To Sardis
Three more letters. Sardis has a name for being alive and is dead, its works unfinished before his Father. Philadelphia has little power but kept his word, so an open door no one can shut. Laodicea calls itself rich and is naked. He stands knocking, waiting.
3 1"To the angel of the church in Sardis write: The one holding the seven Spirits of our Father and the seven stars says: I know your works. You have a name for being alive, but you are dead.
2"Wake up! Strengthen what is left and about to die, for I have not found your works finished before my Father. 3So remember how you received and heard; keep it, and turn back. If you don't stay awake, I'll come like a thief, and you won't know what hour I come to you. 4But you have a few in Sardis who haven't stained their clothes; they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5The conqueror will be dressed like them in white, and I will never wipe his name from the book of life. I will acknowledge his name before my Father and before his angels. 6Whoever has an ear, let him hear what the Holy Spirit says to the churches.
To Philadelphia
7"And write to the angel of the church in Philadelphia: The holy one, the true one, who holds David's key, who opens and no one shuts, who shuts and no one opens, says this:
8"I know your works. Look, I've put an open door before you that no one can shut, because you have little power, yet kept my word and didn't deny my name. 9I will give some from Satan's synagogue—who call themselves Jews but are not; they lie—I will make them come and bow before your feet, and know I have loved you. 10Because you kept my word of endurance, I too will keep you from the hour of trial coming on the whole world to test those living on earth. 11I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. 12Whoever conquers, I will make him a pillar in my Father's temple, and he will never leave it. On him I will write my Father's name, and the name of my Father's city, the new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from my Father, and my new name. a a v12 When Jesus speaks of God here, he names the Father — the one who sent him, whose temple he builds, whose city descends from heaven. 13Whoever has an ear, let him hear what the Holy Spirit says to the churches.
To Laodicea
14"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen says, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of our Father's creation. b b v14 Jesus is the source through whom our Father made all things — not the first thing made, but the one by whom all creation came to be (John 1:3; Col 1:16).
15"I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot! 16So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17Because you say, 'I'm rich, I've grown wealthy, and need nothing,' unaware you are miserable, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. 18I advise you: buy from me fire-refined gold, so you become rich; white clothes to wear, so your naked shame isn't exposed; and ointment for your eyes, so you can see. 19Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 20Look! I stand knocking at the door. Whoever hears my voice and opens the door, I'll come in to him, eat with him, and he with me. 21Whoever conquers I will seat with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat with my Father on his throne. 22Whoever has an ear, let him hear what the Holy Spirit says to the churches."
