The Faithful Church

Revelation 3:7-13
The Faithful Church
7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,
‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”:
8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.
10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.
12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. 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 out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.
13 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’

The city of Philadelphia was located in Asia Minor. Today, it is known as Alasehir in Turkey. This city was known for its beauty and Roman influence. It also had big earthquakes.

The church in Philadelphia was commended for their faithfulness and resilience in the midst of facing persecutions and hardships.

The Christians were steadfast in their commitment to the Word of God, refusing to deny the name of Jesus.

The Lord promised to keep the church in Philadelphia from the hour of trial that would come upon the world. This signified a period of tribulations and testings, but the Lord assured them of His divine protection, providence and preservation.

The Lord God also promised to make the church in Philadelphia a pillar in His temple. This symbolized their stability and security within the kingdom of God.

Jesus declared that He had set before them an open door that no one could shut, indicating that God would open up opportunities and blessings for the church in Philadelphia.

Even when they had only a little strength, they remained faithful, and followed the Lord! They were not afraid to speak about the Lord. There was a synagogue that belonged to Satan. Those in that synagogue said they were Jews, but they were liars. They were not true Jews.

The Lord would make these liars to come before the Christians, and bowed at their feet. Then these liars would know that the Lord had loved His people as they had followed His teachings about not giving up.

Those who overcame and remained faithful were promised a new name in the Book of Life, signifying their new identity and relationship with God.

The purpose of the message to the church in Philadelphia is to overcome the challenges of life while remaining steadfast in faith.

This message continues to be relevant for believers today, encouraging us to be faithful to God, endure hardships, and put our trust in the promises of God.

May we be like the Christians in Philadelphia. May we, who have ears, listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.

Written on 28 April 2025