The Church in Philadelphia

Revelation 3:7–13 ESV

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. “ ‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and 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 from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

The Audience: Philadelphia (v. 7)

the angel or pastor? of the church at Philadelphia

Philadelphia comes from the Greek meaning “brotherly love”

The city was named for a King of Pergamum named Attalus Philadelphus (Walvoord)

Wiersbe: “This church had a vision to reach a lost world, and God set before them an open door.”

The Author (v. 7)

How does Jesus identify himself?

the holy one, the true one -

They Holy One - was a common title for God - Isaiah 40:25; Hab. 3:3 - completely set apart - unique

The true one - cf. John 14:6

Rev. 6:10 - also uses this two-fold title

holds the key of David - cf. Isaiah 22:15-24 - a steward had apparently abused his power and was displaced by Eliakim the son of HIlkiah - who was given the “key of the house of David...” I wonder if Shebna and Eliakim - while being real people, were also representative of the pharisees/religious leaders (Shebna) and Jesus (Eliakim).

The Book of Revelation (F. Philadelphia (3:7–13))

Christ is next described as having “the key of David,” a metaphorical expression indicating complete control over the royal household. Specifically, in view of the following clauses, it means the undisputed authority to admit or exclude from the New Jerusalem

The Affirmation (v. 8-9)

they seemed to have demonstrated faithfulness in the face of weakness and even persecution.

several commentators suggest that this “open door” is a door of evangelistic opportunity - missionary activity.

Where has God opened doors for us? How are we using those?

KSA

New Bedford/Grace Harbor

Poolesville

He again addresses people who are part of the “synagogue of satan” (Rev. 2:9) - false followers - who ridiculed the church. - Mounce suggests that they may have been excommunicated from the synagogue

The Assurance (10-12)

Jesus promises to

keep them from a “trial” that will affect the whole world - because they “kept [his] word”

Jesus encourages them to “hold fast” to press on, continue.

Jesus also promises to

make them a pillar in the temple

a permanent place in the temple, identified by God, bearing his name.

The Admonition (13)

as with the others - listen to what the Spirit says!

Sources

Beale, G. K. The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text. New International Greek Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, Cumbria: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press, 1999.

Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation. The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1997.

Walvoord, John F. “Revelation.” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, edited by J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.

Wiersbe, Warren W. The Bible Exposition Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996.