Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
Ver. 4. Thou hast a few names] Though no thanks to the pastor, who was a mercenary eye-servant. Here the people's praise is the pastor's shame. These good souls were but few, their names (as one said of the good emperors) might have been written within the compass of a ring. Rari quippe boni (Juvenal, Sat. 13); Diaconos paucitas honorabiles feeit, saith Jerome. Christ's flock is little. Few received him in the flesh, John 1:12; he wondered at one good Nathanael. At his coming shall he find faith upon the earth? Yes, sure, saith one; now he may find many faiths; such as they be; so many men, so many faiths, but few that hold faith and a good conscience together, 1 Timothy 1:19, whereby they have put on Christ, Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 4:24; Revelation 16:15 .
They shall walk with me in white] That is, they shall be glorified with perfect righteousness, purity, charity, dignity, and festivity.
For they are worthy] In Christ's account and acceptation. Like as those were not worthy that came not when called to the participation of his benefits,Matthew 22:8 .
They are worthy] Non dignitate sua, sed dignatione divina. Or, They are worthy, not absolutely, but in comparison of those before mentioned.