Philadelphia is one of the best known of the seven cities in Revelation 2 and 3, because of its namesake and the meaning of its name as the “city of brotherly love.” The city lay near the river Cogamus and was part of a fertile farming area. Philadelphia was also on the great highway from Sardis in the west leading to the rest of Asia Minor in the east, as a result it was important to commerce and trade during the period. The city was destroyed by an earthquake in AD 17. Philadelphia was rebuilt by Tiberius, but the prevalence of seismic activity led many people to move from the city to outlying areas. There the rich soil lent itself to the growth of vineyards. The city’s primary deity was Dionysus, the god of wine revelry.
In verse seven Jesus identifies Himself as the One who is holy and true. He also holds the key of David. Context for the key of David is found in Isaiah 22:15-25. King Hezekiah’s servant, Eliakim was tasked by God to control access to the king. No one would come to the king without first clearing it with Eliakim. Jesus, as Messiah through the lineage of David, is the means by which we receive the blessings of God. Jesus holds the key to our eternity and to our entrance into the kingdom of God.
In verse eight, Jesus addresses the church’s spiritual condition. He knows their works and has no criticism for them. He knows their motivation is pure and rooted in a love for Christ and one another. The “open door” in a broader sense relates to their entrance into the kingdom of God and no other force can deny that. Others have offered that Philadelphia’s location as a gateway to the East and a cultural crossroads made it a prime mission sending church. This is despite the church having “little power” or strength. They were small in number and did not wield much influence within the city. As a religious minority they faced constant exclusion and persecution. Even so they are praised for keeping true to the word of the Lord and not denying His name.
Verses 9-10 In these verses we read a strong condemnation of the unbelieving Jews. They were named (just like in Smyrna) as being from the synagogue of Satan. These unbelieving Jews used their false religious platform to oppress and vilify the Christian minority. But Jesus says all will one day know who the one true God is. All will bow down and worship Him. The faithful overcomers from the Philadelphian church will reign with Christ and stand with Him as the disbelieving fall before them. In verse 10 Jesus speaks of an “hour of testing” that will come upon the whole world. There are several thoughts on the meaning of this. It may refer to the removal (rapture) of true believers before the period of great tribulation. Other scholars interpret this to mean that believers will be empowered to endure this future difficult time under God’s protection while remaining on earth. I think it important to note that however one chooses to interpret this we must keep in mind what these words meant to the original audience of First Century churches in Asia Minor. They were undergoing murderous trials we cannot conceive of from our modern American perspective. Tribulation for them was a present reality. While many may differ on their chosen timeline of events, we can agree that God will intervene in history, He will judge all humanity, and He will reign victoriously with the saints in eternity.
Verses 11-13 The final set of verses continue to address the return of Christ. Jesus says He is “coming soon.” While we don’t how soon that is, we can be reassured that God’s timing is perfect and He will return at just the right time. I read this promise in the context of 2 Peter 3:8-9 to help me understand: “Beloved, do not let this one thing escape your notice: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.” In the meantime, until they die or Christ returns, the church is encouraged to hold fast to the truth they know.
There is a promise to those who endure. The pillar was a sign of strength and stability. Pillars hold up the weight of the building and support the entire structure. The believer will endure. On these pillars Jesus declared he would write three things: the name of my God, the name of the city of my God, and my new name. Christ’s name would signify His ownership claim to the believer. Think as child you would (if appropriate) write your name in permanent marker on your most prized possessions. My name was written in my “Joe Morgan” baseball glove because I wanted anyone who might find it or steal it to know it belonged to me! Secondly, by writing the name of new Jerusalem on the believer, God would forever establish that we are citizens of heaven’s kingdom and not of this earth. These things written on the believer firmly establish who we belong to and that we are “living stones” (1 Peter 2:5) being built into the House of God.
The recurring theme of the letters to the seven churches is that they will face opposition from outside forces – cultural, governmental, and religious. There are also times when false teachings will infiltrate the church to internally undermine its commitment to the truths of the gospel. Believers are encouraged to persevere and overcome these pressures to compromise. The Lord will judge the church’s faithfulness and devotion to Christ. We are given the promise that a reward awaits those who put on their spiritual armor and stand to fight against the enemy who seeks to destroy the body of Christ.
We must as Ephesians 6:10-11 tell us, “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
