What does Revelation 3:12 mean?

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. Revelation 3:12

Explanation

Revelation 3:12 contains promises given by Jesus to the faithful believers in the early Christian church of Philadelphia. The verse speaks to the rewards awaiting those who remain steadfast in their faith despite trials and persecution. Becoming a “pillar in the temple of my God” symbolizes stability, honor, and a permanent place in God’s presence. The phrase “he shall go no more out” represents eternal security and belonging within this holy dwelling. Furthermore, having the name of God written upon the overcomer, along with the name of the New Jerusalem and Jesus’ new name, signifies a close and personal relationship with God, citizenship in the heavenly city, and sharing in the new identity and victory of Jesus Christ.

Historical Context

Revelation was written by the apostle John, traditionally believed to be during the reign of Emperor Domitian (AD 81-96), a time of intense persecution for Christians. The city of Philadelphia was one of the seven cities in the Roman province of Asia (modern-day Turkey) to which John addresses a specific message in the book of Revelation, chapters 2 and 3. The promise to the faithful in Philadelphia reflects the historical challenges faced by early Christians, including social isolation, economic hardship, and the threat of imprisonment or death for their refusal to worship the Roman Emperor or pagan gods.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives offer a range of interpretations of this verse:

• Dispensational Theology: Some interpreters view the promises as pertaining to the end times, with the New Jerusalem being a literal city established during Christ’s millennial kingdom.
• Covenant Theology: Others see it as symbolic of the eternal state of believers in heaven, emphasizing the spiritual realities of the church age and God’s covenantal promises fulfilled in Christ.
• Preterist View: This interpretation holds that the promises were fulfilled in a spiritual sense by the first-century church, signifying comfort and reward for overcoming persecution.

Practical Applications

Believers today can draw encouragement from Revelation 3:12 in several ways:

• Endurance in Faith: As Christians face various life challenges, they are reminded of the eternal rewards for steadfast faith.
• Identity in Christ: Having God’s name implies a strong sense of Christian identity, encouraging believers to live holy and separated lives.
• Commitment to the Church: The imagery of being pillars in God’s temple underscores the role of Christians as integral parts of the church community.

Cross-References

• 2 Timothy 2:12: “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:”
• Revelation 21:2: “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”
• Galatians 6:17: “From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.”

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek language of Revelation 3:12 include:

• νικάω (nikao): This word means “to overcome” or “to conquer,” and is used to describe those who remain faithful despite adversity.
• στῦλος (stylos): Translated “pillar,” it suggests a permanent and significant role within the structure of the temple, denoting stability and prominence.
• καινὴ Ἱερουσαλήμ (kaine Hierousalem): Referring to the “new Jerusalem,” the term “kaine” signifies newness in quality, not just in time.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of being a “pillar in the temple” might echo other religious or cultural traditions where pillars or monuments are erected to honor gods, heroes, or distinguished individuals. In many ancient religions, names carry deep significance and being granted a new name by a deity often indicated a transformation or a new destiny.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not directly intersect with modern scientific understandings, as it primarily deals with symbolic and theological concepts. However, the imagery of a new creation (the New Jerusalem) could be considered alongside theories regarding the multiverse or dimensions beyond human perception.

Commentaries

• Matthew Henry: He emphasizes the duty and the privilege of overcoming. The church’s permanent status in heaven is likened to pillars, and the naming signifies authenticity and belonging.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes discusses the permanency of the overcomer’s state and sees the different names mentioned as representing protection, honor, and happiness that will be conferred upon the saints.
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown: They explain the verse as representing security, immovability, and honor, with the new names denoting the saints’ new, glorious, and everlasting state.