See, I have placed before you an open door that no man can shut. It happened to Samuel, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Haggai, Zechariah, and others. BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. The Apostle Paul uses this analogy about himself. 1:18; Gal. Hello heaven! 2 Peter 1:13-14, NIV. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. It is spiritual power the Lord is talking about. I will write on him 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 him my new name. To a church that is responsive and ready to be used, the Lord will use his power to "open and shut" to make their enemies respect them and openly acknowledge God's blessing upon them. We are to know him as present with us at all times, and seek to conform our behavior to his life. But what is the biblical view of humility. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." Genesis 1:28. Who he is is "the holy one" and "the true one." Or do you graciously say, Thank you, in a spirit of genuine appreciation and humility? Jesus is the redemptive name of our Lord. Mark 2:5. The reference to being a pillar in Gods temple and the further explanation he shall go out no more (verse 12) was encouraging for Philadelphians who, due to earthquakes, may have seen the pillars of buildings in their city collapse and citizens having to go out of the buildings for safety. This Awakening also encompasses the great Wesleyan Revival and George Whitefield's preaching in both England and America. He has been waiting until his enemies be made his footstool, for long centuries. A third name which it bore during the 1st century AD was Neo-kaisaria; it appears upon the coins struck during that period. Francis Schaeffer, And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. And he was called the friend of God. Peter wrote his final letter shortly before his execution. 1 Corinthians 15:58. (G) 9I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan,(H) who claim to be Jews though they are not,(I) but are liarsI will make them come and fall down at your feet(J) and acknowledge that I have loved you. M. S. Kimber in The Sunday School World, 1893, I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside. Names reveal the character of the named: The first is, "the name of my God." Then, second, the Lord says in Verse9: "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." What was Jesus message to the church in Pergamum in Revelation? He will open some doors; he will close other doors. In this letter, however, Jesus makes no reference to that vision. 7. Philadelphia -- The Faithful Church | Bible.org It is a promise of the departure of the church, which Paul describes so vividly in First Thessalonians4: The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first, then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord. The cornice from a building in ancient Philadelphia (photo by Joel Meeker). Our own "desires" entice us away from God and desire "gives birth to sin" (James 1:1315). This is the truth that Paul teaches in First Corinthians3. Roman emperors often helped rebuild these cities; and in the early part of the first century, the famous historian from the area, Strabo, specifically wrote of the walls of the houses in Philadelphia being cracked due to earthquakes (Strabos Life and Works). Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, and He took the same means of escape that is available to usobedience to God's Word (Matthew 4:111; Hebrews 5:8). Thats the view given by most English dictionariesa deemphasis on ones own importance. All rights reserved. When you labor for me, says Jesus, you will reach a place where you will not have to go out ever again. Ezekiel looked up and saw remarkable visions of Godthe throne of God surrounded by angelic beings. There is no word in Greek for I know. What was Jesus message to the church in Smyrna in Revelation? When Gods mandates go unfulfilled on earth, Gods glory is diminished. Its not just bowing down to a small carved statue or a pagan worshiper offering incense at a shrine to Buddha. Therefore, if we are to experience victory in this life, it will come only as we depend on Him. Temptation. 2:12; Col. 4:3, 1 Kgs. And he is genuine reality. It is in relationship to that event that Jesus says he is coming soon. That is why you have been made a Christian -- that you might do good works -- deeds of help, mercy, kindness, witness, love, comfort, counsel and strength. He had been caught in a personal scam run for his own benefit, and as a result God says a very unusual, very descriptive thing about him: "I will take him and whirl him around and around (like a discus thrower), and hurl him into a far country," (Isaiah 22:18). Never again will he leave it. So, Jesus proved He had the authority to say, I forgive you, by doing something harder. It called itself Neocaesarea when Tiberius helped it; and later on, in honor of Vespasian, one of the Flavian emperors, it changed its name to Flavia. Copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. 8I know your deeds. The first, the First Council of Nicaea, met to agree on the nature of Jesus of Nazareth as both Son of God and Son of Man, as both fully divine and fully human. During difficult times, the hope of eternity gives us strength. English Standard Version (ESV). He is the true one, the one behind all that really exists. Never miss a post! Paul writes that we belong to God and we are to glorify Him with our care and use of our body. We might think that, if Jesus was truly divine, He would have had no need to pray for knowledge, guidance, or help. That is why the Lord says of this church at Philadelphia, "You have some power, but not much." You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. Have you responded to Gods willing invitation to come to Him? This is a promise that believers will be made godlike. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. The Little Church that Tried | Rev 3:7-13 | RayStedman.org I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. . For more, log onto, 4 Lessons From the Philadelphia Church in Revelation, thefaithfulness of the church in Philadelphia, 4 Steps to Spiritual Awakening From Revelation, Christs Message for the Seven Churches of Revelation and Today, Revelations 7 Promises to Every Believer, Becoming a Cashless SocietyA Financial Sign of the End Times. Thomas Watson, Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Is it things above? In the days of Hezekiah the king there was a courtier (we would call him a chief-of-staff, for he was in charge of the palace) whose name was Shebna. To think less of Gods gift would be to devalue it; to think realistically about it allows one to serve humbly. Marine litter is a huge ecological problem. We have victory now and for eternity only because of the victory Christ won for us. I believe Ephesians 2:10 is in some ways the most exciting verse in the New Testament. It was an open door of tremendous significance which the Lord had opened for Paul. 12(N)The one who conquers, I will make him (O)a pillar in the temple of my God. He also reminded them that He will reward those who overcome (verse 12, also see Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 21). John Bunyan, who wrote Pilgrim's Progress, was one of these Puritans; John Newton, whose hymns we sing so often, was another. One of the most striking and helpful illustrations of Jesus humanity was His prayer life. 1 Corinthians 15:57. A person of integrity obeys the whole counsel of God every day, in every circumstance. What causes them to come at last and bow before the church and acknowledge God's blessing upon them? We must look for and take "the way of escape" God provides in every situation where temptation is found (verse 13). See the words about Jesus in the Gospels as sparkling like diamonds. Revelation 3:7 - To the Church in Philadelphia - Bible Hub Philadelphia was the sixth of seven congregations to receive a message from Jesus Christ at the end of the first century. Or is it things below? (The article on Smyrna documents the struggle faithful Christians had during the second century with others claiming to also be Christian who had mistakenly abandoned the observance of Passover for Easter.). To a church like the church at Philadelphia the Lord says he will open doors of ministry and service, and no one can shut them. That teaches us something very important. When he failed to confess his sin to God, his bones grew old and he groaned all the day long (verse 3). But the power of the Spirit is given only to those churches who learn to keep his word and to not deny his name! In his vision of the future, the apostle John saw that new heaven and a new earth, our new domain being pictured as the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God (Revelation 21:1-2). Integrity of heart is indispensable. We can imagine a child writing an appreciative and sentimental memoir about her perfect father, understanding that perfect was not intended to be taken literally. When you see opportunities to care for creationnature or your own bodydo so as a way of glorifying the Creator. A change of names would be meaningful to the Philadelphians because that city changed its name twice in its history. 7And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: The words of (A)the holy one, (B)the true one, (C)who has the key of David, (D)who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. His will cannot be opposed. First, as prophesied, Christ had received the throne of His father David (Luke 1:32). http://soniclight.org/constable/notes/pdf/revelation.pdf, The Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia in Their Local Setting by Colin Hemer. To what things was Paul referring? He currently pastors the Austin, Texas, congregation of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association. 13He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. First, there must be the Word. It conveys insights into life that you will find in no other place. Although there is no correction offered by Christ to the church in Philadelphia, there is still important advice in this message that applies to us. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. God always has a plan, and our false starts become His fresh starts. Somehow, at the end of the age, when Christ has returned to reign and inaugurate the eternal state, this earth will be renovated and a new earth will be the resulta new earth full of righteousness in which pain and sorrow will be absent. As the world nears that final, climactic upheaval we should hear again his promise that he is coming soon. This city was built before 138 B.C. J. Vernon McGee, The Lord your God cares. One feature about the city, which ties closely to us here in the Bay Area, was that the city was destroyed by an earthquake in 17A.D., along with Sardis and other cities in that locality. That is why Scripture is of paramount importance. Though mankind was given the mandate to have dominion over (that is, to care for) all of creation, we have not done a good job. But he met Christians who treated him kindly and loved him despite his anger and hostility. He spoke of looking forward to these things. and [looking] for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13-14). Later in the same chapter He added: For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. Revelation 3:7 - 13. We have many other great missionary names that come out of this period of history. Those two things are central in the ministry of every church. The town received its name from his nickname, Philadelphus or brother lover. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is fullgrown, brings forth death (James 1:1315). Hello golden streets, glorified bodies, endless days, and the fresh air of New Jerusalem! (P) Hold on to what you have,(Q) so that no one will take your crown. It means "Yahweh saves." That is not a reference to the possible loss of salvation. Philadelphia is the sixth of the seven churches mentioned on the map. One example of this is found in Acts 14:27 where Paul reported to the church at Antioch that God had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles (also see 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:3). As Christians, they faithfully observed all of Christs instructions and followed His example of worship instead of accepting humanly devised changes claiming to be Christian (1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6). So the door which had been closed to him once was opened to him later by the Lord. In the Jerusalem temple which was destroyed in 70A.D., there were two great pillars in front of the building, one called Jachin (which means "established, permanent"), and the other Boaz ("strength"). He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Revelation 3:7-13, emphasis added throughout). He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility. (It later resumed the name Philadelphia.) Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. He was from a priestly family, and he undoubtedly looked forward to serving God in Jerusalems temple. (Revelation 3:8 NIV). W. A. Criswell, Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you. Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for you if you belong to Him (John 14:1-4). (Revelation 3:7 NIV). Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. With the other prophets, the second time meant additional prophetic utterances they were to deliver. This is the church that delights Christ! 13(U)He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.. There are other countries of Eastern Europe that remain closed as well. Chief among those conditions is that it have discovered the power of the Spirit. Hurry and SAVE on a yearly membership! Could any father set a more worthy example to his children or grandchildren than that of being friends with God? Jonah 3:1-2. We must not allow a desire for status, prestige, fame, a beautiful home and the things the world lusts for, to become central in our thinking. Revelation 21:1. 7 Answers to 7 Questions. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. With pride? Temptation is not sin; yielding to temptation is. The creation is both a monument of Gods power, and a looking-glass in which we may see his wisdom. J. C. Ryle, I rejoice at Your Word as one who finds great treasure. Ministry may grow out of it which will challenge and encourage and bless you as you go on. Philadelphia quickly became an important and wealthy trade center, for as the coast cities declined, it grew in power, and retained its importance even until late Byzantine times (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, 1939, Philadelphia). The message to this congregation concludes with important promises that Christ says He will give to those who overcome. by the king whose close relationship with his brother earned Philadelphia the meaning "brotherly love." He wasnt discouraged; he was looking forward to the future. In the new heavens and the new earth redemption will no longer be required, but a new role will be given our Lord, and in that new work the church is called to share. Ruins of a Byzantine Church at Philadelphia (photo by Joel Meeker). It is referring to those who live as though this life is all there is, who are materialistically-minded, who live upon the earth and for the earth and for the things of earth. America is full of them. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. But when the work of redemption is finished, when we are all home in glory with him and God's work of saving and redeeming us is over, Jesus will be given a new work to do. I will write on them the name of my God(U) and the name of the city of my God,(V) the new Jerusalem,(W) which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. The point behind Christs action toward those labeled as the synagogue of Satan is to show them and others whom He loves and respects. He is hoping they will increase that potential for ministry. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. New International Version (NIV). [The Lord] loves, and cares, and sympathizes, and understands, and seeks, and saves, and forgives, and helps, and encourages, and walks by our side taking care of us in life when we cant take care of ourselves. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. This persecution came from the Roman government, from Jews who practiced Judaism and from people who claimed to be Christian yet who did not diligently adhere to the teachings of Christ and the apostles. It is in that connection that he utters this promise to come soon. It began in England as the movement which we call the Puritan Movement. And then the angel names the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Its name was given to it in honor of Attalus II, because of his loyalty to his elder brother, Eumenes II, king of Lydia. Revelation 3:7-13 New International Version To the Church in Philadelphia 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. Thats just when God appeared to him as he was among the exiles by the Kebar River. Actually the word is not "from," but "out of" -- to be delivered out of -- not just the trial but out of the very time of the trial! The church is being given the reasons why the Lord opened a door for them. Follow Abrahams example as a faithful father by deepening your friendship with God. An important lesson for us is that once we begin obeying God and living as He commands, we must stay the course. The purpose of the Spirit in our lives is to make us godly or godlike. The Lord himself continually confronted the Pharisees who claimed to be Abraham's descendants, but Jesus said to them, "You are of your father the devil," (John 8:44). In writing about the timing of the Day of the Lord (the end of the age), Peter says God is waiting for all who will be saved to come to Him. His character is without flaw or blemish. 21:2; Ezek. What he really says is, "Since you have kept my word of patient endurance." As Paul explains, all Christians, regardless of their racial background, are considered Jews: For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God (Romans 2:28-29). Some of you have been listening to Tuvya Zaretsky during our Sunday School hour telling of his Jewish upbringing and how resistant he was to the gospel and to Christians. He tells them plainly who he is and what he does. He did for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. It was a prediction that he would be sent into Babylon. 2:9; [Ps. But well soon put aside the tent of our earthly body, and what a relief! As has already been documented in this series of articles on the seven churches of Revelation, the Church of God founded by Jesus and the apostles faced much persecution through the centuries. It is the Word which enables us to know the character of Jesus, to have fellowship with him, and to not deny that character in our lives. Friendship is the marriage of affections. it was established on one of the highways leading to the interior of the region. Jesus says, "I will give you three names." The victory over the world, the flesh, the devil, and sin was won by the Cross and the empty tomb. None of us is above God's discipline if we engage in sin. It only offered encouragement and promises. And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, 'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens" : I know your works. The Church of Philadelphia was probably the second most faithful of the seven Churches of Revelation. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. Philadelphia means: Love of the brethren. It has everything to do with whats at the center of our affections. (Revelation 3:11-13 NIV). Listen! Before Jesus was born in Bethlehem an angel appeared to Joseph and told him that Mary would bring forth a son, "and you shall call his name Jesus." I must make a correction to the NIV text at this point. Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. That is the reward which is offered, the opportunity for even greater service. Twice this morning I have had the privilege of addressing a large congregation. Theyre building a palace for me over there. Richard Sibbes, DavidJeremiah.blog is part of the broadcast ministry of David Jeremiah. 23:6; 27:4], ch. 12Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Message transcript and recording 1989 by Ray Stedman Ministries, owner of sole copyright by assignment from the author. That verse changes our view of idolatry. That is the promise to the believer who overcomes by faith. Inside was $4,000! While it is clear that Jesus is making those of the synagogue of Satan understand that He loves and respects the members of the church of Philadelphia, it is not as clear who these people are who are part of the synagogue of Satan. The patriarch Isaac could have written that book about his father, Abraham. The Churches of Revelation: Philadelphia - The Faithful Church We serve the same God who said: And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. Colossians 3:1 tells us to seek those things which are above, where Christ is. In verse 5 were told to put to death the passions that come from below"fornication, uncleanness, passion, and evil desire. Then the Lord added the sin of greed or covetousness to the list, calling it idolatry. This church in Philadelphia is unique among the seven churches because it is the only church the Lord registers no complaint against. 9I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liarsI will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. On his second missionary journey he tried to go into the province of Asia to preach the gospel but was forbidden by the Holy Spirit; it was a shut door. The church of Philadelphia would be victorious over its enemies. He would grow angry just hearing people talk about Jesus. Viewed from the standpoint of Christian history, this church of Philadelphia foreshadows the great Evangelical Awakenings of the 18th and 19th centuries, following the time of declension among the Reformation churches: The Moravian Brethren in Germany began to meet in small groups for prayer, catching again a vision of God and what he could do, and eventually sent out missionaries to other parts of the world. Living in right standing with God? Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. Show firstshreveport's podcast, Ep "Dear Church: Philadelphia - The Faithful Church" Dr. Steven Bell July 9, 2023 Scripture Revelation 3:7 - 13 - Jul 9, 2023 That realistically stresses the fact that most, if not all, churches hardly realize the potential they have for ministry. As our lives center on God, giving priority to hearing His voice and reading His Word, we become bolder in sharing our faith. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Ezekiel is the prophet of the glory of the Lord. But thankfully, Scripture gives us illustrations: Like us, Jesus suffered, experienced hunger, required sleep, ate food, and had limits on His knowledge (Mark 13:32). A few ruins, including cornices of buildings, a portion of a wall and the foundations of churches dating throughout the centuries, are still visible today. Never again will they leave it. Titus 2:7. The church has been expecting him ever since, but he still has not come. And when he believed God, [God] accounted it to [Abraham] for righteousness (Genesis 15:6). If pride expands ones importance, does humility deflate ones importance? Jesus faced this dilemma when He healed a paralytic man. It was not uncommon in the Old Testament for the word of the Lord to come to Gods prophets again and again. Christs statement that He had the key of David reveals two important points: As for how Christ used His authority to open or close doors, He next tells the church at Philadelphia that He knows their works and that He has set before them an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name (verse 8). (Isaiah 22:17 NIV). During our second meeting one of the rabbis said something very striking. How could he have said to this church, 'I am coming soon?'" "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. Ending soon! One of our old hymns puts it this way. The God of grace loves to forgive. The Rest of the Story: The Hope of Bible Prophecy, Lessons in Parenthood From God the Father. But Jonah fled west toward Spain because he feared the Assyrians. That is a clear reference to what our Lord himself calls in Matthew 24 "the great tribulation" -- a time of distress that will come upon the whole world, the like of which has never been known before in human history, no, nor ever will be again. Ezekiel looked beyond the sufferings of Christ to the glory that should follow. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! Commentary on Revelation (3:7-13 ) - [Philadelphia] God's inspired words to the congregation at Philadelphia are an uplifting message of hope and encouragement. The key of David If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. Never again will he leave it. God is far more willing to save sinners than sinners are to be saved. After all, according to Paul in 1 Corinthians 13, love is known by its actions more than its words. Start your free trial today! 8 " 'I know your works. But when he came to Troas he had a vision of a man from Macedonia, and he learned that the Lord had opened a door for him into Europe. Now he tells the church, beginning in Verse8, how he will use this power to open and shut. My own conviction is that the full name of this church was probably the Philadelphia Bible Church, or PBC! Ruins of a Byzantine Church at Philadelphia (photo by Joel Meeker). Overview of the Seven Churches. Notice that the Lord says to this church at Philadelphia, "you have a little power." Forgiveness is to be set loose from sins. We must preach it, teach it, study it, and truly know it. They had not denied Christs name through disobedience. But something amazing happens. This will be the worst time of distress and bloodshed that the world has ever seen. There are no "new" temptations in life. The church in Corinth was an undisciplined church, and he was letting them know that even though the culture around them was in flux, their faith in Jesus Christ needed to remain focused and sure. On two separate occasions I have met with a group of knowledgeable, nationally known, Jewish rabbis, once in Los Angeles and again in Houston. In relationship to that his word is, "Hold on to what you have so that no one will take your crown." What was Jesus message to the church in Thyatira in Revelation? Deuteronomy 11:12, In a letter to Brigadier General Thomas Nelson, George Washington marveled at how Gods hand had protected him and given success to the cause of liberty: The hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations.. 11I am coming soon. Let thy hope of heaven master thy fear of death.