VI. To THE CHURCH IN PHILADELPHIA (3:7-13)

A. Destination

The destination of our Lord's sixth letter was to the believers in the church at Philadelphia. Located thirty miles south-east of Sardis, Philadelphia was also destroyedby the great earthquake of A.D. 17 and rebuiltby Tiberius. It was known for its wine, and drinking was a major problem.

B. The Description of Jesus

The Lord appeared to the church in Philadelphia as the One who had the key of David. When He opens, no one can shut, and when He shuts, no one can open. This signified that the Lord would cause a great revival in the Philadelphia church.

C. Commendation

Jesus commended the Philadelphian church for doing many activities with little ability and behaving sincerely, causing no shame to His name.

D. Rebuke

The Lord did not rebuke the Philadelphian church, a missionary church where a great revival took place (as it did in the church of Smyrna). He never rebukes a gospel-proclaiming, mission-sending church.

E. Exhortation

Jesus exhorted the Philadelphian church, which fulfilled its missionary role with little ability, to “hold that fast which thou hast” (v. 11). He didn't demand more than that but urged the church to preserve its enthusiasm for missions and service and to develop them more.

F. Promise

Jesus promised the Philadelphian church that if it kept the word of patience, continuing its mission work, He would keep it from the hour of temptation, when God will judge all the people who have lived on the earth.

To him who overcame, holding fast what he had, Jesus also gave the promise that He would make him a pillar in the temple (see v. 12). What does that mean? The pillar of the temple supports the house where God dwells. The blessed promise is that Jesus will make this church live forever with God.

Third, Jesus promised He would give the church a new name (see v. 12). Saying He would write the name of God, the name of New Jerusalem and His own new name means He would bless him who overcomes, that he may live forever in the New Jerusalem with the triune God.

G. Interpretation of the Prophecy (1750-1905)

The church in Philadelphia foretold the church age between 1750 and 1905. Philadelphia means “brotherly love,” and the church there preached the gospel with such love. Indeed, proclaiming the gospel is impossible unless we have compassion for our fellow men and women. When we do, Jesus opens the door of revival.

For a century and a half, from 1750 to 1905, churches experienced wonderful revival movements, and the fire spread to various parts of the world. A Society for China Inland Mission was formed in Great Britain, and through its efforts the gospel was preached to the inner parts of China. The Student Volunteer Movement, also arising in Great Britain, became a great mission society

Also during this period, the Methodist movement, the Salvation Army and the Holiness church arose. George Whitefield shook England, America and Europe with the gospel. Following him, numerous evangelical revivalists such as Jonathan Edwards, Charles Finney, Charles Spurgeon and Dwight Moody set America and Europe on fire. As a result of the world-wide revival, a large number of missionaries went out inflamed with zeal. Leading figures among them were William Carey, who went to India; Robert Moffat, who went to Africa; and David Hill, who went to China. The revival and brisk mission activities continued until just before World War I. Jesus' prophecy came true during the church age of Philadelphia. He also forewarned the church of the coming of great tribulation, but He promised He would cause the church to miss that tribulation.

Next Part VII, To THE CHURCH IN LAODICEA (3:14-22)