Sardis

Sardis is one of the seven cities whose assemblies receive the risen Lord's letters: “What you see, write in a book and send to the seven assemblies: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and to Laodicea” (Revelation 1:11). To the assembly in Sardis he who has “the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars” says, “I know your works, that you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead” (Revelation 3:1). He calls it to “Wake up and strengthen the things that remain” and to remember what it had received, keep it, and repent (Revelation 3:2–3). “Nevertheless you have a few names in Sardis that didn’t defile their garments. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy” (Revelation 3:4), and the one who overcomes will be arrayed in white garments, and his name will not be blotted out of the book of life (Revelation 3:5).

Sardis stood in western Asia Minor (modern Turkey). It had been the capital of the kingdom of Lydia and remained a leading city under the Persians and the Romans. Many scholars identify it with the Sepharad of Obadiah 1:20, though that is not certain.