ACC ~ Revelation 3 v1a

CHRISTIANS IN NAME ONLY ARE IN DANGER OF DEATH. VICTORINUS OF PETOVIUM: This fifth class, group or manner of saint refers to those persons who are negligent and behave in a manner other than what they ought in the world, who are vacuous in works and who are only Christian in name. And therefore he exhorts them so that in some way they might reverse themselves from this dangerous negligence and be saved. “Strengthen,” he says, “that which is in danger of death. I have not found your work perfect before my God.” For it is not sufficient that a tree live but yet not give fruit. Neither is it sufficient that one be called a Christian, confess himself to be a Christian, and yet not do the works of a Christian. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 3.1.

A BISHOP MUST BE VIGILANT. BEDE: He says that the angel, that is, the bishop, exercises insufficient diligence in the correction of evil people. Nonetheless, he commends him for having some who walk in white garments, and to these the name of “Sardis” corresponds, namely, “precious stone.” … Indeed, you seem to yourself to be alive, but unless you are vigilant in the correction of the wicked, you will be regarded as already among the dead. … Even though he might seem to people to be guiltless, the works of a ruler are not perfect before God if he does not strive to enliven also others. EXPLANATION OF THE APOCALYPSE 3.1-2.

Rev