Scripture: “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.’
Revelation 3:7-13 ESV [Click here to read the entire chapter.]
Observation: Recapping Yesterday’s Daily Focus, immediately rebuking the church for being dead, Jesus challenges its congregants to wake up, for he has found their works incomplete before God. Then, commanding them to remember and keep his words and repent, Jesus threatens to come like an unexpected thief at night. Still, he offers a conciliatory word regarding the remnant who have “not soiled their garments” (v.4) and who have “conquered” (i.e., overcome adversity; v.5). They will walk with Jesus in “white garments” (v.5), for he will confess their names before his Father and the angels. So, for the rest who slumber, wake up, listen with understanding, and make a course correction.
Today’s reading covers the sixth of Christ’s exhortations to the seven churches: Philadelphia. Using his formulaic salutation, Jesus addresses the “angel of the church” with his unique title, “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.” That said, Jesus announces he has permanently opened a door for them. Then, noting the church has obeyed his word and upheld his name (even in their weakened state), Jesus will provoke the synagogue Jews who deny him to humble themselves before the Philadelphia church and realize that he loves the church. And because the church has “patiently endured,” Jesus will soon return and deliver them from the tribulation. Thus, they must persevere so that no one steals their crown. And if they conquer, they will become a temple pillar of God, a permanent resident, indelibly tattooed with the names of God, the new Jerusalem, and Christ’s new name. Finally, Jesus urges them to listen with understanding.
Historical Note: Thirty miles southeast of Sardis, Philadelphia (modern Aleshir) was strategically founded along a Roman highway to Asia in 140 BC by Attalus II. Attalus gave the city his surname: Philadelphia (which means brotherly love). With extensive commercial and cultural exports to Asia, Philadelphia became known for its open-door policy. It benefited from the region’s volcanic ash that produced fertile soil and much crop production, but it all suffered horrendous earthquakes that periodically leveled the city. In 17 AD, one such quake caused so much destruction that many citizens relocated their homes outside the city walls. In response to the disaster, Caesar Tiberius alleviated taxes and invested money to rebuild Philadelphia. Consequently, the city changed its name to Neocaesarea (the city of the new Caesar).
Takeaway: With its history in mind, John pronounces Jesus’ encouraging words to Philadelphia, the sole church of the seven that received no reproof. Instead, unlike Philadelphia’s turbulent history, the saints are encouraged to persevere with the promise that he has set an open door before them (free access to him), which no one can shut. And, in verse 12, Jesus makes two additional vows: that they will never have to relocate outside his temple (never be displaced from his kingdom) and that he will write his new name on them (they will never lose their identity as children of God). Interestingly, Philadelphia is the only one of the seven churches with continuous Christian representation.
Our takeaway? While a day for the Lord is like a thousand for us (2 Peter 3:8), we understand that Jesus’ “soon” return is our call to “readiness.” So we carry on with his mission in seasons of trial and suffering, anticipating that glorious day when the Father and Son make all things new, free of sin and sorrow. Meanwhile, we live in the knowledge that our Brother’s door is always open and that we are firmly in his grasp (John 10:28). And though our earthly addresses and names may change, we will always have a home with Christ and carry on the family name.
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for your Son, who encouraged the humble in heart to persevere—and still does today. And we thank you for his assuring words that inspire us to persevere in kingdom work with a sense of urgency that he may return soon. So please help us to heed your Holy Spirit’s direction and be quick to call on your Son, whose door is always open, for strength (Philippians 4:13) when we are weary and peace when we are anxious so that we might bear the names of you, your Son, and your holy kingdom as a testimony to a hurting world. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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