Letter to the Church in Philadelphia
Bible Study Guide
(Verse 7) If we continue on this clockwise pattern of Jesus’ list of letters to the seven churches, we find ourselves about 30 miles southeast of the church of Sardis. This is where we just left.
Philadelphia sat at the center of several significant trade routes that served multiple provinces across Asia Minor. It was perfectly situated for the gospel to be proclaimed, heard and spread throughout the region and beyond.
Leaving the church of Sardis, we heard no good thing come from Christ about this church. In complete opposition, we hear no bad things to be said about the church in Philadelphia.
It must’ve been a great relief to the congregation of Philadelphia at that time. Especially after hearing was was spoken of the church just north of them in Sardis.
The Key of David
Jesus, who is holy and true, is seen here holding the key of David. The key of David is referenced in Revelation and the book of Isaiah. Jesus having the key of David symbolizes the fact that Christ is the ultimate King of the throne of David. Additionally, it shows He is the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant. He will take complete control of His inheritance of all things created.
Jesus shifts from the symbolic key of David to an open door that He opened and that no one has the power to close. There is no other direct reference to what this open door is. However, through further scriptural examination, we can find some helpful direction.
An Open Door No One Can Shut
(Verse 8) The open door could be referencing the opportunities that Christ has made available for the gospel to be shared unhindered. It makes its way through the region of Asia Minor. Paul makes this petition in his letter to the Colossians.
“And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.” (Colossians 4:3)
We can also see the power of God’s word and Jesus’ open door in Isaiah’s words from God.
“so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
(Isaiah 55:11)
We also see the opening of doors to the works of the Lord in Acts.
“On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.” (Acts 14:27)
Because of the power of the gospel and patient endurance of the believers of Philadelphia, Jesus could’ve also been pointing to an open door to salvation. This would be for those who would come to believe in Him.
Not just an open door to salvation, but also a removal of the believers from this world before the wrath that is to come. This wrath is soon to come upon the whole world in the tribulation.
“Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.” (Revelation 3:10)
The thing to remember is that both interpretations lead to the spreading of the gospel. Ultimately, they lead to salvation for the believers.
God’s Strength in Our Weakness
Jesus reminds the congregation that He sees their weakness. Yet they remain faithful to the task of spreading the gospel.
Paul the Apostle reminds the congregation in Corinth that Christ’ strength is made perfect in weakness.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
It’s when we empty us of ourselves and bring ourselves to the threshold of weakness and submission. At that point, the strength of Christ is made perfect and powerful in us.
The Synagogue of Satan
(Verse 9) This is the second time we see the phrase “synagogue of Satan” used in Revelation. The first was in the letter to the church in Smyrna.
Christ is referring to a group of Jews who do not believe that Jesus is the Messiah. They stand in opposition of the Christ’ message.
They are in fact Jews but are not considered “true” Jews for their lack of faith in Christ. These Jews rejected the Christian Jews. Eventually, they were kicked out of the synagogues which led to their persecution by the Romans.
(Verse 10) This verse is a reference to the rapture. This is supported by these following chapters: John 14, 1 Thessalonians 4, & 1 Corinthians 15. These three chapters represent the scriptural foundation for a pretribulation rapture.
(Verses 11-13) The congregation in the letter to the church of Philadelphia is reminded that the return of Christ in the clouds to gather His church could happen at any time. There is no event that needs to take place for the rapture to occur. Because then it wouldn’t be imminent and we would know when it was going to happen.
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