We return again to the letters of Jesus given to the Apostle John for seven key churches. We get to listen in to what Jesus wants from His churches and those who belong to Him.

Who Jesus Is

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the Holy One, the True One, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens” (v. 7 ESV).

Here Jesus is revealed as the Holy One. He is set apart, sacred, and pure of sin. In the words of Hebrews 1:3, “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature.” Jesus is also true—He is faithful, trustworthy, and dependable.

Jesus holds the key of David. In the Old Testament system, non-Jews were not allowed to enter the Temple and access to the inner chambers was limited. The Jewish leaders had control over who could get in and who couldn’t. But Jesus is the one who truly holds the key to salvation and opened the door to all nations.

Commendation

“I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name” (v. 8).

Unlike the preceding letters, the letter to the church of Philadelphia does not include any correction. Though the church has little power, stature, or influence, that is not held against them. Instead, they are commended for remaining faithful to God’s word and His name. Church success is not about size or influence in the world, but about faithfulness.

Remaining faithful to the Word requires hearing it, heeding it, and obeying it. Simply listening to a sermon once a week doesn’t mean that one is faithfully responding to the Word. Remaining faithful to God’s name means we publicly identify with Jesus regardless of what challenges or persecution may come our way.

A church with few members that holds tightly to the Word may be more faithful than a church of thousands that are only nominally interested in what the Word says. A church may be hated or ignored by the community and yet be faithful to Jesus. It is God’s evaluation of us that matters, not the opinion of the world.

We as the people of the church should be seeking God’s direction for how to live faithfully in our work, our families, and our finances. (That’s one reason we turn to the book of Proverbs, to start the new year by seeking wisdom in everyday life.)

Vindication

“Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you” (v. 9).

In a world that is increasingly antagonistic to Christianity, we may think we need to fight back and argue for our beliefs and opinions. Jesus reminds this church that He will bring judgment in His perfect timing. We can trust Him with every challenge and difficulty, because it is all in His control. Our responsibility is to keep pressing on in faithfulness to Him.

Protection

“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” (v. 10).

Jesus is coming back. No one knows the day or the hour, but we know from Scriptures such as Matthew 24 that there will be trials and tribulation prior to His return. Theologians hold different opinions as to whether the protection of believers will be removal from the tribulation or sustaining through the tribulation. What’s important is that our times are in God’s hands (Psalm 31:15). Jesus didn’t leave us as orphans (John 14:18)—we have the Holy Spirit within us and we can rest secure in God’s control.

Hold Fast

“I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown” (v. 11).

We are currently celebrating Jesus’s first advent—His arrival as a baby in a manger. Our faith depends on remembering His life, death, and resurrection. But we should put even more emphasis on His second coming. Jesus will return, perhaps even today, and we need to be ready for that day. We need to hold fast to the faith that we have, and we need to share it with those we love who do not yet know Jesus as Lord and Savior. This was the truth that started our denomination in a time when that message was largely being ignored. We should live every day in light of the second advent as well as the first.

We can hold fast. We have security in Christ, and we are citizens of His eternal kingdom. There is resistance to overcome in the form of distractions, temptations, busyness, and persecution. We must remain firm in our faith, praying, repenting, and growing in alignment with Scripture.

Rewards

“The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from My God out of heaven, and My own new name” (v. 12).

As this letter had no corrections, it also lists no consequences for sin. Instead, only rewards for faithfulness are mentioned. Philadelphia was in an area subject to earthquakes. Pillars were thus seen as a sign of strength and permanence—unshakeable when all else was falling down.

Also listed are three names to be “written on” God’s people, eternally associating us with His name. Like a clothing brand or a tattoo, this is a visible sign of who we belong to, body and soul.

Hear and Respond

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (v. 13).

Jesus calls His people to faithfulness. How are we doing as individuals and as a church body? Are we faithful to all that we see in God’s Word without excuses or exceptions? Are we holding fast to His name regardless of what others may say or think? Are we looking for His second coming with the same fervor that we celebrate His first coming?

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works” (Titus 2:11-14).