43:2-4; John 10:27-28; 1 Cor 10:13; Heb 6:18-19). • The great time of testing refers to the end times, when the world experiences tribulation.
IX
Versículo 11
IX. 3:11 Christians must hold on; they must persevere in difficulty so they will not lose their crown…
3:11 Christians must hold on; they must persevere in difficulty so they will not lose their crown, their expected reward.
X
Versículo 12
X. 3:12 Victorious Christians are secure in God’s household since, like pillars, . . . they will nev…
3:12 Victorious Christians are secure in God’s household since, like pillars, . . . they will never have to leave it. • The name of . . . God that is inscribed on them portrays God’s ownership and the security Christians thus enjoy (see 7:4; 14:1). • The new Jerusalem is not a realm constructed by humans, but is God’s gift from heaven (21:2-10). • A new name was a sign of God’s blessing (see also 2:17); Abram, Jacob, Simon, and others were given new names (Gen 17:5; 32:28; John 1:42).
XI
Versículo 14
XI. 3:14-22 The letter to the church in Laodicea castigates lukewarm Christians whose inconsistent li…
3:14-22 The letter to the church in Laodicea castigates lukewarm Christians whose inconsistent lives stand for nothing but themselves. They sicken Christ to the point of his spitting them from his mouth.
3:14 Laodicea, situated 40 miles (65 kilometers) southeast of Philadelphia, was the economic and judicial center of a metropolitan region that included Colosse and Hierapolis. The citizens of Laodicea were very proud of their self-sufficiency. After a severe earthquake (AD 60), Laodicea refused aid from Rome and rebuilt their city themselves (Tacitus, Annals 14.27), making it very beautiful. • the Amen: Used as an oath, “Amen” is a promise of truth (Isa 65:16). Jesus is the truth (John 8:32; 14:6), and his message is authenticated by the truthfulness and reliability of his word. • The description of Christ as the faithful and true witness declares that he knew them as they really were: Though wealthy and proud of their status and accomplishments, they were not measuring up to God’s expectations.
XII
Versículo 15
XII. 3:15-16 neither hot nor cold: The hot springs in Hierapolis were famous for their healing qualiti…
3:15-16 neither hot nor cold: The hot springs in Hierapolis were famous for their healing qualities. Colosse was equally famous for its cold, refreshing springs. In contrast, the water available in Laodicea was smelly and lukewarm. Such water is distasteful; Jesus was saying that the church’s indecisive commitment to him was revolting.
XIII
Versículo 17
XIII. 3:17 Although Christians in Laodicea felt prosperous and self-sufficient (see study note on 3:14)…
3:17 Although Christians in Laodicea felt prosperous and self-sufficient (see study note on 3:14), Jesus accurately saw their wretched and miserable and poor spiritual condition.
XIV
Versículo 18
XIV. 3:18 Jesus’ prescription for Laodicea required a complete change of attitude from self-reliance t…
3:18 Jesus’ prescription for Laodicea required a complete change of attitude from self-reliance to dependence on God. • buy gold from me: Materially, they could buy whatever they wanted, but they needed to acquire the treasures of heaven so they would have spiritual riches through faith in Christ. • purified by fire: While material wealth will not withstand God’s purging by fire (cp. 1 Cor 3:12-15), spiritual wealth has eternal value. • White garments represent spiritual purity. Black wool cloth and garments were prized exports of the city of Laodicea. This famous black wool cloth was a source of Laodicea’s material wealth; it probably represents the Laodiceans’ proud and unredeemed spiritual condition. • Laodicea’s material prosperity was also due to their well-known Phrygian eye ointment, which may have been used there in the eye clinic associated with the famed physician Demosthenes Philalethes. The Laodiceans needed to buy ointment from Christ through faith. Only his eye salve would enable them to see their sin and repent.
XV
Versículo 19
XV. 3:19 Christ will correct and discipline those whom he loves (Prov 3:11-12; Heb 12:5-6), rather th…
3:19 Christ will correct and discipline those whom he loves (Prov 3:11-12; Heb 12:5-6), rather than rejecting them. His faithfulness extends even to the unfaithful (2 Tim 2:13).
16
Versículo 20
16. 3:20 A person or a church must hear Jesus knocking and open the door to him. Christ provides a pa…
3:20 A person or a church must hear Jesus knocking and open the door to him. Christ provides a pattern of revival for a church that has grown spiritually weak and fallen out of fellowship with him. Simply opening the door can renew their former bond. • we will share a meal: A shared meal symbolizes acceptance, deep friendship, and a covenant relationship (19:9; see Gen 18:1-5, 16-19; Exod 12:1-31; 18:12; Matt 26:26-30).
17
Versículo 21
17. 3:21 The reward for victorious and obedient faith is to sit with Christ on his throne. Christians…
3:21 The reward for victorious and obedient faith is to sit with Christ on his throne. Christians do not become divine, but they share in Christ’s victorious reign (20:4, 6; 22:5; Col 3:1-4; 2 Tim 2:12).
Nuevo Testamento
Revelation — Capítulo 3
John’s Apocalypse is a magnificent and wonderfully designed message of the salvation that is available in Jesus Christ. The book blesses all who ponder it and sternly warns those who oppose Christ and the Good News and those whose Christian walk is shallow. The unfolding drama of the book stretches the imagination while bearing witness to God’s supreme power. Its visions describe the plight of …
Texto — Reina-Valera 1960
1Escribe al ángel de la iglesia en Sardis: El que tiene los siete espíritus de Dios, y las siete estrellas, dice esto: Yo conozco tus obras, que tienes nombre de que vives, y estás muerto.
2Sé vigilante, y afirma las otras cosas que están para morir; porque no he hallado tus obras perfectas delante de Dios.
3Acuérdate, pues, de lo que has recibido y oído; y guárdalo, y arrepiéntete. Pues si no velas, vendré sobre ti como ladrón, y no sabrás a qué hora vendré sobre ti.
4Pero tienes unas pocas personas en Sardis que no han manchado sus vestiduras; y andarán conmigo en vestiduras blancas, porque son dignas.
5El que venciere será vestido de vestiduras blancas; y no borraré su nombre del libro de la vida, y confesaré su nombre delante de mi Padre, y delante de sus ángeles.
6El que tiene oído, oiga lo que el Espíritu dice a las iglesias.
7Escribe al ángel de la iglesia en Filadelfia: Esto dice el Santo, el Verdadero, el que tiene la llave de David, el que abre y ninguno cierra, y cierra y ninguno abre:
8Yo conozco tus obras; he aquí, he puesto delante de ti una puerta abierta, la cual nadie puede cerrar; porque aunque tienes poca fuerza, has guardado mi palabra, y no has negado mi nombre.
9He aquí, yo entrego de la sinagoga de Satanás a los que se dicen ser judíos y no lo son, sino que mienten; he aquí, yo haré que vengan y se postren a tus pies, y reconozcan que yo te he amado.
10Por cuanto has guardado la palabra de mi paciencia, yo también te guardaré de la hora de la prueba que ha de venir sobre el mundo entero, para probar a los que moran sobre la tierra.
11He aquí, yo vengo pronto; retén lo que tienes, para que ninguno tome tu corona.
12Al que venciere, yo lo haré columna en el templo de mi Dios, y nunca más saldrá de allí; y escribiré sobre él el nombre de mi Dios, y el nombre de la ciudad de mi Dios, la nueva Jerusalén, la cual desciende del cielo, de mi Dios, y mi nombre nuevo.
13El que tiene oído, oiga lo que el Espíritu dice a las iglesias.
14Y escribe al ángel de la iglesia en Laodicea: He aquí el Amén, el testigo fiel y verdadero, el principio de la creación de Dios, dice esto:
15Yo conozco tus obras, que ni eres frío ni caliente. ¡Ojalá fueses frío o caliente!
16Pero por cuanto eres tibio, y no frío ni caliente, te vomitaré de mi boca.
17Porque tú dices: Yo soy rico, y me he enriquecido, y de ninguna cosa tengo necesidad; y no sabes que tú eres un desventurado, miserable, pobre, ciego y desnudo.
18Por tanto, yo te aconsejo que de mí compres oro refinado en fuego, para que seas rico, y vestiduras blancas para vestirte, y que no se descubra la vergüenza de tu desnudez; y unge tus ojos con colirio, para que veas.
19Yo reprendo y castigo a todos los que amo; sé, pues, celoso, y arrepiéntete.
20He aquí, yo estoy a la puerta y llamo; si alguno oye mi voz y abre la puerta, entraré a él, y cenaré con él, y él conmigo.
21Al que venciere, le daré que se siente conmigo en mi trono, así como yo he vencido, y me he sentado con mi Padre en su trono.
22El que tiene oído, oiga lo que el Espíritu dice a las iglesias.
TYNDALE OPEN STUDY NOTES
Versículo 1
I. 3:1-6 The letter to the church in Sardis warns Christians who are reputed to be spiritually alive…
Versículo 2
II. 3:2-3 The church of Sardis needed to wake up or it would suddenly fall. The city of Sardis had fa…
Versículo 4
III. 3:4 Soiled . . . clothes represent an impure life (Zech 3:4), while white clothes depict purity (…
Versículo 5
IV. 3:5 Having one’s name recorded in the Book of Life (see 20:12-15; Dan 7:10) symbolizes having ass…
Versículo 7
V. 3:7-13 The letter to the church in Philadelphia encourages Christians who seem to be weak and pow…
Versículo 8
VI. 3:8 I know: See study note on 2:2-3. • little strength: Like the city of Philadelphia itself (see…
Versículo 9
VII. 3:9 those who belong to Satan’s synagogue: The Christians in Philadelphia had suffered maltreatme…
Versículo 10
VIII. 3:10 Jesus will protect Christians who persevere through trials (cp. Isa 43:2-4; John 10:27-28; 1…
Versículo 11
IX. 3:11 Christians must hold on; they must persevere in difficulty so they will not lose their crown…
Versículo 12
X. 3:12 Victorious Christians are secure in God’s household since, like pillars, . . . they will nev…
Versículo 14
XI. 3:14-22 The letter to the church in Laodicea castigates lukewarm Christians whose inconsistent li…
Versículo 15
XII. 3:15-16 neither hot nor cold: The hot springs in Hierapolis were famous for their healing qualiti…
Versículo 17
XIII. 3:17 Although Christians in Laodicea felt prosperous and self-sufficient (see study note on 3:14)…
Versículo 18
XIV. 3:18 Jesus’ prescription for Laodicea required a complete change of attitude from self-reliance t…
Versículo 19
XV. 3:19 Christ will correct and discipline those whom he loves (Prov 3:11-12; Heb 12:5-6), rather th…
Versículo 20
16. 3:20 A person or a church must hear Jesus knocking and open the door to him. Christ provides a pa…
Versículo 21
17. 3:21 The reward for victorious and obedient faith is to sit with Christ on his throne. Christians…