Revelation 3:4 But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
These are not exactly glowing marks from Jesus to the church at Sardis.
…a few people…And it means exactly that in the original Greek. ὀλίγος/oligos is defined as few, little, or small per Strong’s Concordance.
The Greek word for people is ὄνομα/onoma. Per Strong’s, it can be translated as: name, character, fame, or reputation.
In other words, there were a small amount of people of character and reputation in the Sardis local body.
…have not soiled…Those of character have not μολύνω/molunó. In other words, they have not stained, polluted, or defiled.
The Bible is consistent from beginning to end. The books of Leviticus and Numbers are full of examples regarding clothing hygiene. Wash your clothes and keep them clean!
Exodus 19:10 The LORD also said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments…”
The issue is keeping clean clothes in Christ. This is not just any garment. The term for garment in the Greek is ἱμάτιον/himation. The garment is a long flowing outer tunic, cloak, or robe (Strong’s Concordance). The color white is indicative of purity.
1 John 1:7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
Jesus washes our garments clean with His blood. This is ultimately fulfilled in Revelation.
Revelation 7:14b They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
The same concept is implied in Revelation 22:14.
…they will walk…The idea is how one lives their life and conducts themselves on a daily basis. It is a matter of lifestyle. Περιπατέω/peripateó is the word.
Manage your daily affairs with character so you don’t stain your robe. The discharge of sin defiles and stains your clothes. Christ paid for your nice, white cloak. Show the Man some respect.
https://godinanutshell.com/2018/02/03/revelation-sardis-keep-your-clothes/
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