1. “Write this to the angel of the church in Sardis:“The One who has the seven spirits and the seven stars says this to you. I know what you do. People say that you are alive, but really you are dead.
2. Wake up! Make yourselves stronger while you still have something left and before it dies completely. I have found that what you are doing is not good enough for my God.
3. So do not forget what you have received and heard. Obey it. Change your hearts and lives! You must wake up, or I will come to you and surprise you like a thief. And you will not know when I will come.
4. But you have a few there in Sardis who have kept themselves clean. They will walk with me. They will wear white clothes, because they are worthy.
5. He who wins the victory will be dressed in white clothes like them. I will not take away his name from the book of life. I will say that he belongs to me before my Father and before his angels.
6. Everyone who has ears should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.
7. “Write this to the angel of the church in Philadelphia:“The One who is holy and true says this to you. He holds the key of David. When he opens something, it cannot be closed. And when he closes something, it cannot be opened.
8. I know what you do. I have put an open door before you, and no one can close it. I know that you have a little strength. But you have followed my teaching. And you were not afraid to speak my name.
9. Listen! There is a synagogue that belongs to Satan. Those in this synagogue say they are Jews, but they are liars. They are not true Jews. I will make them come before you and bow at your feet. They will know that I have loved you.
10. You have followed my teaching about not giving up. So I will keep you from the time of trouble that will come to the whole world. This trouble will test those who live on earth.
11. “I am coming soon. Continue the way you are now. Then no one will take away your crown.