Revelation: Philadelphia

The Missionary Church

(Rev. 3:7-13)

*Commendation: Works, missions, little strength, kept My Word, not denied Me.

*Condemnation: none given.

*Counsel: Hold fast what you have.

~The mystery of the seven churches (Rev. 2-3) is revealed in the fact that they outline the prophetic history of the Church from Pentecost to the Lord's appearing in the clouds, an era some refer to as the "age of grace." From the humble, sincere, and zealous beginning to the prideful, blind, and heretical end... the seven letters to the seven churches offer spiritual lessons (founded on their original historical contexts) concerning proper conduct and direction for the Church that is as vital today as when first written.

Prophetic class and hypothesized associated historical era of Philadelphia: 

Missionary church {AD 1750 - ?}

 

...Reversing the "death" of Sardis' circumstance, the church at Philadelphia became truly "alive" in its dynamic and faithfulness. Demonstrating this is the fact that while Sardis received the extremely harsh condemnation of being spiritually dead, Christ offered no condemnation whatsoever toward Philadelphia. Essentially getting back to basics, this church's missionary focus brought a spiritual weight and reward that far surpassed Sardis despite Sardis' much larger congregational size. 

...Well known is the meaning of the word Philadelphia, "brotherly love." Interestingly, and logically, the reason for the city's name rests in its historical origin. Philadelphia was founded around BC 150 by Attalus II Philadelphos, a former king of Pergamos, and it was due to his deep love and commitment to his brother, Eumenes (an eventual king of Pergamos) that the city gained its name. In AD 17 an epic earthquake annihilated Philadelphia (and Sardis), but was soon restored by the Romans (as was Sardis). By the end of the first century AD a solidly Christian congregation existed in Philadelphia, which remained a Christian city until the late 14th century when it was conquered by the Turks.

...The Philadelphia Church era witnessed a revival of Truth amidst and following the Reformation in Europe, Britain, then eventually in the Americas, leading to a worldwide Christian missionary offensive. Two factors merited this missionary zeal: 1) the mass production/printing of the Bible into common and multiple languages so that every individual could experience the "simplicity that is in Christ" (2 Cor. 11:3); for example, when one read the Lord's command to "Go and make disciples of all the nations," one was inclined to obey it, literally; 2) A resurrection of study concerning the Lord's Second Advent, for it had all but disappeared by the end of the third century. The doctrine of the Christ's return, when taught properly in its Scriptural and prophetic context, will always result in a consecrated Church that is "in the world but not of it," ever increasing in zealousness for evangelism and mission outreach toward fulfilling the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20).

...Rev. 3:8 records Jesus' commendation, including the mention of the church having "a little strength." This is not intended as conveying any sort of weakness, but refers to the initial minority status of believers in Philadelphia in that this church (and Church era) is to be characterized by small though powerfully strong congregations that rely fully on the Holy Spirit, and thus little human strength "lest any man should boast." A modern trend often belittles the smaller church while praising the mega-church; however, as churches increase in size (at times beyond what is effectual), frequently so too does the ego of their leaders. Indeed, a growing church is a blessing, but not when its discipleship, dynamic, and effectiveness are sacrificed for numbers. Tim Lahaye has stated, "There is a tendency to compromise in order to gain opportunities, whereas in truth it is our responsibility to do right and God's responsibility to open the doors of opportunity."

...Rev. 3:9 speaks of the "synagogue of Satan" and Jewish pretenders. This is a warning concerning legalists who will attempt to infiltrate the Church with the heretical teaching of Salvation by works, negating the "free gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8-9). In comparison, the church at Sardis outwardly appeared to be "alive" and seemed to endure no persecution, while the Philadelphia church was actually alive and actually did suffer persecution, evidencing that a truly "living" Church will be under constant attack, spiritual and/or physical. Jesus said, "Woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you" (Luke 6:26). From some people it is better to receive enmity and criticism than friendship and praise, for when opposition dies compromise flourishes.

...Rev. 3:10 buttresses our faith with Jesus' words, "Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth." The "hour of trial" is equivalent to the "time of Jacob's trouble" (Jeremiah 30:7), the "seventieth week" (Daniel 9:24-27), and the time of future "tribulation" that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24:9. This period of trial/judgment is particularly detailed in chapters 6 though 19 of Revelation and is intended specifically for the hard-hearted unbelievers that "dwell on the earth," including the Jews who have yet to recognize Jesus Christ as their Messiah. Those who dwell on the earth in this context are those who will be left behind when Christ gathers His Church unto Himself in the clouds, i.e. the rapture. The prominent unbelieving populous will echo Pharaoh's unbelieving response to God's judgments in that their hearts will harden ever deeper as God's wrath intensifies, the purpose of such Judgment, however, is to provoke repentance... but "they blasphemed God, and did not repent of their deeds" (Rev. 16:11).

...It is notable (for those who deny a pre-tribulation rapture) that Jesus specifies the "hour of trial" as being sent for the benefit of "those who dwell on the earth" as opposed to the Church He is actively assuring will be kept from said "trial," clearly implying that the Church Body will not be on the earth during the tribulation/time of Jacob's trouble, for the Church "having now been justified by His blood, shall be saved from wrath through Him" (Romans 5:9).

...Rev. 3:11 proclaims "Behold, I am coming quickly!" This is the only church message that carries such an announcement. Former messages speak of preparation and watchfulness, but Philadelphia alone holds the promise of the Lord's soon return, paralleling Rev. 22:7. The prophetic significance of this invites unequaled anticipation for the Philadelphia Church era in that it is viably the present circumstance and modern believers have reason for a "blessed hope" (Titus 2:13) soon to be realized! The hour cannot be known, but the nearness is perceived by those who have an "ear to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches."

...It is of peculiar interest that the Philadelphia church is given only commendation, praise, and encouragement with no condemnation at all, while the Laodicean church (the last of the seven churches) receives only condemnation and no commendation; this we will find leads to the revelation that Laodicea is a prophetic shadow of none other than the apostate church of the time of final Judgment, filled with foolish virgins and lamps with no oil.

{excerpted from my commentary, The Revelation of Jesus Christ}