Revelation 3

Revelation 3:1

For we have not followed cunningly devised fables. There was no mistake or doubt about the gospel, no such fables as the myths of the Gentiles. When we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord. Preached the coming into the world and the divine power of Christ. But were eyewitnesses of his majesty. Since the apostles were personal witnesses of Christ’s glory, they knew whereof they spoke.

Revelation 3:2

For he received from God the Father honour and glory. He cites one scene that had witnesses where the divine glory rested upon Christ. The glory of the Transfiguration is the prophecy of the glory which will be revealed when Christ comes. There came such a voice to him from the excellent glory. God honored the Son by the Divine declaration. This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. See Matthew 17:5.

Revelation 3:3

And this voice . . . we heard. Peter and James and John, his companions on “the holy mount” (Matthew 17:1-6). James was now dead (Acts 12:2), but John was still alive.

Revelation 3:4

We have also a more sure word of prophecy. Prophecy was a sure word, but when fulfilled in Christ and the gospel it seemed more sure. No class of evidence had more power with Jews than to show them that Jesus was the Christ of whom the prophets spoke. Whereunto. To prophecy. Ye do well that ye take heed. Heed its predictions and statements concerning Christ. As unto a light that shineth in a dark place. It was a lamp shining in the darkness of the past and giving some light before the day star arose. Until the day dawn. The full light of the New Testament. And the day-star arise. Christ. See Revelation 22:16.

Revelation 3:5

Knowing this first. This is a reason for giving heed to the word of prophecy. That no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. Is not an interpretation of the knowledge and feelings of the prophet, but of the will of God. The next verse shows that this is the meaning.

Revelation 3:6

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man. No scriptural prophecy is due to the will of man, But holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost. But all came from men speaking from God when moved by the Holy Spirit. Prophecy is God’s word, not the words of man.

Revelation 3:8

Warnings Against False Teachers SUMMARY OF II PETER 2: False Prophets and False Teachers. The Judgment on the Fallen Angels. Judgment on the Antediluvians. The Perverseness of Wicked Men. The Example of Balaam, the Son of Beor. There were false prophets. The true prophets are referred to in 2 Peter 1:19. Here the false prophets are spoken of in contrast. The term “false prophet” occurs several times in the Old Testament. For example, see Jeremiah 5:31 6:13 8:10. Christ foretells the rise of false prophets (Matthew 24:24). Among the people. Israel is meant. Even as there shall be false teachers among you. Teachers of false doctrines. Paul often warns against such teachers. See Acts 20:30. Who privily shall bring in damnable heresies. “Destructive heresies” (Revised Version). Party divisions caused by false teaching. A heresy is a schism, or that which tends to produce schism. Even denying the Lord that bought them. This is the culmination of false teaching in the church and has been fulfilled by those professedly Christian teachers who reject the divinity of Christ and the atoning power of his blood. And bring upon themselves swift destruction. Sudden destruction.

Revelation 3:9

And many shall follow their pernicious ways. “Lascivious doings” (Revised Version). Immoral life is the result of false doctrine, and thus a reproach is brought upon the truth.

Revelation 3:10

And through covetousness . . . make merchandise of you. By their “feigned words”, or crafty speeches, the false teachers shall use their followers as a source of gain.

Revelation 3:11

For if God spared not the angels that sinned. In order to show that judgments on these wicked teachers are sure, Peter cites examples. Even angels when they sinned were subjected to punishment. But cast [them] down to hell. The sinning angels were cast out of heaven. The word rendered “hell” is not Gehenna, but Tartarus, a Greek term used for the place of future punishment. Delivered [them] into chains of darkness. “Pits of darkness” (Revised Version); possibly dungeons of darkness gives the idea. Compare Jude 1:6 Both passages point to a time when angels sinned, fell, and thus became angels of darkness.

Revelation 3:12

And spared not the old world. The case of the antediluvians furnishes the second example of God’s swift justice. But saved Noah the eighth [person]. “But preserved Noah with seven others” (Revised Version). God did not then forget the righteous. A preacher of righteousness. By example as well as by word. See Genesis 7:1 1 Peter 3:20.

Revelation 3:13

Turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes. The third example of judgment on sin. See Genesis 19:29.

Revelation 3:14

And delivered just Lot. The saving of the righteous is as marked as the punishment of the wicked. See Genesis 19:1,7. Vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked. See Genesis 19:5.

Revelation 3:15

For that righteous man . . . vexed [his] righteous soul. Lot, seeing and hearing the wickedness around him, was sore distressed.

Revelation 3:16

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations. These examples show that the Lord knows how to deliver the righteous from every species of trial, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished. And to hold the wicked in reserve for judgment.

Revelation 3:17

Chiefly them. Those next named will receive the greater punishment. That walk after the flesh. Follow its dictates and live impure lives. And despise government. Refuse to submit to authority. Presumptuous [are they], selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. A characteristic of this class is their presumption and a want of reverence for what is high and holy. See Jude 1:8.

Revelation 3:18

Whereas angels . . . bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. The angels, superior in might and power, do not show such presumption, or disrespect to any lofty power. Compare Jude 1:9. There is so striking a parallel between a part of this chapter and a part of Jude that it is thought that either Peter or Jude had the epistle of the other before him. Jude shows us that even Michael did not rail against Satan.

Revelation 3:19

But these, as natural brute beasts. As if utterly irrational. Made to be taken and destroyed. The brute beasts were destined to the slaughter for man’s uses. So these men blindly rush to destruction. Speak evil of the things that they understand not. How often the scoffer fulfills this description!

Revelation 3:20

And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness. Their destruction is the legitimate reward of their own wrong doing. [As] count it pleasure to riot in the day-time. Literally, “in the day”. I believe that the idea is that, like dumb brutes forgetful of coming destruction, they take pleasure in carousal for a day, regardless of the morrow. Spots [they are] and blemishes. Marring the brightness and beauty of the church. Sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you. “Revelling in their love-feasts” (Revised Version). Converting even these into scenes of revel.

Revelation 3:21

Having eyes full of adultery. Looking around with a lustful appetite.

Revelation 3:22

Following the way of Balaam. See Numbers 31:16. Balaam sold himself out to an evil cause for the sake of gain.