The Letter To Philadelphia
- 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 no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and 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 hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Revelation 3:7-13) -
The word "Philadelphia" in Greek can be interpreted to mean "brotherly love." However a more accurate translation would be something along the lines of "friendly city." Philadelphia was also the youngest of the cities. It was acquired by Pergamos in 189 B.C. Its location is the same today as it was back then. It was also know for producing wine, so it comes as no surprise that Dionysius, the god of wine, was its principle deity. This city was well situated on the imperial post road from Rome and Troas to Pergamos, Sardis and to the interior of Phrygia. It was a virtual gateway to the high central plateau of Asia Minor. And as such, the Romans deliberately set it up as an outreach to promote Greek culture. This lasted for several centuries, so this city could be considered a missionary in that sense. I should probably add that this area also had the Greek name Katakekaumene (The Burned Land) for a time. This was a highly volcanic region and suffered repeatedly from earthquakes. In 17 A.D. there was a massively disastrous earthquake that devastated this and ten other cities in the region. The tremors from that earthquake were reported for years afterward. This made the people very insecure, resulting in civic and economic disruption for over twenty years. Because Tiberius was so generous with relief and financial aid to the city following the earthquake, the citizens renamed the city Neo-Caesarea (New City of Caesar). When Tiberius gets replaced by Vespasian, the city was renamed Flavia, which was his family name. However those name changes were short lived, and in time the citizens changed the name back to Philadelphia. Interestingly enough, today this town is called Allah-Shehu which is "City of God" in Arabic.
Fast forwarding to the 14th century, we see Islam has entered the arena and the Muslims have taken over the region. Yet the city of Philadelphia stood alone against the entire Turkish empire as a free self-governing, Christian city in the midst of a Turkish land. Everything else had fallen and they hung in there. They were twice besieged by great Turkish armies, its people reduced to the verge of starvation... however they learned to defend themselves and resisted to the very end.
1379-1390... Finally they were overtaken by a combined Turkish and Byzantine army.
- 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 no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; (Revelation 3:7) -
This is the title that Jesus uses to address those in Philadelphia. In examining this title, the first thing we need to take note of is His holiness. I think most of us believe that we have a pretty good grasp on what holiness means... and yet if we were to take an exam we would probably discover that we don't know as much as we thought we did. The holiness of God is an attribute that should inspire in each of us a certain amount of terror, as well as reverence. This attribute is usually linked to His justice and judgment. It's interesting that when we see a glimpse of God's throne as revealed in different places in the Scriptures, there are angels described as surrounding the throne, and crying Holy, Holy, Holy. Have you ever wondered why the word Holy is used three times in this heavenly praise? It's because this is an acknowledgement of the Holy Trinity by the angels. The Holy Father, the Holy Son, and the Holy Ghost. Jesus was declared holy at His birth, holy at His death, and holy in His present priestly office as He intercedes for you and I.
He is Holy and He is true. This title pretty much sums up His character. I believe Jesus is using this title because out of the seven churches, Philadelphia is the only one that could be called a faithful and loyal ambassador. The word "true" is the Greek word "alethinos" which means real or genuine. His kingship rests upon the bedrock of His character... He can be trusted. This is the exact opposite of the Allah of the Koran, who is presented as being capricious. You're never quite sure what Allah is going to do, and that makes him untrustworthy. However, God makes promises and delights in keeping them.
The key of David... this phrase has a lot of conjecture and commentary from theologians as to what they think this key is, but what do the Scriptures say? To find out we have to go to Isaiah 22 where it's mentioned. Starting at about verse 20... what's happening here is that during the reign of king Hezekiah, the royal treasurer Shebna gets replaced by Eliakim, the son of Hilkia.
- And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah: 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; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father's house. (Isaiah 20:20-23) -
Verse 22 has the same phrase that Jesus uses. I believe that even though the focus here is Eliakim, the allusion is Messianic. In addition to this, the nail spoken of in verse 23 is another idiom for Christ.
- And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father's house, the offspring and the issue, all vessels of small quantity, from the vessels of cups, even to all the vessels of flagons. In that day, saith the Lord of hosts, shall the nail that is fastened in the sure place be removed, and be cut down, and fall; and the burden that was upon it shall be cut off: for the Lord hath spoken it. In that day, saith the Lord of hosts, shall the nail that is fastened in the sure place be removed, and be cut down, and fall; and the burden that was upon it shall be cut off: for the Lord hath spoken it. (Isaiah 20:24, 25) -
Here is one of several Old Testament allusions that reveals the Messiah will be cut off (executed). But as it concerns the key of David received by Eliakim, this item consisted of a large key on a heavy loop slung around the shoulder. This was symbolic of the full administrative authority that came with the position now occupied by Eliakim. He alone had the power to grant or deny an audience with the king. And since we're on the subject of keys, I should probably point out that the whole thing about the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven being given to Peter is widely misunderstood.
- And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 16:18,19) -
Peter is given the keys to the kingdom. However, two chapters later all the apostles are given the keys, not just Peter.
- Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 18:18) -
So there is a lot of misunderstanding about this. In fact, it was Peter that was first sent to open the door of the New Covenant to the Gentiles. That was what the whole ordeal with Cornelius was all about in Acts 10... the doors were being opened. However, it is the keys that we're focusing on. People often say that Peter was the only one that had them, but the Scriptures make it clear that they all had them. Peter himself goes on to clarify the situation in his first epistle (1 Peter 2:4-9). I would also add that the exchange between Jesus and Peter leading up to the keys being given over, is also misunderstood.
- He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 16:15-19) -
When many read this passage they assume that Peter is the rock that Jesus was going to build on. However, later it becomes clear that it was not Peter, but the rock of Peter's faith that Jesus was going to build upon. You see, the Greek word "Petros" which translates into Peter, also means a piece of a rock or stone... the word "Petra" which translates into the word "rock" means just that... a mass of rock or a large stone. So there is a play on words here. "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Petros (Peter/small rock), and upon this petra (mass of rock) I will build my church." Jesus wasn't calling him Simon He was calling him Peter (small rock/stone) because of his proclamation of faith. And as I stated earlier, two chapters later Jesus gives the same authority to the other apostles. So this was not something unique to Peter. He later goes on to explain about stones...
- To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; (1 Peter 2:4-9) -
Now did you notice a phrase in verse nine that would appear to be an oxymoron? A royal priesthood... If you were Jewish you would understand that the priesthood belong to the tribe of Levi. Whereas the royalty came from the tribe of Judah. They were commanded to be separate and never cross as those offices were concerned. So what Peter proclaims here comes across as very strange to the Jewish listeners. In speaking to us the church, Peter say that we are a royal priesthood. This is going to be very important for us to understand when we get to chapter four. There were only three people that were ever both king and priest at the same time. Melchizedek, mentioned in Genesis 14, celebrated in Psalm 110, and also mentioned in the epistle to the Hebrews 5 to 7... he was both king and priest. Jesus Christ was both King and priest... but who is the third? The Church. And this becomes important when we get to chapter four. You'll begin to understand why when we get there.
But getting back to Peter's explanation of rocks and stones... notice that Peter is not pointing to himself as the foundational rock, but to Jesus Christ. So people misunderstand Matthew 16 because they take it out of context, and therefore cannot grasp the heart of what Peter is saying. And again, two chapters later...
- Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them(Matthew 18:18-20) -
So now that we've gotten through the title of Jesus Christ, let's go over the commendation.
- I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and 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. (Revelation 3:8,9) -
Wow, Jesus gives these in Philadelphia seven commendations! There are only six listed in here (Revelation 3:8,9) though. The seventh is a little further into the letter. That being stated, lets take a look at the first six.
1. I know thy works: behold,
2. I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it:
You know, I would submit that many of us are continually trying to get through doors that God has shut. When we really should be focusing on recognizing and getting through the doors that God has opened. Many of these open doors include the doors to the mission field (1 Cor.16:9, 2 Cor.2:12, Col.4:3). There are also doors of deliverance (John 10:7,9, Gen.7:16, Mat.25:1-10).
3. for thou hast a little strength,
Jesus acknowledges that even though they may be small. Even though they may be weary. There is strength in them.
4. and hast kept my word,
This is in a time of denial. They are steadfast, loyal, and faithful. Friends, that is our challenge right now! We are living in a world that is critical, disparaging, and outright hostile to believers in Christ. You see it in movies, tv, on the internet... you hear it on the radio, you read it in books and magazines... Christians are always demeaned. Will we hold fast and keep His word?
5. and hast not denied my name.
As I explained in an earlier letter, I firmly believe that the commandment to not take the Lord's name in vain, has nothing to do with curse words or vocabulary. It is about ambassadorship. Are you a loyal ambassador? Do you buckle at the knees or cringe when you should be proclaiming? Do you get ashamed, embarrassed, or offended by Jesus? We are living in a day where the deity of Christ is blatantly denied even by seminary and pulpit. You can make a list of every cult you can think of in this world... they come in all shapes and sizes. Yet they all share one thing in common. One thing ties them all together. That one thing being that they deny the deity of Jesus Christ. This denial and blasphemy has even slithered into the churches... but not in Philadelphia.
6. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and 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.
The synagogue of Satan... remember we encountered these guys back at the letter to Smyrna? Most commentaries believe this refers to legalists. Those that try to get us back under the Law, and in doing so deny the completed work of Jesus Christ. That may be the view that Jesus has in mind here. However there is also the view that Jesus is talking about false Jews in a literal sense. Those who claim to be Jews and are not. What's in view here may be those that have been called re-constructionists.
Most denominational churches teach a view of the Scriptures that has as one of its foundations, the belief that because Israel rejected her messiah, the promises that she was heir to fall upon the church. Their whole theological system rests upon the idea that the Church has replaced Israel as the apple of God's eye. This theology is taught in most seminaries and preached in most denominational churches. It's called replacement theology. Because they teach that the church replaces Israel, this view is often accompanied by amillennialism. A belief that Jesus isn't really going to come back and rule the earth. It is also a theology that laid the foundations for the holocaust in Europe. The holocaust in part can be blamed on the silent pulpits that did not speak out against the abuse of the Jewish people in Nazi Germany. Even today the spirit behind what happened in Germany continues to work even through the churches. You will find anti-Semitism prevalent in many of them. They are churches that do not see Israel as part of God's plan of redemption... and I personally believe that this is what Jesus has in view here. However, it is interesting that they will be compelled to worship. This leads me to suspect that even though they hold to their replacement theology, they can still be saved (Phil.2:10,11). Clearly there is a day of vengeance coming. This is what Jesus declared at His mandate, when He read the first two verses of Isaiah 61 in the synagogue at Nazareth, as recorded in Luke 4. However He stopped at a comma... there was a phrase that He omitted. The day of the vengeance of our God, and that is what's forthcoming here.
I believe that God loves Israel.
- But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. Fear not: for I am with thee... (Isaiah 43:1-5) -
God loves Israel and He hasn't changed His mind about them. They've got some tough times ahead of them, but they will be redeemed. This brings us to the key verse of the entire letter. This is a verse that you will want to understand, and you will want to be prepared for the arguments you are going to encounter about this verse...
7. - Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. (Revelation 3:10) -
My patience... Jesus has been patient for two-thousand years. He is waiting in the wings to take charge of that which He has purchased... and He is asking us to be patient with Him. So because we keep the word of His patients, what will He do for us? I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. This is the most important promise that you will find in the New Testament, in the book of Revelation, and in the seven letters... One of the most important truths of the Scriptures that was "recovered" by the evangelical movement of the 19th century was the Lord's return for His Church.
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation...
This should actually read, "...from the hour of (the) temptation. In the Greek there is a definite article before "...hour of temptation." In English that might not count for much, but in Greek this is very emphatic. In Greek this is "tes horas." Which is "the hour, time, season." Notice Jesus is not saying He will keep you from the tribulation... He says He will keep you from the time of the tribulation. There's a big difference, as there are those that will argue that this means God will preserve you during this hour of trouble. But that is not what He is saying at all.
...which shall come upon all the world...
Not just the Jews in Israel but the entire world. This will not just be a persecution of the Christians, nor just a persecution of the Jewish people... this is upon ALL THE WORLD. And what is the purpose of this temptation that shall come upon all the world? It is to try them that dwell upon the earth... the earth dwellers. There is a class of people consistently through the book of Revelation that dwell on the earth. They are the adversaries and a distinctive group. The word "dwell" there is the word "katoideo" in Greek, which means "identified with."
- For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:(Philippians 3:20) -
- These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. (Hebrews 11:13) -
The earth dwellers are those that not only dwell on this earth but identify with this world and everything about it... (its system, its traditions, its entertainment, its causes, etc.) These are worldlings... You and I are not. We are pilgrims passing through. Our eyes are on a city who's maker is God. It is also very clear in the Greek that this time of trouble will be upon all mankind. It is geographically comprehensive. Now the post tribulational types often trust in a belief that they will have an immunity against this time of trouble. Basically they believe that God will protect them from what ever is unleashed during this hour of tribulation, and preserve them through it. But is this what the Scriptures say, or is this simply what they want to believe?
I will keep you "from"...
First, the word "from" in this text is "ek." This is a Greek preposition that means "out of" or "removal." Secondly, the articles... "the hour," "the temptation." indicate a specific time distinct from all others. Thirdly, this comes upon "all the world." And lastly, for what purpose? To try them that dwell on earth. Let me point out something to you. During the tribulation period the gentile believers will not be protected! There will be certain Jews that will be sealed and protected, but ALL gentile believers will be killed (Rev.7:9-17; 11:7; 13:7; 15; 17:8; 20:4). ALL gentiles that come to faith during this time will be murdered. Beheaded. Now when I saw all I don't mean 100%. But more like 99.99999...etc. I believe there will be a scattered few here and there that may some how survive. But for the most part, ALL gentile believers will be martyred. You take the mark (666) you'll be okay with this world's system. But you will be forever damned and lost... you will never receive salvation...ever.
So the point I'm getting at is that the idea of Jesus protecting us through the tribulation is ridiculous in light of what the Scriptures proclaim. Especially about the believers being given into the hands of Satan's Anti-Christ and their system. Who is giving the believers left on earth over to this system? God is! And it would contradict His word to protect them through this hour... therefore He will remove us from this hour! Those left behind, if they remain true we who are taken will meet them in Heaven later.
Now onto the exhortation part of this letter. I haven't skipped the concern part of this letter... Jesus didn't have any concerns for those in Philadelphia. Smyrna and Philadelphia are the only two letters out of the seven for which Jesus makes no mention of concerns. But here He goes straight into His exhortation.
- Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.(Revelation 3:10,11) -
That's interesting that He mentions crown here. There are two crowns mentioned in the letters. One is here and the other in Smyrna. And these are the two churches that have nothing bad said about them. But there's something else about these crowns... when do you receive them?
You must already have them! Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. It couldn't be taken if you didn't already have it! You have a crown. If you've earned it you have it. The primary admonition here is to "hold fast." Jesus isn't asking for anything new. Just hold on to what you've got, you're doing great. This brings us to the last part of this letter, the promise to the overcomer.
- Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. (Revelation 3:12) -
A pillar meant something to those that had been plagued with earthquakes. And it is interesting that Sardis had a name and was dead... remember the last letter? Name, name, name is throughout this promise. What does the name have to do with? My God... which Jesus says four different times within this promise. I find it interesting because this is the only time in eternity that Jesus does not call God Father. Lastly, we have the closing phrase.
- He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Revelation 3:13) -
In review, the application of these seven letters to all churches are as follows:
EPHESUS: Devotion and intimacy, not just doctrine and service.
SMYRNA: Endure persecution. Hang in there.
PERGAMOS: Fight against marrying the world. (It's Passover not Easter!)
THYATIRA: Turn from the pagan practices and traditions.
SARDIS: Be watchful. Be diligent.
PHILADELPHIA: Missionary outreach. You're doing great, keep at it.
Laodicea may surprise you. I'll tackle that in the next post.
On the prophetic timeline which displays the life span of the church on earth we have Ephesus as the Apostolic Church, Smyrna as the Persecuted Church, Pergamos as the Married Church, Thyatira as the Medieval Church, Sardis as the Denominational Church, and Philadelphia as the Missionary Church. In looking back, notice that the first three letters have the promise to the overcomer post scripted... a P.S. added on at the end of the letter. However, the last four will have the promise to the overcomer within the body of the letter as they will endure to the end in their own way. Also included within the last four letters are explicit references to the second coming of Jesus Christ. This is another distinctive of the last four. Thyatira has the threat that if they don't shape up they will go into the Great Tribulation. Sardis is silent on that subject. However, the Missionary Church is promised to be out of here! Friends, that promise is precious. I wouldn't hang the entire doctrine of the rapture on this promise... but I think it's enough. We're going to find just as compelling evidence in chapter four, and just as compelling evidence in chapter five. It's something that you might want to pray about, and then do your own study and come to your own conclusions.
TO BE CONTINUED...
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