Revelation 3:7-13 (WEL)
7 “To the messenger of the congregation in Philadelphia write: These things say he who is holy and true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one shuts and shuts and no one opens.
8 “I know your actions. Look, I have put before you an open door, and no one can shut it, because you have little strength, have followed my word, and have not denied my name.
9 “Look, I will give those of Satan’s synagogue, (they say they are Jews but are not, but lie); look, I will make them so they come, bow down at your feet, and know that I loved you.
10 “Because you have obeyed the word of my patience, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, which will come on all the world, to test those who live on the earth.
11 “Look, I come quickly; hold tightly to what you have, so that no one takes your crown.
12 “I will make the overcomer a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will go out no more. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God—New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God—and my new name.
13 “Everyone having ears, hear what the Spirit says to the congregations.
V7 “To the messenger of the congregation in Philadelphia write: These things say he who is holy and true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one shuts and shuts and no one opens.” The Lord Jesus identifies Himself as being holy (without sin), true (He cannot lie), key of David (a physical descendant of King David, thus, Jesus is King), and opens and shuts (the ultimate, supreme authority). This one is now giving a message to the assembly in Philadelphia.
V8 “I know your actions. Look, I have put before you an open door, and no one can shut it, because you have little strength, have followed my word, and have not denied my name.” Jesus knows everything secret or open (Luke 12:3). He knows everything the assembly does and each person does. He has provided an open door (without hindrances) to serve Him in preaching, teaching, and living the Gospel. God’s grace is strong. Whatever assignment He gives, He provides everything needed to accomplish it. We are weak; He is strong. Note the strong commendation He gives, “You have followed my word.” This assembly reads and believes the Scriptures and the instructions of the Apostles. Since they have this knowledge and live it, He is pleased, for they are bearing good fruits. If Jesus addresses them this way, He will also do for all believers who do the same. Another thing that pleases Him is that they have never denied Him. They will readily admit to being followers of Jesus Christ.
V9 “Look, I will give those of Satan’s synagogue, (they say they are Jews but are not, but lie); look, I will make them so they come, bow down at your feet, and know that I loved you.” Satan synagogue is the local Jewish synagogue. Not all synagogues are that way, but this one is. Note the contrast. These Jews follow satan and his ways. The believers follow Jesus and His ways. These Jews must be proud thinking they are special to God (Romans 2:17-24). Jesus is going to humble them; so much so, that they will come and bow before them and acknowledge that Jesus loves the believers in Jesus. Compare Exodus 20:6, John 14:21, and 1 John 2:5.
V10 “Because you have obeyed the word of my patience, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, which will come on all the world, to test those who live on the earth.” Obedience is the test of loyalty and love for the King.
Of my patience:
(Vincent): “Not the words which Christ has spoken concerning patience, but the word of Christ which requires patience to keep it; the gospel which teaches the need of a patient waiting for Christ.”
(A number of others): It refers to patiently enduring all they are going through because they worship Jesus.
The Greek word for patience is (G5281) ὑπομονή hupomonḗ, which means patiently enduring, constancy. As Strong points out, it is a patience with hope (1 Thessalonians 1:3) and “in the N. T. the characteristic of a man who is unswerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings.” Compare Romans 5:3-4, Colossians 1:11, and Revelation 14:12.
There is a wonderful blessing for all believers—to not be in the Tribulation (the 7 years of judgment on Earth for sin and to lead Israel to accept Jesus as the Messiah). The whole world will experience this tribulation because of their sins. Their test is this—will they humble themselves, believe, and trust Jesus? One would think that the threat of eternal torment would cause everyone who experiences the wrath of God during that 7-year period to beg for forgiveness of their sins, but most do not.
V11 “Look, I come quickly; hold tightly to what you have, so that no one takes your crown.” A warning to obey and continue in the faith. “I come quickly” refers to the imminence of the Rapture. There is no date and year, but it will happen. This crown may refer to the Crown of Life for those who love His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8).
V12 “I will make the overcomer a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will go out no more. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God—New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God—and my new name.” More blessings for faithful service: 1) a pillar in the temple of my God (serving God forever), 2) never forfeiting His love and blessings, 3) God’s name written on them (an identifier to anyone they meet), and 4) the name of God’s city (citizenship).
V13 “Everyone having ears, hear what the Spirit says to the congregations.” It is important to listen and obey.
We learn:
- Jesus knows everything.
- Jesus warns about things we have drifted from.
- Jesus blesses those who obey and continue faithfully.