Revelation 3 in the early church

[Vulgate: Apocalypse]

184 passages quote, allude to, or echo Revelation 3, grouped by verse; passages on the same verse are in date order. Verse text from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). References use the Protestant English Bible's numbering, with a writer's own numbering in brackets where it differs.

Verses: 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10 · 11 · 12 · 14 · 15 · 16 · 17 · 18 · 19 · 20 · 21

Revelation 3:1

“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of the One who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation for being alive, yet you are dead.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Rev 3:1Commentary on the Apocalypse 3.1 · Victorinus of Pettauallusion, high confidencelate 3rd century
Rev 3:1Three Letters to Sympronianus 1.5 · Pacian of Barcelonaallusion, high confidenceca. 360-390
Rev 3:1Against the Letter of Parmenian 2.20 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidenceca. 400

Revelation 3:2

Wake up and strengthen what remains, which is about to die; for I have found your deeds incomplete in the sight of My God.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Rev 3:2On Repentance 8 · Tertullianallusion, high confidenceca. 198–206
Rev 3:2Commentary on the Apocalypse 3.1 · Victorinus of Pettauquotation, high confidencelate 3rd century

Revelation 3:3

Remember, then, what you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know the hour when I will come upon you.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Rev 3:313 · Anonymousecho, low confidence250 (the text may be later)
Rev 3:3–4Against Jovinianus 2.3 · Jeromequotation, high confidence393

Revelation 3:4

But you do have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments, and because they are worthy, they will walk with Me in white.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Rev 3:4On the Resurrection of the Flesh 27 · Tertullianallusion, medium confidenceca. 208–212
Rev 3:4Homily on Luke 13 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 233–250
Rev 3:4–5Tractates 2.35.1 · Zeno of Veronaallusion, medium confidenceca. 362-380
Rev 3:4Letter 77.12 · Jeromeallusion, medium confidenceca. 370–419
Rev 3:4Letter 130.8 · Jeromeallusion, medium confidenceca. 370–419

Revelation 3:5

Like them, he who overcomes will be dressed in white. And I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and His angels.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Rev 3:5Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 1.3.2 (3.2) · Hermasecho, low confidenceca. 100–150
Rev 3:5Dialogue with Trypho 116.2 · Justin Martyrecho, medium confidenceca. 155–160
Rev 3:5Acts of Thomas 110 · Anonymousecho, low confidenceca. 200–250
Rev 3:5Antidote for the Scorpion's Sting 12 · Tertullianallusion, high confidenceca. 211–213
Rev 3:5On the Witch of Endor 6 · Eustathius of Antiochallusion, low confidenceca. 324–337
Rev 3:5Demonstration 9.4 · Aphrahatallusion, high confidence337-345
Rev 3:5Catechetical Lecture 14.30 · Cyril of Jerusalemallusion, high confidenceca. 350
Rev 3:5Commentary on Philippians 4.3 · Marius Victorinusallusion, low confidenceca. 360–363
Rev 3:5Sermon 62.9 · Augustine of Hippoecho, medium confidenceca. 391-430
Rev 3:5Letters 13.15 · Paulinus of Nolaallusion, high confidenceca. 394–413
Rev 3:5Book 1, section 30 · Seduliusecho, low confidenceca. 425-450
Rev 3:5The Passion of the Martyrs of Agaunum 6 · Eucherius of Lyonecho, low confidenceca. 443-450

Revelation 3:7

To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of the One who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Rev 3:7Against Heresies 4.20.2 · Irenaeus of Lyonsquotation, high confidenceca. 180–190
Rev 3:7Commentary on Daniel 4.31-34 · Hippolytus of Romequotation, high confidenceca. 202-204
Rev 3:7PG 12:1075 (Ps 1 LXX) · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220-254
Rev 3:7PG 12:1077 (Ps 1 LXX) · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Rev 3:7Commentary on John 2.47 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 230–248
Rev 3:7Commentary on John 5.6 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 230–248
Rev 3:7Commentary on John 5.7 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 230–248
Rev 3:7Commentary on John 6.173 · Origenallusion, medium confidenceca. 230–248
Rev 3:7Address of Thanksgiving 15 · Gregory Thaumaturgusallusion, high confidenceca. 238–245
Rev 3:7Commentary on Romans 3.2 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 244–246 (Rufinus's translation ca. 405–406)
Rev 3:7Tractates on the Psalms 0.6 · Hilary of Poitiersquotation, high confidenceca. 360–367
Rev 3:7Tractates on the Psalms 53.2 · Hilary of Poitiersallusion, high confidenceca. 360–367
Rev 3:7Letter 36.11 · Jeromeallusion, high confidenceca. 370–419
Rev 3:7Letter 53.5 · Jeromeallusion, high confidenceca. 370–419
Rev 3:7Letter 58.9 · Jeromeallusion, high confidenceca. 370–419
Rev 3:7Panarion (Adversus Haereses), Haer. 1-64 64.6.1 · Epiphanius of Salamisquotation, high confidence374-377
Rev 3:7Panarion (Adversus Haereses), Haer. 1-64 64.6.2 · Epiphanius of Salamisquotation, high confidence374-377
Rev 3:7Letter 119.2 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidenceca. 386–430
Rev 3:7Sermon 314.1 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 391-430
Rev 3:7Against the Letter of Parmenian 1.12 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, medium confidenceca. 400
Rev 3:7Commentary on Jeremiah 6.29 · Jeromequotation, high confidenceca. 414-419
Rev 3:7Part 5, chapter 14 · Quodvultdeus of Carthagequotation, high confidenceca. 445-450

Revelation 3:8

I know your deeds. Behold, I have placed before you an open door, which no one can shut. I know that you have only a little strength, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Rev 3:8PG 12:1077 (Ps 1 LXX) · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Rev 3:8Commentary on the Apocalypse 3.2 · Victorinus of Pettauquotation, high confidencelate 3rd century
Rev 3:8Panarion (Adversus Haereses), Haer. 1-64 64.6.2 · Epiphanius of Salamisquotation, high confidence374-377

Revelation 3:9

As for those who belong to the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews but are liars instead, I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and they will know that I love you.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Rev 3:9Commentary on Matthew, Latin Series 40 · Origenallusion, medium confidenceca. 244–249 (Latin translation, 4th–5th century)
Rev 3:9Commentary on Romans 2.11 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 244–246 (Rufinus's translation ca. 405–406)
Rev 3:9Opinions of the Bishops 60 · Cyprian of Carthageallusion, medium confidence1 September 256
Rev 3:9Letter 112.13 · Jeromeallusion, medium confidenceca. 370–419
Rev 3:9Letter 123.11 · Jeromeallusion, medium confidenceca. 370–419

Revelation 3:10

Because you have kept My command to persevere, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Rev 3:104.51 · Hippolytus of Romeallusion, medium confidenceca. 202-204
Rev 3:10Antidote for the Scorpion's Sting 12 · Tertullianallusion, high confidenceca. 211–213
Rev 3:10Commentary on the Apocalypse 3.2 · Victorinus of Pettauquotation, high confidencelate 3rd century

Revelation 3:11

I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Rev 3:11On the Unity of the Catholic Church 20 · Cyprian of Carthagequotation, high confidence251
Rev 3:11To Fortunatus 8 · Cyprian of Carthagequotation, high confidence253 or 257
Rev 3:11On the Good of Patience 13 · Cyprian of Carthagequotation, high confidence256
Rev 3:11Letters 5.9 · Paulinus of Nolaquotation, high confidenceca. 394–413
Rev 3:11On Rebuke and Grace 13 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 427
Rev 3:11Consolatory Letter to Arcadius 1 · Antoninus Honoratusquotation, high confidenceca. 437-440
Rev 3:11Part 2, chapter 31 · Quodvultdeus of Carthagequotation, high confidenceca. 445-450

Revelation 3:12

The one who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will never again leave it. Upon him I will write the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God (the new Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven from My God), and My new name.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Rev 3:12Antidote for the Scorpion's Sting 12 · Tertullianallusion, high confidenceca. 211–213
Rev 3:12Commentary on John 10.295 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 230–248
Rev 3:12Commentary on the Apocalypse 3.2 · Victorinus of Pettauquotation, high confidencelate 3rd century
Rev 3:12Exposition of Psalm 118 5.39.1 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 386-397

Revelation 3:14

To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God’s creation.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Rev 3:14Homilies on Numbers 11.4 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Rev 3:14Commentary on Romans 8.13 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 244–246 (Rufinus's translation ca. 405–406)
Rev 3:14Church History 5.2.3 · Eusebius of Caesareaallusion, high confidenceca. 300–325
Rev 3:14On the Trinity 3 · Faustinusquotation, high confidenceca. 380–384
Rev 3:14Exposition of Psalm 118 2.25.1 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 386-397

Revelation 3:15

I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were one or the other!

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Rev 3:15Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.21.2 (98.2) · Hermasecho, low confidenceca. 100–150
Rev 3:15Against Marcion 3.4 · Tertullianecho, low confidence207/208 (third edition, completed later)
Rev 3:15–16On First Principles 3.4.3 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 220–230 (Rufinus's translation 398)
Rev 3:15Commentary on the Apocalypse 3.3 · Victorinus of Pettauquotation, high confidencelate 3rd century
Rev 3:15Eleven Tractates 1.33 · Priscillianquotation, high confidenceca. 380–385
Rev 3:15Exposition of Psalm 118 2.25.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
Rev 3:15Exposition of Psalm 118 18.14.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
Rev 3:15Explanation of Twelve Psalms 1.28.6 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 387-397
Rev 3:15Letters 28.4 · Paulinus of Nolaallusion, high confidenceca. 394–413
Rev 3:15The Conferences 4.12 · John Cassianquotation, high confidenceca. 426–429
Rev 3:15The Conferences 4.19 · John Cassianquotation, high confidenceca. 426–429
Rev 3:15On the Governance of God 4.91 · Salvian of Marseillesquotation, high confidenceca. 439-451
Rev 3:15On the Governance of God 4.92 · Salvian of Marseillesquotation, high confidenceca. 439-451

Revelation 3:16

So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of My mouth!

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Rev 3:16Homilies on Psalms 36-38 8.7 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Rev 3:16Commentary on Romans 9.9 · Origenallusion, medium confidenceca. 244–246 (Rufinus's translation ca. 405–406)
Rev 3:16Commentary on the Apocalypse 3.3 · Victorinus of Pettauquotation, high confidencelate 3rd century
Rev 3:16Commentary on Romans 12:10–11 · Ambrosiasterquotation, high confidenceca. 366–384
Rev 3:16Letter 31.3 · Jeromeallusion, high confidenceca. 370–419
Rev 3:16Letter 54.6 · Jeromeallusion, high confidenceca. 370–419
Rev 3:16Eleven Tractates 1.33 · Priscillianquotation, high confidenceca. 380–385
Rev 3:16Exposition of Psalm 118 2.25.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
Rev 3:16Exposition of Psalm 118 2.25.3 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 386-397
Rev 3:16Exposition of Psalm 118 18.14.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
Rev 3:16Explanation of Twelve Psalms 1.28.6 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 387-397
Rev 3:16Letters 11.7 · Paulinus of Nolaecho, low confidenceca. 394–413
Rev 3:16Letters 28.4 · Paulinus of Nolaallusion, high confidenceca. 394–413
Rev 3:16Tractates on the Gospel of John 99.3 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidenceca. 406–420
Rev 3:16City of God 13.24 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidence413–426
Rev 3:16The Conferences 3.9 · John Cassianquotation, high confidenceca. 426–429
Rev 3:16The Conferences 4.12 · John Cassianquotation, high confidenceca. 426–429
Rev 3:16The Conferences 4.17 · John Cassianallusion, high confidenceca. 426–429
Rev 3:16The Conferences 4.19 · John Cassianquotation, high confidenceca. 426–429
Rev 3:16To the Church 4.45 · Salvian of Marseillesquotation, high confidenceca. 435-440
Rev 3:16On the Governance of God 4.91 · Salvian of Marseillesquotation, high confidenceca. 439-451
Rev 3:16On the Governance of God 4.92 · Salvian of Marseillesquotation, high confidenceca. 439-451

Revelation 3:17

You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Rev 3:17On Repentance 8 · Tertullianallusion, high confidenceca. 198–206
Rev 3:17Against Novatian 2 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceafter 251 (disputed)
Rev 3:17On Works and Almsgiving 14 · Cyprian of Carthagequotation, high confidenceca. 253
Rev 3:17Three Letters to Sympronianus 1.5 · Pacian of Barcelonaallusion, high confidenceca. 360-390
Rev 3:17Exposition of Psalm 118 18.14.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
Rev 3:17Sermon 365.4 · Augustine of Hippoecho, medium confidenceca. 391-430
Rev 3:17Apologetic Book 30.6 · Orosiusquotation, high confidenceca. 415–416
Rev 3:17Formulae of Spiritual Understanding 5 · Eucherius of Lyonquotation, high confidenceca. 420-430
Rev 3:17The Conferences 3.9 · John Cassianquotation, high confidenceca. 426–429
Rev 3:17The Conferences 4.19 · John Cassianquotation, high confidenceca. 426–429
Rev 3:17To the Church 4.45 · Salvian of Marseillesquotation, high confidenceca. 435-440

Revelation 3:18

I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Rev 3:18The Instructor 2.3.39 · Clement of Alexandriaecho, low confidenceca. 190–200
Rev 3:18The Instructor 2.12.129 · Clement of Alexandriaecho, medium confidenceca. 190–200
Rev 3:18On Works and Almsgiving 14 · Cyprian of Carthagequotation, high confidenceca. 253
Rev 3:18Commentary on the Apocalypse 3.3 · Victorinus of Pettauquotation, high confidencelate 3rd century
Rev 3:18Eleven Tractates 1.33 · Priscillianallusion, high confidenceca. 380–385
Rev 3:18Exposition of Psalm 118 18.14.2 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
Rev 3:18Letter 94.1 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, low confidenceca. 386–430
Rev 3:18Sermon 317.2 · Augustine of Hippoecho, low confidenceca. 391-430
Rev 3:18Poem 19, lines 34–64 · Paulinus of Nolaallusion, medium confidenceca. 393–431
Rev 3:18Letters 23.26 · Paulinus of Nolaallusion, medium confidenceca. 394–413
Rev 3:18Letters 31.2 · Paulinus of Nolaallusion, medium confidenceca. 394–413
Rev 3:18Letters 32.24 · Paulinus of Nolaallusion, medium confidenceca. 394–413
Rev 3:18Letters 45.1 · Paulinus of Nolaallusion, medium confidenceca. 394–413
Rev 3:18Confessions 7.12 · Augustine of Hippoecho, low confidenceca. 397–401
Rev 3:18Tractates on the Gospel of John 18.11 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, medium confidenceca. 406–420
Rev 3:18The Conferences 3.9 · John Cassianquotation, high confidenceca. 426–429

Revelation 3:19

Those I love I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Rev 3:19On Patience 11 · Tertullianquotation, high confidenceca. 198–206
Rev 3:19On the Lapsed 14 · Cyprian of Carthagequotation, high confidence251
Rev 3:19Paraenesis, or Exhortation to Penitence 2 · Pacian of Barcelonaquotation, high confidenceca. 360-390
Rev 3:19Exposition of Psalm 118 19.30.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
Rev 3:19Letter 247.2 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 386–430
Rev 3:19Against Faustus the Manichaean 22.14 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 398–400
Rev 3:19Against the Letter of Parmenian 2.22 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 400
Rev 3:19The Conferences 6.11 · John Cassianquotation, high confidenceca. 426–429
Rev 3:19Part 2, chapter 26 · Quodvultdeus of Carthagequotation, high confidenceca. 445-450

Revelation 3:20

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Rev 3:20Commentary on John 1.26 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 230–248
Rev 3:20Commentary on John 13.199 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 230–248
Rev 3:20Commentary on John 32.18 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 230–248
Rev 3:20On Prayer 27.11 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 233–234
Rev 3:20Homily on Isaiah 2 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 235–250
Rev 3:20Homilies on Ezekiel 14.3 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Jerome's translation in the 380s)
Rev 3:20Homilies on Joshua 20.1 · Origenallusion, medium confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Rev 3:20Homilies on Joshua 24.3 · Origenallusion, medium confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Rev 3:20Homilies on Jeremiah 14.8 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 240
Rev 3:20Commentary on the Song of Songs 2.165 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 240–245 (Rufinus's translation ca. 410)
Rev 3:20Homily on the Song of Songs 2 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 240–250
Rev 3:20Catechetical Lecture 16.20 · Cyril of Jerusalemallusion, low confidenceca. 350
Rev 3:20Tractates on the Psalms 118.12.5 · Hilary of Poitiersquotation, high confidenceca. 360–367
Rev 3:20Against the Manichees, Greek continuation of book 3, Lagarde p. 103 · Titus of Bostraecho, low confidenceca. 360s
Rev 3:20Letter 22.26 · Jeromequotation, high confidenceca. 370–419
Rev 3:20Letter 64.3 · Jeromeecho, medium confidenceca. 370–419
Rev 3:20Letter 145.5 · Jeromeecho, low confidenceca. 370–419
Rev 3:20Ancoratus 69.5 · Epiphanius of Salamisallusion, high confidence374
Rev 3:20On the Christian Faith 4.2 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 378–380
Rev 3:20On the Complaints of Job and David 4.28 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 383-390
Rev 3:20Exposition of Psalm 118 1.11.2 · Ambroseallusion, medium confidenceca. 386-397
Rev 3:20Exposition of Psalm 118 4.27.2 · Ambroseallusion, medium confidenceca. 386-397
Rev 3:20Exposition of Psalm 118 8.52.2 · Ambroseallusion, medium confidenceca. 386-397
Rev 3:20Exposition of Psalm 118 12.12.4 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 386-397
Rev 3:20Exposition of Psalm 118 12.13.1 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 386-397
Rev 3:20Exposition of Psalm 118 19.30.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
Rev 3:20Exposition of Psalm 118 19.40.2 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
Rev 3:20Explanation of Twelve Psalms 37.35.1 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 387-397
Rev 3:20Explanation of Twelve Psalms 43.30.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Rev 3:20Sermon 87.11 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, low confidenceca. 391-430
Rev 3:20Poem 33, lines 97–132 · Paulinus of Nolaecho, low confidenceca. 393–431
Rev 3:20The Institutes 5.17 · John Cassianquotation, high confidenceca. 419–426

Revelation 3:21

To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Rev 3:21Miscellanies 7.10.56 · Clement of Alexandriaallusion, medium confidenceca. 198–203
Rev 3:21Antidote for the Scorpion's Sting 12 · Tertullianallusion, high confidenceca. 211–213
Rev 3:21Exhortation to Martyrdom 28 · Origenallusion, medium confidence235
Rev 3:21Exhortation to Martyrdom 37 · Origenallusion, low confidence235
Rev 3:21Letter 31.4 · Cyprian of Carthagequotation, high confidence249/250–258
Rev 3:21Commentary on the Apocalypse 3.3 · Victorinus of Pettauallusion, high confidencelate 3rd century
Rev 3:21Exposition of Psalm 118 10.30.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
Rev 3:21Poem 24, lines 795–826 · Paulinus of Nolaecho, medium confidenceca. 393–431