Appreciation: (3:8-11a):
Unlike other 5-churches, Philadelphia did not have any accusations but only appreciations and admonitions. The church had 4-characters:
- Little power: The church was small in numbers but had powerful impact on its city. Spiritual power flowed in the church.
- Obedient: “you have kept My word” Like Martin Luther before the Imperial Diet said: “My conscious is captive to the Word of God.”The Philadelphians did not deviate from the pattern of obedience, proving the genuineness of their love for Christ (Jn.14:23-24).
- Not denied Jesus’ name: Despite pressures they faced, they remained loyal regardless of cost of their lives. Some Philadelphian Christians were martyred along with Polycarp at Smyrna.
- Kept God’s command to endure patiently: They persevered faithfully enduring persecutions and difficulties.
Because of their faithfulness, God gave 3-astounding promises.
- Open door: God put before them open door which no one can shut. Their salvation was secure. Their entrance into the blessings of salvation by grace and Christ’s future kingdom was guaranteed. They are given the opportunities to serve. The strategic location of the city Philadelphia gives them excellent opportunities to spread the gospel.
- Synagogue of Satan to bow down: There were some unbelieving Jews who were causing troubles. God calls them the Synagogue of Satan. They were trying to exclude Jewish believers from the synagogue. Ignatius later debated some hostile Jews during his visit to Philadelphia. Because of their rejection of Jesus as the Messiah, they were not a synagogue of God, but a synagogue of Satan. Though they claimed they were Jews, their claim was a lie. They were Jews physically, but not spiritually (Rom.2:28-29). Another weapon was probably false accusation, for this is the way the unbelieving Jews often attacked Paul. Satan is the accuser and he uses even religious people to assist him (Rev. 12:10). It is not easy to witness for Christ when the leading people in the community are spreading lies about you. The church at Smyrna faced the same kind of opposition (Rev. 2:9). Jesus promised that these Jews would come and bow down at their feet symbolizing their total submission. The Philadelphia church’s faithfulness would be rewarded by the salvation of some of the very Jews who were persecuting it.
- Spared from trial: Because the believers in Philadelphia church had successfully passed so many tests, Jesus promised to spare them from the ultimate test. The sweeping nature of that promise extends far beyond the Philadelphia congregation to encompass all faithful churches throughout history. This promise further supports “rapture of the ”
Rapture is the subject of 3-passages in NT. (Jn.14:1-4; 1 Cor.15:51-54; 1 Thes.4:13-17). There has been much debate in this that:
- Rapture would take place before 7-year tribulation period.
- Rapture would take place at the second half of the 7-year tribulation period.
- Rapture would take place at the end of 7-year tribulation period.
The Lord intended to convey that the Church would not face the tribulation as per the letter to Philadelphian church.
The hour of testing in Daniel’s 70-week (Dan.9:25-27), the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jer.30:7), the 7-year tribulation period all point out to unbelieving Jews. But the Lord promises to keep His church out of the future time of testing that is going to come on unbelievers. The writer of this commentary, personally believe in the Rapture after going through the scriptures carefully.
The coming that Christ refers to differs from those promised to other 6-churches. The earlier promises were warnings of impending judgement on sinning churches. “The coming” indicates that the hour of testing or tribulations which culminates Christ’s Second coming. This further refers to us that Christ’s coming is imminent and it could happen at any time. So all the believers are warned to be alert and keep themselves ready to face Christ in the rapture. Once the church is taken away in rapture, the tribulations would commence in this world. So be ready.
Admonition: (3:11b-13):Because ofLord’s imminent return for His Church, believers must hold fast what they have. He commanded them to remain faithful. No one will take their crown if they continue to persevere in faith. For those who overcome, Christ has promised 4-eternal blessings:
- Pillar in the temple: A pillar represents the stability and also honour. The people who were constantly in danger of earthquakes, the pillar gives them the hope. God’s pillars are not made of stone, because there is no temple in the heavenly city (21:22). His pillars are faithful people who bear His name for His glory (Gal. 2:9).
- Write on them the name of God: It indicates he ownership, signifying that all true Christians belong to God. It also speaks of the intimate personal relationship we have with Him forever.
- Write on them the name of city: Christians have citizenship in heaven’s capital city, the New Jerusalem, described in (Rev.21). It also indicates the safety, security and glory for the Christians.
- They will get Christ’s new name: Christ’s new name represents the fullness of His person. Every believer will be privileged to call Him will reflect that glorious revelation of His Person. Whatever we have known of Him will far exceed when we really see Him face to face.
The Lord closes the letter “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”