The book of Revelation holds the most important message for Christians and Christian Churches. It is the only book in the bible that holds a blessing to those who read it. So, please - read it! Rev1:3 "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." I am focusing on Revelation chapters two and three, on the character of the churches.
The message to the churches follows a specific form:
- Jesus presents himself in a certain way
- Jesus states what makes the church unique
- Jesus criticizes the church for something its doing wrong
- "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches"
- Jesus promises a unique gift to some of the churches
It is a ritual that repeats seven times with minor variation that Jesus is preforming as High-priest. We need to understand every part in order to understand the meaning of the whole message.
Philadelphia
Rev3:7-13
Philadelphia was located 30 miles south-east of Sardis and about 70 miles east of Smyrna and it stood on the upper end of a broad valley that passed through Sardis and near Smyrna. It was almost destroyed by massive earthquakes in 17 AD. When Islam conquered most of Asia Minor, Philadelphia resisted far longer than any other city and became an island of Christianity. Philadelphia is a compound word for phileo - love and adelphos - brother, so its a city of brotherly love.
To Philadelphia Jesus presents as "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" Holy and true are alluding to him being God. No man is holy, no man is even good - only God - only Jesus. Jesus is "the way, the truth and the life" - John 14:6. The key of David is a reference to Isaiah 22:22. That chapter depicts Israel besieged and so they break their houses to fix the walls of the city, they feast when they should mourn "let us eat and drink for tomorrow we shall die", they make a name for themselves on a tombstone so they might be remembered - but God casts them out to be bounced around like a ball in a foreign land. Then he gives the robe, the belt, the rulership and the key of David to his servant Eliakim (God of raising) and makes him father over Jerusalem and Judah. The key of David is the key to the Temple of God, which could open and shut the doors of the temple. Malachi 1:10 "Who is there even among you that would shut the doors? neither do ye kindle on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand." The key of David is given to Jesus, he is the new High Priest and the only one who has the authority to reopen the temple.
To the church of Philadelphia Jesus writes that he set in front of them an open door that no man can close because they are not strong but have kept faith and not rejected Jesus. This means that all their prayers will be heard by God and the church is filled with God's presence. Satanists will come and worship in their church because even they recognize that God has blessed the church. The word translated "patience" is hypomone, which means endurance or consistency but is a compound of words hupo "under" and meno "stand" - I'm guessing this church guarded their teachings and traditions and never added something to them - they understood the teaching and remained firm in their position. That's why God blesses them and promises to keep them from temptation which God eventually unleashes on the whole world.
Philadelphia and Smyrna are two churches that receive no scolding from Jesus. While Smyrna is under heavy attack and fighting for survival, this church seems to be in a calmer surrounding but publicly challenged spiritually or doctrinally. Jesus warns the church "Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown" which means to seize it with all your power so that no one snatches it away from you. The word for crown is "Stephanos" which could mean a wreath often given to athletes who win in public games, a public recognition of honor. It would appear that Jesus is saying to this Church to watch out that no one finds something to use against its honorable reputation. The church may be weakened in strength or numbers because in order to keep itself pure of heresies and maintain unity in the congregation it discriminates and is extremely cautious about any "outsiders". Of course, while this may be bad in terms of numbers - it has a positive effect that those in the enemy camp realize their purity, realize that God's presence fills the church and are drawn to repentance through it. It is also possible that heretic churches are competing against this church for numbers or for reputation and they seek to snatch their "crown" by any means.
I think this church may be the remnant church just before, during and after the apostasy which is initiated by the temptation. The church through its honesty and faith keeps the truth of the bible above any new teachings presented by the world and guards it as a treasure - a crown. For having this patience, endurance - keeping pure doctrine and tradition in a ever developing world God blesses this church and through it those who are very far gone are brought back to salvation.
The special gift Jesus promises this church is permanent residence in the Temple of God, receiving the name of God, name of the city of God - new Jerusalem, and Jesus's new name. This may be the highest honor one can receive from God, to never leave his presence.