Revelation 3:7-13 7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. 8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 9 Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. 12 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

  INTRODUCTION Seven churches described in revelation chapter 2 to 3 or seven literal churches at the time that John the apostle was writing the book of revelation. Lol they were literal churches in Asia minor at the time; there’s also spiritual significance for churches and believers today. The first purpose of the letters is communicated with the literal churches and meet their needs. The second purpose is to reveal seven different types of individuals/churches throughout history and instructed in God’s truth.

A possible third purpose is to use the seven churches to foreshadow seven different periods in the history of the church. The problem with this view is that a surge displays characteristics that can fit the church at any time in history. So, either although there may be some truth to the seven churches representing the seven errors, there is too far my speculation disregard. Our focus should be on one message God is giving us through the letters to the seven churches.

Philadelphia: Revelation 3:7-13 records CHRIST message to the sixth of the seven churches addressed in revelation chapters 2 and three. The Philadelphia Church is the recipient of this letter.  John MacArthur writes: “Philadelphia was located on a hillside about 30 miles southeast of Sardis. It was founded about 196 BC by Atlas, the 2nd  king of Pergamum. His unusual devotion to his brother earned the city its name,’ brotherly love.’ The city was an important commercial stop on a major trade route called the Imperial Post Road, a first century mail route. Although Scripture does not mention this church elsewhere, it was probably the fruit of Paul’s extended ministry in Ephesus in Acts 19.”

Her name by interpretation, “Brotherly Love.” “He Who is holy, who is true, (3:7), who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens”—is the One who addresses the church. For this church there is no censure whatever—only commendation. It is therefore possible, yes, and feasible also, for a church to be well-pleasing to her Lord. Philadelphia was so. The Lord specifically commends three things in her; and to her, He specifically promises three things.

The three things commended:

  1. You have kept my word, vs. 8; 8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.  It is very important for us to have a high regard for the Word of God.
  2. And not denied my name, vs. 8; 8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 
  3. You have kept my command to endure patiently, vs 10.10 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. 

The three promises:

  1. An open door no one can shut. 8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. Concerning this point, MacArthur writes, “This either is an admission into the kingdom or an opportunity for service.”  We should be thankful that we have been given the privilege to share God’s Word with others and help them to come to a saving grace in Jesus!
  2. 9 Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. Their bitter enemies of the synagogue of Satan shall be made to come and fall down at her feet, and shall acknowledge her as beloved by the Lord—her full and complete vindication (Compare Isaiah 60:14.) “The sons of those who afflicted you shall come bending low to you, and all who despised you shall bow down at your feet; they shall call you the City of the Lord, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel.”
  3. Exemption from the “I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” (v. 10) The hour of trial which is to come upon the whole earth to try those who dwell upon the earth, is not to be distinguishing from that “great tribulation,” unparalleled in all the world’s history, “such has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will” (Matthew 24:21), which immediately, precedes the signs and the appearing in glory of our Lord. (Matthew 24:24-29

Talk about 3 prophetic viewpoints people have held—in first century, throughout history and today—all three were/and are  held in Restoration History (Note: Both the Post-Mil and Pre-mil views were prevalent throughout history—especially  in Restoration views)  A-Mil was not till later–

  1. Amillennialism-This viewpoint takes most of God’s prophetic word as figurative. Note: Even those who are Pre-Mil know that there is figurative language in the Bible.  This view would deny any “tribulation, or Millenium.” They could view it as figurative (explain)
  2. Postmillennialism: those who hold to this view also hold to primarily a figurative view of future things.
  3. Pre-Millenialism: The view of most here I would think—(explain—now we believe that there is figurative language in Bible, but most is explained elsewhere in the Word.

Because Philadelphia had kept the word of His patience—had patiently endured and stood true and faithful throughout—the Lord will keep her from (literally, “out of”) that hour of the works-wide trial—not only from the trial but from the hour of it. If the meaning of the preposition “ek” translated “from” does not of itself determine whether Philadelphia would be removed out of the great trouble, or kept safely through it, the expression, “I will also keep you from the hour of trial” indicated she will not have to face that time at all. (Compare Luke 21:36; Isaiah 26:20-21.)

How do we live “in the here and now?” Titus 2:11-1411 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. 

Talk about the previous passage as it relates to Philadelphia and today.

 
Then follows the warning: (v. 11) “I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown (the Crown of Righteousness is representative of all crowns–): Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not to me only, but to all who have loved His appearing.”  2 Tim. 4:8

There is also a three-fold promise to the overcomer

  1. I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God; All believers will enjoy an unshakable eternal secure place in the presence of God eternally.
  2. He will not go out from it anymore; Heaven is eternal!
  3. I will write on him: a. The name of my God; b. The name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem; and c. My new name.

All of this needs but little comment. The key of David represents the right and authority which belongs to our Lord because He is “The Descendant of David,” the sole Heir of all the blessings that belong to the Davidic covenant of promise.

Implications for Today: Seven churches are reminders to stay spiritually vigilant, remain faithful to Christ despite the challenges, temptations and persecution.  We have the call of Jesus to stand firm in the truth, even when cultural pressures are present.  These letters also point out eternal reward.

In this appears again the representative character of these messages. The Philadelphian church itself may disappear before the great hour of trial actually arrives. But whether it comes in her day or not, she will be kept from it in any case. When finally, that awe full hour breaks there will be some congregations and individuals here answering to the pattern of Philadelphia, to whom the promise will be literally fulfilled. (1 Thessalonians 4:16.). “I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have.” It pays to be true to the Lord

–Larry Miles lives in Louisville, KY and attends Cherry Street Church of Christ in New Albany, IN