Bible Reading: Revelation 3:7-13
The ancient city of Philadelphia was named out of brotherly love by Eumenes II of Pergamon for his brother Attalus II. It was handed over to Romans after Attalus III since he had no heir to succeed. The modern name for Philadelphia is Alasehir.
Alasehir is part of modern Turkey. The below picture shows the position of ancient Philadelphia on the modern map. It is marked as "G" in the below map.
The city of Philadelphia suffered a huge loss during the earthquake in AD 17. Roman Emperor Tiberius gave tax exemption to the city and in return for honor, the city proved its allegiance to the Roman emperors by printing the emperor's face in their coins.
The Church of Philadelphia received many kind and appreciative words from Jesus. Here are some of them.
- I have set before you an open door, which no one can shut Rev 3:8
- You have kept my word and have not denied my name. Rev 3:8
- I have loved you Rev 3:9
- I will keep you from the hour of trial Rev 3:10
It is clear that the church has gone through some form of persecution and possibly the local synagogue was involved. But the Church was faithful to the Lord despite the persecution. They persevered through the persecution patiently.
The church received three promises from Jesus.
The first one is the open door Jesus has given them. Possibly it is a response to the prayer the Church made. It could be about the persecution they were going through. Jesus said, "I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut."
The second promise is the assurance of protection during the upcoming trial. Jesus said, "Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth."
The Third is a future promise subject to the condition the church will hold on to the current spiritual status. It is an assurance the church will be the pillar of God's temple in heaven. Jesus said, "Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. 12 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God."
The church of Philadelphia along with Smyrna did not receive any call for repentance or warned of punishment. They were commended for their faithfulness for holding on to the word and offered protection during the hours of testing (3:10).
In the message to Philadelphia, the condemnation is directed toward the Jewish Synagogue, who might have pointed their fingers at Christians and excluded them from the immunity they enjoyed to imperial worship.
The Church of Philadelphia would understand the context of the pillar in the temple of God (3:12) than anybody else with their fresh memories of the devastating earthquake.
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