Revelation 3:14-22

““To the angel of the church in Laodicea write the following: “This is the solemn pronouncement of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the originator of God’s creation: ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot! So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth! Because you say, “I am rich and have acquired great wealth, and need nothing,” but do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked, take my advice and buy gold from me refined by fire so you can become rich! Buy from me white clothing so you can be clothed and your shameful nakedness will not be exposed, and buy eye salve to put on your eyes so you can see! All those I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent! Listen! I am standing at the door and knocking! If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come into his home and share a meal with him, and he with me. I will grant the one who conquers permission to sit with me on my throne, just as I too conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’””

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭14‬-‭22‬ ‭NET‬‬

Sometimes, we grow up hearing a verse out of context over and over and over and over and think it can be applied one way, when really that verse doesn’t even mean close to how we’ve heard it, and when we look at it in context, it has a much more powerful meaning, and its application is even better. In reality, John 3:16 cannot be understood properly outside of the context of John 3.

Usually, the goal of taking a group of people, not just teenagers, on a retreat or a missions trip is to escape from routine life and to refocus on God and possibly to encounter God in a new way and when that happens, there’s a stirring in one’s soul, and it catches fire, right? Then when one individual is stirred, the whole group returns “on fire for God” and there’s no telling how long it lasts. Why does it have to fade? Where do we get this idea of being hot or on fire? Is that biblical? Rev. 3 most likely.

The other issue we see is really in v. 20. Question: Who lives inside of you? Jesus? Holy Spirit. But so many sermons are going to see v. 20 as evangelistic and as someone getting saved, especially when we present the gospel to little children. I hate to be the bearer of bad news. But God doesn’t have a body, and Jesus doesn’t live inside your heart. 

What’s the big deal? Well, I’m not trying to pick battles here or frustrate anybody. But this passage has a truth far greater than these things.

So let’s start at the beginning. In verse 14, we learn that John is commanded to write to his seventh and final church, located in Laodicea. Jesus is the One who has messages for all these churches. He is described in chapter one in a majestic vision—terrifying actually. John redefines Jesus here for this church specifically as the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. These things speak directly to the needs of this church. Jesus does not lie. He has authority. He reigns supreme, and when He speaks, you had better listen.

Ok, I’m listening. 

        Now, Laodicea. V. 15. I know your works. Well, that’s kind of cool. If you compare this with all the other letters, for example, Jesus said the same thing to Ephesus in 2:2. To Thyatira in 2:19. To Philadelphia in 3:8. This could be very encouraging. An open door which no man can shut. Wow! Isn’t that comforting that when no one else notices your service or when no one else encourages you, Jesus is keeping track. And so Laodicea comes up to the podium for her annual review. Laodicea, I know your works, too. Go on… 

        V. 15b-16. Tell me how you really feel. 

So this is obviously where we get the different temperatures, but what do they mean? We can kind of get the hot one. That’s burning, passionate, pursuing God. Then lukewarm is how we always get yelled at for being stagnant, indifferent, not really caring about God, more like going through the motions. I can kind of get that. But then what does that leave for cold? Being anti-God? Outright rebellion against God? Hating God even? Because Jesus says I know your works, and they are not really passionate in either direction, and I really wish they were. Would Jesus really say, I wish you were at least not indifferent to the point of living in rebellion to me? I mean, I know He speaks in hyperbole sometimes, but that just doesn’t make sense. I don’t think Jesus would wish for us to sin. Right? Like, c’mon.

This isn’t talking about our spiritual temperature, but if we knew the cultural context, we may have a better idea. Laodicea did not have its own water supply, but it was close to two other cities that supplied water for Laodicea. One city was famous for a natural hot spring, used for bathing and medicinal purposes. The other city had rivers and other springs with cool water used for drinking and other things. Both hot and cold water are positive things and necessary for civilization to flourish. But, by the time the water traveled to Laodicea, the hot water had cooled, and the cool water had warmed, and so both had pretty much leveled off, and so Jesus compares the church to the situation. They are not providing spiritual healing or refreshment to those around them. This is a condemnation of the church for their lack of witness and works to the community. They are lukewarm, in that in the midst of chaos and tribulation in the broken and fallen world of the Roman Empire, they have lost their impact. We’ll see that they have chosen materialism. They have chosen impurity. And they are not being faithful to the Lord. 

So what does Jesus say? VV. 17-18. This is what I just said. They consider their situation to be perfectly fine. They have all that they need. They are rich physically, but Jesus has a different perspective. The refined gold and white garments speaks of purity of lifestyle. He says, Church, wake up. You are blind to how the people outside the church are able to see your life and notice impurity. This is by far the harshest letter written to the seven churches. Jesus gives no encouragement, no commendation of anything good they’ve done. They have a terrible witness, and yet, He does not leave them stranded. He gives them hope.

V. 19. I’m not yelling at you, because I’ve already spit you out and left you to fend for yourself. There’s still time to correct this, church. You can still impact your community. You can still go good works. You can still provide healing and refreshment to your community. But, right now, you need to repent. 

Then we get to v. 20. So often, we think of this as Jesus standing at the door to someone’s life, and for children the door to someone’s heart, and He’s out there knocking, and if we let Him in, He will come into us, and we can begin a relationship with Him. But in context, who is Jesus talking to? The church. People who already have a relationship with Jesus. So what is this talking about? 

Well, first we have to have a little English lesson, too. If you read v. 20 closely, you’ll read all the way to “hears my voice, opens the door, I will come in to.” See that? Perhaps the most important part of the entire verse is that little gap between the n and the t there. Did you notice that there are two words there and not one? Do you think there’s a difference between “into” and “in to”? What is it? Yes, I can come into or enter a room. I can come into my car. And I guess I can metaphorically enter into a relationship. But what does coming in to something mean? 

        See, the “in” part is already covered. So the “to” part means something about the purpose or location of the “him.” Jesus is not entering “him.” He is entering the house (or perhaps the church) and standing in front of the person or entering the house for the purpose of being with the person. And that little gap that changes “into” to “in” “to” tells us that. (And the Greek preposition confirms this. Though it could be taken both ways, it more often is used as a sense of direction, not location). 

In addition, why is Jesus entering the house? To eat with him. Fellowship is restored. So the lukewarm, not caring, even sinful church of many members—if they choose to repent, if they choose to hear Jesus knocking, can turn from their lifestyle, can heed His discipline, and can realize that their tale is not over. They can have restored fellowship once again. Whoever chooses to humble themselves to God’s discipline as a sign of mercy and love can sit down at dinner with Jesus. 

Because let’s face it. The rest of the book is about terrible trials and tribulation. No matter whether you believe the church will be here during the Great Tribulation or not, even during these three chapters, the theme is present that the church faces terrible things now (at least during the Roman Empire, and we’ve seen in throughout history). And the next two verses talk about enduring and conquering, and the only way that’s going to happen is by maintaining a relationship of fellowship with the Savior. It’s not going to happen by thinking I’m rich. I don’t need anything. And if I sin a little bit along the way, that’s ok. No! Repent, don’t be useless water that has no witness for those around you. 

But that can only happen when your heart is yielded to the rebukes of God, willing to hear His voice, willing to open the door and have fellowship with the Savior again. He disciplines the ones that He loves. He knocks on the door of those whom He loves, asking for a restored relationship. Don’t be so proud to (1) think you never need a divine rebuke and (2) to despise it when it comes. All He desires is for His children to have strong fellowship with Him, so that they can have a powerful testimony to the world. When the first is broken, the second can’t happen.  

As v. 22 says, If you have ears, hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Revelation 1:9-20

“I, John, your brother and the one who shares with you in the persecution, kingdom, and endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony about Jesus. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day when I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, saying: “Write in a book what you see and send it to the seven churches – to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.” I turned to see whose voice was speaking to me, and when I did so, I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands was one like a son of man. He was dressed in a robe extending down to his feet and he wore a wide golden belt around his chest. His head and hair were as white as wool, even as white as snow, and his eyes were like a fiery flame. His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp double-edged sword extended out of his mouth. His face shone like the sun shining at full strength. When I saw him I fell down at his feet as though I were dead, but he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid! I am the first and the last, and the one who lives! I was dead, but look, now I am alive – forever and ever – and I hold the keys of death and of Hades! Therefore write what you saw, what is, and what will be after these things. The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.”

— ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬-‭20‬‬

Some debate about authorship of Revelation, whether another “older saint” named John or the son of Zebedee (apostle). At this point, I still think it was the apostle. Never heard convincing arguments otherwise. There’s enough evidence that he lived to be an old saint, living in Ephesus, then faced persecution. Perhaps there will be another post on book backgrounds someday. Tradition says John was boiled in hot oil, rescued by angels, and then exiled on Patmos. (How much of this is true, I have no idea).

Interesting that John introduces his sharing in persecution, the kingdom, and endurance with his readers. Those themes are all through Revelation and may give insight into the book’s interpretation. If John is a participant in these things, then there at least must be an intended meaning and fulfillment for the original audience. I’m just spitballing here.

“In the Spirit” is similar to prophets of old. This is vision language. I don’t know if trance is the right word, but he’s being influenced by the Spirit to see things that he would not otherwise. This is happening on Sunday, the Lord’s Day.

7 major churches of Asia Minor. This places the book within historical context. Something to be said about genre of the book. It is a letter in some sense. It has a purpose. There’s a blessing for those who read and “obey” it. May be odd to think about Revelation, but the specific letters of chapters 2-3 are for specific audiences with needs, sins, discouragements, frustrations.

This is also a prophecy, where some foretelling is disclosed. There is instruction to repent. There is revelation of God’s message and character and plan. 

But the overwhelming genre is apocalypse. It finds parallel in Ezekiel and many intertestamental books (1 Enoch and others). We have to study those to find out how this genre operates. And we cannot understand Revelation without knowing the Old Testament, especially Ezekiel and Daniel. The metaphors, symbols, and phrasing is essential for knowing this book.

Case in point: I saw one like the son of man—Daniel 7. And the description of him is very similar to Daniel 7. I’m not going to explain all the metaphors here, but usually in Revelation, white means purity, fire means judgment or something that purifies. Waters could be a source of judgment or rescue. Two-edged sword is most likely truth. 

Side note: Comparing this passage with Rev 11 is a good exercise in interpreting images/language in the book. Yes, I have become much more amillennial in my views the more I’ve studied, but I always present all options and respect the passages that support other positions. But when I read the two prophets’ account one time, who died and were raised, who the whole earth saw, and fire came out of their mouth, etc. I was forced to rethink what John may have seen/envisioned specifically for his audience. If Jesus didn’t have a real sword coming out of His mouth, why do we assume the prophets have real fire coming out of their mouth?

John falls down as a dead man in worship, and Jesus’ self-description is significant. He holds the keys of death and Hades/the grave. This vision will resurface in the letters to the churches. John will describe Jesus to them in ways that are appropriate for their specific situation.

V 19: Things you see, things that are, things that will be: I’ve heard for years that this is the structure of Revelation: See (ch 1), things that are (2-3), will be (4-22). Problem is that the visions are not so neatly divided. Not to mention that John sees visions all the way through. Some visions (ch 12) cover things in the past. Some visions are of heaven, and that must be timeless (ch 4).

This verse has no less than 7 major views, which I won’t get into here. 1:11 also has the phrase “what you see,” which I prefer to understand as all the visions of the book, not just the initial one of chapter one. Since both current and future events are covered in chapters 2-22, I think this phrase “what you see” explains or summarizes what’s included in the visions (both current and future things). Dividing them nicely and neatly into chapters isn’t wise or possible. For scholarly support, see Caird and Aune (though they disagree on minor points. Beale is similar to this as well, though he sees the phrase “at the last days” in Dan 2:28-29, 45 as the same as “after these things” in Rev 1:1; 4:1; 22:6. This is possible and other themes in surroundings contexts of Daniel and Revelation add support, but this is not a slam dunk.

Another important note is that the phrase “And/Then I saw” does imply progression, but not necessarily chronology. It simply gives sequence of vision, not sequence of time. John is arranging his book for a reason. We assume that his visions are arranged parallel to the sequence of events. This may be faulty.

Many have noticed a repetition of events (recapitulation). Of course, this is debated, but say the large number from all races, tribes, and nations by the throne is seen in heaven. In the next chapter God seals 144,000 on earth. I’m not going to discuss numbers now, but these chapters may be saying the same thing in different ways. There’s a battle in heaven and then a battle on earth in Ch 12. This repetition of cycles is a bit drawn out if one wants to see the three cycles of 7 judgments. And then the two battles at the end may be the same battle from different angles. I’m not saying this is true. I’m not saying I fully agree with it. 

It’s always nice when John does some interpretation for us. 7 stars are angels and and 7 lamp stands are the churches. Scary part is in ch 2-3 when Jesus promises to extinguish the lamps if they don’t repent. But are these real angels? The pastors of the churches?  I give credit to Greg Beale for his conclusion that these are angelic representatives. See other passages in Revelation, where an angel takes responsibility for the spiritual benefit of John (Rev 19:10; 22:9) and texts in Daniel, where God’s people are represented in heaven by angels (Cf Dan 10:20-21; 12:1; 7:27; 8:10, 24). Why? 

Per Beale, 217-218, John is reminding the churches not only of their heavenly representation but their true existence in heaven. Their home is not with these earth dwellers, though earth and heaven will become one (see Rev 22.). They have heavenly help and protection in the temptations not to conform to Babylon.

This passage is just as significant as Rev 20 for the interpretation of the whole book. Seeing Jesus as central and not being distracted by the “fun, weird” symbolism will help us endure, face any persecution we may with strength and peace, and contribute to the kingdom for God’s glory. Then we can offer worship to Jesus as He is worthy.

Daniel 7:1-28

“In the first year of King Belshazzar of Babylon, Daniel had a dream filled with visions while he was lying on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream in summary fashion. Daniel explained: “I was watching in my vision during the night as the four winds of the sky were stirring up the great sea. Then four large beasts came up from the sea; they were different from one another. “The first one was like a lion with eagles’ wings. As I watched, its wings were pulled off and it was lifted up from the ground. It was made to stand on two feet like a human being, and a human mind was given to it. “Then a second beast appeared, like a bear. It was raised up on one side, and there were three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. It was told, ‘Get up and devour much flesh!’ “After these things, as I was watching, another beast like a leopard appeared, with four bird-like wings on its back. This beast had four heads, and ruling authority was given to it. “After these things, as I was watching in the night visions a fourth beast appeared – one dreadful, terrible, and very strong. It had two large rows of iron teeth. It devoured and crushed, and anything that was left it trampled with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that came before it, and it had ten horns. “As I was contemplating the horns, another horn – a small one – came up between them, and three of the former horns were torn out by the roots to make room for it. This horn had eyes resembling human eyes and a mouth speaking arrogant things. “While I was watching, thrones were set up, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His attire was white like snow; the hair of his head was like lamb’s wool. His throne was ablaze with fire and its wheels were all aflame. A river of fire was streaming forth and proceeding from his presence. Many thousands were ministering to him; Many tens of thousands stood ready to serve him. The court convened and the books were opened. “Then I kept on watching because of the arrogant words of the horn that was speaking. I was watching until the beast was killed and its body destroyed and thrown into the flaming fire. As for the rest of the beasts, their ruling authority had already been removed, though they were permitted to go on living for a time and a season. I was watching in the night visions, “And with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man was approaching. He went up to the Ancient of Days and was escorted before him. To him was given ruling authority, honor, and sovereignty. All peoples, nations, and language groups were serving him. His authority is eternal and will not pass away. His kingdom will not be destroyed. “As for me, Daniel, my spirit was distressed, and the visions of my mind were alarming me. I approached one of those standing nearby and asked him about the meaning of all this. So he spoke with me and revealed to me the interpretation of the vision: ‘These large beasts, which are four in number, represent four kings who will arise from the earth. The holy ones of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will take possession of the kingdom forever and ever.’ “Then I wanted to know the meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others. It was very dreadful, with two rows of iron teeth and bronze claws, and it devoured, crushed, and trampled anything that was left with its feet. I also wanted to know the meaning of the ten horns on its head, and of that other horn which came up and before which three others fell. This was the horn that had eyes and a mouth speaking arrogant things, whose appearance was more formidable than the others. While I was watching, that horn began to wage war against the holy ones and was defeating them, until the Ancient of Days arrived and judgment was rendered in favor of the holy ones of the Most High. Then the time came for the holy ones to take possession of the kingdom. “This is what he told me: ‘The fourth beast means that there will be a fourth kingdom on earth that will differ from all the other kingdoms. It will devour all the earth and will trample and crush it. The ten horns mean that ten kings will arise from that kingdom. Another king will arise after them, but he will be different from the earlier ones. He will humiliate three kings. He will speak words against the Most High. He will harass the holy ones of the Most High continually. His intention will be to change times established by law. They will be delivered into his hand For a time, times, and half a time. But the court will convene, and his ruling authority will be removed – destroyed and abolished forever! Then the kingdom, authority, and greatness of the kingdoms under all of heaven will be delivered to the people of the holy ones of the Most High. His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; all authorities will serve him and obey him.’ “This is the conclusion of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts troubled me greatly, and the color drained from my face. But I kept the matter to myself.””

— ‭‭Daniel‬ ‭7‬:‭1‬-‭28‬‬

A long passage, and I can add more notes later. This is an important text for NT interpretation as well as Old, particularly for the title Son of Man, and “riding on clouds.” Won’t do all details here but here are some key thoughts to lay as foundation.

Not sure of the full analogy, but I have heard from significant scholars (most notably NT Wright) that this vision’s placement is significant after chapter 6, where Daniel is rescued from the lion’s den. Could be that Daniel represents Israel in that case, and the beasts are obvious enough. Not sure if the king is really Jesus at that point, but Israel is vindicated after being under oppression for so long. The final kingdom will be established.

There’s minor debate over what the kingdoms are, but Daniel has multiple visions that seem to reinforce the 4 great kingdoms of ancient history.

Winged lion = Babylon

Bear = Persia (3 ribs could be the 3 main kings)

4 headed/winged Leopard = Greece (Alexander’s kingdom split for four generals)

Terrible beast = Rome (rows of 10 teeth-people debate which emperors)

Little horn saying arrogant things is also debatable. Only a few emperors claimed divinity for themselves (Nero, Caligula, Domitian). Of course, the dispensational view is to at least see final fulfillment in the singular Antichrist. I think it makes most sense to begin with a near fulfillment in Roman Empire. If there’s pattern fulfillment throughout history, then fine.

Perhaps the most significant thing is the image here is nearly identical to the beast in Revelation 13. Beast with horns and speaking blasphemous words and making war on the saints. (If you do not study Daniel and Ezekiel in depth, Revelation cannot make sense. These books are the cheat code). 

Daniel does some interpretation of the vision. Horns means kings. “All the earth” may not mean our globe. Rome did conquer all the earth in that day. Now, in Revelation, the dragon and beasts influence the world and culture as well, so again pattern fulfillment may be best way to see this. 

This little horn harasses God’s people continually. Persecution—which was rampant under certain emperors. 

Time, times, and half a time. NET says “times” is a dual form, so this is 3 1/2 times. Most are going to see this as 3 1/2 years. When we go to Revelation, the really odd thing is that multiple scenes have events that last for this long, but the duration is described as 3 1/2 years, 42 months, or even 1260 days. 

Honestly, I don’t like these timelines. I’ve studied the eschatology ad nauseam and how everything has to happen. I know of tremendous scholars, who could reason me silly who could prove beyond a doubt that a pre-trib, pre-millennial model is 100% correct. But I have become queasy when we have to use a verse from 1 Thess, then jump back to Dan 7, then go grab the “son of perdition” from 2 Thess”, and debate over the literary style of Revelation to boot. Piecing a theory together from so many different authors with different intentions/audiences and everything has to line up perfectly or else it crumbles apart has become suspect. But it could happen. 

So why 3 1/2 times/years? Revelation mentions it to refer to Dan 7, obviously. Also in 11:1-2; 12:7, 11-12; 13:5. Jewish writings associated Daniel’s 3 1/2 years as a general time of trial for believers (Midr. Ps 10.1), time of Israel’s exile (b. Sanhedrin 97b), or as the amount of time before Israel is finally restored (b Sanhedrin 97b-98a). Taken from Beale’s Commentary on Revelation, 565. 

In Rev 11, the two prophets are linked with Elijah’s ministry, who’s most famous narrative was the 3ish year famine (then the battle with prophets of Baal on Carmel). Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, but Num 33:5-49 may list 42 encampments (and their 40 years may not have started until they had traveled for 2 years in Jewish thinking at least). 

Both Daniel and Revelation focus on the temple, though. The initial abomination of desolation was Antiochus Epiphanes in 167BC. His oppression lasted about 3 years. Then the Roman siege of Jerusalem lasted about 3 years. 

Throughout Revelation, in all these passages of 3 1/2 years, there is an emphasis on physical attack on God’s people, though spiritually they are safe/secure. (Not to mention Daniel experienced the same thing in the lion’s den.). They experience no spiritual harm from their enemies, whether human or demonic, regardless of the onslaught raging towards them. 

If some want to see a beginning 3 1/2 years and a more harsh 3 1/2 years based on Daniel 9, 12, and Jesus discourse in Mark 13, that’s fine. This would really only apply to those viewing a literal 7 year Tribulation. The point in any passage, though, is not on length of time but (1) severity of persecution and (2) there is no time ever where the world and the people of God have harmony. 

For those who do not see a literal 7 year Tribulation, Revelation 12:6 seems to make it clear that the 3 1/2 years began at the resurrection of Jesus. It will end at His final appearing. 

In between the vision and interpretation, Daniel sees court of Ancient of Days (God). One like son of man approaches. Approaches is “coming.” They translates as “approaches” to remove confusion. Coming may imply returning to earth. But when we see “coming” in NT, we need to remember this passage. Jesus is talking about Son of Man going before God and establishing His authority. (Yes, He is returning, but we must understand full context of a passage before we misapply something). Sanhedrin ripped clothes, not because Jesus said He was coming to earth. He said He was coming on clouds= going before Ancient of Days = nearly divinity. 

1 Enoch developed these ideas of “Son of Man.” Will probably have another post on what that title meant and how Jesus built on 1st century expectations. Daniel laid foundation, but this title had enough mystery for Jesus to fill with His own meaning.

His kingdom is eternal. His kingdom is beyond any human kingdom. Those who belong to His kingdom may suffer but are truly beyond any harm.