Revelation 3:7 “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”

Explain the church in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia was the youngest church of the seven. Of course, the name means brotherly love. The city was built by the Greeks to spread Hellenism. It was a very beautiful city with newer buildings. It was nicknamed, “Little Athens.” This city controlled the road which led from Europe to the east. So, the influence it had over other nations was tremendous.

The Christian church itself was called the faithful church. Jesus said they had little strength. We would look at this as a bad thing, but Paul would differ. He asked the Lord to take the thorn from his flesh, but God did not. He, therefore, lessened and God increased in his weakened state. The same rule applied to the church in Philadelphia. They were strong in the Spirit of God.

Did Jesus have anything bad to say about them?

No, there was not anything negative spoken about this church. He knew their works, their faith and how they worshipped Him with a full heart. He promised the church that they were in His hands and no one would take them out of it. What a testimony for a church to have! We should all take note of this in our personal journey with Christ. Less of us and more of Him. This should be our motto in life.

The Philadelphian church was told by Jesus, “Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.” The enemies of Jesus and His church will come and bow at the feet of these believers, and God will make them worship Him there. Jesus has won the war. We have won through His sacrifice.

What is the takeaway?

Revelation 3:11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. You often hear that life comes at us quickly. The day of the Lord will come quickly also. Are you ready to meet Him? If so, then you are promised, “He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. 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 out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.”

If you cannot say that you know Him as Savior, then remember tomorrow is promised to no one. Life is quick. It is like a puff of smoke. It just disappears. Jesus has been waiting for you to come to Him since you were born. Do not be one of the ones found of the synagogue of Satan.