Interpreting Revelation 3:2 Eschatologically
Revelation 3:2 reads, "Be watchful, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God" [2]. This verse is part of Jesus' letter to the church in Sardis, one of the seven churches addressed in the Book of Revelation.
Literary Context
The letter to Sardis is the third of seven letters to churches in Asia, each evaluating the spiritual state of the respective church. The surrounding verses describe the church in Sardis as having a reputation for being alive but actually being dead (Revelation 3:1). Jesus commands them to wake up, strengthen what remains, and recall their initial faithfulness [2].
Historical Setting
The historical setting of Revelation is generally understood to be the late first century AD, during a period of persecution under the Roman Empire [4]. The specific church in Sardis was likely facing challenges to its faith and potentially experiencing complacency or spiritual decay.
Key Terms and Exegetical Decisions
The phrase "strengthen the things that remain" is significant. The word "remain" (Greek: λοιπά, loipa) refers to what is left or surviving. The command is to bolster or fortify these remaining elements. One major exegetical decision revolves around understanding what Jesus means by "the things that remain, which were about to die." Interpreters must decide whether this refers to spiritual vitality, faithful members, or some other aspect of the church.
Range of Interpretations
Interpretations of Revelation 3:2 vary. Some see the verse as a call to repentance and renewal within the church, urging the Sardians to revive their spiritual lives. Others interpret it eschatologically, connecting the strengthening of what remains to end-time events or the preparation for Christ's return [3, 4]. Charles Hodge, representing a Reformed (Old Princeton) tradition, discusses the eschatological context of Christ's coming, suggesting that such passages refer to a future, singular event [4].
Eschatological Interpretation
In an eschatological interpretation, Revelation 3:2 can be seen as preparing the church for the return of Christ. The command to "be watchful" and "strengthen the things that remain" is reminiscent of other New Testament exhortations to be ready for the Lord's return (e.g., Matthew 24:42; 1 Thessalonians 5:2) [1]. This interpretation aligns with a broader eschatological framework that views the Book of Revelation as containing prophecies about the end times.
The eschatological significance of Revelation 3:2 is further underscored by its connection to the theme of Christ's return and judgment, a theme that is developed throughout the Book of Revelation and other New Testament writings [4, 5]. The early church fathers also grappled with the meaning of such passages, sometimes interpreting them in the context of Christ's manifestations to his disciples after his resurrection [6].
The command to strengthen what remains in Sardis serves as a call to vigilance and faithfulness, resonating with the eschatological urgency found throughout the New Testament.
Sources
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Revelation 3:3 cross-references: Ezekiel 16:61, Ezekiel 20:43, Ezekiel 36:31, Matthew 24:42, Matthew 25:13, Mark 13:33, Mark 13:36, Luke 12:39, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:4, 1 Timothy 6:20, 2 Timothy 1:13, Hebrews 2:1, 2 Peter 1:13, 2 Peter 3:1, 2 Peter 3:10, Revelation 2:5, Revelation 2:21, Revelation 2:25, Revelation 3:11, Revelation 3:19, Revelation 16:15”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Revelation 3:2 cross-references: Deuteronomy 3:28, 1 Kings 11:4, 1 Kings 15:3, 2 Chronicles 25:2, Job 4:4, Job 16:5, Isaiah 35:3, Isaiah 56:10, Isaiah 57:12, Isaiah 62:6, Ezekiel 34:8, Ezekiel 34:16, Daniel 5:27, Zechariah 11:16, Matthew 6:2, Matthew 23:5, Matthew 23:28, Matthew 24:42, Matthew 25:7, Matthew 25:13, Mark 13:33, Luke 22:31, Acts 18:23, Acts 20:28, 2 Timothy 4:1, 1 Peter 4:7, 1 Peter 5:8, Revelation 2:4, Revelation 16:15”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, section 86: full accomplishment; or that they are now being fulfilled in the silent progress of the Gospel. They include the past and the present, but much remains to be accomplished in the future more in accordance with their literal meaning. (2.) The character of the predictions in the New Testament does not admit of their being made to refer to any spiritual coming of Christ or to the constant progress of his Church. They evidently refer to a single event; to an event in the future, not now in progress; an event which shall attract the attention o”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 2, section 135: § 4. Christ’s coming to judge the World. This is the last step in his exaltation. He who was arraigned as a criminal at the bar of Pilate; who was unrighteously condemned, and who amid cruel mockings, was crucified with malefactors, is to come again with power and great glory; before Him are to be gathered all nations and all the generations of men, to receive from his lips their final sentence. He will then be exalted before all intelligences, as visibly their sovereign judge. What the Scriptures teach on this subject is, (1.) That Chri”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, section 91: those of the same class, and even of the same school. This remark, which applies to the whole book, applies with special force to the passage under consideration. 3. The Bible speaks of a spiritual, or figurative, as well as of a literal resurrection. This figure is used both in reference to individuals and in reference to communities. The sinner, dead in trespasses and sins, is said to be quickened and raised again in Christ Jesus. ( Rom. vi. and Eph. ii. ) Whole communities when elevated from a state of depression and misery, are in pro”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 6: Augustine — Homilies on the Gospels — CHAP. XXV.--OF CHRIST'S SUBSEQUENT MANIFESTATIONS OF HIMSELF TO THE DISCIPLES, AND OF THE QUESTION WHETHER A THOROUGH HARMONY CAN BE ESTABLISHED BETWEEN THE DIFFERENT NARRATIVES WHEN THE NOTICES GIVEN (part 25): angel and by the Lord. This, therefore, unquestionably compels us to accept them as uttered prophetically.(1) Now Galilee may be interpreted to mean either "Transmigration" or "Revelation." Consequently, if we adopt the idea of "Transmigration," what other sense occurs to us to put upon the sentence," He goeth before you into Galilee, ”