The 7 Churches of Revelation - Philadelphia

FYI Point: 

Antichrist- a New Testament term meaning all adversaries of Christ, His Church and the Gospel but also one outstanding enemy of Christ appearing in conjunction with the final days of the world.  Characteristics of the antichrist appear in Daniel 7, 8 and 11:31-35 as well as 2 Thess. 2:3-12 and the writings of John- Rev. 11, 13, 17 and 18 and 1 John 2:18 and 4:3.  The Antichrist has been interpreted differently throughout history; politically being from Roman emperors to modern day dictators and ecclesiastically from cult leaders to, among Lutherans and other Protestants, the Papacy.  His number is 666 in Revelation.  Many attempts have been made to decipher the meaning of this number but simply it says that the antichrist is a man; 6 is the number one less than perfect and holy God, 7.    

The Church of Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13)

This city received its name from Attalus II whose close relationship with his brother, Eumenes, gained him the nickname “Philadephus”, meaning one who loved his brother. Thus, Philadelphia is the city of brotherly love.  It is thirty miles southeast of Sardis and was known as the “gateway to the East” therefore having important commercial status.  Philadelphia was prone to earthquakes as it lay by a nearby volcano.  In 17 A.D., a terrible earthquake struck leveling twelve cities and severely damaging Philadelphia.  It had many temples and was known for its cultic festival days.

As with Smyrna, Christ has no specific rebuke for Philadelphia.  Instead the emphasis is on the commendation for endurance and also that the enemies of this Christian congregation, the synagogue of Satan, will be brought to a judgment that the Christians will witness in some way (see Isaiah 45:14; Philippians 2:9-11).  Smyrna was told to stop fearing.  Christ says regarding Philadelphia that though they had little strength, yet to hold on.  They are before the open door of Christ’s kingdom.  He is coming soon.  They will be spared from the hour of trial other Christians will have to face.  These are offered as reassurances for continued faithfulness.

As to the designation of Jesus, we are redirected to the prologue of Revelation where He is called “the Holy One, the True One”; in 1:15 He is called “the Witness, the Faithful One”.  Jesus is really the ultimate evangelist, the One bearing Good News.  And He has sent us to share in this holy, true and blessed proclamation as some see in the “open door” of verse 8 a reference to mission opportunity.  Jesus is also said to hold the key of David which uniquely holds the power to open and shut.  Elsewhere in Scripture the use of “keys” is in reference to salvation, the authority to forgive sins of those repentant and the withholding of forgiveness of those impenitent (Isaiah 22:22; Matthew 16:19). Jesus is the Son of David’s royal line, a prerequisite of the Messiah, the Christ, who is King of Kings.  This ministry of grace is the very spirit of Christian mission as we open the door of faith through the preaching of the Word that testifies of Jesus Christ and anticipates our reign with Him in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Christ’s promise to the Christians of Philadelphia is manifold:  submission given from their naysayers, protection from the “hour of trial” as a testing on other Christians, designation as a pillar (a fundamental, strong, defining part) in God’s eternal temple as well as being God’s own with His name and that of the new Jerusalem written on them (showing ownership).  As we are now members of Christ’s body in our baptism, we will be pillars in His kingdom forever by grace in continued faithfulness.

For our Further Discussion

1.       What does Romans 10:13-14 say about the importance of mission, especially in the times of an “open door”.

2.       How open is the door in America for Christian mission, around the world?

3.       What comfort do you take in the promise that you belong to God?  How does this mindset put off some?