Who Are the Jews in Revelation 3:9?

Revelation 3:9

9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.

In the context of Revelation 3:9 "Jews" refers to true believers in Christ who are defined by their inward spiritual condition rather than their outward lineage Romans 2:28-29EVRR131+1.

The True Definition of a Jew

According to the New Testament, a real Jew is one who believes in Christ and follows the works of Abraham John 8:39PTUK August 2, 1894, page 483.1+1. This definition is spiritual rather than literal, meaning that anyone who is Christ's is considered Abraham's seed and an heir according to the promise Galatians 3:28-29EVRR54+1. Therefore, "Jew" in this prophetic context is a figurative name for a true ChristianMWV2 148.1+1.

• Inward Circumcision: A true Jew is one who is a Jew inwardly, possessing a circumcision of the heart and spirit Romans 2:29EVRR131+1.

• Faith in Christ: No one is or has ever been a real Jew unless they believe in Christ, as even Moses and Abraham looked forward to His day John 5:46+1PTUK August 2, 1894, page 483.1.

The Synagogue of Satan

Those who "say they are Jews, and are not" constitute what the Bible calls the "synagogue of Satan" Revelation 3:9PTUK August 2, 1894, page 483.1+1. These are individuals or organizations that profess to be Christians but are actually anti-Christian in character and practice7BC 958.1+1.

• False Professors: This class includes those who claim to stand for the truth but bring in sentiments that falsify it, eventually giving up the faith for fables19LtMs, Ms 149, 1904, par. 1+1.

• Children of Disobedience: Members of this synagogue are the children of sin who labor to make void the divine law and confuse the distinction between good and evil1888 1554.2+2.

• Historical and Future Applications: This term has been applied to various groups throughout history, including the unfaithful established churches that persecuted reformers like the Methodists and Waldenses, and it will be applied to the nominal church at the end of timeEVRR133+2.

The Humiliation of False Claimants

The prophecy declares that those belonging to the synagogue of Satan will eventually be brought to worship at the feet of God's true people Revelation 3:9EVRR589+1.

• Recognition of God's Love: In the future, these false professors will be forced to acknowledge that God has loved those they once despised and persecutedBDOC 32.3+2.

• Final Confession: During the final events of earth's history, the unfaithful will, in remorse, confess their deceptions and admit that the persecuted saints are God's true peopleEVRR589+2.

• Victory for the 144,000: This acknowledgment occurs when the 144,000 are sealed and united, shining with the glory of God before the second coming of ChristExV 11.1+2.