For the opening statement see 2.1, 8. Sardis, south of Thyatira, was the ancient capital of the kingdom of Lydia. It was a wealthy city, an important industrial center that included the manufacture of woolen and dyed goods.

The words of him: see the comments at 2.1.

Who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: see the comments at 1.4, 16. In some languages it may not be possible to use the same verb has with both the seven spirits and the seven stars. According to 1.16 Christ held the seven stars in his right hand; as for the seven spirits, however, it may be better to use a verb that denotes control or authority, such as “… who rules the seven spirits.” No verb should be used that may imply that he was possessed of the seven spirits, or that he had seven spirits in him. See also 4.5; 5.6. The phrase of God means that the seven spirits belong to God or else serve God. So this whole clause may also be expressed as “who rules over the seven spirits that serve God, and who holds the seven stars.”

I know your works: see the comments at 2.2.

You have the name of being alive, and you are dead: here name means reputation, fame (thus Good News Translation, Bible en français courant, Biblia Dios Habla Hoy). Or the meaning may be expressed this way: “You seem (or, appear) to be alive….” Both alive and dead refer to their spiritual condition. So this sentence may be expressed as “You appear to be faithful believers in me; but actually you do not follow me anymore.” Instead of the Revised Standard Version conjunction and, it is better to say “but.”

Alternative translation models for this verse are:

• The one who rules the seven spirits that serve God, and who holds the seven stars, sends this message: I know all the things that you have done; I know that you seem to be alive, but are really dead.

Or:

• … I know all the things that you have done. I know that you seem to be faithful believers in me; but in reality you do not follow me anymore.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on The Revelation to John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1993. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .