Philadelphia and Laodicea 1/5/25

Introduction

Philadelphia

Philadelphia was an ancient city in an area that is now Turkey. This isn't the Philadelphia of the East Coast :). It was named the city of brotherly love that's what the word Philadelphia means by one of the kings of pergamum in the 2nd century BC his brother was so loyal and devoted to the king that he was known as philadelphus. The city is named to commemorate the affection this brother had for his brother the king.

The city is located about 30 miles in from sardis and at the head of a very fertile plateau. It became very commercially important for a number of years yet unfortunately it was in an earthquake zone. So in 8017 an earthquake devastated the city causing a lot of citizens to leave for a safer place. The city was rebuilt with imperial aid a few years later and actually took on the name neisseria in gratitude to Caesar. It was again renamed Flavia a few years before the Book of Revelation was written. It's amazing how a city's name can change constantly yet a letter to a church in the city remains to this day. The current city at this spot is the Turkish town of al ashir.

The Message to the Church of Philadelphia: Be Sure!

Revelation 3:7 ESV

7 “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.

Laodicea

The Message to the Church of Laodicea: Depend on God!

Christ Stands at the Door and Knocks

Revelation Principles

PRINCIPLES

• The risen Christ holds the Spirit of God and the servants of God in his hands.

• As holder of the key of David, Christ guarantees the open door of heaven to his children.

• Congregations displease Christ when they are filled with nominal good works or with self-sufficient works.

• The risen Christ earnestly desires full fellowship with each of his congregations.

• Those who claim to be God’s people must be careful not to become a “synagogue of Satan.”

• The rewards given to overcomers include eternal life and a share in Christ’s rule. All who receive eternal life will rule; all those who rule have eternal life.

APPLICATIONS

• Keep Christ’s word.

• Stay true to his name.

• Endure persecution patiently.

• Come back into fellowship with Christ if your faith is nominal or self-sufficient.

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