The Church of Philadelphia
Before we look at the letter to the Church of Philadelphia, we should recall that the last four letters are different than the first three. They have a different configuration in that the promise to the Overcomer is moved into the body of the letter, and they all contain a clearly expressed reference to the second coming of Jesus Christ, whereas the first three do not.
The name Philadelphia means "brotherly love", signifying the love that believers are to have for one another. Like the Church of Smyrna, Philadelphia was not criticized or condemned, but only given encouragement and promises. Jesus presents himself to this church as holy, true and having the Key of David, with all the authority that entails. He tells them "thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word and hast not denied my name." (Rev 3:8) This echos Jesus words while he was on earth "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. but whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my father which is in heaven." An interesting parallel to today's world is the common denial of the deity of Christ, even in so-called Christian circles. Another is the lack of ambassadorship and loyalty by some who claim the name of Christ - the urge to hide such an identity to fit in with the world or escape ridicule is the opposite of confessing him before men.
Jesus tells the Church of Philadelphia, "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them which dwell upon the earth." (vs. 3"10) This specific promise, in the Greek, uses a definitive article before the word hour, referring to a specific time of tribulation. Also, the Greek word "from" is a preposition meaning "removal" - Jesus is saying he will remove them before a specific time of tribulation. While some argue that this verse is referring to tribulation in general or the persecution that involves only Jews or Christians, they are clearly wrong. The verse specifically states that this time of tribulation is a specific event and it will involve and try everyone in the world. This letter is echoed in the following pages of the book of Revelation, as it goes on to describe a specific, seven year period which will be catastrophic and will involve the whole world. Those who think that people who become Christians during the Tribulation will be protected - that only Jews will be persecuted - are mistaken. Revelation clearly states that Christians who will not deny Jesus Christ or take the mark of the Beast, will be beheaded for their faith. The souls of these martyred Christians are pictured later in the book, under the altar of God, asking God how long until he avenges them. The Church of Philadelphia represents not only brotherly love, but the raptured church. Jesus tells them to hold fast to what they have, "that no man take thy crown." (vs:3:11) Like Smyrna, Philadelphia is the only church whose letter contains a reference to a crown.
Finally, Jesus promises "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God" and that he will write upon him the name of God, the name of the city of God and "my new name." (vs.3:12)
The Church of Laodicea
The seventh and final church letter, written to the Church of Laodicea, eerily mirrors today's modern church, quite like the Church of Sardis does. The name Laodicea, in the Greek, means rule of the people or judgement of the people. This name is fitting for the local church at Laodicea in that they prided themselves on being law-abiding citizens, peacefully blending in with the world as they followed the customs of Rome. When Jesus opens this letter, he presents himself to them as "the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God." (Rev 3:14) This description is a reminder to the Laodiceans who it is that is supposed to be ruling the church. For Jesus is the one with all authority and honor, who was in the beginning, and is "the author and finisher of our faith." (Heb.12:2)
Like Sardis, there are no commendations given to the Church of Laodicea - only criticism and council. Jesus tells them that he knows their works, and they are "lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot" and because of this condition Jesus tells them "I will spue thee out of my mouth."(3:16) Jesus is using an idiom here, associated with the city of Laodicea, as they were known for having an undesirable, lukewarm water source. This idiom is a spiritual reference to their heart condition, which lacked zeal for God and was marked by pride in their self-sufficiency, wealth and status. "Lukewarm" is a good descriptor for today's "seeker-friendly" churches, which focus on attracting unbelievers through the doors by the appeal of entertainment, familiar traditions, and comfortable, non-convicting messages. Many such churches today do not adhere to "the whole council of God" - in fact, the word of God is so watered down, it is like a sip of detestable, lukewarm water. (Acts 20:27)
The Church of Laodicea was wealthy, blended into the culture, and believed that they were in need of nothing. Jesus saw the spiritual condition of their hearts, and told them they are "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." (3:17) They were compromising the truth of the Gospel so as not to offend the world. As believers, we are commanded to love our neighbor while also loving the truth - to serve others while also being salt and light. Jesus councils them to "buy of me gold tried in the fire" (works that can withstand the fire of God's judgement) and to clothe themselves in white (the wedding garments Jesus spoke of in Matthew 22).
The Church of Laodicea had "a form of godliness" but denied "the power thereof" (2 Timothy:3:5). Jesus tell them "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." (3:19) One of the most quoted scriptures in Revelation is contained in Jesus' words to the Laodiceans - "Behold, I stand at the door and knock" - he presents himself as on the outside of their hearts, asking for communion and relationship. Finally, Jesus promises the overcomer (those repentant, true believers) that to them he "will grant to sit with me in my throne", signifying bestowed honor, fellowship and authority. (3:21)
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