SEVEN CHURCHES
E.
59
The church at Sardis (3:1-6) – The Feeble Church
Sardis was one of the oldest and most important cities in Asia, located on the main trade route running east and west through the Hermus River valley in the Anatolian kingdom of Lydia. The acropolis of Sardis was on a peak about 1,500 feet above the valley road. Though not discovered until 1958, it was the site of another temple of Artemis (similar to Diana in Ephesus and Rome) and the goddess Cybele, which have been excavated along with a large theater, and bath/ gymnasium complex. Ruins of an ancient Christian church exist next to the pagan temple. Some of the first coins were minted in Sardis due to the discovery of gold in the sand of the river Pactolus. It was also famous for its woolen garments, as reflected in Christ’s message to the church. Artemis at Sardis
THE RECIPIENTS (3:1)
3:1
And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, `These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 3:1a As the city had long since passed its glory days, so the church was more form than genuine substance, more show than reality. Like the city itself, the church gloried in its past splendor, importance and leaders who gave them “a name.” Now they ignored their present internal deterioration. Fafme, success and importance can breed corruption. Nothing escapes the All-seeing God who “has the seven Spirits of God,” or the Holy Spirit, in all His manifestations and the seven “stars” or churches in His control.
THE COMMENDATION .. I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive… 3:1b. They had a reputation of being alive; apparently an opinion shared by their neighboring churches. Other than their appearance, there were no words of commendation to the believers. There were no doctrinal problems