The Letter to the Church at Philadelphia Revelation 3:7-13

The City of Philadelphia It derived its name (brotherly love) from Attalus, king of Pergamum because of his loyalty to his brother Eumenes. It was known for its it grapes and wine. The soils were perfect for growing due to the volcanic ash. Though it had temples to many gods (it was known as “little Athens”), its chief deity was Dionysus, god of the vine or wine.

The City of Philadelphia The city was the last postal stop in that region on the way to the east. It was near the border of Lydia to the rugged region of Phrygia. It is attributed with facilitating the spread of Grecian culture to the barbaric tribes of Phrygia. “As a border city it viewed itself as an ‘open door’ from one culture and country to another” (Pugh).

The Speaker 3:7 “He who is holy” “He who is true” “Holy” means to be sanctified or set apart. Jesus is holy. This is in contrast to the many gods which are represented in the city. He must be set apart in our lives; we must regard Him as holy above all else (Lev. 10:3). “He who is true” Dependable, genuine, real. Faithful (1 John 1:9).

The Speaker 3:7 “He who has the key of David.” Physically He is David’s son, heir to his throne. Thus, spiritually, He has the authority of David as king in the kingdom of God. Having the key, Jesus has the right or authority to open the door. “He who opens and no one shuts, He who shuts and no one opens.” Language is taken from Isa. 22:22. Playing off of Philadelphia as an “open door”, Christ shows that He is the One who opens and shuts doors. Having the authority He settles a manner and no one can change that.

What was Right with the Church Vs. 8: “I know your works”: both their efforts and their difficulties. “I have set before you an open door and no one shuts it.” He is watching over us. He opens doors for us: opportunities, work, blessings, etc. As they have been faithful with great struggle, they can take comfort in knowing that the Lord has opened a door for them which no one can shut.

What was Right with the Church “You have a little strength” Not spiritual strength, but physical. Poverty, few members, physical, etc. “You have kept my word” Regardless of physical weaknesses, it is still possible for congregations to be faithful to God. We do not need physical strength to be faithful—though the denominations may not agree. When we are weak then we are strong because we are forced to put all of our trust in Christ (2 Cor. 12:10).

What was Right with the Church Vs. 8: “You have not denied My name.” In spite of being weak physically, they showed spiritual strength. In spite of the pressures all around them they did not deny Christ, but kept His word. Vs. 10: “You have kept My commandment to persevere”: “Endurance, patience, continuance” (Strong’s). Such endurance is a command, not an option. Their struggle was an ongoing one and they did not give up hope, but continued on.

Vindication against Enemies Vs. 9: “The synagogue of Satan” Reference also made in 2:9. John 16:2: Claim to serve God, but in fact fight against Him; fighting for Satan. Such were the Jews and Judaizers who persecuted those who were faithful to Christ. “They say they are Jews and are not.” True Jews (people of God) are Jews inwardly—living by faith, having their hearts pure, seeking to please God rather than men (Rom. 2:29).

Vindication against Enemies Vs. 9: “I will make them worship before your feet.” Not make the Christians as gods. Rather, a humiliation of those who fight against God’s people (2 Thess. 1:6-8). Their enemies will be humiliated while the faithful will be glorified. This is seen in the following statement. “They will know that I have loved you.” When God’s people are glorified the world will know that God has loved them. Those who persecute God’s people will have no choice but to give them honor for their true faithfulness to God.

Exhortation Vs. 11: “Hold fast what you have” Though physically they have little, spiritually they have much. They are exhorted to hold fast, to continue on. They have kept their faith and diligence, they must continue on in that manner. Our faithfulness is what results in our crown in heaven. We decide whether we give that crown away or hold fast.

Comfort Given Vs. 10: Hour of testing coming, but Christ will protect them. They have been passing the test of faithfulness over time. Because of their continued faithfulness and endurance Jesus promises protection in the “hour of trial.” Notice, divine protection is coupled with human exertion: i.e., “hold fast.” When we are faithful we will have strength in Christ to meet all trials (Phil. 4:13).

Promised Reward Vs. 12: “I will make Him a pillar in the temple of My God.” Pillar represents strength, stability. The church is the temple of God. Those who are faithful are firmly founded, having their place in the house of God. As pillars, nothing can shake them: “He shall go out no more.”

Promised Reward Vs. 12: Three names written upon him. “The name of My God” If we bear God’s name then we belong to Him (as opposed to destruction). God’s seal will be upon our hearts (2 Tim. 2:19). “The name of the city of My God” If we belong to God then our home is in His city. When we bear the name of that city then it is where we belong. “My new name”: Daniel-Belteshazzar: when taken by Nebuchadnezzar. Abram-Abraham: When separated to God. In like manner, we will receive our new name from Christ, to whom we belong.

Conclusion Vs. 13: “He who has an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the seven churches.” Do you have an ear to hear?