The Church at Philadelphia Was Obedient
June 22, 2021
Commentary
Philadelphia was situated about 28 miles southeast of Sardis and bordered on Mysia, Lydia and Phrygia. The name means brotherly love and was named after its founder, Attalus Philadelphia, king of Pergamos. It is said that because of severe earthquakes which destroyed the city several times, many of its inhabitants lived outside the city limits. A Christian testimony has continued here until the present century. This church is commended for four things: (vv. 7-8)
1. Using opportunities afforded by open doors.
2. Has little power (probably only a few people).
3. Keeping His word through obedience and submission.
4. Separation with no apostasy.
Christ referred to their enemies as the “synagogue of Satan” (v. 9). This is in reference to the Jews who opposed the believers. False religion has always been against the true Christian faith. However, the day will come when all opponents of this faith will have to acknowledge the truth. The church in Philadelphia received no rebuke from Christ, but instead was commended and given a promise because they were willing to endure patiently (v. 10). This promise was that they would not enter the time of trial which shall come upon all the world (vv. 11-13). Most Bible scholars believe that this refers to the “tribulation.” This promise seems to go beyond the Philadelphia church to all those who are believers in Christ. This means that the church will be kept from that hour. These must have been precious promises to a church that was plagued by enemies.
Application
What open doors has Christ placed before me and what promises has He made to me? Have I taken advantage of these?
Revelation 3:7– 13 (NET)
7 “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write the following:
8 ‘I know your deeds. (Look! I have put in front of you an open door that no one can shut.) I know that you have little strength, but you have obeyed my word and have not denied my name. 9 Listen! I am going to make those people from the synagogue of Satan—who say they are Jews yet are not, but are lying—Look, I will make them come and bow down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept my admonition to endure steadfastly, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come on the whole world to test those who live on the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have so that no one can take away your crown. 12 The one who conquers I will make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will never depart from it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God (the new Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven from my God), and my new name as well. 13 The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’