"And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and none shall shut, and that shutteth, and none openeth: I know thy works (behold, I have set before thee a door opened, which none can shut), that thou hast a little power, and didst keep my word, and didst not deny my name. Behold, I give of the synagogue of Satan, of them which say they are Jews, and they are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou didst keep the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of trial, that hour which is to come upon the whole world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. I come quickly: hold fast that which thou hast, that no one take thy crown. He that overcometh, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go out thence no more: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God, and mine own new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. " - Rev 3:7-13 (RV)
If last weeks study was somewhat discouraging (the dead church at Sardis) this weeks church presents us again with a mirror opposite! The congregation at Philadelphia, like Smyrna is unique in that Christ has no words of judgement for them, but only commendation.
Regardless of the content of the individual report cards, one thing to always keep in mind, is that ALL the churches are under his watchful supervision - they are ALL golden candlesticks ! Like the seven colors of the rainbow, they are distinct, but all reflect the covenant promise of God to be merciful to His children and creation!
THE REPORT CARD OF PHILADELPHIA
Ancient Philadelphia was established in 189 BC by King Eumenes II of Pergamon (197–160 BC). Eumenes II named the city for the love of his brother, who would be his successor, Attalus II (159–138 BC), whose loyalty earned him the nickname, "Philadelphos", literally meaning "one who loves his brother". To this day it retains the privilege of free Christian worship, with the use of bells for service, and processions in public—a thing allowed by the Turks in no other inland city of Asia Minor. It has a bishop and a dozen churches, and it is said that about a third of its fifteen thousand inhabitants are Christian. Its modern Turkish name is Allah Shehr, "the city of God," or, as others write and render it, Ala Shehr, "the striped city." The coincidence with "the name of the city of my God" (Rev_3:12) is highly interesting, though most commentators view it as accidental.
A. ISSUING AUTHORITY
From the One who has ALL authority. Christ told His disciples, "All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth." -Mat 28:18. The inclusion of the earth here is highly significant - if you remember the enemy's temptation of Christ after He was commissioned - He promised Christ all the kingdoms of the earth if only Christ would worship him. Well, he no longer has the capability to deliver on that promise because that power is now gone! While we may still not see Gods will being done on earth as it is in heaven, Christ now has ALL authority! If He opens a door, none can shut it, if He closes it, none can open. As He tells John in Rev 1:18, He has the keys of Death and Hades.
Here He adds the Key of David, a reference to Isaiah 22:1-22. The context shows us that it is neither the key of knowledge, nor the key of discipline, nor the key of the treasures of the kingdom that is spoken of, but the key of power to open the Lord’s house as a sure refuge from, all evil, and to preserve safe forever those who are admitted to it. "I will call My servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah," says the Almighty by His prophet, "and I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; and he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open." This is not a symbol of Priestly office, but of one of complete authority! The connections to the Robe, the Girdle, and Key in Rev 1 are complete.
B. WHATS GOING WELL
The struggle against opposition. Though this church has a little strength, Christ helps by setting forth an open door that none can shut - try as they might. This opposition comes from those who say they are Jews, but are NOT - they are of the synagogue of Satan. In spite of this fierce opposition, this church is prevailing through the same graces we see in Thyatira - patience, Word keeping, and a steadfast witness of the Name. The parable of the Sower gives us the secret to bearing fruit - hearing the Word, and Obeying (keeping) it with patience. "And that in the good ground, these are such as in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, hold it fast, and bring forth fruit with patience." - Luke 8:15 No big deeds or amazing miracles called for here, but diligence and patience!
C. WHATS NOT GOING WELL
One may say that the assessment that this church has a little strength is a gentle reproof, but let us be mindful that the Almighty says HIs strength is made perfect in weakness! What a beautiful proof of that we have here... He provides the door, and we don't need to wrest to open it or keep it shut, but simply walk through it in His strength!
D. RECOMMENDATIONS AND NEXT STEPS
Hang on to what you are doing! Dont be swayed by opposition or try to do things in your own strength - that way lies the deception of the enemy who wants to take your crown - but keep doing what you are doing - its working!!!
E. BENEFITS/CONSEQUENCES OF FOLLOWING THE RECOMMENDATIONS
Christ makes a number of commitments to this church - more so than any of the ones we have seen thus far :
1. Those currently opposing them will be forced to acknowledge the righteousness of this church. It is possible that they might even be converted, and worship the Lord, but from a position at this church's feet - signifying their elevation to a high priestly/kingly office. Whether the worship is willing or forced, it is clear that this congregations work is going to be vindicated and crowned with acceptance - they will know that Christ has loved this church!
2. He promises to keep them from the hour of trial that is to come upon the earth. This is highly interesting in that He does not make this promise even to Smyrna (rather trial is promised to them - so that the number of the martyrs may be full), but to this church! Here is some grounds for thinking that this type of church may be removed from the world before the onset of end-time tribulation - and we would definitely agree with that - however it does not mean that a miraculous disappearing (aka Rapture) is in view or called for. They may simply be called home to be with Him before these trials begin - again - kind of opposite to Sardis, which goes through that period because they are not watching for His arrival.
3. The last promise is the most awesome of all. A permanent presence as a pillar (figurative) in the temple of God, Holy to God (inscribed with His Name), a permanent residence and citizenship in the city (the name of the City), and the authority and right to bear the Name of their Husband! Amazing!!!
Here is encouragement indeed. Not by might nor by Power, but by His Spirit! We may feel that we can do nothing and are weak and helpless amidst all the evil around us, but the weapons of our warfare are mighty to the pulling down of strongholds, and even the gates of Hell CANNOT prevail against us, because God Himself puts all His power , strength and might at our disposal through the agency of prayer. You can do nothing, but He can do anything! All you have to do is ask, and if your prayers are in line with His will, YOU CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS!!!
Truly, the enemies greatest tactic is to prevent us from knowing our potential and the nuclear weapons at our disposal - he deceives us into looking at the waves - not the one who made the sea, and is in the boat with us! Let us heed Christs call, reach for His hand, and step out onto the ocean of life, because if HE has opened a door for us - there is NONE that can stop us! Faith and Obedience channeling the grace of God - that is the key !!! Hallelujah!!