Church of Philadelphia – The Faithful Church
6. The Church of Philadelphia - Rev 3:7-13
Rev 3:7 "To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds
the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.
Rev 3:8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little
strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
Rev 3:9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars--I
will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.
Rev 3:10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going
to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.
Rev 3:11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
Rev 3:12 The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will
write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming
down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name.
Rev 3:13 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Rev 3:7 "To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds
the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.
Rev 3:8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little
strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
Rev 3:9 I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars--I
will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.
Rev 3:10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going
to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.
Rev 3:11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
Rev 3:12 The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will
write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming
down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name.
Rev 3:13 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Ruins of the Church of Philadelphia
History and background of Philadelphia
Ancient Philadelphia is located on the Cogamis River in western Asia Minor, about 80 miles east of ancient Smyrna. Philadelphia was known for its variety of temples and worship centers. Today, Philadelphia is known as the Turkish city of Alasehir. Due to a series of ancient earthquakes, there isn’t much left of ancient Philadelphia, and archaeology is limited to foundation stones and a few Roman columns.
Philadelphia was situated as an important commercial and cultural gateway from the western Roman empire to the eastern provinces. Because the city was built near a volcano, its soil was very fertile so it was renowned for its vineyards and wines. But being near a volcano also had its drawbacks: the city was often hit by powerful earthquakes. In A.D. 17, a massive quake destroyed much of the city so Emperor Tiberius exempted the city from paying taxes for a time. Tiberius was so generous he even donated a vast sum of money to help rebuild the city, so the city leaders renamed the city Neocaesarea (“New Caesar”). Emperor worship was also a common religion in the city. Still, the old name Philadelphia, which means “Brotherly Love,” stuck.
But the aftershocks were so strong and persisted for so long that people slept outside of their dwellings for years afterward. Those who had businesses kept them inside the city, but they left in the evening to sleep in their houses outside the city.
As in any Scripture text, this historical-geographical background helps the reader understand Christ’s words to all seven churches, including Philadelphia. In fact, the recent history of this city factors greatly into the words of encouragement Jesus gives to this struggling congregation. As a gateway, the city was an open door to both East and West. For their faithfulness, Jesus says they will never leave their city. Even the renaming of the city is mentioned in the commendation of this church who has but “little power,” yet is known to Christ by its “patient endurance.”
Promises to the Church at Philadelphia
Not only does Christ commend the church in Philadelphia for their faithful works. Because of their faithfulness to him, Jesus promised eternal, heavenly blessings to them.
In verse 9, Jesus calls the Jews “the synagogue of Satan.” He condemns the Jews in this way because they claim to be Jews—God’s people—but they are not, so they are “liars.” They consider Christians as apostates, but they are actually the false Israel who worship Satan. Christians are the true Jews, the true children of Abraham, the true Israel (Gal 3:29). John actually wrote in his gospel that Jesus referred to the Jews as the children of Satan the devil who is also the father of murderers and liars (John 8:44). In opposing Christ, the Jews are actually doing Satan’s work.
For their faithfulness, the Philadelphian believers were given several promises by Christ.
First, the Jews will be under their authority, “I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.” (verse 9). Christ will cause these persecutors to bow down at the feet of Christians.
Second, because the church in Philadelphia has kept Jesus’ word, Jesus promised them, “I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.” (verse 10). This is not a promise to spare Christians from persecution, suffering and even martyrdom, or to remove them from the world, but to protect them from God’s wrathful judgment.
Third, Jesus promised, “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.” (verse 11). Because the “hour of trial” will be brief, the Philadelphia church will soon see relief from their sufferings. Christ will come soon, which means he will rescue them quickly. Jesus also encourages them to hold on to what they have, which is the Word of God, the gospel of Christ that they have believed in.
Because of their faithful perseverance, they will receive their crowns of glory, and no one can remove their crowns from their heads. This is the same “crown of life” that Christ promised to the faithful believers in Smyrna (Rev 2:10). Everyone of you in this church “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (Jas 1:12).
Fourth, to “The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it.” (verse 12). Jesus promises to make those who “conquer” or “overcome” sufferings in this world a pillar in God’s temple. Unlike their being forced to leave their homes because of continuing earthquakes, they will never be forced to leave this temple by anyone or anything. God’s people will be like pillars in the heavenly temple, pillars that will never and can never be shaken or removed.
Even today, you are being built as God’s temple on earth, “you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Pet 2:5). Christ himself is this temple’s chief cornerstone that the world has rejected (1 Pet 2:4, 7). In the end, you will be taken to heaven as God’s holy and true temple to dwell there for eternity. No earthquake or persecution can shake or destroy this heavenly temple. For you who are pillars in this temple, you will forever dwell in it in perfect peace in his everlasting kingdom. This also means that there will be no future earthly temple, because God’s temple is heavenly (Rev 21:22), and Christ’s “kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36)
Fifth and last, Christ promises,“ I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. ” (verse 12). In the new city of God, the names of the twelve tribes of Israel are inscribed on the twelve gates, and the names of the twelve apostles are inscribed on the twelve foundations of the city (Rev 21:12-14). All nations will see your righteousness and glory, and “you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give” (Isa 62:2).
You who persevere will have the name of God inscribed on you. This means that you bear the name of the holy and true God, that you belong to him, and are protected by him for eternity. The name of the city of Philadelphia was changed to “New Caesar,” but the name of the city of faithful Christians will be “New Jerusalem.” So we read later that all Christians, in this new city “will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads” (Rev 22:4). They will be sealed with God’s name on their foreheads because they are “servants of our God” (Rev 7:3; 14:1).
Conclusion
Dear friends, as we celebrate this first anniversary, be mindful that Christ encourages you to be faithful to the true gospel and always give glory and honor to him who has saved us from sin, death, and God’s coming wrath.
Christ has promised that he will give you strength to be faithful and persevere in the face of sufferings. When you see that you are a very small congregation compared with many others, pray that you will be faithful to God’s Word, and that he will add to your number. Do not be enticed by the entertainment in other churches, because your Father seeks worshippers who worship him in Spirit and in truth, with reverence and joy.
Therefore, in your hour of trial, Christ promises protection and preservation from Satan’s deceptions. Because of Christ’s work on the cross, you have entered an open door into God’s kingdom. Even today, Jesus has gone into his Father’s house in heaven where he is preparing your eternal dwelling-places. Hold fast to the gospel of Christ and all of its benefits, so that he may call you a conqueror and an overcomer who will dwell in God’s heavenly temple forever.
History and background of Philadelphia
Ancient Philadelphia is located on the Cogamis River in western Asia Minor, about 80 miles east of ancient Smyrna. Philadelphia was known for its variety of temples and worship centers. Today, Philadelphia is known as the Turkish city of Alasehir. Due to a series of ancient earthquakes, there isn’t much left of ancient Philadelphia, and archaeology is limited to foundation stones and a few Roman columns.
Philadelphia was situated as an important commercial and cultural gateway from the western Roman empire to the eastern provinces. Because the city was built near a volcano, its soil was very fertile so it was renowned for its vineyards and wines. But being near a volcano also had its drawbacks: the city was often hit by powerful earthquakes. In A.D. 17, a massive quake destroyed much of the city so Emperor Tiberius exempted the city from paying taxes for a time. Tiberius was so generous he even donated a vast sum of money to help rebuild the city, so the city leaders renamed the city Neocaesarea (“New Caesar”). Emperor worship was also a common religion in the city. Still, the old name Philadelphia, which means “Brotherly Love,” stuck.
But the aftershocks were so strong and persisted for so long that people slept outside of their dwellings for years afterward. Those who had businesses kept them inside the city, but they left in the evening to sleep in their houses outside the city.
As in any Scripture text, this historical-geographical background helps the reader understand Christ’s words to all seven churches, including Philadelphia. In fact, the recent history of this city factors greatly into the words of encouragement Jesus gives to this struggling congregation. As a gateway, the city was an open door to both East and West. For their faithfulness, Jesus says they will never leave their city. Even the renaming of the city is mentioned in the commendation of this church who has but “little power,” yet is known to Christ by its “patient endurance.”
Promises to the Church at Philadelphia
Not only does Christ commend the church in Philadelphia for their faithful works. Because of their faithfulness to him, Jesus promised eternal, heavenly blessings to them.
In verse 9, Jesus calls the Jews “the synagogue of Satan.” He condemns the Jews in this way because they claim to be Jews—God’s people—but they are not, so they are “liars.” They consider Christians as apostates, but they are actually the false Israel who worship Satan. Christians are the true Jews, the true children of Abraham, the true Israel (Gal 3:29). John actually wrote in his gospel that Jesus referred to the Jews as the children of Satan the devil who is also the father of murderers and liars (John 8:44). In opposing Christ, the Jews are actually doing Satan’s work.
For their faithfulness, the Philadelphian believers were given several promises by Christ.
First, the Jews will be under their authority, “I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.” (verse 9). Christ will cause these persecutors to bow down at the feet of Christians.
Second, because the church in Philadelphia has kept Jesus’ word, Jesus promised them, “I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.” (verse 10). This is not a promise to spare Christians from persecution, suffering and even martyrdom, or to remove them from the world, but to protect them from God’s wrathful judgment.
Third, Jesus promised, “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.” (verse 11). Because the “hour of trial” will be brief, the Philadelphia church will soon see relief from their sufferings. Christ will come soon, which means he will rescue them quickly. Jesus also encourages them to hold on to what they have, which is the Word of God, the gospel of Christ that they have believed in.
Because of their faithful perseverance, they will receive their crowns of glory, and no one can remove their crowns from their heads. This is the same “crown of life” that Christ promised to the faithful believers in Smyrna (Rev 2:10). Everyone of you in this church “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (Jas 1:12).
Fourth, to “The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it.” (verse 12). Jesus promises to make those who “conquer” or “overcome” sufferings in this world a pillar in God’s temple. Unlike their being forced to leave their homes because of continuing earthquakes, they will never be forced to leave this temple by anyone or anything. God’s people will be like pillars in the heavenly temple, pillars that will never and can never be shaken or removed.
Even today, you are being built as God’s temple on earth, “you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Pet 2:5). Christ himself is this temple’s chief cornerstone that the world has rejected (1 Pet 2:4, 7). In the end, you will be taken to heaven as God’s holy and true temple to dwell there for eternity. No earthquake or persecution can shake or destroy this heavenly temple. For you who are pillars in this temple, you will forever dwell in it in perfect peace in his everlasting kingdom. This also means that there will be no future earthly temple, because God’s temple is heavenly (Rev 21:22), and Christ’s “kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36)
Fifth and last, Christ promises,“ I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. ” (verse 12). In the new city of God, the names of the twelve tribes of Israel are inscribed on the twelve gates, and the names of the twelve apostles are inscribed on the twelve foundations of the city (Rev 21:12-14). All nations will see your righteousness and glory, and “you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give” (Isa 62:2).
You who persevere will have the name of God inscribed on you. This means that you bear the name of the holy and true God, that you belong to him, and are protected by him for eternity. The name of the city of Philadelphia was changed to “New Caesar,” but the name of the city of faithful Christians will be “New Jerusalem.” So we read later that all Christians, in this new city “will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads” (Rev 22:4). They will be sealed with God’s name on their foreheads because they are “servants of our God” (Rev 7:3; 14:1).
Conclusion
Dear friends, as we celebrate this first anniversary, be mindful that Christ encourages you to be faithful to the true gospel and always give glory and honor to him who has saved us from sin, death, and God’s coming wrath.
Christ has promised that he will give you strength to be faithful and persevere in the face of sufferings. When you see that you are a very small congregation compared with many others, pray that you will be faithful to God’s Word, and that he will add to your number. Do not be enticed by the entertainment in other churches, because your Father seeks worshippers who worship him in Spirit and in truth, with reverence and joy.
Therefore, in your hour of trial, Christ promises protection and preservation from Satan’s deceptions. Because of Christ’s work on the cross, you have entered an open door into God’s kingdom. Even today, Jesus has gone into his Father’s house in heaven where he is preparing your eternal dwelling-places. Hold fast to the gospel of Christ and all of its benefits, so that he may call you a conqueror and an overcomer who will dwell in God’s heavenly temple forever.
