We would expect Jesus to use the word “persons” or maybe “individuals.” Instead, he uses the same key term as he had earlier used in Revelation 3:1 (there translated as “reputation”). Jesus Christ knows his people by name (John 10:3). In fact, that Jesus knows someone’s name is of greater significance than if the public knows your name, or has thoughts about your name (reputation).
4 Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.