The term translated as “reputation” is in Greek the word “name.” The word “name” is key in this letter. Aside from Revelation 3:1, it also appears in Revelation 3:4 and twice in Revelation 3:5. The congregation has a good “name” (reputation) in the community, a reality with which Jesus strongly disagrees, but Jesus will ensure that those who conquer will receive an imperishable name before God.
1 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.