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The Church at Philadelphia
Today
the city is called Alasehir meaning either “Red city” or “city of Allah”.
The original name comes from King Attalus of Pergamum (159-138 B.C.) whose
surname meant Philadelphus meant “Loyal to his brother (Eumenes)”
The
city was almost completely destroyed several times by earthquakes. The most
recent rebuilding was in A.D. 17. Grapes were a principal crop of the city
and Dionysus, the god of wine (Bacchus) was one the chief objects of
worship.
A
nominal Christian presence was maintained in this city until the start of
World War I.
Commendation
7 "And to the
angel of the church in Philadelphia write, 'These things says He who is
holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one
shuts, and shuts and no one opens":
8 "I know your
works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for
you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
9 "Indeed I
will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are
not, but lie-indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and
to know that I have loved you.
10 "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.
Revelation
3:7-8
He who is
Holy…true…
Jesus Christ
identifies himself to Philadelphia as Holy and True. The word is translated
from the Greek word
a&gio
Hagios
meaning separated. Christ’s righteousness is separate and apart from the
sin of this world. The church represents Christ in the world. Christ
nature is perfect, He is God’s Messiah, the “Truth” manifest in the world.
Jesus describes Himself as “The Way”, “The Truth” and “The Life” (John
14;6). Jesus is not one of many truths but “The Truth”.
Key of David…
Christ holds the Title to the throne of David. The Messiah, the son of
David, was to rule over the Earth in the kingdom age. Christ assures the
Church he is in charge. Christ will rule on David’s throne over the
nations. (See Isaiah 9:7, 11:1-7, 22: 22, Jeremiah 23;5)
He who opens…
Christ is the one who opens the door. All authority under the Heavens
and Earth belong to Christ. We as a church operate under his authority.
18 And Jesus
came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in
heaven and on earth. 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit,
20 "teaching
them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you
always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
Matthew
28:18-20
Your works:
Unlike the Church of Sardis, the works of the Philadelphia Church there is
not one word of condemnation for this church. The works of Sardis lacked
because the church fell away from it moorings.
The Sardis
church represented the prophetic foreshadow of the Reformation church, the
Philadelphia church represented the prophetic foreshadowing of the
missionary church. The printing presses made Bibles accessible to the
common person, which in turn caused people to respond to God’s Word. This
response was fully manifest in the early 18th century. As
missionaries set out to spread the Gospel across the globe.
Open door
During the missionary age, the doors closed to the Gospel began to open.
Countries closed off to the Gospel started to see scriptures printed in
their own languages.
Little
strength…
The basis of
the doors opening to the Gospel was not because of the wealth of the church,
but because of the power of the word. Biblical based Christianity apart
from the United States is usually the minority and subject to persecution in
many countries. The strength comes from Christ alone.
Philadelphia
foreshadowed the position this physically weak but spiritually strong
church.
Word….name…
The secret behind the power of this church was their fidelity to doctrine
mixed with good works and obedience. Christ commends this church for
keeping his Word. Philadelphia was true to the Gospel, which in turn
allowed Christ to use this church more then any other.
The church
was not ashamed of Christ. They were not concerned about what people
thought of them, they wanted others to know Christ. They did not deny him.
This allowed Christ to open the doors and the Gospel to go out.
Synagogue of
Satan…
Like Smyrna,
the Christians in Philadelphia faced opposition from a hostile Jewish
population. This also foreshadowed the opposition the Gospel would receive
by groups claiming the spiritual prerogative that belonged to Israel.
The Rapture of Philadelphia
I will keep
you….
Jesus Christ
makes an unusual promise to this Church, not made to any other of the seven
churches. Because Philadelphia kept the command and persevered in their
walk, Christ promises to keep Philadelphia from the “Hour” of trial.
This verse is
the subject of much debate. With the understanding of prophetic
foreshadowing, in the seven churches, Revelation 3:10 affirms the position
of a pre-tribulation rapture. Before the seven-year tribulation begins, the
true church, those who know Christ, regardless of denomination will be
caught up in the clouds, preserved from the tribulation that will affect the
whole earth. (I Thes. 4:13-18, I Corinthians 15: 50-54,)
Hour of
trial:
The world
will go through a period of trial, translated from the Greek word
peirasmov
Peirasmos
meaning a trial of proving. This trial will separate those on earth,
following the rapture will separate those who belong to God and those who do
not.
Whole world:
The point that Revelation 3:10 makes is this trial will not be local in
nature but involves the whole world, or oijkoumevnh
Oikoumene
meaning “inhabited earth”.
Again,
the point made in the verse is the Philadelphia Church will be kept from the
time or hour this trial.
Test those
who dwell earth…
Jesus tells
us the purpose of this trial is to test those dwelling on Earth, here the
Greek word,
gh'
Ge
is used as opposed to Oikoumene. Ge means arable land as opposed to
“Inhabited land”. In this verse Jesus Christ want the reader to understand
in simple terms the judgment coming is world wide, including both the
physical and inhabited earth. This is period of testing but the Church of
Philadelphia will be kept or guarded from that hour.
Christ in
Matthew also warns of this coming world wide judgment unequaled in the
history of the world. Matthew 24:21-22
21 "For then
there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of
the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.
22 "And unless
those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake
those days will be shortened.
Matthew
24:21-22
Counsel
11 "Behold, I
am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.
Revelation
3:11
Hold fast…
Jesus counsels those in the Philadelphia to not let anybody take their
crown, the crown here is the victory crown (stevfano
Stephanos)
presented at award ceremonies. Christ is not talking about salvation but
reward. He is urging the Church to persevere, until he comes.
Challenge
12 "He who
overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go
out no more. 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 out of heaven from My
God. And I will write on him My new name.
13 "He who has
an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." '
Revelation
3:12-13
Pillar in the
temple…
New Jerusalem
is the future dwelling place of all the saints with Christ (Revelation
21-22). In New Jerusalem there is no temple, because the city itself is the
Temple and we are part of his Temple.
Christ points
this Church toward the goal of eternity.
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The Church at Laodicea
The
city used to be known as Diospolis (City of Zeus) or Rhoas but Antiochus II
(250 B.C.) renamed the city after his wife Laodice. The city is located
about 160 km (100 miles) east of Ephesus and 18 km (11 miles) west of
Colossae.
After the
Romans became rulers of the city in 133 B.C., they reconstructed the roads
and Laodicea became the major junction of traffic west to Ephesus and the
Aegean, north and west to Philadelphia, Pergamum and Smyrna, and south to
the Mediterranean. The small city grew rapidly under Roman rule and became
very wealthy. This is demonstrated by the fact an earthquake in A.D. 60
destroyed the city and the city refused imperial financial aid to rebuild.
The chief exports of the city was a seamless garment made of glossy black
wool. The city was also known for its water system, the aqueduct was built
from large tightly stones with a central circular channel. The water was
transported to the city from mountain springs.
The city had
a cosmopolitan population including Roman colonizers, the original
Phrygians, Jews and immigrant Syrian settlers. The wealth of Jewish
population is demonstrated by Cicero who reported 20 pounds of gold, as the
annual contribution Jews to Jerusalem in 62 B.C. The city had a medical
school to which was connected the famous “Phrygian powder” a salve for the
eyes. Zeus and Isis worship were known in the city.
14 "And to the
angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen,
the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:
Revelation
3:14
Amen…
Christ describes Himself to Laodicea as the Amen. The word come from Hebrew
and means “So be it”. This church unlike any of the other, received not one
single word of commendation. Christ using this term demonstrates the
certainty of His promise.
This church
was a horrible witness for the Gospel. Despite their faithlessness, Christ
is faithful and true. He is a contrast to their lack.
Beginning…
Some have tried to argue this verse teaches Christ had a beginning. This
verse in fact describes Christ nature as being the start of creation. John
1:1-3 describe Christ as being God incarnate who brought creation into
existence.
All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was
made.
John 1:3
The
Laodiceans rejoiced in material gain and possessions. Christ reminds them He
is the source of all creation.
Condemnation
15 "I know
your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or
hot.
16 "So then,
because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of
My mouth.
17 "Because
you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'-and do
not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked-
Revelation 3:15-17
Neither cold
nor hot…
The spiritual
condition of church at Laodicea is one of indifference. They are in limbo.
They are not excited about Christ nor are they lacking any interest. The
church deceived about its condition, is complacent and smug in their own
spirituality.
Christ in the
Gospels levels his harshest criticism at the self-righteous religionists who
were content in their own righteousness. In Matthew 23, Jesus lists seven
“Woes” against the Pharisees and scribes. These two groups more then any
other would have been viewed by the outside world as being the epitome of
righteousness.
25 "Woe to
you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the
cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.
26 "Blind
Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of
them may be clean also.
27 "Woe to
you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs
which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's
bones and all uncleanness.
Matthew
23:25-27
They were
wealthy and content in their religious life, this self-righteousness masked
the corruption and poverty underneath. Christ later describes this church
as miserable, poor, blind and naked the exact opposite of their
self-perception.
Wish…
Jesus
would prefer Laodicea to be cold rather then in the middle. If the church
was cold toward Christ then at least they could be revived. In the current
state, the church is resting on deception of being righteous.
Lukewarm…
Jesus uses the Greek word,
cliarov
Chliaros,
meaning tepid. This condition caused Christ to want to vomit.
This
condition contrasted to Philadelphia foreshadows the state of the church in
the end times. Paul refers to the condition in last days 2 Tim. 3:1-5
1 But know
this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
2 For men will
be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers,
disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 5 having a form of godliness but
denying its power. And from such people turn away!
2 Tim. 3:1,2,5
Christianity
in many parts of the world is established and accepted as part of the
culture. Many liberal churches are champions of the social issues of the
day including “Gay marriage” and “Abortion rights”. Issues clearly
repudiated in the Old and New Testaments are dividing churches such as the
Anglicans, Presbyterians and Methodists. The mere fact that there is a
debate about these issues demonstrates the fallen nature of many of these
churches.
Many of these
same churches might comfort themselves with the notion they are being open
and confirming by accepting a gay lifestyle.
You say…
This churches problem was its own self-deception. They equated earthly
wealth with God’s pleasure. God warned Israel about this very same problem
before they entered the Promised Land. The wealth they would acquire would
be a snare causing them to forget the Lord. (Deut. 8:12-14) Laodicea fell
into this very same snare.
The snare of
religion rather then relationship also trapped those in this Church age who
have ornate church buildings and a wealthy membership. However they
compromised the message, so they can be part of the world. This is what
faces many churches in the United States, which want to conform to the
standards of the world and water down doctrinal positions to be more
accepting and in turn accepted by the world.
You
are…
Christ
describes the condition of this church in terms totally contrasted to their
self perception.
Wretched…The
first term he uses is wretched to describe them. This means dejected in
state, afflicted. The members would probably disagree with Christ, they
were wealthy and not dejected at all.
Miserable…
ejleeinov
Eleeinos,
The Greek word means to be pitied. Here again Laodicea was proud and
wealthy church they would be shocked with the thought they should be
pitied. Contrast this to the Philadelphia church described as having
“Little strength” this church had worldly riches.
Poor…
Again the
church was wealthy but Christ calls it poor. Wealthy in the world does not
equate to spiritual wealth. Christ here refutes the idea the of the wealth
Gospel, which equates wealth with spiritual favor.
Blind…
The church thought it was in Christ’s will but Christ tells them they are
blind. They are away from the truth. Many bible believing Christians find
it hard to understand how issues such as gay and abortion rights are even
issues in churches. The reason they are issues is because many of the
wealthy liberal churches have become blind. They do not see scripture as
their guiding light, and have become blind like the Laodiceans.
Naked…
The
wealthy Church would have not lacked in clothing but Christ describes it as
a naked church. Clothing of the saints is represented as righteousness.
This church though priding on its deeds, was completely naked. They did not
have any good works, even though they would have objected to such a charge.
The modern
church would also object to the charge of nakedness. Many of the liberal
churches would point to their “Good works” and Ecumenism. They would see
gay rights as civil rights, abortion rights as protecting personal freedoms
and protecting the environment as good stewardship. They might point to
their Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim prayer service and see themselves fulfilling
the command to love their neighbor.
They might
frown on the idea as Jesus being the “Only Way” as bigoted and intolerant.
Christ however is very clear and straightforward. There is only one way to
heaven, through Him.
Counsel
18 "I counsel
you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white
garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not
be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
19 "As many as
I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
20 "Behold, I
stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I
will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
Revelation
3:18-20
Buy from Me…
Christ now give the solution to this miserable church. They need to acquire
their wealth from Christ not from self-righteous works. Christ echoes the
call made in Isaiah,
1 Ho, every
one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come
ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without
price.
Isaiah 55:1
Spiritual
wealth is not a matter of earthly money but sincere relationship. Christ
calls the Church to come to Him that they may attain true wealth.
White
garments… The
black glossy wool garments was one item that this city wealthy. Here Christ
instructs the church to cover its nakedness with white garments of
righteousness.
Eye salve…
Christ again appeals to one of this cities prized commodities, “Phygian
Power” or Tepha Phrygia. John Walvoord quoting Barclay writes,
The tephra
Phrygia, the eye-powder of Laodicea, was world-famous. It was exported
in tablet form; and the tablets were ground down and applied to the eye.
This Phrygian powder was held to be a sovereign remedy for weak and ailing
eyes.[1]
The condition
of the church was spiritual blindness. They had strayed from the word and
did not recognize their blindness.
I love…
The words to the church are hard and they demonstrate the Christ love for
the church. Jesus wants each of the churches to be their best. He gives
instructions out of His love for these churches to correct their problems.
31 For if we
would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
32 But when we
are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned
with the world.
I Corinthians
11:31-32
Zealous..
Christ instructs this “Tepid” church to burn literal burn with action. They
need to wake up out of their self-righteousness and return to Christ with
burning emotion. They need to repent or have a complete change of heart.
I stand at
the door…
Christ is on the outside of this Church, they need to invite Him back in.
The picture of the 5 foolish virgins knocking on the bridegrooms door will
ultimately be fulfilled in the end times as the churches without Christ are
left, and the true church is taken up in the rapture.
Now Christ
stands at the door of his church to be let back in, so fellowship can be
restored.
Challenge
21 "To him who
overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and
sat down with My Father on His throne.
22 "He who has
an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ' "
Revelation
3:21-22
sit with me…
The victorious saints will rule with Christ in the Millennium. The parable
of the Talents will be fulfilled when the saints will rule and reign with
Christ in his kingdom. This promise is made available to the lukewarm
church.
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