To the Church of Philadelphia
“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. 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. 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. 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. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 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. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 3:7-13).
Philadelphia, today’s Alaşehir, was a city in ancient Lydia (modern-day Turkey). It was named Philadelphia by King Eumenes II, ruler of Pergamon, in honor of his younger brother, Attalus II, whom he nicknamed Philadelphus, meaning "brotherly love." Attalus II served under his brother as a general, and although he was favored over his brother Eumenes by the majority of Roman senators, he remained loyal to his brother.
The city of Philadelphia was known for its trade in silk and leather. Its surrounding areas were popular for producing grapes. However, it did experience some hardships due to frequent earthquakes. Now, John the Apostle was tasked with writing a letter to the church of Philadelphia.
Jesus was aware of the deeds of Philadelphia. He had a Word for them that came from Him because He is holy and true. The Bible says: “…and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 1:4). There was never any sin found in Him, and His word is True. He reminded them that when He opens a door, no one can shut it, and when He closes one, no one can open it. The Bible says, “I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open” (Isaiah 22:22). This is a valuable reminder for Christians because what God has in store for you is specifically for YOU because He holds the key or has all power and authority. No one can take it away once God opens the door for you to receive it, except for Him. However, it is important to understand when God is closing a door, so what are the signs?
1. You keep hitting a brick wall. Refer to the story of Balaam (Numbers 22:21-35).
2. God provides an ark of protection and closes the door Himself to separate you from others and/or danger. Refer to the Story Noah (Genesis 7:1,16b).
3. God sends a word of warning through someone. Refer to the story of Rehoboam when he was warned by the prophet Shemaiah not to engage Jeroboam, the northern kingdom of Israel, in war (1 Kings 12:22-24).
4. God will confuse the language, situations, people, and places to get your attention. Refer to the story of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9).
5. God will spiritually drown the one who tries to walk a path not for them. Refer to the story of Pharaoh and the Egyptians (Exodus 14:23-31).
6. God will allow you to be swallowed by your circumstances until you learn to listen. Refer to the story of Jonah (Jonah 1).
7. God will allow you to get beat the by same demons you keep playing with. Refer to the story of the seven sons of Sceva, the chief priest (Acts 19:16).
Saints must also know when the Lord opens doors. Knowing God’s favor in a door opening is to recognize His voice, and one can do this through prayer, fasting, and studying His Word.
Philadelphia had endured a great deal, and its strength felt depleted, but it remained faithful to the name of God. They were aware of the pretenders of the faith, but God promised to make their enemies their footstool. “The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand; until I make your enemies your footstool’ ” (Psalm 110:1). God will take care of those who come against the ones who are dedicated to doing His will. Therefore, one never needs to worry when they are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for in the end, there is a great reward.
Jesus promised to keep them from the hour of testing because of their patient endurance. Many within the body of Christ take this scripture to mean that the church will not be persecuted in the last days. However, one must cautiously understand this text to not mean that believers will never endure persecution. The Bible says: “The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore” (Psalm 121:5-8). Our faith must be in the Lord regardless of what materializes in the natural. For example, many believers are losing their lives right now in places like Nigeria for their faith. Nevertheless, the Lord keeps them spiritually even when they lose their physical bodies. They are determined to live for Christ even at the threat of death, for they do not shrink back from going to their churches and worshiping in other places even though they are under constant danger. Why is this? Jesus not only can protect us physically but mentally and spiritually where the suffering that takes place all around us will not affect us even if we lose our physical bodies.
The Bible lets us know that there will be Christians who will be persecuted, just as we see today in the news. However, this particular church was not going to endure the persecution that others would go through. Many of us will face persecution for the sake of Christ and may have to offer up our lives; however, there is a reward in the end that is greater than the fleshly vessels that we currently occupy. Those who will not go through the great persecution will have to be in constant prayer for those who do. “When they take you and turn you over [to the court], do not worry beforehand about what to say, but say whatever is given to you [by God] in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit [who will speak through you]. Brother will betray brother to [be put to] death, and a father [will hand over] his child; and children will rise up and take a stand against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of [your association with] My name, but the one who [patiently perseveres empowered by the Holy Spirit and] endures to the end, he will be saved” (Mark 13:11-13).
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT: Take your chosen favorite verse and turn it into a poem that explains the meaning of the verse for a non-believer to understand. It may or may not rhyme...the choice is up to you. Have fun!
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