Revelation chapter 3: Seven Churches - Philadelphia

VI. Philadelphia – Background – Founded by a Lydian king named Attalus II Philadelphus. He was known for his devotion to his brother hence the surname “brotherly love.” Philadelphia was an important trading city. It was also a major producer of wine. One of the more popular gods worshipped was Dionysus – god of wine and feasts. Unfortunately, the city was built on top of an earthquake fault. Philadelphia experienced a disastrous earthquake in 17 A.D. Aftershocks continued for the next 20 years. The city had a sizeable Jewish population.

1. How does Jesus introduce Himself? The holy one; the true one; who has the key of David, who opens doors that no one shuts and shuts doors no one opens. Read Isaiah 22:20-22. God gives a man named Eliakim the key to the house of David, the ruling family of Israel. If you wanted to speak to the king you had to first go through Eliakim. He was the “key” to the door to the throne. He had the authority to open or shut the door. Modern day example – Chief of staff in the White House. He is the “key” to the President. In speaking to the church of Philadelphia, Jesus introduces Himself as the one has the key of David. He opens and shuts the door to the throne of God. Read John 14:6.

2. Words of praise – I know your works. I know you have little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Little power – very little influence. A church with a small membership. It was probably the smallest and least influential of the seven churches. Unlike Sardis, it does not have a strong reputation. Sardis – large membership, carpeted floors, cushioned pews, orchestral music, large budget. Philadelphia – small membership, dirt floor, wooden chairs, out of tune piano, small budget. Sardis experienced no persecution. Philadelphia was heavily persecuted by Jews. Accused Jewish Christians of being “false” Jews. Jesus said it was the other way around. Why was Philadelphia experiencing persecution? They kept the Word of God. They listened, received, and obeyed the Word of God. Because Philadelphia was faithful to the Word, the church got Satan’s attention. He viewed the church in Philadelphia as a threat unlike Sardis. Encouraged his followers to attack the little church. Despite the persecution, Philadelphia refused to deny the name of Jesus. They obeyed His word to endure persecution with patient endurance (vs. 10.) Again, Jesus’ evaluation of a church to determine if it is alive or not is not based on membership, wealth, church architecture, musical style, or level of emotion. He bases it on whether the church is listening, receiving, and obeying His word.

3. Words of criticism – none

4. If they don’t repent… - no need to repent.

5. Promise if they overcome – a) Make him a pillar in the temple of my God never to be removed. What is the purpose of a pillar? It supports the whole building. It is strong and steady. Doesn’t move even in times of disaster such as earthquakes. Rest of the building may collapse but the pillars usually remain standing. b) I will write on you the name of my God (symbol – belong to God) and the name of the city of God, the new Jerusalem (symbol – citizen of the new Jerusalem. c) I will write on you my new name. As we’ll se later, everyone and everything in the new Jerusalem will be brand new. Even Jesus will have a new name. Why? The name Jesus in Hebrew means “the Lord saves.” No one in the new Jerusalem will need saving.