Church For All Nations

 

Philadelphia is situated approximately 30 miles Southeast of the ancient site of Sardis. The ancient city is now known as Alasehir in Turkey.

This ancient city was founded by King Eumenes II of Pergamon, he named it after his brother, Attalus II, who was known for his loyalty, earning him the nickname “Philadelphos” (meaning “city of brotherly love”.)

The church of Philadelphia (Rev 3:7-13) stood at an important junction of the imperial road which ran from Rome to Tarsus via Troas, Pergamum, Sardis and onto Tarsus and the East. The door had been opened for the church of Philadelphia to go and share the gospel.

As at Sardis, the church in Philadelphia was being opposed by the Synagogue of Satan.

 

The ancient city of Philadelphia is often remembered as one of the seven cities that is mentioned in the book of Revelation. Unfortunately, this city was built in an earthquake-prone area, located in the region of Lydia in Asia Minor (Modern-Day Turkey), and was destroyed and severely damaged by a massive earthquake in 17 BC.

The earthquake was so severe that it destroyed at least twelve cities in the region of Lydia.

There are not many remains of this ancient city left as it is now buried in the echoes of time, what might still exist lies buried beneath the modern city.

 

V 7.  And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

 

We now come to the 6th letter

 

The sixth letter out of the seven letters that the apostle John was instructed to write and address this letter to the church in the city of Philadelphia. As mentioned earlier the name of Philidelphia means “Brotherly Love,” named after his brother Attalus II, who was known for his loyalty, earning him the nickname “Philadelphos,”

The name “Brotherly Love,” that was probably well known amongst the people of Philadelphia, a name that was chosen before the Chriatian religion came to the area. It would have been nice to think that a city with the

 meaning of brotherly love was so called for the affection that all believers have and should have for one another as the children of God the creator of heaven and earth and the brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ.

 

There are two explanations for this name

 

If I looked more deeply into the meaning of brotherly love, I would probably find numerous explanations, but I will take just three at this moment in time.

Before I start, I would like to remind you that the Synagogue of Satan was already in that place and he is against family love, all that Satan says and does is evil.

 

1. The love that king Eumenes II of Pergamon had for his brother, hence the meaning “Brotherly Love.”

2. Mathew Henry’s Commentary explains that it was its ancient name, on account of the love and kindness which the citizens had and showed to each other as a civil fraternity.

3. What I haven’t mentioned was that the brotherly love was not for his own brother but for his sister whom he married. Philadelphos became the king of Egypt.

 

Ptolemy II Philadelphus, the second Ptolemaic king of Egypt, married his sister, Arsinoe II. This marriage, because it was Incestuous, was a controversial one in Greek society but was accepted and even celebrated within the Egyptian court.

 

“These things saith He that is holy,” As this letter was primarily concerned the church’s relation with the Jew’s it opens with Christ’s claim to be the true Messiah.

Philadelphia was made up of Christians, Jews and Gentiles (Non-Believers)

 

There was no rebuke from our Lord to the church of Philadelphia. It would have been nice to think that Philadelphia was so named after the Christian church was founded, as the Christian love of Christ spread throughout the city,

spreading love wherever they went evangelising, but alas, that wasn’t the case. The city was named an ancient name.

It is our Lord Jesus Christ who is the head of all the churches and is worthy to choose the title to represent Himself to the church of Philadelphia: “He that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” Revelation 3:7

 

“He that is holy, he that is true,” These two titles are given to God separately:

 

• But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know. 1 John 2:20

 

• And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 1 John 5:20, and both are used  together in:

 

• and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who live on the earth?” Revelation 6:10

 

Even the evil spirits knew exactly who Jesus was:  saying, “What business do You have with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are: the Holy One of God!” Mark 1:24

 

This letter together with the one addressed to the church Smyrna contains no word of rebuke and looking at how the city of Philadelphia had been situated, even though the temple of Satan had been there probably since the beginning of the life of that city. The Christian church had now arrived with its wonderful opportunities of rescuing the lost souls of this world and to bring them all back home to our heavenly Father who has been waiting patiently for His wayward children to finally return home to Him.

 

In the biblical passage Isaiah 22:22, the phrase "I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David" refers to a symbolic act of transferring authority and responsibility, rather than a literal, physical key. This imagery signifies that Eliakim would be given control over the royal household and its affairs, acting as the king's chief steward. The key, in this context, represents access, control, and the power to make decisions on his behalf

 

As mentioned earlier that the church of Philadelphia (Rev 3:7-13) stood at an important junction of the imperial road which ran from Rome to Tarsus via Troas, Pergamum, Sardis and onto Tarsus and the East. The door had been opened for the church of Philadelphia to go and share the gospel.

It wasn’t by accident that this city and its first Christian church was in exactly the right place for taking the gospel in all directions and finally to the city of Rome.

This was a wonderful part of God’s eternal plan for this world.

 

He that hath the key of David, Then I will put the key of the house of David on his shoulder; When he opens, no one will shut, when he shuts, no one will open. Isaiah 22:22

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Although there are a countless number of artists who have painted pictures of what they imagined the key of David would look like, whatever they painted, the picture would only be of a key, whether it was an old rusty key  or a key made of solid gold and full of jewels it would have no authority only to let you know that the owner of such a key was rather poor or wealthy.

 

As Eliakim was given this very important spiritual ministry, chosen by God, it was a spiritual ministry that was passed down on the lineage of King David and the royal house. The concept of "The Key of David" refers to authority and power, specifically within the context of the Davidic lineage and the royal house. It signifies his sovereign right to grant access to the kingdom, including salvation, eternal life, and the opportunities for his followers. physical key or a ministry passed down through literal bloodline, but rather a symbolic representation of the authority to rule and govern, as seen in biblical texts.

 

"The Key of David" symbolizes spiritual authority and access to divine power, particularly in the context of God's kingdom. It is associated with Jesus Christ and his role as the rightful ruler of God's kingdom, having the authority to open and close access to spiritual blessings and salvation. 

 

In the book of Revelation, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is described as holding the key of David. Jesus is of the lineage of king David.

This symbolic key represents Christ’s authority and power over the Kingdom of God, granting our Lord the ability to open and shut doors that no-one else can. It signifies His Sovereign right to grant access to the Kingdom, including salvation, eternal life, and the opportunities for His followers.

 

 

1. Access to God’s Kingdom: Holding the key signifies that Jesus has the authority to open and close the doors to the kingdom of God. For believers, this means that through Jesus, they have direct access to God’s presence, blessings, and eternal life.

2. Assurance of Salvation: Because Jesus holds the key, His followers can be confident in their salvation and the promise of eternal security. He controls the way to life, giving believers hope and assurance.

3. Authority Over Spiritual Barriers: The key symbolizes power to unlock what was previously closed or restricted. Jesus’ followers can trust Him to remove spiritual obstacles, provide freedom from sin, and grant victory over darkness.

4. Invitation to Participate in His Mission: Since Jesus opens doors that no one can shut, His followers have the opportunity to step through those doors—engaging in ministry, sharing the gospel, and expanding God’s kingdom on earth.

5. Confidence Amid Trials: Believers can find comfort in knowing that Jesus’ authority is ultimate. Even when circumstances seem closed or difficult, He holds the key, meaning He can provide breakthrough and new opportunities.
    

In summary, Jesus holding the key of David signifies His supreme authority and control over salvation and the kingdom of God. This offers His followers access, assurance, freedom, mission opportunities, and confidence in His power and promises.

 

Jesus Christ has put before all believers’ great opportunities and blessings, whether we accept the blessing or gifts offered, that is up to each individual Christian. God will not force any Christian to accept the ministry offered to him or her, but by refusing you may have turned your back on a much bigger spiritual gift and blessing in the

near or distant future. When the Holy Spirit speaks to you, listen to what He is saying and like Eli the priest advice to Samuel,

Your reply should always be, “Speak, Lord, for Thy servant is listening.!

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9 And Eli said to Samuel, “Go lie down, and it shall be if He calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

10 Then the Lord came and stood, and called as at the other times: “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”  1 Samuel 3:9-10

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V8. He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

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Matthew Henry’s Commentary says

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 "He who hath the key of David, he openeth, and no man shutteth; he hath the key of the house of David, the key of government and authority in and over the church. Observe, (1.) The acts of his government. [1.] He opens. He

opens a door of opportunity to his churches; he opens a door of utterance to his ministers; he opens a door of entrance, opens the heart; he opens a door of admission into the visible church, laying down the terms of

communion; and he opens the door of admission into the church triumphant, according to the terms of salvation fixed by him. [2.] He shuts the door. When he pleases, he shuts the door of opportunity and the door

of utterance, and leaves obstinate sinners shut up in the hardness of their hearts; he shuts the door of church-fellowship against unbelievers and profane persons; and he shuts the door of heaven against the foolish virgins

who have slept away their day of grace, and against the workers of iniquity, how vain and confident soever they may be. (2.) The way and manner in which he performs these acts, and that is absolute sovereignty,"

 

The door was now opened for taking the gospel to every nation. There will be times when that door has been closed from going to certain areas of the world as with the apostle Paul in Acts 16:6

According to the Book of Acts, the Apostle Paul was initially prevented by the Holy Spirit from preaching in the province of Asia, which is modern-day Turkey. Specifically, he was prevented from speaking in the southwestern region of Turkey. Later, while attempting to enter Bithynia, also in modern-day Turkey, the Spirit of Jesus again prevented him also preaching the gospel in Bithynia Acts 16:6-7

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6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.       

Acts 16:6-7

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The door has been opened for every Christian to fulfil our Lords commission but always listen to and be guided only by the Holy Spirit.

There will probably be times when the Holy Spirit forbids you to go into a village, town, city or country. Don’t take it personally as the Holy Spirit will guide you where you are needed the most and to where people are eagerly seeking to hear more about Jesus Christ.

 

The apostle Peter was the one who ministered in Asia (Asia Minor) and Bithynia. While Paul was guided by the Holy Spirit to avoid Bithynia on his missionary journey, Although Thomas also evangelised parts of Asia.

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For thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

This would seem to be a slight reproof from our Lord to the church. Although the church had little strength (dunamis (δύναμις); Spiritual Strength.) The church of Philadelphia had little spiritual strength to take advantage of the opportunity to witness to the people of the city although our Lord had opened the door for the church to take the gospel to the Jews and the Gentile occupants of the city. Even though the church had opposition from the Jews, the church had kept Christ word and not denied His name.

 

The church in Philadelphia, they have now gone from little spiritual strength to a Spiritually strong church in spreading the gospel. The church is praised for its faithfulness and its steadfast witness to Jesus Christ in the face of persecution. While the letter to the churches in Revelation highlights both commendations and criticisms, the church of Philadelphia is specifically commended for keeping Christ's word and not denying His name, even when facing opposition. This faithfulness is presented as a positive example for other churches to emulate, and it suggests that the church in Philadelphia became a significant witness for Jesus Christ.

 

Philadelphia was not predominantly Jewish; while the text mentions a "synagogue of Satan" composed of those who "say that they are Jews and are not," this is a symbolic reference, not a literal description of the city's population. The passage highlights a conflict between Christians and a group within the city who falsely claimed to be the true people of God, now Jesus Christ had opened the door for the church in Philadelphia to witness to the Jewish population of that great city with every expectation of success as Christ has opened the door that none may shut.

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A message for the church right through the ages to the church of today, the message has never changed.

 

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Revelation 28:18-20

 

Jesus Christ has opened the door that none can shut, it is our responsibility to go out and save the souls that are destined for the fires of hell and bring them back to the open arms of our loving heavenly Father.

 

V8. A little strength, believers should not rest satisfied with a little strength, but should strive to grow in grace, to be strong in faith, giving glory to God. Go out and teach all nations. The door is wide open that no-one can shut, not even Satan.

 

V9. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

 

There will sometimes be different explanations in Bible Commentaries on v9, both explanations could be right.

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• The Jews in Philadelphia were no better that those Jews in the rest of Asia Minor, in fact they were no better than the Jews in Jerusalem especially those Jews that had our Lord nailed to a cross with their lies and false accusations. They denied Jesus as their true Messiah and in their murderous hatred and jealousy tried Him in a kangaroo court, with bribery and corruption as they served with joy, their master, Satan.

 

Don’t forget that there were secret followers of Jesus in the Sanhedrin, how many we don’t know. The bible only names two such followers, “Joseph of Arimathea” and “Nicodemus.”

 

• It is possible that the Jews in Philadelphia were but a small group or a break-a-way Jewish cult, calling them Jews but were not true followers of God. Thinking that by destroying Christianity they were doing God’s will but were in fact denying their Messiah.

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 I will make them a Synagogue of Satan

 

The reaction of Jews in Philadelphia to the opening of a Christian church was one of hostility, with the Jews who were persecuting and intimidating Christians being called a "synagogue of Satan" in the Book of Revelation.

 

Which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie;

 

This describes those who claimed Jewish identity but did not follow the spiritual path that acknowledged Jesus as their true Messiah. They were Jews by ancestry or by being Jewish Proselytes but not by spirit or true faith in the gospel.  

 

Behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

 

Jesus promised to compel the false Jews to acknowledge the believers' valid faith in Jesus and recognize that Jesus loves the believers. This is most likely a reference to the ultimate victory of good over evil: the day when all false teachers will have to bow to Jesus and confess that He is Lord

(Philippians 2:9–11). Christians will witness that triumphant event (Revelation 20:12–15).

 

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:9-11

 

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:12-15

 

V10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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